Ethanol Industry ‘Displeased’ With New RFS Report

Joanna Schroeder

The ethanol industry is displeased with a recent report on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that is not favorable to corn-based ethanol. The report, “10-Year Review of the Renewable Fuels Standard: Impacts to the Environment, The Economy, and Advanced Biofuels Development,” was published by the Agricultural & Resources Economics Department at the University of Tennessee. The report was commissioned by the American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) who the ethanol industry is saying is in the front pocket of Big Oil.

ethanol pump“Clearly this study was published with an agenda and without regard to the facts. It is misleading, inaccurate and runs counter to a large body of expert research,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “Slapping a new title on this previously discredited research won’t change the facts, and those who published this study clearly have little interest in doing anything other than maintaining the status quo of our dangerous addiction to foreign oil and fossil fuels.”

One area the report attempts to “debunk” is the environmental benefits of ethanol going so far as to say that with the exception of CO2 reductions, corn-based ethanol is worse than Big Oil. However, Argonne National Laboratory, along with dozens of other independent studies, have shown the opposite. For example, a recent study by the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Energy Resource Center concluded that the EPA’s RFS proposal to decrease ethanol use by 1.6 billion gallons in 2015 could increase CO2 emissions by 4,520,000 metric tons that year.

Buis says, “The facts are clear….ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by an average of 34 percent compared to gasoline, even when the highly controversial and disputed theory of Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) is factored into the modeling. Furthermore, Argonne has found that without ILUC included, ethanol reduces GHG emissions by 57 percent compared to gasoline.”

Another are the report attacks ethanol is with regards to subsidies saying since the 80s they have been in the billions. While the report did acknowledge that first generation subsidies were phased out several years ago, it did not acknowledge that the oil industry has been receiving subsidies and tax breaks for more than 100 years – a practice that continues today. In fact, it’s about $5 billion per year and hundreds of billions globally.

Geoff Cooper, senior vice president with the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) says in response to the report, “Over the past decade the Renewable Fuel Standard has proven time and time again why it is our nation’s most successful energy policy. “Its impact on our nation’s energy security, economy, and environment is unmatched. The RFS was passed by a bi-partisan Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush with the goal of ensuring that biofuels have a place in a market that is overwhelmingly and unfairly dominated by Big Oil.”

“At the end of the day, added Cooper, “the biggest winner, with respect to the RFS, has been our nation’s consumers who have been given more affordable choices at the pump, and have also been provided with a safe, clean source of home-grown energy.”

biofuels, Environment, Ethanol, Growth Energy, Indirect Land Use, RFA, RFS

Washington City Goes Green, Saves with Biodiesel

John Davis

bellevuelogoA Washington state city’s conversion to biodiesel will keep the environment green while saving the municipality some green, too. This story from the Bellevue Reporter says a new contract the city has to run biodiesel in its fleet is expected to save more than $25,000 a year.

“Our new biodiesel contract is a big win for Bellevue’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative,” said Emma Johnson, the city’s resource conversation manager. “Not only is the city being a good steward of our environment, but we’re saving taxpayers a substantial amount of money.”

The city’s new mixture, a biodiesel blend of 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel, is purported to reduce vehicle life-cycle emissions by 16.5 percent compared to petroleum diesel-only vehicles. Bellevue has 240 diesel vehicles out of a fleet of 694, all of which are using the new blend, referred to as a “B20” blend.

They were previously using a 15 percent biodiesel blend, and will save 28 cents a gallon by switching to a slightly higher biodiesel cocktail.

This batch of biodiesel is made from used cooking oil, saving that waste from going into a landfill as well.

Biodiesel

Opinion: VW Could Repair Image with Biodiesel

John Davis

VWBiodiesel could be the solution to fix Volkswagen’s image left tarnished by revelations the company rigged the emissions testing for its diesel vehicles. This opinion piece in the Denver Post by Bill Germain, described as a sustainable business strategist and environmental advocate, makes it very clear he’s not happy with what VW did, especially since he owns one himself. And he wants the company to make amends, with the best way, in his opinion, by embracing biodiesel to clean up the air and the automaker’s act.

VW should take full responsibility for this fiasco by fixing the software and emissions irregularities, paying all requisite fines, and reimbursing the millions of TDI owners who it intentionally defrauded. But the truth is that such measures would do little to fulfill the original promise of VW’s “clean diesel” engine. Why? Even with effective emissions control technology, petroleum-based diesel fuel cannot offer a clean solution. In contrast, biodiesel can, particularly when produced from feedstocks of waste vegetable oil or sustainably sourced seed oils.

Biodiesel not only dramatically reduces harmful emissions at the tailpipe, it’s a domestically produced, renewable substitute that provides significantly improved environmental performance over petroleum diesel throughout its entire life cycle. Perhaps most importantly, it’s not a future, “what if” technology’ it’s widely available today and compatible, either pure or blended with petroleum diesel, with most diesel car and truck engines on the road, including Volkswagen TDIs.

B20 fuel (20 percent biodiesel) can significantly reduce carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions including particulate matter, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons.

Emissions scandal aside, it is extremely short-sighted for Volkswagen to not have embraced biodiesel for its capacity to improve the environmental performance of its existing TDI vehicles. I don’t want to do VW any favors, but authorizing the use of B20 could offer VW a mitigation strategy in what will undoubtedly be a long and painful road to recovery for the world’s largest automaker. The aggregate environmental benefit of transitioning even a portion of some of the 500,000 TDIs in the U.S. to B20 would be significant. Factor into this equation that B20 would provide increased fuel lubricity and contribute positively to vehicle longevity, biodiesel can be viewed as a practical, cost-effective strategy to help TDI owners protect their car investments.

He concludes saying biodiesel won’t repair all the damage VW has done to its reputation, but it will make the company come closer to truly fulfilling its clean diesel promise.

Biodiesel, Opinion

NEC to Participate in Int’l Buyer Program

Joanna Schroeder

The National Ethanol Conference (NEC) has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program (IBF). This marks the first time the NEC has been selected, an annual ethanol conference hosted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The NEC will take place Feb. 15–17, 2016 in New Orleans.

RFA-NEC general logoThe IBF program recruits pre-screened foreign buyer delegations from U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide and brings them to selected trade shows and conferences in the U.S. as a medium to connect U.S. companies with international buyers. The NEC draws attendees from around the globe and next year’s event will see representatives from Brazil, China, India, Mexico and the Philippines.

“We are extremely excited about being selected to participate in the IBF, and for the opportunity to work closely with the Department of Commerce to provide a pathway that connects domestic ethanol producers with international markets,” said Edward Hubbard, RFA’s general counsel. “Export promotion is a crucial component for maintaining the vibrancy of the ethanol industry, and the NEC provides the perfect forum for accomplishing that goal. By joining forces with the Department of Commerce, the RFA is ensuring that the NEC will be the premier destination for U.S. ethanol producers who are interested in opportunities to promote their products in the international marketplace.”

Registration for the National Ethanol Conference is now open and will headlined by John Hofmeister, the founder and CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy, former president of Shell Oil Company and author of “Why We Hate the Oil Companies“.

 

biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, Renewable Energy, RFA

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1Innergex Renewable Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (“CFE”) to jointly study a number of renewable energy project opportunities in Mexico, with the aim to jointly develop selected projects. The main purpose of this agreement is to coordinate efforts and develop activities allowing Innergex and CFE to define their joint participation in the development of prospective renewable energy projects, in particular of small hydroelectric plants of less than 200 MW.
  • Guinness Asset Management has announced that its 7th Guinness Sustainable Infrastructure EIS offering (“Guinness EIS”) is now open for investment. This is a discretionary managed service that will invest in UK Sustainable Infrastructure companies through the tax-efficient EIS structure.
  • Jan tenBensel, who farms south of Cambridge, Nebraska, joins the Nebraska Ethanol Board as a wheat production representative. He was appointed by Gov. Pete Ricketts. tenBensel was raised on the family farm and has been farming his own diversified crop operation 25 years. He produces wheat, corn, soybeans and grain sorghum. Currently, he serves on the Cambridge Board of Education and the Cambridge Economic Development Board. He joins current board members: Paul Kenney, chairman (Kearney, Neb.); Mike Thede, vice chairman (Palmer, Neb.); Mark Ondracek, secretary (Omaha, Neb.); Galen Frenzen (Fullerton, Neb.); Tod Brodersen (Hastings, Neb.); Tim Else (Belvidere, Neb.); and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chemical Engineering Professor Hunter Flodman, who serves as the board’s technical advisor.
  • Gaz Métro acquired the first offset credits ever generated in Québec in the cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emission allowances that was established by the Government of Québec and is linked to that of California (carbon market). The 161,510 offset credits purchased from Recyclage Écosolutions Inc. (RES) stem from the destruction of 81 tons of CFCs between 2009 and 2011.
Bioenergy Bytes

amCNG Opens Public CNG Fueling Station in FL

Joanna Schroeder

ampCNG has opened its second public-access compressed natural gas (CNG) station in Jacksonville, Florida Located in the Port of Jacksonville at the GATE station along I-295. The station is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week too all CNG vehicles.

JackonvilleStationPumpampCNG selected the location due to Port of Jacksonville being home to one of the largest complexes on the eastern seaboard. The goal is that will a CNG station located in a high traffic area, more truck and fleet vehicles will convert to CNG. The company says the fuel burns 30 percent cleaner and produces 90 percent less particulate emissions, or smog, than its diesel counterpart.

The location features a fast-fill hydraulic intensifier compressor (HY-C) that enable three Class 8 trucks to simultaneously fuel at 10 diesel gallon equivalents per minute. ampCNG also owns and operates the only other CNG station in the area, which is located in southern Jacksonville at 9711 Mining Drive off Highway 1 and 295. With two stations strategically located north and south of the city, ampCNG says CNG trucks can now travel in either direction without needing to stray from their designated routes to refuel, saving valuable time and money.

Alternative Vehicles, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Canadian Biodiesel Maker BIOX Gets New CEO

John Davis

Biox Corporation logoA Canadian biodiesel maker is getting a new boss. BIOX Corporation announced that Alan Rickard has been selected to replace Chris Clinning as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 2, 2015.

Mr. Rickard is a commercial executive with over 15 years of experience in the agri-food, energy and renewable fuels sectors having most recently served as VP Commercial Operations, Canada at Rothsay, a division of Darling International Canada Inc., and previously at Maple Leaf Foods Inc. in increasingly senior positions between 2001 and 2013. Mr. Rickard’s said “I have had the pleasure of working closely with the executive team at BIOX as a customer and look forward to this opportunity to join them and working with the Board of Directors in this leadership role.”

Kevin Golding, Chairman of BIOX’s Board of Director s said “We would like to thank Chris for his more than 9 years of service to the Company, including roles as Chief Financial Officer and, most recently, as CEO. We wish him well in his future endeavours. We are pleased to welcome Alan to BIOX.”

Biodiesel

Australian Company to Burn Own Biodiesel in Trucks

John Davis

peatssoil1An Australian garden supply company will use its own biodiesel for its fleet of trucks. This article from Prime Mover Magazine says Peats Soil is running the green fuel in its Scania trucks, which recently approved renewable diesel in its trucks.

“We have ordered 13 new trucks from Scania that will run on 100 per cent biodiesel,” said Peter Wadewitz, Managing Director of Peats Soil.

“These trucks will replace our existing Scania fleet, plus we are adding two more trucks and two more loaders. This means we will be creating four new jobs for drivers plus adding staff for the laboratory.”

According to Scania, the truck manufacturer will supply Peats Soil with 480 hp six-cylinder trucks and some V8-powered 560 hp prime movers, which will be used to collect waste matter and then deliver bulk and bagged organic supplies around the state.

Peats Soil has developed its own biodiesel manufacturing plant, utilising ‘dirty water’ it collects from food manufacturing locations.

According to Wadewitz, he aims to manufacture more than one million litres of biodiesel in the first year at his McLaren Vale headquarters an hour south of Adelaide, which would provide the bulk of the 1.3m litres his fleet of trucks and loaders will consume annually.

The biodiesel making program at Peats has been developed in association with Adelaide University and has attracted funding from the Australian Research Council.

Biodiesel, International

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1Nashville artist and native Texan, Alyssa Bagley, will be performing at the 2015 Energy Day Festival, one of Houston’s premiere family festivals. Children will have the opportunity to learn about energy and pose for photos as rock stars in the SmartEnergy IP KidsRockEnergy Booth. The event is taking place October 17 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas. Alyssa takes the stage at 2:30 pm.
  • Suniva, Inc., a metro-Atlanta based manufacturer of high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, has announced the groundbreaking of a 17 acre solar array powered by Suniva, located at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. The project is the first of its kind for Consumers Energy. The University will also participate in the Solar Gardens program as a customer.
  • Welspun Renewables, India’s leading renewable energy generator, has received another round of funding of USD $617 million. The investment has been through a combination of debt and equity infusion by the promoters, existing and new investors. With this, we move one step closer towards delivering on our Honourable Prime Minister’s green energy vision and helping India take pole position globally in the renewable energy space.
  • First Solar and Clean Energy Collective have confirmed the parties have executed a Module Supply Agreement (MSA) that facilitates CEC’s procurement of First Solar’s advanced technology modules and other equipment to be used in CEC’s growing project pipeline in one of the fastest expanding segments of the solar market. The two leaders in renewable energy established a strategic partnership late last year to develop and market community solar offerings to residential customers and businesses directly on behalf of partner utilities.
Bioenergy Bytes

IEA Releases Mid-Term Renewable Report

Joanna Schroeder

According to the International Energy Agency (EIA), renewable energy will represent the largest single source of electricity growth over the next five years. Pointing to the need to economically mitigate climate change and enhance energy security, the report calls on governments to reduce policy uncertainties that are creating barriers to development.

MT_Renew_MR_2015_Cover_HR“Renewables are poised to seize the crucial top spot in global power supply growth, but this is hardly time for complacency,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol as he released the IEA’s Medium-Term Renewable Energy Market Report 2015 (MTRMR) at the G20 Energy Ministers Meeting held in Turkey. “Governments must remove the question marks over renewables if these technologies are to achieve their full potential, and put our energy system on a more secure, sustainable path.”

The Renewable Energy Mid-Term Market Report 2015 finds that renewable electricity emissions will exceed 700 GW and will account for nearly two-thirds of global power capacity additions. Non-hydro sources such as wind and solar will represent nearly half of the total global power capacity increase finds the report. Similarly, the Natural Resources Defense Council in a recent study also found wind and solar to be leading the way in renewable energy growth.

The share of renewable energy in global power generation will rise from 22 percent in 2013 to more than 26 percent in 2020. Also by 2020, the amount of global electricity generation coming from renewable energy will be higher than today’s combined electricity demand of China, India and Brazil.

The report says the geography of deployment will increasingly shift to emerging economies and developing countries, which will make up two-thirds of the renewable electricity expansion to 2020. China alone will account for nearly 40 percent of total renewable power capacity growth and requires almost one-third of new investment to 2020.Read More

Clean Energy, Climate Change, Electricity, International, Solar, Wind