DC Water Taps Into #Biodiesel

Joanna Schroeder

DC Water has been tapping into the benefits of biodiesel. All of its 230 diesel fleet vehicles are powered by a B20 blend of biodiesel. According to the company, between October 1, 2015-August 31, 2016 – the use of biodiesel displaced nearly 15,000 gallons of petroleum diesel providing an estimated 15 percent reduction in CO2, a 12 percent reduction in carbon monoxide, a 20 percent reduction in both hydrocarbon and sulfur dioxide and a 12 percent reduction in particulate matter.

Anthony Lancaster, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, DC Water.

Anthony Lancaster, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, DC Water. Photo credit: NBB

“Biodiesel just makes sense,” said Timothy Fitzgerald, Director Fleet Management for DC Water. “We switched to biodiesel in 2007 and have never looked back. It can be used in existing diesel engines, reduces emissions, and our drivers notice a big difference in fumes.”

DC Water uses a variety of vehicles in its fleet including sewer trucks, dump truck and crew cabs. Back in 2013, Government Fleet named DC Water one of the 100 Best Fleets for 2013. Because of his leadership, the National Biodiesel Board (NGG) has tapped Fitzgerald to be a Biodiesel Ambassador, a program also supported by the United Soybean Board.

In addition to using biodiesel, Fitzgerald has incorporated the use of fleet management software that helps monitor everything from emissions to driver safety. He also works with original equipment manufacturers to ensure that all vehicles are designed to meet clean-idling specifications.

The fleet division also shrank the environmental impact of its maintenance operations through the use of soy-biobased products, such as adhesive remover, hydraulic fluid, hand cleaner, grease and engine oil.

Fitzgerald added, “We look for opportunities to do right by the environment and our employees in every aspect of our operation – from the vehicles, to shop supplies, to building operation and maintenance.“

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1ABC Brisbane is reporting that the RACQ supports the E10 fuel education campaign released by the Queensland Government but wants motorists to continue to have choice at the bowser. The Government recently launched the E10 OK website, encouraging motorists to increase their use of biofuels to help both the environment and the economy. From January 2017, E10 fuel will have to make up at least 30 per cent of petrol available for sale at petrol stations across the state.
  • American Airlines announced today that it has retained Ocean Park Advisors, a boutique investment bank with expertise in the renewable fuels industry, to assist with evaluating alternative jet fuels and identifying the most promising companies and technologies. American is seeking opportunities to make binding commitments to reliably source fuel that meets specifications and is priced at or near market prices for traditional jet fuel.
  • Novamont, the Italy-based world leader in bioplastics, with 1,000 patents in biopolymers and biochemicals, announced they have opened the world’s first commercial-scale facility for the bio-based production of a major intermediate chemical, in Bottrighe (Adria), North East Italy. Novamont’s MATER-BIOTECH plant will produce 30,000 tons of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) per year from renewable sources. The new BDO plant uses Genomatica’s GENO BDO™ process technology to convert sugars to BDO.
  • And in other Genomatica news, Ginkgo Bioworks and Genomatica have announced an alliance to more rapidly deliver biology-based solutions for the world’s highest-volume intermediate and specialty chemicals. The alliance is structured as a deep collaboration, with two-way sharing of technology and intellectual property, along with joint technology development, to provide a single unified offering to the market.
Bioenergy Bytes

#Ethanol Report on Upcoming Export Exchange

Cindy Zimmerman

ethanol-report-adWith the recent action taken by China against imports of U.S. dried distillers grains (DDGS), the upcoming Export Exchange is more important than ever to expand export opportunities for the ethanol co-product used as livestock feed.

This year will be the third Export Exchange, an event sponsored every two years by the Renewable Fuels Association and the U.S. Grains Council to connect international buyers with domestic sellers of U.S. coarse grains and co-products. The Exchange will be held this year October 24-26 in Detroit, Michigan.

In this Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen talks about what’s on tap for this year’s event: Ethanol Report on Upcoming Export Exchange

More information on the Export Exchange can be found at ExportExchange.org.

Audio, Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Export Exchange, Exports, International, RFA, USGC

Iowa Awards More Fueling Future Funds

Joanna Schroeder

Iowa has released the availability of nearly $350,000 in funds under the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative as announced by Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. Retailers who are interested can apply for the cost share funding to assist with the purchase and installation of blender pumps and underground storage tanks.

ia-dept-of-ag-and-land-stewardship-logoApplications must be received at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s office by 4 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2016. Pumps and tanks funded through this round of funding for the program are required to be operational by the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2017. Pumps and tanks funded through this program are required to be in operations for the intended purpose of dispensing higher blends of ethanol for at least 5-years from the date they enter service.

“Iowa retailers have shown a willingness to invest in infrastructure to deliver renewable fuels and customers have shown they are interested in choosing to increase the amount of clean burning, homegrown renewable fuels they use. Through this program we have supported the installation of more than 200 blender pumps and 16 underground storage tanks and now have some additional funds to add even more,” said Northey.

Iowa received a $5 million competitive grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) program to support the initiative. These funds must be matched by non-federal funds, including $2.5 million from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP). The fueling sites applying for assistance will also be required to provide a minimum of $2.5 million.

More information about the program, a copy of the application and other materials can be found here.

Biodiesel, Ethanol

China Adds Anti-Subsidy Duties to US DDGS

Cindy Zimmerman

usgc-ddgsChina’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has announced it will now impose an anti-subsidy duty on U.S. imports of distillers’ dried grains (DDGS) (with or without solubles), in addition to the anti-dumping duties announced last week. The anti-subsidy duties will be implemented as of September 30 and range from 10 to 10.7 percent.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are disappointed that China believes DDGS are being unfairly subsidized by U.S. government entities and have caused injury to the China’s DDGS industry. “U.S. DDGS have not caused any injury to China’s DDGS producers,” said a statement from the organizations. “This announcement is not a surprise given MOFCOM’s treatment of the U.S. DDGS industry last week.”

The groups “will continue cooperating fully with these investigations, and we remain hopeful that MOFCOM will find in its final determination that continued access for U.S. DDGS is in China’s interest.”

Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, Growth Energy, International, RFA, USGC

Neste Takes Leadership Role in EU Biojet Initiative

Joanna Schroeder

In 2011 the European Commission, along with other organizations, launched the European Advanced Biofuels Flightpath initiative to help the EU meet Paris Climate Agreement targets. It has been announced that Henrik Erämetsä, Head of Aviation Regulation at Neste has been appointed Co-Chair and will serve alongside Ruben Alblas from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Biofuel companies taking part in the initiative include Neste, Biochemtex, Honeywell UOP, Swedish Biofuels, and Total. Airlines involved are KLM, Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa.

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Photo credit: Neste

“We are very happy that Neste’s leadership in biofuels industry was recognized by this important appointment,” said Kaisa Hietala, executive vice president in renewable products at Neste. “Henrik is a recognised expert in his field and has a vast experience in various energy related issues as well as from EU bodies. This initiative is a right step towards decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by making advanced biofuels a reality also in flying.”

The major goal of the Flightpath initiative is to get sustainably produced aviation biofuels to market faster. One tactic to reach this goal includes construction of advanced biofuel production biorefineries in Europe. In addition, the avaiation industry is calling for setting a target level to the amount of sustainable biofuels used in European civil aviation.

Erämetsä said of his appointment, “Aviation is the most rapidly growing segment of traffic. Sustainable biofuels along with reduced fuel consumption of aeroplanes and increased operational efficiency offer us means to lower the carbon footprint caused by increased aviation in the EU. They also contribute to reaching the IATA target of carbon-neutral growth of airline industry from 2020 and subsequent reduction of carbon emission. I am glad to be able to use my expertise in pursuing the targets.”

advanced biofuels, aviation biofuels, biojet fuel

New York Increases Use of #Biodiesel

Joanna Schroeder

New York City has passed legislation to increase the use of biodiesel, in the form of Bioheat, and decrease the use of heating oil. The bill, which passed today by a 47-3 vote, increases the amount of biodiesel in heating oil from the current 2 percent level to five percent by October 1, 2017 then to 10 percent in 2025, 15 percent in 2030 and ultimately 20 percent in 2034.

nBB“New York City is once again setting an example for the rest of the Northeast to follow by ensuring consumers are provided with the nation’s cleanest heating oil,” said Donnell Rehagen, chief operating officer of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). “Not only does biodiesel dramatically reduce carbon emissions, it reduces other harmful pollutants as well as smog, making New York’s air healthier to breathe.”

The New York City legislation was supported by a wide variety of organizations including the heating oil industry, labor organizations and environmental stakeholders.

“The New York Oil Heating Association has played a vital and vocal role in advocating for the increased use of Bioheat® fuel,” said Rocco Lacertosa, CEO of the New York Heating Oil Association (NYOHA). “We applaud the City Council for passing legislation that will reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in New York City and we commend our partners in the environmental and labor community for their dedication to this issue. Heating oil in New York City is already, by far, the cleanest heating oil sold anywhere in the United States. The new Bioheat requirement, starting at B5 and eventually going up to B20, is a necessary next step to promote a more sustainable fuel that will reduce our contribution to climate change while enhancing green job creation, encouraging energy independence and supporting local businesses.”

It is estimated that the increase from a two percent biodiesel blend to a five percent blend in New York City would reduce the emissions equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road with the increase to 20 percent the equivalent of removing more than a quarter of a million cars.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Bioheat

Final RFA Octane Webinar Sept. 29

Joanna Schroeder

RFA-MatchPro-logo-300x124The Renewable Fuels Foundation is hosting its last of five webinars tomorrow (Thursday, September 29, 2016) focused on ethanol’s unqiue octane properties, its importance as a blend component in today’s gasoline supply, and its potential role as the low-carbon octane source of choice in future fuels.

The fifth webinar will focus on the economics of high octane fuels, specifically the refining economics of producing BOBs for high-octane, mid-level ethanol blends and issues in making the transition to a higher octane gasoline pool.

The webinar, which is being conducted by MathPro, Inc., a firm specializing in technical and economic analysis of the petroleum refining sector, will be held from 11:00 am – noon CT and is free for RFA members and non members can attend for a fee. To reserve your spot, please contact Missy Ruff at 202-446-1944.

Karen Anderson-Schank of RFA member company CHS has said these webinars “present an excellent opportunity to learn more about the tremendous octane benefits provided by ethanol … After participating in the first webinar, I would strongly recommend this series to colleagues in the industry.”

More information on all five webinars is available here.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Octane, RFA

Future Trade with Cuba is Up in the Air

Jamie Johansen

zp-nh1Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What’s your opinion of the Bayer-Monsanto deal?”

The mega merger is still in the news and a small majority of pollers seem to believe the Bayer-Monsanto deal is bad news for the industry. As the companies work out the kinks farmers will soon see what the future holds and how this consolidation will impact their bottom line.

Here are the poll results:

  • Better solutions for farmers – 26%
  • Bad news – 37%
  • Consolidation is inevitable – 22%
  • Don’t know- 10%
  • Don’t care – 5%

Our new ZimmPoll is live and asks the question, How should U.S. normalize relations with Cuba?

The U.S. Ag Coalition for Cuba represents about 120 national groups each working collectively on individual interests with the common goal of improving trade relations with Cuba. Cubans seek to normalize relations with the U.S. which would include the U.S. lifting the embargo, extending credit to Cuba ensuring future trade deals and opening borders allowing U.S. citizens to travel as tourists to Cuba. Trade would open doors for U.S. agriculture and tourism would seal the deal on demand for U.S. goods. However, many believe any business with Cuba is bad business because of it’s history. Tell us how you feel…end the embargo, open-up tourism for U.S., neither or both

ZimmPoll

Michigan Mass Rolls Out Propane

Joanna Schroeder

Flint, Michigan Mass Transportation Agency (Flint MTA) has rolled-out 16 new propane buses. According to Blue Bird, this is the largest one-time Propane Vision bus purchase to date for commercial use. Flint MTA estimates that when compared to the replaced diesel buses, each propane bus will reduce 800 pounds of nitrogen oxide and 35 pounds of particulate matter per year.

Photo credit: Blue Bird

Photo credit: Blue Bird

“This roll-out signals an expansion for Blue Bird into the transit bus market,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “We’re bringing decades of experience in school buses and expertise in affordable, alternative fuel buses to transit agencies and public transportation riders.”

The commercial version of the Blue Bird Propane Vision, which comes with a 5-year, 100,000-mile warranty, is Altoona-test rated for 350,000 miles or 10 years. Each 39-seat bus is equipped with a 6.8L Ford engine, a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system and a 100-gallon fuel tank.

Federal Transit Administration funding was used to purchase the propane buses. In addition, Flint MTA secured a yearlong rate of 75 cents per gallon for propane autogas. When combines with the current federal alternative fuel tax credit, Flint MTA’s per gallon cost is 39 cents. The agency averages 20,000 miles per month on the buses, using them for six hours daily during peak service route times.

“Blue Bird Propane Visions buses allow Flint to provide green, affordable public transportation while saving taxpayer dollars,” said Ed Benning, general manager and CEO for Flint MTA. “These federal funds cover 80 percent of the alternative fuel vehicle cost, with a 20 percent local match. The MTA worked closely with Blue Bird to ’Altoona-test’ the bus — an outcome that will benefit all transit agencies that acquire these buses.”

Alternative Vehicles, Propane