Biodiesel Making Hawaii Even Greener

Biodiesel Making Hawaii Even Greener

John Davis October 26, 2015

Hawaii is well known for its lush green countryside, but the Big Island is going to be even greener, environmentally, thanks to biodiesel. This article from the Hawaii Tribune-Herald says Hawaii County is half a year into a successful switch using B20, a 20 percent blend of the green fuel with conventional diesel.

County deputy managing director Randy Kurohara said in an email the shift first was considered in August 2013, when the county’s Research and Development Department began to look for new ways of reducing fossil-fuel dependence. Previous discussions about the matter centered on reducing dependence in electricity production as opposed to transportation fuels, Kurohara said.

The county fleet of diesel vehicles consists of the Hele-On buses in addition to highway trucks and some off-road vehicles. Converting the fleet also was a recommendation of the county’s Energy Sustainability Program, which was released in 2012.

“It puts us in a great position to lead by example, and we have a facility here that actually produces high-quality biodiesel,” Kurohara said.

The Pacific Biodiesel plant in Keaau opened in 2012 and is capable not only of refining biodiesel but distilling it. The distillation capabilities mean more types of waste products can be converted to fuel.

“Nothing has changed in how we received the fuel,” said county mass transit administrator Tiffany Kai. “We have a fueling company that comes down to the county baseyard and the tank is there.”

“In the long run, we’re going to see the benefits,” Kai said.

The county will use an estimated 1 million gallons of biodiesel during this fiscal year.

Biodiesel

Rethink Energy NJ Launched

Joanna Schroeder October 23, 2015

A new poll has found that nearly 80 percent of New Jerseyans believe the state should invest in developing more renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Majority support was found across all political parties and all demographic groups. However, the poll reported that 62 percent of New Jerseyans think the pace at which the state is developing and adopting renewable alternatives is too slow. The poll was conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s (FDU) PublicMind for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

In tandem with the poll results, a new campaign has been launched called “Rethink Energy NJ”. The goal of the initiative is to inform citizens about the need for a swift transition to clean energy and a move away from fossil fuel reliance. Campaign supporters include the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association and Pinelands Preservation Alliance.

“Investing in renewable energy is a win-win for both our environment and economy,” said Tom Gilbert, campaign director for New Jersey Conservation Foundation and Rethink Energy NJ. “Developing clean energy sources like solar and wind will reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and threaten our health, while creating jobs. This is a better path forward for New Jersey than the multitude of fossil fuel pipelines proposed that threaten preserved lands, our air and water, and our communities.”

The poll indicates that 77 percent of respondents are very or somewhat concerned with climate change in New Jersey. Eighty percent favor setting a goal of having 30 percent of the state’s energy coming from renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2020. That is higher than the State’s current 22 percent target. Similarly, 78 percent favor a bill requiring a target of 80 percent by 2050.

The poll also explored public opinion on proposed fossil fuel projects affecting New Jersey. One finding: New Jerseyans favor renewable energy investment over natural gas pipeline investment by a nearly two to one margin. In addition, most respondents are very or somewhat concerned with the impact of pipelines in the state.

Former Gov. Tom Kean said of the findings, “I am pleased to see the launch of this important new campaign, Rethink Energy NJ, to help educate the public and decision makers regarding the need for much greater scrutiny of new pipelines or fossil fuel infrastructure, and the urgent need to move forward with clean, renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency.”

Clean Energy, Electricity, Energy, Solar, Wind

AWEA Report: Wind Energy Momentum Continues

Joanna Schroeder October 23, 2015

The momentum of wind power in the U.S. has continued through the third quarter and continues to post strong numbers. This according to the new U.S. Wind Industry Third Quarter 2015 Market Report released by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). More than 1,600 MW of new wind capacity was installed during Q3 increasing the yearly total to more than 3,600 MW installed.

The top states with wind power capacity additions include Texas with 771 MW, Oklahoma with 398 MW, Kansas with 201 MW and Illinois with 175 MW. This quarter Kansas has jumped to 6th place and is continuing to build additional capacity. The industry is seeing stronger market activity as compared to this time last year, and given the construction activity in Iowa, the state is on pace to surpass California and become the second-ranked state behind Texas in installed capacity by the end of this year.

“We are on the cusp of greatness,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “There are over $20 billion worth of wind farms under construction right now, creating well-paying jobs and spurring economic development in rural communities across the country. This growth is in jeopardy however, as continued policy uncertainty could throw the wind industry off yet another economic cliff.”

Despite the growth in the industry, there still remains uncertainty. While the U.S. Senate Finance Committee voted in May to pass the tax extenders package that included the extension of the Production Tax Credit and Investment Tax Credit, it has yet to be passed by Congress. Wind projects currently under construction are due to in part to the construction extension of the Production Tax Credit that occurred at the end of 2014.

In 2015, the wind industry has installed more than double the MW installed during this time frame in 2014. There is now over 69,470 MW of installed wind capacity across the U.S. – edging closer to the 70 gigawatt (GW) threshold. A near-record of more than 13,250 MW of wind capacity is under construction in the U.S., with an additional 4,100 MW in advanced stages of development.

Listen to the press conference here: U.S. Wind Industry 3rd Quarter Report Launch

Audio, Clean Energy, Electricity, Wind

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder October 23, 2015

Avalara has published a free white paper, “The Rise of Biodiesel: New Alternative Fuel, New Taxation Challenges“. The report reviews the growth of the biodiesel industry and the role played by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as well as tax policy at the state and federal levels, supply chain tax challenges of biodiesel, and complexities of multi-state transactions.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced nearly $2.3 billion in loans to build and improve rural electric infrastructure in 31 states. USDA is awarding loans to 77 utilities and cooperatives in 31 states. The funding includes more than $108 million for smart grid technology, $41 million for renewable energy improvements and $9 million for storm damage repairs. These loans will help build or improve 12,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines. The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Electric Program.
The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and FORTUNE announced that Baltimore based Bithenergy, a renewable energy firm, topped the 2015 Inner City 100 list of the fastest-growing inner city businesses in the U.S. Bithenergy was recognized by longtime ICIC partner Staples, Inc. for both its top place on the list, and for its growth rate of 2,973 percent. Bithenergy applies a professional services model to the energy business and offers intelligent strategies for development of renewable energy systems, managing energy consumption, and building smart grid infrastructure.
Because of the increase in shale gas development over recent years, the total GHGs from fossil fuel use in the U.S. rose between 2009 and 2013, despite the decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. Given the projections for continued expansion of shale gas production, this trend of increasing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels is predicted to continue through 2040. This is detailed in Energy and Emission Control Technologies’ new review “Methane emissions and climatic warming risk from hydraulic fracturing and shale gas development: implications for policy”. The report finds a need to move away from all fossil fuels and move to renewable energy such as wind and solar.

Bioenergy Bytes

Get Set to Go to the Biodiesel Conference in Tampa!

John Davis October 23, 2015

It’s that time of year again! Time to register for the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, going on Jan. 25-28, 2016, in Tampa, Florida. Organizers promise networking and educational opportunities that aren’t available anywhere else.

This year, we are on the water in Tampa, and you’ll see some big differences to our format. First, we’ve expanded meeting and sitting space to make our Expo Hall an easy place for you to meet clients and do business. Second, new sessions and schedules recognize one of the most valuable assets of this event is the people you see and meet. With many restaurants in easy walking distance, the venue is perfectly positioned for evenings to host key clients, engage new contacts and interact with biodiesel leaders. We encourage you to consider a sponsorship this year; we have a host of great options to showcase your company or can build one to meet your specific needs.

This event has proven time and again your investment in time and money to make the trip will return value to you and your organization in both dollars and your role in the industry. There is no question this is the biodiesel event of the year, only a question of how you’ll capitalize on the opportunities it presents.

Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conference, NBB

ABFA Opposes Biodiesel Tax Credit Restructure

John Davis October 23, 2015

A move that extends the federal biodiesel and renewable diesel tax credit for two years, but changes its structure, is finding opposition from at least one biofuels group. The Advanced Biofuels Producers Association opposes an amendment by Sens. Charles Grassley and Maria Cantwell, which would extend the $1-per-gallon federal credit, but would convert the credit from one for blenders (those who make biodiesel mixtures) to one for those who produce biodiesel and renewable diesel.

Converting the tax credit to a producer’s tax credit and limiting its availability fails to capture the global market essence of fuels. It increases profits for a limited number of producers; while reducing the overall availability of fuels. Any limits in the supply chain are likely to increase costs for consumers. This amendment also places an unnecessary burden on fuel retailers who have incurred significant costs to purchase and maintain the equipment to dispense blended fuels, another cost likely to be passed on to consumers.

There is also significant concern that the provision will limit the supply of biofuel heating oil into the Northeast this winter. This change, in combination with the poorly designed excise tax system, could lead to consumers paying as much as an additional 24 cents per gallon for their biofuel heating oil this winter. Converting to a production credit will also likely result in a trade violation, a concern acknowledged by Senator Grassley.

With the potential for rising costs to consumers both at the pumps and at home, Michael McAdams, President of the Advanced Biofuels Association, released the following statement in response:

The current blenders’ credit for biofuels creates a competitive market for biodiesel and renewable diesel, which benefits the American consumer. Continuing and extending the original policy allows truckers and consumers to share in the value, it encourages consumer acceptance, and it benefits blenders and those who provide the feedstocks that make these cleaner, better fuels. This amendment destroys these positives, by syphoning the benefits to a small group of producers and punishing everyone else along the supply chain, including consumers. ABFA and its partners believe the current blenders’ credit should be extended in its longstanding form as originally intended.

You can read the group’s letter here.

Biodiesel, Legislation

P&G to Meet Power Demands with 100% Wind

Joanna Schroeder October 22, 2015

Proctor & Gamble (P&G) made an announcement this week when they committed to meet 100 percent of its electricity demands with wind power. The company has developed a partnership with EDF Renewable Energy (EDF RE) that includes the development of a 370,000 MWh wind farm in Cooke County, Texas expected to be online by December 2016. The Tyler Bluff Wind Project will produce enough energy to meet all power demands for their North American Fabric and Home care plants where globally brands including Tide, Gain, Downy, Dawn, Cascade, Febreze and Mr. Clean are manufactured.

The announcement was made in conjunction with P&G’s signing of the American Business Act on Climate Pledge where they pledged to achieve 30 percent renewable energy to power its plants globally by 2020 with a longer-term vision of all facilities being 100 percent renewable energy powered.

Speaking about the project Shailesh Jejurikar, North America Fabric Care President, P&G, said, “I am delighted that our collaboration with EDF RE continues to provide our consumers with their favorite, high performing brands while reducing our environmental footprint. At P&G, when it comes to sustainability, actions speak louder than words and this move is a significant milestone in delivering that promise. It is incredible that the wind farm will generate enough electricity for all our P&G Fabric and Home Care plants; to put that in context: This is enough electricity to wash a million loads of laundry.”

The electricity consumption of the plants makes up about half of their total energy consumption, and this electricity will be exclusively generated by wind power. The plants will continue to use natural gas for process heating and comfort heating during winter.

To celebrate the scale of the collaboration, P&G Fabric & Home Care and EDF RE have constructed a mini-wind farm in Washington DC. The installation is placed on the lawn in front of the Capitol Building and is made up of thousands of spinning pinwheels.

Clean Energy, Climate Change, Electricity, Wind

Funding Secured for Redstone CSP Plant in Africa

Joanna Schroeder October 22, 2015

Funding has been secured for the Redstone Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) project in Northern Cape, South Africa by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). The group has made a $400 million commitment of debt financing for the project, that is part of Secretary John Kerry’s Climate and Clean Energy Investment Forum. The project also supports President Obama’s Power Africa initiative to bring power access to more than 600 million sub-Saharan Africans currently living without power. The CSP facility will be developed by U.S.-based SolarReserve and ACWA Power.

The first of its kind in Africa, the Redstone Solar Thermal Power Project features SolarReserve's world-leading molten salt energy storage technology in a tower configuration with the capability to support South Africa's demand for energy when it's needed most – day and night. The 100 MW project with 12 hours of full-load energy storage will be able to reliably deliver a stable electricity supply to more than 200,000 South African homes during peak demand periods, even well after the sun has set. (PRNewsFoto/SolarReserve)

“The development of the Redstone project will benefit the South African people, the international clean energy sector, and the role of U.S. leadership in emerging market development,” said Elizabeth Littlefield, OPIC’s President and CEO. “It’s impressive that Redstone brings together the innovative U.S. private sector leadership and technology of SolarReserve, the international experience of ACWA and large-scale catalytic financing from OPIC. This sort of change-making partnership is at the heart of President Obama’s Power Africa initiative and creates broad, lasting impact in international development.”

The 100 MW Redstone project will be connected to the South African national grid. The solar plant will Using SolarReserve’s CSP technology, Redstone’s molten salt storage capability will deliver consistent baseload electricity, even after the sun sets. This is a critical development in a country where frequent power outages have been cited as an obstacle to economic growth.

SolarReserve’s CEO Kevin Smith said the project marks an important technology advancement for Africa in clean, renewable power. He also noted that the project’s delivered electricity price is the lowest of any CSP project in the country to date.

Patrick Gaspard, U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, said of the news, “We are excited about the progress forged by OPIC and these private sector leaders on the Redstone project. It’s a priority for South Africa and regional neighbors to diversify their power production beyond traditional energy sources, including a greater share of renewables, efficiency improvements, and energy storage capabilities. The U.S. stands by South Africa as a partner, and working together with agencies like OPIC and great U.S. companies like SolarReserve, we can increase sustainable access to electricity, a foundation linked to overall lasting economic growth.”

Clean Energy, Electricity, International, Solar

Massachusetts Most Energy Efficient US State

Joanna Schroeder October 22, 2015

Massachuesetts has edged out California as the most energy efficient state in the U.S. according to the ninth annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. Several states continue to improve their scores including California, Maryland, Illinois, Texas and Washington D.C. The report is published by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) with support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

ACEEE Executive Director Steve Nadel said of this year’s findings, “As states move to frame their plans under the federal Clean Power Plan this year marks a tipping point for energy efficiency. State policies are increasingly encouraging utilities to invest in cost-effective efficiency, prompting them to adopt new business models that align their interests with those of customers and policymakers. We can see this taking hold in the 20 states that improved their Scorecard rank in 2015. Utilities across the United States invested more than $7 billion in energy efficiency over the past year alone.”

Some key finding of the 2015 State Scorecard include:

The top 10 states for energy efficiency are Massachusetts, California, Vermont, Rhode Island, Oregon, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington, and New York, with Minnesota and Illinois tied for 10^th place. Massachusetts retains the top spot for the fifth consecutive year based on a strong commitment to energy efficiency under its Green Communities Act.
A solid 20 states rose in the State Scorecard rankings. California, a leading state, is also one of the most improved states this year. Maryland, Illinois, the District of Columbia, and Texas also deserve recognition for improvement over the past year.
Overall, 16 states fell in the rankings this year, due to such factors as policy or program rollbacks or failure to keep pace as other states expanded efficiency efforts. The five states most in need of improvement (starting with dead last) are: North Dakota, Wyoming, South Dakota, Louisiana, and Mississippi, although new efficiency programs in Louisiana and Mississippi mean these states may not be in the bottom for much longer. While not in the bottom five states, New Mexico dropped the farthest in 2015, losing four points and falling six positions from 25^th to 31^st in the rankings. This is due in part to the state’s failure to adopt energy building codes beyond the 2009 requirements.

Another key finding: Savings from electricity efficiency programs in 2014 totaled approximately 25.7 million megawatt-hours (MWh), a 5.8% increase over last year. These savings are equivalent to about 0.7% of total retail electricity sales across the nation in 2014. Gas savings for 2014 were reported at 374 million therms (MMTherms), a 35% increase over 2013. Click here to read the full report.

Clean Energy, Electricity, energy efficiency, Solar, Wind

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder October 22, 2015

Sierra Club has launched a statewide advertising campaign in Colorado thanking Senator Michael Bennett for sponsoring the “American Energy Innovation Act,” a bill which makes ambitious yet achievable reductions in carbon pollution, repeals centuries-old oil subsidies, and begins to level the playing field for renewable sources of energy. Senator Bennett was a key sponsor of the bill, and was joined by many of his Independent and Democratic colleagues in championing the legislation.
Novozymes, the world’s largest producer of industrial enzymes, has announced its results for the first nine months 2015. Sales grew by 4% organically and by 14% in DKK compared with 9M 2014. EBIT grew by 15%, and the EBIT margin was 27.7%. Net profit grew by 11%, and free cash flow before acquisitions came in at DKK 2,022 million. In Q3 alone, sales grew by 3% organically and by 11% in DKK compared with Q3 2014.
Stroud Companies and their subsidiaries have completed funding of the Series A Capital Raise for CURB, further diversifying the portfolio of companies and industries in the portfolio. Started in 2012, Austin based CURB is a revolutionary technology and manufacturing company specializing in hardware and software for monitoring and managing energy consumption and solar production in homes and businesses. This technology seamlessly interfaces with other industry-leading Smart Home platforms for intelligent device control.
Sunnova Energy Corporation has announced it secured approximately $300 million in committed debt and equity funding that the company will use to continue growing its position in the residential solar energy service market. The transactions include a conduit facility arranged by Credit Suisse, and an equity financing round led by Triangle Peak Partners, LP. Additional equity investors include business development companies sponsored by Franklin Square Capital Partners LP.

Bioenergy Bytes

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