Buick City Could Become Biodiesel City
What has been a symbol of failure for some of the American automobile industry could become a shining example of green jobs in the U.S. biodiesel industry. This story from the Flint (MI) Journal says that idled for 10 years, “Buick City,” the former Flint, Michigan General Motors plant that once cranked out cars, could soon become a hub for …
Wind, Solar Advocate Picks Up Heinz Award
A man called “one of the most effective renewable energy advocates in Texas” is being honored with an award that has a focus this year on the environment. Thomas “Smitty” Smith… known for his work in putting together the Texas Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that is now being adopted all across the country and has made Texas a leader in …
USDA Hands Out $4.2 Mil for Woody Biomass Projects
Federal officials have handed out $4.2 million in grants for projects that will reduce the fuel for forest fires, while creating a green fuel source. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the grants to 17 small businesses and community groups will encourage development of woody biomass into fuel: “By harnessing the full potential of woody biomass, America’s forests can produce renewable …
Algae Biodiesel Plant to be Built in Massachusetts
A one-million-gallon-a-year algae-biodiesel plant could soon become a reality for Massachusetts with some help from the state and federal governments. Biomass Magazine reports that Plankton Power, the maker of algae-based biodiesel, and the Regional Technology Development Corp. of Cape Cod, Mass. are working together to build a pilot-scale algae-based biodiesel production facility in Bourne, Mass. Together with the Massachusetts National …
A Few Minutes with ‘The Father of Ethanol’
“I thought it would take one-and-a-half years to get things done but now its been 22 years for me,” said Merle Anderson during our conversation at the 22nd Ethanol Conference & Trade Show. Merle is often known as ‘the father of ethanol,’ and with good reason. He helped to start the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) in 1977. As a …
Down But Never Out
I spent the last few days with old friends and making new acquaintances here in Milwaukee during the 22nd Ethanol Conference & Trade Show hosted by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE). While it was slightly disheartening to see the trend of low attendance at ethanol conferences, such as the Fuel Ethanol Workshop, during the past year, it was heartening …
Biodesel Powers Radio at Iowa State Fair
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has teamed up with legendary radio station WHO in Des Moines to power its Crystal Studio at the Iowa State Fair from August 13-23 using B20 biodiesel. This IRFA press release says the diesel generators for the studio have been running on bodiesel during the fair since 2006: “IRFA is proud to help continue the …
ACE & RFA Launch National Mid-Level Blend Campaign
The 22nd Ethanol Conference & Trade Show in Milwaukee kicked off with an announcement of the largest ever consolidated effort to install 5,000 mid-level blend, or blender pumps, throughout the country: BYOethanol. I know many of you are envisioning bringing your own ethanol to the upcoming college football tailgate party, but it really means, Blend Your Own Ethanol. The partnership …