ACE Conference 2026

Military Inks $35 Mil in Algae-Biodiesel Contracts

John Davis

darpa_logoThe U.S. military has inked a pair of deals worth about $35 million to develop biodiesel made from algae.

Cleantech.com reports two San Diego companies will work on the fuel to be used by the U.S. Army and Air Force:

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) signed a $14.9 million deal with Science Applications International to work on making the algae-based jet fuel commercially and technically feasible.

DARPA also signed a $19.9 million deal with General Atomics to research algae-based fuel.

The two agreements are expected to last through 2010.

For several years, the U.S. Department of Defense has been searching for an alternative to its Jet Propellant 8 (JP-8) fuel for military jets…

DARPA says that more than 90 percent of the fuel used by the Department of Defense is JP-8, amounting to 71 million barrels and a cost of $6 billion in 2006. The kerosene-based fuel is less flammable and less hazardous than other fuel options, allowing for better safety and combat survivability.

JP-8 is a flexible fuel for military applications used in heaters, stoves, tanks, and other vehicles in military service.

Biodiesel, Government

Iowa RFA to be Lead by Biodiesel Producer

John Davis

irfaFor the first time in its history, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is being led by a biodiesel producer. And, another biodiesel producer is the group’s vice president.

This story from Biodiesel Magazine says Denny Mauser, with biodiesel producer Western Iowa Energy, has become president of the IRFA, and Nile Ramsbottom, with biodiesel producer REG Inc., was appointed vice president:

[IRFA Executive Director Monte] Shaw said this is the first time the IRFA will be led by a board member representing a biodiesel producer. “This does not represent a change in focus for IRFA,” he said. “Rather, it simply highlights how Iowa’s biofuels producers are working together during this difficult time to return the state’s renewable energy ag economy to the positive driving force it’s been for rural Iowa in the past.”

Other IRFA leadership positions include Quad County Corn Processors’ Mike Jerke, as IRFA secretary; Walter Wendland of ethanol producer Golden Grain Energy, treasurer; and IRFA Executive Committee Officers Bruce Rastetter of Hawkeye Renewables and Central Iowa Energy’s Jeremie Parr.

Biodiesel

Ethanol Report with RFA President

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol Report PodcastIn this edition of the “Ethanol Report” podcast, Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dinneen talks about President-elect Obama’s cabinet choices, input from the ethanol industry on “green jobs”, and why he believes the industry will meet future goals for cellulosic production under the Renewable Fuels Standard.

You can listen to “The Ethanol Report” on-line here:
[audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/rfa/ethanol-report-23.mp3]

Or you can subscribe to this podcast by following this link.

Audio, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Government, News, RFA

Obama Seen as Good for Solar Power

John Davis

obama2President-elect Barack Obama’s promise to make alternative energy a priority could end up being a big boost for the solar power industry.

This story from Mlive.com says Michigan could become the hub for that solar power growth:

Thomas Township-headquartered Hemlock Semiconductor’s Corp. announced Monday it will add up to a $1 billion expansion to manufacture polycrystalline silicon, or polysilicon, at its Geddes Road operations in Thomas Township and will open a $1.2 billion plant in Clarksville, Tenn. Polysilicon is a super pure, rock-like material solar panel and computer chip makers use.

Dow Corning also plans for a new plant next to HSC in Thomas Township to produce monosilane gas, which creates a thin film on glass and helps convert sunlight into energy.

Obama’s call to expand alternative energy should mean more jobs, leaders hope.

“If he does what is in his energy platform, I’m going to be extremely pleased,” said Stephanie A. Burns, president and chief executive officer of Midland-headquartered Dow Corning Corp., majority owner of HSC.

The article reminds us that Obama promised to invest $150 billion over a 10-year span, as well as making sure 10 percent of electricity is generated from renewable sources within four years and 25 percent by 2025.

Government, Solar

POET Pitches in to Help Santa

John Davis

poetLeave it to the world’s largest ethanol producer to also be in contention for one of the largest hearts as well.

Our friends at the Poet Biorefining plant in Glenville, Minnesota are playing Santa this week to 27 families in their local area who just need a little help this Christmas.

This story from the Albert Lea (MN) Tribune explains they are taking part in the Ethanol Cares program, a charitable program that uses donations POET employees raise themselves:

Freeborn County Public Health and Worth County Public Health submitted the names of families in need, along with information about what their needs are and what types of things they enjoy.

Then on Wednesday, 12 people with the company went through the aisles of Wal-Mart for two hours to try to fill those needs for each family.

Pat Mook, who has been involved with the program for several years, said the group filled 15 carts full of toys, clothes, and other items. When they took all 15 carts up to the cash register, the clerk rang up all the items and had tears running down her face when she saw the total, she said.

While many of the gifts are brand new, this year the company has also asked for gently used donations as well. They’ve collected items such as a baby bed, a table and chairs, a dresser and lots of winter coats, among many others.

“There’s always a child who has something they’ve never played with they can give,” Mook said.

The article goes on to say that while this is a program that gets the most attention during the holidays, it’s something that goes on year-round.

God bless the good people of POET and all the green fuel providers who do more than just produce a product.

Ethanol, News

Anniversary of Expanded RFS

Cindy Zimmerman

The Energy Security and Independence Act (EISA) which expanded the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) is officially a year old today.

Energy Bill SigningThe ethanol industry is looking forward to the future for the RFS, which requires the use of ethanol and other renewable fuels to reduce dependence on foreign oil, after it survived a major challenge this year by the governor of Texas.

Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dinneen says the RFS provides an important platform for the incoming Obama Administration. “President-elect Obama’s green jobs and green energy agenda are a perfect fit with expanding America’s production of the only green fuel that is reducing foreign oil dependence and global warming emissions today,” Dinneen said.

Despite all the challenges faced by the ethanol industry this year, production has been expanded significantly from 6.9 billion gallons in 2007 to over 10 billion gallons today. Ethanol represents more than 7% of the nation’s gasoline supply and can be found in more than 70% of gasoline gallons sold in the US.

The Renewable Fuels Standard requires 36 billion gallons of annual renewable fuel use by 2022, with 16 billion gallons of that to come from cellulosic sources. “The Renewable Fuels Standard is an ambitious target and one America’s ethanol industry is more than capable of meeting,” said Dinneen. “The investments being made and research being conducted at the private and public sector level will ensure this industry rises to meet this challenge.”

Cellulosic, Energy, Ethanol, Government

Food and Fuel Kit Wins PR Award

Cindy Zimmerman

EPICThe Ethanol Promotion and Information Council has been recognized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nebraska chapter for its work in fighting the misperceptions that ethanol was the primary culprit to the rising cost of food.

EPIC’s media kit “Food AND Fuel” received the Award of Excellence from the organization. In addition, EPIC also received an Award of Excellence in the OP-ED/Bylined Article category.

EPIC recently announced that it is joining Growth Energy, a newly formed organization dedicated to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy.

EPIC, Ethanol, food and fuel, Growth Energy

$3 Million+ to Go to CT Biodiesel Producers, Schools

John Davis

rell11Three universites in Connecticut will share more than $900,000 in state grants to test biofuel quality as well as to study different production methods and feedstocks, and another $2.2 million in grants will go to four biodiesel production facilities to help leverage at least $6 million in private investment.

This press release from Gov. M. Jodi Rell has details:

“My Administration has long invested in a range of programs to help Connecticut become less dependent on traditional energy sources,” Governor Rell said. “My Energy Vision for a Cleaner, Greener State calls for investment in alternative energy sources to reduce our reliance on expensive imported sources such as oil and gasoline. Building a biofuels industry in Connecticut will not only meet that goal but help create jobs.

The University of New Haven will receive $135,276 to identify species of algae from Long Island Sound that could be cultivated to produce biodiesel. Yale University will receive $69,752 to research algae feedstock growth optimization.

The University of Connecticut will receive two separate grants: One grant of $598,244 will be used to develop the capability for remote monitoring and build a biodiesel testing laboratory. A $97,000 grant will be used to conduct research on catalysts for conversion of biomass into biofuel.

The Production Facility Grant Program recipients are:

* Greenleaf Biofuels, LLC ($1,281,322): Greenleaf Biofuels will be a biodiesel production plant in New Haven Harbor area with an estimated capacity of 6.7 million gallons per year. Its primary markets will be heating oil and transportation fuel. Greenleaf Biofuels will use a diverse range of raw materials including waste and virgin vegetable oils. The grant will be used to help fund construction and equipment costs.Read More

Biodiesel, Government

German Biodiesel Taxes Open Opportunity for US Company

John Davis

globalearthenergyAn increase in taxes on biodiesel in Germany is expected to decrease that country’s production of the green fuel. But since Germans’ appetites for biodiesel are unlikely to be lessened, an American company sees the tax hike as a chance to move into the large European market.

This press release from Global Earth Energy, Inc. says there’s opportunities in the feedstock and actual biodiesel sales:

Global Earth Energy, Inc. anticipates the opportunity to export the biodiesel produced at their chemical plant in Leland, NC. Due to the increase in taxes on biodiesel in Germany, there has been a decrease in the production of the alternative energy fuel. With the decline of sales and production overseas, there is an excess amount of feedstock, the raw material used to produce biodiesel. Feedstock is the largest cost in manufacturing the fuel source but Global now has the option to buy the feedstock at a discounted price from German sources. The slowdown could also expand Global’s growing market of alternative green energy to Europe.

Now if Global Earth Energy sees opportunity in this, wouldn’t that mean there’s opportunity for other American biodiesel makers? I would think so. We’ll keep our eye on this to see what happens. Stay tuned!

Biodiesel, International

Plenty to See & Do at Biodiesel Conference

John Davis

biodieselconference20091Got a reminder in my e-mail today about the upcoming National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, Feb. 1-4, 2009, in San Francisco.

There will be a ton of things to see and do, ranging from hearing Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer Melissa Etheridge talking about how biodiesel has inspired her… to information on the sustainability efforts being made in the biodiesel industry. There’s so much going on, the National Biodiesel Board is inviting career journalists working for news outlets such as daily newspapers, magazines and network affiliate news programs to take the complimentary media registration and cover all the events:

Media are invited to take a bay tour the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 3, on the Red and White ferry fleet which uses biodiesel. The company owner and staff will be on hand to answer questions. Another media event is a planned Ride-and-Drive, to be held Sunday, Feb. 1.

The conference will also feature musician Melissa Etheridge on her belief in and use of biodiesel. As always, educational tracks and networking opportunities will abound. The conference will focus on sustainability, with educational sessions on the vital topic built in throughout the four-day event. One focus will be emerging biodiesel feedstocks such as algae. At scheduled press events, you will have access to the industry’s top leaders and latest news.

Media registration is available by clicking here. Of course, if you can’t make it to the conference, Domestic Fuel will be covering the events. We’ll see you there!

Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conference