Ethanol and Energy Security

Cindy Zimmerman

e-podcast Weather-related problems that have caused damage to refineries in the Midwest have highlighted the need to diversify our nation’s transportation fuel needs. This issue is not only important for consumers who are feeling the pinch at the gas pump, but also for our country’s overall energy security.

This edition of “Fill up, Feel Good” discusses ethanol’s benefits in terms of energy security and the environment, featuring comments from a Midwest fuel supplier, the organizer of a national summit on energy security and climate change, and a world-renowned explorer and environmentalist.

The “Fill up, Feel Good” podcast is available to download by subscription (see our sidebar link)
or you can listen to it by clicking here (5:30 MP3 File): [audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3?http://www.zimmcomm.biz/epic/epic-podcast-7-15-07.mp3]

The Fill Up, Feel Good theme music is “Tribute to Joe Satriani” by Alan Renkl, thanks to the Podsafe Music Network.

“Fill up, Feel Good” is sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

Audio, Energy, EPIC, Ethanol, Fill Up Feel Good, global warming, Government, News

Ford Goes for Hydrogen Speed Record

John Davis

Fusion 999Ford will go for a land speed record for a vehicle powered by hydrogen at the Bonneville Salt Flats next month.

This story on the the U.K.-based web site, Autocar.com, says it will be a test of Original Equipment Manufacturer… or OEM… fuel cell cars:

“We have made some modifications to the body to make it more aerodynamic,” said lead engineer Matt Zuehlk. “The 999 is much lower to the ground. There are no mirrors on the vehicle, and the traditional grille in the front that lets air into the radiator is not there because we don’t have a radiator onboard.”

Ford is making the Hydrogen 999 in collaboration with a team from Ohio State University. While they’re at Bonneville, they will also be making an attempt on the speed record for “unlimited class fuel cell vehicles”, in a contraption called the Buckeye Bullet 2.

Buckeye Bullet
Check out the picture. It’s a pretty cool ride… especially with it being green powered.

Hydrogen

Bioenergy Booming in Oregon

John Davis

Oregon State UniversityA new study from Oregon State University says Oregon’s biofuels future remains pretty bright.

This story from the OSU web site says renewable energy, ethanol and biodiesel in particular, will become a $2.5 billion industry in the state over the next 20 years:

“We knew there was a lot of interest in this area and opportunities for growth, but it was very surprising to see how much is already going on,” said Kenneth Williamson, head of chemical engineering at Oregon State University, who coordinated the production of this report.

“It appears the most activity so far has been focused in corn-based ethanol and waste-oil biodiesel production, but we expect the field to broaden beyond that,” Williamson said. “Because electricity from hydroelectric production is so inexpensive in the Pacific Northwest, the production of liquid fuels may continue to be the most promising area, especially in areas like cellulosic ethanol where we have some advantages.”

The study found that if all the proposed bioenergy plants are built, the state would produce 400 million gallons a year of ethanol, 315 million gallons of biodiesel, between 40 and 60 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol, and 150 megawatts of biomass power. Researchers also say public outreach and education is necessary for all of this to come to fruition.

You can see the full results of the study by clicking here.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News

Duke Testing Biodiesel Generator

John Davis

DukeDuke Energy is testing a blend of biodiesel in one of its power generators.

This story from the Charlotte Observer says it’s a first-of-its-kind test of biodiesel to fuel power plants:

Duke’s Mill Creek combustion-turbine plant normally runs on natural gas and diesel fuel. But this week, one of its eight units sampled blends of diesel and biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oil.

Because it comes from plants, biodiesel could help Duke produce some of its power from renewable fuels. N.C. legislators are considering a bill to require that part of the state’s electricity come from such domestically produced sources.

Duke says its tests at Mill Creek, on a unit that can produce 80 megawatts of power, were the largest U.S. trial of biodiesel on a plant of that type and size. The unit could supply about 80,000 homes if it ran constantly, but is typically used only at times of peak demand.

Three different blends of biodiesel, 20 percent, 50 percent, and 100 percent, have been tested. Officials say early results are good, and they have a better handle on how good in a few months.

Biodiesel

E85 Viper Beats Record

Cindy Zimmerman

e85 viper220.7 MPH is the new world record for a street car in the standing mile, achieved by a modified Dodge Viper running on 85 percent ethanol fuel, proving power and performance do not have to be sacrificed for environmental responsibility.

e85 viper runThe 1200 horsepower E85 Viper rocketed from a standstill to 220.7 MPH in one mile, taking 27.43 seconds at the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport in Oscoda, Mich. The previous standing mile record was 210.2 MPH held by a gasoline powered street car. The event was attended by members of the press and Michigan State Representative Joel Sheltrown.

“Going green does not have to mean going slow,” said Karl Jacob, owner and entrepreneur. “We built this car to break the world speed record and bring attention to the importance of renewable fuels. These fuels decrease our dependence on oil and reduce overall emissions. As we’ve demonstrated E85 enables us to go green and go fast.”

E85, Ethanol, Flex Fuel Vehicles, News

Midwest Facing Fuel Shortages

Cindy Zimmerman

CulverIn an effort to address low gasoline and diesel supplies caused by recent refinery outages, Iowa Governor Chet Culver has signed a proclamation to temporarily lift regulatory provisions that limit the number of hours gasoline and diesel truck drivers can be on the road, according to the governor’s office. Ethanol and biodiesel are also eligible for hauling subject to the emergency declaration.

“This was a necessary step,” said Governor Culver. “Supplies were tight to begin with, and then after the Coffeyville, Kansas refinery was flooded last week, supplies became very tight.

“Now is as good of a time as any to point out the need for our state and our country to focus on energy conservation, fuel efficiency and researching and developing new, innovative alternative fuels. I look forward to a day where gasoline refinery outages will not impact Iowa’s energy supply. Simply put, we must work to wean ourselves off foreign oil. I am committed to doing everything I can as Governor to ensure that Iowa remains a leader developing new, clean forms of alternative energy for future generations.”

Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, and Kansas have also issued waivers.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Government, News

Third POET Plant for Indiana

Cindy Zimmerman

POETPOET officials broke ground Friday for their third ethanol production facility in Indiana, this one near North Manchester.

According to POET, the 65 million gallon per year facility will be one of the most environmentally friendly ethanol production facilities in operation today.

It will utilize proprietary technology from POET, like the patent-pending BPX process that eliminates cooking in ethanol production and reduces energy use by as much as 15 percent in comparison with conventional plants. The plant will recycle all water used in the ethanol production process and will be outfitted with a regenerative thermal oxidizer that eliminates up to 99.9 percent of air emissions.

EPIC, Ethanol, Facilities, News

Florida Follows California Energy Lead

Cindy Zimmerman

CristFlorida Governor Charlie Crist signed three Executive Orders Friday initiating Florida’s energy policy. The signing ceremony concluded the Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change held in Miami this week.

According to the governor’s press office, the Executive Orders carry out Governor Crist’s commitment to reducing Florida’s greenhouse gases and increasing energy efficiency. As a result, Florida will pursue renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, as well as alternative energy such as ethanol and hydrogen.

Governor Crist said, “During the next few months, Florida’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change will develop further recommendations for our state’s long-term climate-friendly efforts.”

Among the provisions in the orders, any purchased state vehicles should be fuel efficient and use ethanol and biodiesel fuels when available. Florida will also adopt the California motor vehicle emission standards, pending approval of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency waiver.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Crist at the Summit in hosting a roundtable discussion among chief executive officers of business corporations and non-government organizations and also as the luncheon keynote speaker.

Biodiesel, conferences, Energy, Ethanol, global warming, Government, News

Stocks Powered by the Wind

John Davis

Stock in wind-power generating companies could have portfolios breezing right along.

This post on the Seeking Alpha web site, a stock market opinion and analysis blog, points out that wind power generation rose 300% between 2000 and 2006. And it highlights 12 stocks you might want to consider if you want to add some of that rising sector to your holdings, including:

Alstom (AOMFF.PK), based in Spain; Americas Wind Energy Corporation (AWNE.OB), which manufactures, and markets wind turbines for the North American market; Composite Technology (CPTC.OB), which makes and markets wind generation turbines under the brand name ‘DeWind;’ Gamesa Corp. (GCTAF.PK) of Spain, which has an 18% share of the global wind turbine market; Energias de Portugal (EDPFY.PK), of Portugal, one of Europe’s largest electricity providers; Iberdrola Sa Sponsored ADR (IBDRY.PK), the world’s largest provider of wind power; Kore Holdings (KORH.PK), is a power provider, and a marketer of alternative energy; McKenzie Bay International Ltd. [MKBY.PK], which develops wind powered alternative energy systems; Mass Megawatts Wind Power Inc. (MMGW.OB), which develops prototype wind energy production equipment. Nordex (NRDXF.PK), a wind turbine company that is based in Germany; Tower Tech Holdings Inc. (TWRT.OB), which is involved in the engineering, manufacture, and sale of wind turbine extension towers to the wind energy industry; Vestas Wind Systems (VWSYF.PK), a Denmark-based company that is the world’s largest manufacturer of wind turbines; Western Wind Energy (WNDEF.PK), produces clean renewable electrical energy from over 500 wind turbine generators located in Tehachapi, and the San Gorgonio Pass, near Palm Springs, California.

Companies such as General Electric that have wind operations but are not primarily dedicated to that were not considered.

Wind

NY Movers Moving on Biodiesel

John Davis

New York City is getting its first fleet of moving trucks powered by biodiesel.

This story in the New York Sun has more:

MarjamOne of the largest building suppliers on the Northeast, Marjam, is converting 28 of its moving trucks to biodiesel fuel from regular diesel. If the pilot program proves successful, the company plans to convert its entire fleet of 500 trucks to the cleaner fuel, a spokesman said.

Officials with the company say converting their fleet to biodiesel is equal to taking about 45 vehicles a year off the road.

Biodiesel