President to Discuss Clean Energy in SOTU

Joanna Schroeder

President Obama’s last State of the Union address (SOTU) will take place tonight and one topic on the docket: clean energy. As noted by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), wind energy has led the sector in progress.

Wind Turbine in Washington DC“This American success story is not only helping us build a better world for our children, it’s also helping consumers save money,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association. “Wind energy’s continuing growth is something that should make all Americans proud.” He notes several key areas in which the wind energy has seen great accomplishments.

1. Adding more capacity than any other energy source, leading the country with 47 percent of all new electric generating capacity in 2015 (followed by gas at 35 percent and solar at 14 percent).

2. More than quadrupling total capacity since 2008 – up from 16,702 MW installed at the start of that year to over 70,000 MW as of November 2015. That is enough energy to supply over 19 million American homes.

3. Cutting costs 66 percent in six years because of technological advances spurred by American ingenuity and domestic manufacturing.

4. Setting records for share of the electricity mix across entire states and regions. Iowa is approaching 30 percent, South Dakota 25 percent, and Kansas is over 20 percent of electricity from wind year-round; in total nine states are over 12 percent. At one point in November on the main Colorado grid, wind met over 66 percent of the electricity demand.

5. Creating well-paying jobs. The fastest-growing profession in America today is “wind turbine technician,” growing at more than twice the rate of the second-fastest-growing profession. Today’s 73,000 U.S. jobs in wind energy can grow to 380,000 jobs within 15 years, according to the Department of Energy’s recent “Wind Vision” report.

6. Affordably reducing carbon pollution. A recent study by the Energy Information Administration found that wind energy consistently emerged as the most cost-effective method of reducing emissions, supplying 57 percent of the additional energy in the lowest-cost compliance solution for the Clean Power Plan.

7. Saving money for consumers, companies and cities while also achieving their sustainability goals. Google, Amazon and Proctor & Gamble all recently made large wind energy purchases, while cities from San Diego to Washington, D.C. are increasing their share of renewable energy. Stably-priced wind energy saved Midwest consumers $1 billion in just two days when the price of other fuels spiked during the Polar Vortex event in January 2014.

Clean Energy, politics, Wind

New Hampshire Favors Solar

Joanna Schroeder

New Hampshire is one of several states that has a cap on solar net metering placing a cap on in-state solar growth. To assess how consumers living in the state feel about solar, The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) conducted a poll and found that 4 out of 5 New Hampshire voters favor solar as an energy source. In addition, 70 percent support the state’s net metering law that allows solar customers to receive credit for the extra energy their solar panels produce. The support for net metering is consistent across political parties with two thirds of both Republican and Democratic respondents support the net metering law and three quarters of Independents support it.

The Alliance for Solar Choice logo“New Hampshire voters – including solar workers, consumers, schools and businesses – are urging policy makers to lift the cap and keep net metering in place this legislative session,” said TASC spokesperson Evan Dube. “The future of the state’s solar industry hinges on preserving net metering.”

The poll also found a surprising majority supports legislative intervention with the Public Utilities Commission to continue the state’s solar net metering program. Results show that Politicians who want to cap solar metering may find themselves out of a job at the next election. Only 14 percent of polled voters are more likely to vote for such a legislator, while more than three times as many voters would be less likely to vote for the legislator.

The poll also found that although New Hampshire has traditionally one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, voters are enthusiastic about the prospect of new clean-energy jobs created by the growing solar industry in the state. The industry has already created hundreds of solar jobs across the state with the help of policies like net metering.

Clean Energy, Electricity, Solar

Grasses Hold Promise for Biofuels in Midwest

Joanna Schroeder

A recent study shows that perennial grasses are economical biofuel crops to meet U.S. fuel goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the West will have to contribute to the biofuels market in ways other than grasses. Tara Hudiburg, an ecologist in the College of Natural Resources at University of Idaho along with researchers from the University of Illinois, Colorado State University and the University of Georgia published their research in the first-ever issue of Nature Energy.

CNR - Tara HudiburgHudiburg said the study is the most comprehensive to date focused on perennial grasses and one of the first to bring together economists and ecologists from around the country for a thorough assessment of whether grasses such as switchgrass and Miscanthus can reduce emissions and meet the biofuel demands of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard. The grasses can be used to make cellulosic biofuels.

Perennial grasses can supply the fuel needed to meet the RFS but only through smart land-use planning, said Hudiburg, and should not be planted in the West where other feedstocks are more sustainable and economical.

“These perennial grasses are not feasible environmentally for the West,” Hudiburg said. “Replacing greenhouse-gas-intensive crops — like corn grain for ethanol — is a much easier greenhouse gas problem to solve than replacing land out here.”

Hudiburg explained that much of the land in the West, such as forest land, is already positively contributing to emission reduction by storing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases rather than releasing them. The Midwest, on the other hand, is a net source of greenhouse gases, largely due to agriculture.Read More

advanced biofuels, Cellulosic, Research, RFS

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1The Wilderness Society’s new report, Outdated and Undervalued, tells the story of how low royalty payments from the oil, gas and coal industry have been shortchanging local communities and putting energy development above other uses of public lands without compensating to offset the impacts of development. Read the report.
  • The South Dakota Corn Growers Association presented POET with the “MVP in Agriculture” award at their 30th annual banquet Saturday night at the Sioux Falls Arena. The MVP Award goes to an individual or organization that has helped reach common goals and advancement in the agricultural industry.
  • The Geothermal Energy Association’s (GEA) 2016 U.S. & International Geothermal Energy Showcase will take you around the world to see what leading geothermal countries & countries that harbor geothermal potential are doing to help mobilize and build successful geothermal projects. The event takes place March 17, 2016 in Washington, D.C. Registration is open.
  • Registration is open for the 11th Annual Summer Institute for Climate Change Education hosted by the Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy. The event takes place June 21-24, 2016 at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota. This summer’s institute will focus on the middle school curriculum resource: Next Generation Climate.
Bioenergy Bytes

Virent Biojet Fuel Confirmed to Reduce Emissions

John Davis

virentBiojet fuel from Virent has passed emissions testing by the government and a major jet engine maker. This news release from the company says its jet fuels containing Virent’s BioForm® Synthesized Aromatic Kerosene (SAK) fuel blend produced a greater than 50 percent reduction in particulate matter emissions compared to conventional jet fuel, according to testing by Rolls-Royce and supported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The testing verified the potential for the SAK fuel to reduce the adverse environmental impact and health effects resulting from jet fuel combustion.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency within the United Nations, is leading international policy making efforts to control particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions.

Virent’s SAK fuel can reduce both particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions without compromising engine performance, and when fully commercialized will support the growth of the aviation industry while addressing anticipated ICAO regulations.

Virent was chosen to participate in the initial Rolls-Royce Laboratory Test program, and was then selected by Rolls-Royce to proceed to the more advanced Rig Testing portion of the program.

Virent’s SAK fuel blend met all test requirements and the report concluded that the fuel “…offers the potential to be [a] drop-in fuel and hence achieve approval for use for the aviation industry”.

Virent’s renewable SAK fuel is produced in its pilot demonstration plant in Madison, Wisconsin.

biojet fuel, Government

Prez Candidates to Speak During Iowa Fuels Summit

Joanna Schroeder

Pres CandidatesSeveral presidential candidates are making the 10th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit a campaign stop to discuss their views on biofuels. Donald Trump, Carly Fiorina and Rick Santorum have committed to speak on January 19, 2016 in Altoona, Iowa. Twelve pro-RFS presidential candidates from both parties were invited to speak at the Summit so more candidates may confirm to attend. These candidates will be joining U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack along with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad on stage.

“With the Iowa Caucuses just weeks away, we’re very excited to have these special guests on hand to discuss their respective visions for the future of renewable fuels like biodiesel and ethanol,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) President Tom Brooks. “Recent events have proven that renewable fuels and agriculture are vital to Iowa’s future and are a key issue in this year’s Iowa Caucuses. We look forward to hearing these candidates’ plans on important renewable fuels issues.”

A recent poll conducted by The Des Moines Register reported that 77 percent of likely Democratic caucusgoers and 61 percent of likely Republican caucusgoers support the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

The Summit is free to attend and open to the public.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Iowa RFA, RFS

United Wind Offers $200M to Fund Distributed Wind

Joanna Schroeder

United Wind‘s WindLease program has been infused with $200 million to fund distributed wind power projects across the U.S. In partnership with Forum Equity Partners, the financing will expand the WindLease program that enables residential and commercial property owners to lease distributed-scale wind turbines. According to United Wind, the program allows customers to tap wind energy through a fixed-rate, 20-year maintenance free lease with no out of pocket costs.

United Wind“United Wind brings a unique and innovative solution to wind power delivery by offering a first-of-its-kind wind energy-leasing program for end-users,” said Forum’s Founder & CEO Richard Abboud. “This kind of forward thinking falls directly in line with Forum’s support of innovative and entrepreneurial renewable energy companies serving high-growth markets. We are committed to building highly effective and collaborative partnerships that can significantly benefit communities and investors alike and I am confident this deal will accomplish those goals.”

According to the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA), the deal is the largest ever for a distributed wind energy company. Jennifer Jenkins, DWEA’s executive director noted, “The success of United Wind’s leasing program is an indicator of the massive potential of distributed wind. With this new partnership, distributed wind energy begins its transition from niche concept to mainstream solution.”

DWEA estimates that by 2030 there will be 23.7 million homes and buildings suitable for distributed wind, representing a potential for 1,100 GW of generating capacity. DWEA also estimates that other related market segments, such as community wind, wind gardens, and virtual metered systems, could boost the potential for non-windfarm wind-generated energy to 1,400 GW. The energy production potential for the 1,100 GW in 2030 is estimated at 2,900 TWh – which is 70 percent of the net electricity generation in the U.S. in 2014.

“Distributed wind is often the optimal renewable energy choice for rural property owners seeking to lower their energy costs,” added Russell Tencer, co-founder and CEO of United Wind. “With this pivotal investment by the visionary team at Forum Equity Partners, United Wind is now well positioned to provide low-cost wind energy through its WindLease offering to thousands of customers across the country.”

Electricity, Wind

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1Johns Hopkins has announced a new solar project located in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland and is expected to offset about 18 percent of the total energy Johns Hopkins facilities utilize. Installed and maintained by SolarCity with financing and management by Direct Energy Business, the solar power system will deliver the energy generated to Johns Hopkins for less than their current electricity rate, and provide a long term hedge against the rising costs of purchasing power.
  • EDF Renewable Energy has announced the 150 MW Slate Creek Wind Project in Kansas has reached commercial operation. The Project, located within Sumner County, Kansas, approximately 50 miles south of Wichita, commenced construction of its 75 Vestas 2 MW wind turbines in April, 2015. Great Plains Energy will purchase the electricity generated pursuant to a 20-year, fixed-price power purchase agreement.
  • Georgia Trend Magazine has selected Norcross, Georgia-based Suniva, Inc. Chief Executive Officer, John Baumstark, as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians. In 2007, Baumstark co-founded Suniva, launched from Georgia Tech’s photovoltaic labs with Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi. Under his leadership, Suniva has become a leading American manufacturer of high-efficiency, cost-competitive crystalline silicon solar products, with customers worldwide.
  • ALLETE Clean Energy (ACE) has finalized its sale of the Thunder Spirit wind development to Montana-Dakota Utilities after wrapping up construction on the project in December. The company built the 107 MW wind farm near Hettinger, North Dakota under a development agreement with Montana-Dakota Utilities. Montana-Dakota acquired the finished project for $200 million and will operate the wind farm for use by its utility customers.
Bioenergy Bytes

Biodiesel RIN Defrauder Gets 20 Years in Prison

John Davis

scalesofjustice1In a clear message that the integrity of the biodiesel incentive system will be upheld, the Justice Department has sentenced a man to 20 years in prison for his part in defrauding the government to the tune of $55 million. This article from The Hill says Joseph Furando participated in a process over several years to buy and resell biodiesel, claiming both the federal tax credit for it and the valuable renewable identification numbers (RINs) that fuel refiners use to certify that they complied with blending requirements.

“Fraud in the renewable fuels program compromises our ability to fight climate change and reduce dependence on foreign oil,” Cynthia Giles, head of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) enforcement division, said in a statement.

“When people approach these programs with bad faith and seek to exploit them, these purposes are blocked, American businesses are hurt and the treasury of the United States is depleted,” said John Cruden, head of the Justice Department’s environmental office. “This significant prison sentence sends the right message that such fraud will not be tolerated.”

Officials say Furando used the money to buy a Ferrari and other high-end cars, a million-dollar home, expensive artwork, a piano and other items, all of which he’ll have to forfeit. He also had a biodiesel-powered motorcycle built by the show American Chopper, which he will have to forfeit.

Furando was sentenced in an Indiana court.

Biodiesel, Government, RINS

Governors’ Biofuels Coalition Names Leadership Team

Joanna Schroeder

The Governors’ Biofuels Coalition has named its 2016 Leadership Team. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon will become chairman and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts will become vice chairman.

governor-biofuels“For more than 20 years, the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition has worked in a bipartisan way to strengthen American energy independence and create jobs in rural communities,” Governor Nixon said. “I look forward to working with Governor Ricketts to promote the production and use of biofuels because, in addition to diversifying our energy portfolio, they also give consumers more choices at the pump, reduce harmful emissions, and increase family incomes in rural America. I thank Governor Branstad for his outstanding leadership, and I look forward to building on his success.”

During 2016, the Coalition will continue to advocate for policies that grow the biofuel industry including working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) moves forward. Also this year, the Coalition will propose legislation that will encourage investment in the nation’s advanced biofuel industry; ask the EPA to enforce Section 202 of the Clean Air Act to limit aromatics and open the market for ethanol as a source of clean octane; ask the EPA to drop the obsolete vapor pressure restrictions on higher ethanol blends; and ask for policies that will restore the fuel economy credits (CAFE).

“I’m honored to serve as the next vice chairman of this organization, and will continue working to strengthen the energy independence of Nebraska and our country. Nebraska was one of the founding members of the Coalition, and the Coalition continues to play a major role in our nation’s energy policies, including the renewable fuel standard,” said Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts.

Governor Nixon and Governor Ricketts both thanked Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for not only his leadership of the Coalition last year but for his tireless national leadership on renewable energy policy, and making Iowa a model of renewable energy development for all our states.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol