Ceres Receives Biotech Sugarcane Approval in Brazil

Joanna Schroeder

Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has approved Ceres, Inc.’s biotech sugarcane for field testing. The company is now deploying plans to test its biomass and sugar yield and stress tolerance traits in multiple commercial sugarcane cultivars adapted specifically for various Brazilian sugarcane production areas. According to Ceres, field evaluations represent a critical stage in the development of biotech crop traits because it allows them to see how the traits perform in agricultural settings.

Ceres Logo“We believe we have a significant opportunity to bring innovative technology to the sugarcane market, with immediate opportunities to increase sugar yields and preserve the yields in the kind of drought conditions that have been prevailing in Brazil in recent years,” said Ceres President and CEO Richard Hamilton. He noted that a sugarcane variety with Ceres traits could significantly change production dynamics and economics by increasing sugar and biomass yields while providing additional harvests during the typical five-year lifecycle of a sugarcane stand.

This is not the first of such tests. Ceres conducted similar field evaluations last year outside of Brazil and results demonstrated increased biomass yields in its tropical sugarcane varieties. The company reports plants with one of the company’s drought tolerance traits resisted the effects of drought and maintained biomass yields with as little as half the water normally required during production. These results were especially impactful, says Ceres, because the tests were completed in elite varieties that are already known for their high yields and performance. Favorable results from a research setting are not a guarantee of future commercial performance, and further evaluations will be necessary.

advanced biofuels, biomass

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1Alliance BioEnergy Plus has announced the successful completion of its yearlong efforts to optimize its patented CTS technology to extract 100% of the sugar from virtually any cellulosic feed-stock after having it completed and proven by major industry ethanol producers.
  • Duke Energy Renewables has announced it has acquired six 5 MW solar projects in Eastern North Carolina from Community Energy. Five of the six sites are in service, with the final project, Seaboard, coming on line in May. Collectively, these facilities will generate enough solar energy to power about 6,000 homes.
  • SunLine Transit Agency, which serves more than 3.5 million passengers annually in the Coachella Valley (California) has announced that it has expanded its growing alternative fuel vehicles fleet with the addition of its first emissions-free, all-electric buses. BYD, the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles, has provided the 40 ft. low floor transit buses with seats for 35 and room for more than 60 standing passengers to SunLine. The transit agency began testing the vehicle on service routes in January.
  • Legend Solar has announced that the solar power provider is contributing $10 million toward renovating the Dixie State University football stadium, aptly renamed Legend Solar Stadium. Legend Solar will install solar technology on the DSU campus, providing millions of dollars in energy savings over time. A 1,500-kilowatt system, which will be installed gradually through 2027, is projected to generate enough energy to power not only the stadium, but other buildings on campus and save Dixie State University approximately $300,000 a year on its power bill.
Bioenergy Bytes

REG Expands Danville, IL Facility

Joanna Schroeder

REG Danville plantRenewable Energy Group, Inc. has announced an expansion at its Danville, Illinois facility. The operation has more than 14 million gallons of tank capacity to store feedstocks and biodiesel. The facility was purchased by the REG Danville biodiesel facility that sits adjacent to Bunge Milling for around $1.5 million. The tanks were connected to REG Danville’s existing infrastructure and will increase the biorefinery’s storage capacity for feedstock by more than 950,000 gallons and biodiesel by up to 12 million gallons.

“This is another strategic investment into REG Danville that gives us greater flexibility for moving and storing feedstocks and our high quality biodiesel,” said Brad Albin, Vice President, Manufacturing. “This and the ongoing upgrades will allow us to better serve our customers and vendors along the value chain.”

In July 2015, REG began a separate $31 million upgrade project at REG Danville with a nameplate capacity of 45-million gallons. This will add other logistics enhancements along with biodiesel distillation capabilities. Through this expansion and the purchase of the Bunge tanks, REG Danville has expanded its footprint around the original facility and now sits on nearly 30 acres. The upgrade project is scheduled to be completed later this year.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel

Wind Energy Kicks off 2016 with a Bang

Joanna Schroeder

The American wind energy industry kicked off the year with a bang – the best since first quarter 2012. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), wind added 520 MW of new generating capacity from January – March of this year. The U.S. Wind Industry First Quarter 2016 Market Report also found the industry has begun construction on another 2,000 MW with a total of more than 10,100 MW of wind capacity currently under construction.

Screen Shot 2016-05-02 at 8.24.25 AM“Our productive first quarter reflects the strength of American wind power entering 2016. We have a low-cost product that’s in high demand,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “As the wind business builds momentum, we’re prepared to double wind’s contribution to America’s electricity supply in the next five years.”

There are now more than 48,800 wind turbines operating in 40 states plus Puerto Rico and, for the first time, Guam – enough to power 20 million average homes with 74,512 MW of total installed capacity. Turbines were installed at seven projects across six states this quarter; Oklahoma led the country with 270 MW of wind capacity installations, followed by Iowa (154 MW), Utah (62 MW) and New Mexico (32 MW).

Texas remains the leader for total installed capacity and reported construction activity and accounted for over 54 percent of construction underway during the first quarter. The Plains region of Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska came next with 18 percent of construction activity, followed by the Midwest at 12 percent.

The newest quarterly market results follow the release of AWEA’s 2015 U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report, which highlights the growing demand for wind energy in 2015.

Clean Energy, Electricity, Wind

PERC Promotes Propane at ACT Expo

Joanna Schroeder

Propane will be on display at the upcoming 2016 Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long,Beach California. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is promoting the benefits of propane. Tucker Perkins, chief business officer, is presenting at the expo’s May 4, 2016 general session on urban mobility.

propane-logo“To meet the needs of any urban fleet, whether that’s a city parks department with two light-duty trucks, a sheriff’s department with 55 bi-fuel sedans, or a school district with 150 78-seater buses, PERC continues to work with OEMs to develop the most efficient, most powerful, and most user-friendly propane autogas fuel systems for dedicated, bi-fuel, or converted vehicles,” Perkins said. “Adding propane-autogas-powered vehicles to a fleet is a great way to cut emissions and costs while simultaneously improving customer service and vehicle horsepower.”

PERC is located in booth 911, which will showcase a variety of propane-powered equipment. A Ford F-550 fitted with a Roush CleanTech propane autogas system will be displayed in the booth alongside a Tico Port Tractor and Exmark commercial mower to give attendees a close-up look at the machines moving businesses forward with clean, American-made fuel. Attendees can also learn about how propane autogas vehicles can help them meet sustainability goals – including how propane fuels decrease hydrocarbon emissions – and “green up” their corporate image.

“With regulations continuing to limit carbon and greenhouse gas emissions across the United States, propane autogas is an inexpensive, easy-to-implement solution with long-lasting benefits that include reduced maintenance, lower fuel costs, and longer engine life.” Perkins added, “It’s also becoming increasingly common to hear how businesses can gain clients and generate success through adding environmentally-friendly equipment and practices to their operation.”

Alternative energy, Propane

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1According to the latest monthly “Energy Infrastructure Update” report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Office of Energy Projects, nine new “units” of wind provided 707 megawatts (MW), followed by 44 units of solar (522 MW), 9 units of biomass (33 MW), and one unit of hydropower (29 MW). By comparison, only two new units of natural gas (18 MW) came on line. There was no new capacity reported for the quarter from coal, oil, nuclear power, or geothermal steam.
  • Supported by Partners, Clean City Coalitions and Corporate Sponsors, Alliance AutoGas is embarking on a 5300+ mile, 12-City, cross country road trip – the Alliance AutoGas Coast-to-Coast Clean Air Ride – with its record-setting propane autogas F-150 on May 2, at 10 a.m., from Richard L. Berkley Riverfront Park in Kansas City, MO. The event is being hosted by the Metropolitan Energy Center/Kansas City Regional Clean Cities in conjunction with Veolia/Kansas City Transportation Group and Alliance AutoGas.
  • FIU and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) have unveiled a new commercial-scale solar installation at FIU’s College of Engineering and Computing – the only solar research facility of its kind that FPL has installed at a Florida university. The 1.4-megawatt solar array is comprised of more than 4,400 solar panels on canopy-like structures that provide clean electricity to FPL’s grid and shade for about 400 parking spaces. The unique solar array incorporates a 24-foot by 12-foot FIU logo that is visible from high above.
  • According to a recent report from @NavigantRSRCH, annual raw biogas production capacity is expected to reach 2,141 billion cubic feet per year by 2024. The report, Market Data: Renewable Natural Gas, analyzes the global biogas market, focusing on four feedstock sources: waste, industrial, agricultural, and sewage. Policy issues and market drivers are detailed for each region. Global market forecasts for capacity and revenue, segmented by feedstock source, end use (electricity, renewable natural gas injection, and transport), region, and selected country, extend through 2024.
Bioenergy Bytes

MN Students Continue to Learn About Ethanol

Joanna Schroeder

Minnesota high school students throughout the state are continuing to learn about ethanol. Recently, 70 students from Pipestone Area High School visited Highwater Ethanol to learn more about ethanol production, the benefits of the renewable fuel, and ethanol career opportunities.

“By hosting students at our facility for tours, it is our goal to have them learn about the agriculture industry, ethanol industry and how important these two industries are in everyone’s life,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol. “The students were also briefed on the skills required to work at an ethanol facility. They were able to watch and learn from our employees. Our goal was to leave the students with a positive impression of the ethanol industry and the use of ethanol in our transportation fuels.”

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. During their time at the biorefinery, the students, from grades 11 to 12, toured Highwater Ethanol’s administrative office, water treatment process, incoming grain grading and handling, ethanol loadout, ethanol process facility and energy center.

Pipestone_Highwater“We organize these tours to show students how a homegrown renewable ingredient is converted into a clean fuel that continues to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

Highwater Ethanol began operations in Lamberton in August 2009. It produced 59.42 million gallons of ethanol in 2015 and currently has 41 full-time employees. Kletscher said ethanol plants employ a wide variety of professionals. For the business operations side, professionals with skills in business administration, finance, accounting, human resources and agriculture economics are required. Read More

biofuels, Education, Ethanol

Report: Clean Energy Techs Cut Road CO2 Emissions

Joanna Schroeder

A new report from Lux Research has found that using low-carbon fuels and vehicle efficiency will cut road transport CO2 emissions 29 percent by 2030. Biofuels and natural gas combined will account for 45 percent of petroleum displacement. Today, global road transportation accounts for a sixth of all global CO2 emissions.

Lux CO2 reportThe sharp cut – exceeding the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) target of 24 percent set by 188 nations at the Paris Conference of the Parties (COP21) in 2015 – can be achieved from a combination of low-carbon fuels, alternative fuel vehicles, and improved fuel efficiencies.

“Global warming remains at center stage, and significant strides need to be made in road transportation technologies to achieve the goal set for 2030,” said Yuan-Sheng Yu, Lux Research analyst and lead author of the report titled, “Driving Down Emissions: Achieving CO2 Emissions Reduction Goals through Biofuels and Alternative Fuel Vehicles“. Low-carbon biofuels like cellulosic ethanol, renewable diesel, and biomethane have lower well-to-wheel carbon intensities compared to their first-generation counterparts and play a pivotal role in cutting emissions, as does renewable electricity.”

The report evaluated measures needed to meet emission targets set at COP21. Some key findings included:

  • Biofuels are key. First-generation biofuels, low-carbon fuels, and natural gas vehicles will together account for at least 45.4% of the potential fossil fuel displacement in road transportation in 2030, when global road transportation demand is projected to reach 911 billion gallons.
  • Carbon intensity matters. First-generation biofuels have made incremental reductions in road transportation emissions over the years. But low-carbon biofuels will be the key driver in achieving 2030 emissions reduction goals with an average three to four times lower well-to-wheel carbon intensity profile.
  • Fuel efficiency counts. Without improved fuel efficiencies, emissions reduction falls short of the INDC target in 2030 by nearly 5%. Automobile makers will have a range of lightweight materials available as multinationals and start-ups develop the next-generations of steel, aluminum and composite technologies.
Biodiesel, biofuels, Electric Vehicles, Ethanol, Natural Gas

RFA Releases E15 Retailer New Equipment Guidance

Joanna Schroeder

E15 pump in Iowa. Photo Credit: Joanna Schroeder

E15 pump in Iowa. Photo Credit: Joanna Schroeder

With E15 offerings on the rise across the U.S., the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has released a guide to assist retailers with choosing legal equipment with which to dispense the renewable fuel. The E15 retailer new equipment guide provides information on how to properly offer E15 at the retailer level.

In addition, RFA is highlighting what they believe are key items retailers should consider before ordering equipment:

  • What are the equipment options to legally offer E15 to 2001 and newer vehicles?
  • What are the various dispenser hose configurations allowed?
  • What are the retail fuel dispenser labeling requirements for each configuration?

“Four years and 23 states later, confusion still remains in the fuel equipment and retailing communities when it comes to E15,” said Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White. “With this document, we hope we can eliminate the misinformation and ensure retailers get the appropriate equipment needed to safely and legally offer this relatively new fuel. With proper labeling and education, we look forward to seeing many more retailers, consumers and states embrace E15 in the near future.”

biofuels, E15, Equipment, Ethanol, Retailers, RFA

Iowa Legislature Votes for Blender Pumps

Joanna Schroeder

Iowa will see another year of funding for retailers to add blender pumps. The Iowa Legislature voted unanimously to allocate funding for the biodiesel and ethanol blender pump program known as the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP). The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently reported that interest in blender pumps is at an all time high and the last round of funding, totaling $3.2 million funded 68 projects. This marks the last year of funding for the program that kicks off the FY2017 fiscal year.

Biodiesel and ethanol pump in Des Moines, Iowa on April 24, 2016. Photo Credit: Joanna Schroeder

Biodiesel and ethanol pump in Des Moines, Iowa on April 24, 2016. Photo Credit: Joanna Schroeder

“While we were hopeful for a long-term funding solution for the state’s renewable fuels infrastructure program, we’re very pleased today that the Iowa legislature was able to keep this vital initiative going for another year,” said IRFA Policy Director Grant Menke. “The USDA’s Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership re-energized many Iowa retailers, leading to record participation in the blender pump program over the past year. This one-year funding extension allows us to build upon this momentum and ensure Iowans have greater access to cleaner-burning, lower-cost renewable fuels.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) offers cost-share grants to Iowa retailers wishing to upgrade fueling infrastructure to offer E15, E85 and/or biodiesel blends. Reimbursement can be up to 70 percent of the installation costs, up to a maximum of $50,000 per project, with a five-year commitment to sell E15, E85 or biodiesel blends.

“This legislation does permanently end the current source of RFIP funding, so finding a long-term funding solution will be a high priority for the biofuels and renewable retailers community next legislative session. Bottom line, this program provides immense benefits to Iowans in the form of cleaner air, competition at the pump, lower fuel prices, and a stronger Iowa economy,” added Menke.

Biodiesel, biofuels, E15, E85, Ethanol, Iowa RFA