RFA Launches E10 Boating Campaign

Joanna Schroeder

Screen Shot 2016-05-05 at 8.21.11 AMThe unofficial first day of summer is fast approaching, Memorial Day, and people around the country will begin to hit the beaches and boats. To educate people about the safety of using E10 in marine craft, the Renewable Fuels Association has launched a boating campaign. The first ad appeared in the latest issue of Mariana Dock Age, which is delivered to most marina around the country. Going forward the campaign will include educational outreach and additional ad placements.

“There has been a lot of misinformation perpetuated by biofuel opponents surrounding boating and ethanol,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “For nearly 30 years, 10 percent ethanol (E10) has been used in all types of marine engines and the fuel blend is approved for use by all major marine engine manufacturers, including Honda, Mercury Marine, Kawasaki and Johnson/Evinrude. As a bonus, ethanol’s higher octane ratings increase engine performance, in addition to it also being the lowest-cost, cleanest-burning fuel on the planet.

“E10 is safe for marine engines. Period. Any organizations that say otherwise are not telling the truth,” Dinneen added.

RFA is also cautioning that while E10 is approved for use in all marine engines, higher ethanol blends, such as E15, are not – E15 is only approved for vehicles 2001 or newer. EPA requires E15 and higher ethanol blends to be clearly labeled at the pump, and mandates that E10 also be available at any station offering E15. So aware boaters need not be concerned. Through more than four years of E15 sales, there has not been a single case of E15 misfueling in a marine engine.

E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

DOE Hosts Bioenergy Roundtable with #4H

Joanna Schroeder

National 4-H participants had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) to discuss the role of #bioenergy in a global, sustainable energy system.

The roundtable discussion included three key bioenergy areas:

  • The potential of algal biofuels.
  • Hydrogen production from biomass for use in fuel cells.
  • Utilizing biogas (primarily a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced by the bacterial decomposition of organic materials in the absence of oxygen) systems to produce electricity, heat, and vehicle fuels.

Screen Shot 2016-05-04 at 9.01.49 AMThe roundtable participants also shared perspectives on the importance of bioenergy in their local communities and offered suggestions on how BETO could engage more with youth in the community.

The group emphasized the importance and need for energy literacy in helping people make informed decisions on energy use through an understanding of impacts and consequences. One recommendation from the students is to use social media as a platform to engage the public on these topics—a goal the students are already working towards by developing a video short entitled “Bioenergy Grows Here,” which is intended to provide an overview about the use of bioenergy in a changing energy landscape. Overall, the DOE says the roundtable provided a great opportunity for the students to share their ideas and perspectives with a group of federal decision makers.

bioenergy, Education

#MillionSolarStrong Campaign Launched

Joanna Schroeder

The.U.S. has become a #MillionSolarStrong. According to a new report from the George Washington Solar Institute the solar industry has installed more than a million solar projects and is on an accelerated path toward 2 million. In tandem with the report, the solar industry has launched a #MillionSolarStrong and recognizes rooftop and utility-scale reports alike.

Factbook_Teaser“The idea that we are celebrating a million solar installations in this country is remarkable, given we had just a couple thousand when I started here a dozen years ago,” said Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “This accomplishment is made all the more stunning with the projections indicating we will hit 2 million installations before the end of 2018. Our meteoric growth is driven by the fact that solar is one of the lowest cost options for electricity and it has been embraced by people who care about the environment and want to choose where their energy is coming from.”

Key points from the George Washington Solar Institute report are that:

  • Installation costs for solar have dropped more than 70 percent in the last decade;
  • Solar jobs have grown more than 123 percent in the last five years, making solar one of the bright spots in the economy; and
  • The million installations have cut enough carbon to equal all of Oregon’s emissions.

The #MillionSolarStrong social media campaign features photos and videos from people throughout the state who are involved and support solar power.

Clean Energy, Electricity, Solar

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