Ethanol Buzz at the 2008 Iowa Corn Indy 250

John Davis

Iowa Corn IndyThe 8th race of the 2008 IndyCar racing season is less than two weeks away. IndyCar Drivers hit the track for the 2008 Iowa Corn Indy 250 Sunday June 22nd. The track buzz isn’t just about racing though. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council has a handful of activities set up for race weekend.

On Thursday, June 19th, EPIC and the Iowa Corn Growers Association are hosting a pump promotion. Consumers will be able to fill up on reduced E10 and E85 fuel at the Kum & Go on 1910 SW White Birch in Ankeny, Iowa from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

EPIC Fueling LogoIndyCar Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay will be available at the track to talk bout ethanol’s performance on the track on Friday, June 20th.

Representatives from EPIC, LifeLine Foods, Monsanto and the Iowa Corn Growers Association are participating in an ethanol panel discussion on Saturday June, 21st. The panel discussion is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Driver Meeting Room at the Iowa Speedway Media Center.

Media representatives can then jump at the chance to take a high-speed spin around the track during the Media Hot Lap Rides presented by EPIC just after the panel discussion at 12:15 p.m. EPIC will also be providing lunch during the hot lap activity.

Of course, the performance of ethanol fuel will be showcased during the Iowa Corn Indy 250, which begins at noon.

corn, E85, EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing, News, Racing

Solazyme Algae-Biodiesel About to Meet Standard

John Davis

Solazyme is about to make history as the first algae-biodiesel maker to meet stringent standards that diesel fuel must meet.

This post from the Wall Street Journal’s Environmental Capital blog has details:

Closely held Solazyme Inc. is set to announce shortly that its algae-derived biodiesel meets the American Society for Testing and Materials specification for diesel fuel. This means it can go into existing diesel engines without modifications.

Solazyme says it is the first diesel derived from algae to meet these standards.

Vegetable oil from single-celled algae has shown some promise as a source of renewable, alternative fuel. Several companies are pursuing growing it in lined pits or plastic tubes. Solazyme uses steel tanks and a microbial fermentation to get algae into the mood to reproduce and create oil.

I had the chance to talk to Solazyme CEO Jonathan Wolfson back in February at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Orlando. Ever since, we’ve been following the progress of the little pond-scum-to-biodiesel maker. As you might remember from my April 17th, 2008 post, Solazyme’s biodiesel is able to stand up to cold weather… key for wider acceptance. This latest news of ASTM acceptance of Solazyme’s product is just another feather in its growing cap.

Biodiesel

Ethanol and Biodiesel Groups React to Anti-Biofuels Coalition

John Davis

The leaders from the two biggest biofuels groups in the country are countering what they term as a smear campaign against the benefits of biodiesel and ethanol by the nation’s grocers.

The National Biodiesel Board and the Renewable Fuels Association (which represents ethanol production in the U.S.) both issued statements today to counter the anti-biofuels campaign launched by the Grocery Manufacturers Association, which is trying to blame biodiesel and ethanol for the spike in food prices:

NBB’s Chief Executive Officer Joe Jobe:

“With oil prices up more than 100 percent in the last 12 months, it is wrongheaded for groups to attack biofuels which represent one of the few components of US energy policy that is actually working. Biofuels are currently contributing over 8 billion gallons of fuel to our fuel supply, without which fuel prices, and consequently food prices, would be even higher than they already are.”

And the RFA’s President Bob Dineen:

“It’s time for some truth in advertising from the world’s largest food processors. Instead of smearing American farmers and the only fuel that is backing out foreign oil, why aren’t GMA and its allies pointing to the skyrocketing price of oil as the main cause of increasing food prices and the main reason American’s have less to spend.

Dineen also points out that every dollar spent on biofuels… which adds up to billions every year… is a dollar kept in American pockets… out of the reach of OPEC. Both groups also make the point that they are working to find more non-food sources for their green fuels.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News

UPI Energy LP Opens Third E85 Station in Canada

UPI UPI Energy LP in Ontario recently opened the third E85 station in Canada. The station is located at 685558 Highway #2/Oxford Road #2 in Woodstock, Ontario.

General Motors (GM) is the country’s largest manufacturer of E85 compatible vehicles in Canada. “GM welcomes the news of UPI’s E85 Launch in Woodstock and commends the fuel retailer for expanding the availability of this green fuel in Ontario,” said David Paterson, Vice President Corporate and Environmental Activities for General Motors of Canada. “In order to significantly reduce vehicle greenhouse gases in Canada, it is imperative to not only offer motorists greener vehicle technologies, but also make available green energy alternatives, such as E85 fuel.”

UPI Energy was referred to as “stewards of the environment” by the city’s mayor for their leadership in environmentally safe fuels.

“UPI continuously strives to bring innovative products to the market and to position itself as a leader in the advancement of renewable fuels. We believe the addition of E85 biofuel accomplishes that and paves the way for a greener tomorrow involving the expansion of environmentally friendlier energy products and a future less dependent on non-renewable oil,” said Robert Sicard, UPI’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “In the next six to twelve months, UPI plans to further expand the availability of E85 by offering it at two more of its sites in Ontario.”

Other E85 fueling locations in Canada include Chatham EnviroStation in Chatham and Topia GreenStop in Ottawa, Ontario.

Car Makers, E85, Environment, Ethanol, Facilities, News

Wind to Power Dems’ & GOP’s Conventions

John Davis

After a long primary season, the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees for president continue to expend plenty of hot air… and probably will continue to do so through Election Day in November. Now, maybe some of that wind will actually power their conventions.

This year, XCel Energy is donating wind power to help run both the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, MN and the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO. This story from the Rocky Mountain News says it will help both parties meet their campaign pledges of reducing CO2 emissions while using domestically-produced, clean energy:

“We are pleased to provide clean, renewable power to the conventions because we want to display for the nation’s elected leaders and delegates what a 21st Century utility can look like,” Dick Kelly, Xcel Energy chairman, said in a statement Monday.

Xcel said the two, week-long conventions combined would use about 3,000-megawatt hours of power. The donated wind power is worth about $30,000, a utility spokesman said.

That much coal-generated power would produce about 1,800 to 2,000 tons of CO2. Replacing it with clean wind power would be as beneficial as taking 300 to 330 cars off the road annually, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

The power will come from wind farms along the Colorado-Wyoming border and in Southwestern Minnesota.

Wind

Biodiesel Boat Back in the Water

John Davis

As we last left the Earthrace, a boat powered by 100 percent biodiesel trying to set a world record for circumnavigating the globe, she was limping into Singapore after hitting some debris near Palau and damaging a prop.

Today, the Earthrace is back in the water, racing across the India Ocean, still on pace to set the world record:

Despite the delays for repairs, the boat is still 1,556 miles ahead of the world record pace, set by the British Cable and Wireless team in 1998, despite sustaining significant damage in Palau and having to complete the last leg of the journey on one engine.

The crew has relied on the generosity of a number of companies that stepped forward to offer Earthrace support for speedy repair upon arrival to Singapore, particularly POSH SEMCO, an offshore marine service contractor, Assetton asset management, and J B Global, project sponsor. Repair work was successfully carried out in three days, after the ground crew spent the whole of last week sourcing components and shipyard space.

The next stop for the Earthrace is Cochin, India this coming Friday, June 13th. Let’s hope it’s actually a lucky day for the racers.

You can track Earthrace’s progress at www.earthrace.net.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel One of the Stars of LA Film Fest

John Davis

Hollywood is recognizing the importance of renewable energy and a greener approach to entertainment. The Los Angeles Film Festival, scheduled for June 19th-29th, will be using biodiesel, as well as offsetting carbon usage with investment in wind energy.

This commentary from film critic Emanuel Levy has more information:

Changes being made for the overall Festival will impact everything including the use of bio-diesel fueled generators and the recycling of all paper, wood, glass and plastic used at the Festival. Printed materials will be produced on recycled paper using eco-friendly inks, and catering will use organically-grown produce purchased from local farms within a 150-mile radius of Los Angeles. In addition, all carbon emissions created by the production of the 2008 LA Film Festival will be offset by TerraPass, which funds clean energy and carbon reduction projects, including wind power, farm power, and landfill gas capture.

The festival will also feature 50 short ecologically-based films and green booths to highlight environmentalism.

And speaking of the silver screen, Josh Tickell’s biodiesel documentary, “Fields of Fuel,” will be playing this week at the Seattle International Film Festival. As you might remember from Cindy’s post back in February from the National Biodiesel Conference in Orlando, Josh has been a biodiesel backer for more than a decade. The folks at the conference got a sneak peek at Tickell’s film. In addition, “Fields of Fuel” picked up the Audience Award for Best Documentary Film at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.

Biodiesel, Wind

2009 Cadillac Escalade to be E85 Compatible

Cadillac EscaladeGeneral Motors (GM) announced today that their 2009 Cadillac Escalade will be able to run on either gasoline or the alternative fuel blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline (E85). The Escalade, Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV will join the 2009 line-up of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).

“The success of E85 as an alternative fuel depends on having the fuel readily available and having a range of cars and trucks that can use it,” said GM Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy Beth Lowery . “We will offer more than 15 flex-fuel capable models for 2009 compared with 11 this year.”

Previously announced this year, other 2009 FFV models will include the GMC Denali, Chevrolet HHR, Buick Lucerne and Hummer H2 and H2 SUT. This will assist GM in their effort to providing half their vehicle line as E85 compatible by the year 2012.

Car Makers, E85, Ethanol, Flex Fuel Vehicles, News

Midwest Governors Support Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

The Midwestern Governors Association is calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to uphold the Renewable Fuels Standard passed by Congress in December.

Midwestern Governors AssociationIn a letter to EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, the group said that granting a waiver would be contrary to the agency’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. The letter adds that blame placed on ethanol for higher food prices is misguided.

The Midwestern Governors Association includes the governors of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin working together on issues of significance to the Midwest.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Government, Miscellaneous, News

Ethanol Talk at Pork Expo

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol production as it relates to high feed costs was a major topic of discussion at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines last week, but pork producers understand that there are other factors impacting their input costs.

World Pork Expo 2008 Bryan Black“This is not specifically an ethanol problem,” said National Pork Producers Council president Bryan Black. “The world demand for grain, the total energy price crisis and shortages of grain across the world have led to this situation and we are not pointing the finger at any one particular one.”

The NPPC has created a brand new task force to look at new feed alternatives to help them deal with the rising cost of corn and soybean meal, which have been the primary source of feed for hogs.

World Pork Expo 2008 Chuck ConnerDuring a speech to pork producers at the expo, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner admitted that ethanol is a factor in the higher prices. “Ethanol is a new demand factor in the corn market, to the tune of about a third of our production going forward,” Conner said. “Fortunately, we did produce 13 billion bushels of corn and so despite large quantities going to ethanol, we actually did feed more corn to livestock than in previous years, so we managed to grow that market for both feed and ethanol.”

“We do recognize that there is some hurt out there in the livestock sector and with 70 percent of the cost of pork production going to feed, we know that you are first in line to get clipped,” said Conner. That is why USDA is buying pork for food assistance programs, which is helping the pork industry while at the same time helping the needy.

Conner said that USDA is also opening up some Conservation Reserve Program acreage to haying and grazing, which is primarily a direct benefit for cattle producers but it indirectly benefits hog farmers by increasing the amount of feed available to the livestock industry.

Ethanol, Farming, News