Canadian Biodiesel Brewer Makes Cold Weather Fuel

John Davis

atlanticbiodieselA Canadian biodiesel maker is celebrating the production of its high quality biodiesel suitable for cold weather. The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) congratulated its member Atlantic Biodiesel on its “first pour” of the fuel coming less than four months after opening its state-of-the-art renewable fuel facility in Welland, Ontario.

“Atlantic Biodiesel’s first pour represents the collaboration, commitment and hard work that drives Canada’s biofuels industry,” said Jim Grey, Chairman of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA). “The industry produces well over two billion litres of fuel a year; generates gross economic benefits of nearly four billion dollars; and has delivered more than 14,000 direct and indirect jobs in Canada since 2007. Atlantic Biodiesel’s work has come to fruition, and brought approximately 25 direct jobs and significant indirect business to the Welland area.”

Atlantic Biodiesel’s facility is one of the largest in North America and produces 170 million litres of renewable, clean-burning biodiesel and 15 million litres of high-grade glycerin per year. For more information, visit www.atlanticbiodiesel.com.

The contributions of the renewable fuels industry are recognized by governments and various political parties. Alongside Atlantic Biodiesel’s ‘first pour’ event, NDP candidate and incumbent for Niagara Centre and NDP Critic for Agriculture, Malcolm Allen, announced that he and his party are committed to pushing for an increase in the national biodiesel mandate from where it currently sits at two percent: “Investing in renewables is a good idea and this is something governments should turn their focus to. Companies like Atlantic Biodiesel are creating the type of manufacturing jobs Niagara needs.”

CRFA wants Canada’s federal renewable diesel mandate to reach 5 percent by 2020.

Biodiesel

New Holland Hero Growing for Energy

Joanna Schroeder

This year during the Expo Milano New Holland announced its “heros” as part of its “Seeds of Life Series“. One such hero was Brazilian Victor Campenelli, who grows 37,000 acres of corn and sugarcane and also has a cattle operation in Southern Brazil. Looking in to the future, Victor is looking forward to building a power plant utilizing cane straw.

brazil-victorHe works as part of his family business dating back to 1982. Since 2002 their main crops are sugarcane, cattle and corn. He was proud to be a winner because he feels that it helps farmers in his country gain more respect for the work they do to feed, fuel and power the country.

Victor also noted that one thing Brazil hasn’t really capitalized is producing power from biomass. They have completed a project where the plant is able to produce 30 MW per hour and about 240,000 MW per year just using cane straw, a material he said is like trash, its just left behind on the field. He added that it’s good for the land because they only take a portion of the biomass from the field and the remaining cane straw puts organic matter back in the soil and protects from erosion.

There are plans to develop additional power plants using cane straw.

Listen to Cindy interview with Victor Campenelli here: New Holland Hero Victor Campanelli from Brazil

2015 New Holland Heroes & Bloggers Days

Agribusiness, bioenergy, biomass, Brazil, Electricity, New Holland

Alliant Launches Solar Demonstration Project

Joanna Schroeder

Alliant Energy is launching a solar demonstration project at its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. As part of the initiative, Telefonix, Inc. installed 13 L2 PowerPost electric vehicle charging stations.

The goal of the program is to evaluate solar technologies in climates with varying weather including extreme cold. Alliant is planning on installing more than three dozen unique renewable energy features over the next few years.  In phase one the company will install solar power canopies over 50 parking spaces, solar café tables, and over 1,000 solar panels from multiple manufacturers with 11 different types of panels being used. The 13 PowerPost EV Charging Stations are being powered by the building, but the solar energy generated will offset total building consumption.

L2 PowerPost(TM) EV charger (PRNewsFoto/Telefonix Inc.)

L2 PowerPost(TM) EV charger (PRNewsFoto/ Telefonix Inc.)

“As a Midwest company ourselves, we are excited to see other organizations taking the lead in these types of research initiatives that will be critical in the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in the coming years,” said Bill Williams, business development manager at Telefonix Inc. “Alliant Energy’s solar lab will help answer a lot of questions about solar energy in the Midwest and help move forth renewable energy as a whole.”

As part of the testing, solar energy features will be located in various areas and positioned in multiple angles an elevations. The learnings will inform Allliant Energy on how best to optimize solar energy in the Midwest.  A unique interface available both onsite and on the internet will allow anyone to view real-time performance data of the solar lab.

“We are excited about this innovative demonstration project and view it as a learning laboratory for research that our customers can view on a regular basis,” added John Larsen, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin utility. “This multi-year effort will enable our company and our customers to discover the many ways solar energy and renewable technology can be used in a Wisconsin setting.”

 

Clean Energy, Electric Vehicles, Electricity, Solar

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) announced the recipients of the 2015 CanWEA Awards at the October 7th banquet closing its 31st Annual Conference and Exhibition in Toronto. “Canada is now the world’s seventh largest wind energy market and is consistently in the top 10 for new investment on an annual basis. Our industry’s rapid growth would not be possible without the visionary leaders and dedicated supporters who have worked hard to the benefit of us all,” said CanWEA president Robert Hornung. “Honouring their contributions is one of the highlights of our annual gathering.” Click here for the list of winners.
  • Mortenson Construction has begun construction on the Grande Prairie Wind Project located in Holt County, Nebraska. Owned by BHE Renewables, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, the 400 MW project will be the largest wind energy project in the state’s history. Mortenson’s scope of work will include the erection of 200 Vestas V110 turbines and the engineering, procurement and construction of foundations, access roads, underground collection systems, two substations and a transmission line.
  • Pick My Solar has been chosen as a semifinalist in the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s “One in a Million” pitch competition for startup entrepreneurs. Pick My Solar is the online marketplace for the solar industry, connecting solar customers with solar companies through a competitive bidding platform. The company is among 15 startups from nine states ranging from Oregon to Florida. The semifinalists will travel to the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City during Global Entrepreneurship Week for the chance to become one of five finalists who will compete in a livestreamed event on Nov. 18, 2015.
  • ABS Group has issued its certification of the design basis for Ocean Resource Ltd’s innovative Sea Breeze Gravity ”float-out-and-sink” offshore wind turbine foundation system. ABS Group issued its certification in accordance with the relevant standards, including IEC 61400 and the ABS Guide for Bottom-founded Offshore Wind Turbine Installations published by ABS Group’s parent organization, American Bureau of Shipping.
Bioenergy Bytes

Michigan Consumers Could Save Millions with Wind

Joanna Schroeder

“A wind vision for new growth in Michigan,” finds Michigan energy consumers could save millions of dollars while Michigan farmers could reap millions in land lease payments by building new wind farms. The new report was released today by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and the Wind Energy Foundation (WEF) who held a roundtable discussion at Macomb Community College where students are learning skills that will enable them to secure well-paying jobs in the renewable energy industry. Of special interest is the finding that building a robust wind energy industry in the state can in particular revitalize add new wind manufacturing jobs to Michigan’s economy.

A Wind Vision for New Growth in Michigan“With stable policy we can grow wind energy and we can save Michigan homeowners and businesses over $3.59 billion dollars,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “Because of American ingenuity, wind energy’s costs have dropped by 66 percent in just the last six years and by continuing to invest in wind over a billion dollars in savings can be passed onto consumers in Michigan and across the Great Lakes region.”

The data in the report came from calculations made using the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2015 Wind Vision report. The new data finds that wind energy can supply ample electricity to power more than 710,000 homes while adding more than $11.6 million dollars in annual property tax revenue. In addition, Michigan landowners would be paid by wind farm owners an additional $7.6 million in lease payments a year by 2030.

“Michigan’s previous renewable energy policies have put the state on a path for success,” said Beth Soholt, Executive Director of Wind on the Wires. “Public policies that encourage the development of more wind energy are a win-win. Local economies will grow from the jobs and economic development that come from new wind energy projects, and consumers will benefit from the clean, renewable, and low-cost energy wind can provide.”Read More

Clean Energy, Electricity, Renewable Energy, Wind

How Will TPP Impact US Agriculture

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Where or how do you hunt?”

I won’t lie. I was a bit surprised we had so many non-hunters out there. I personally don’t hunt, but have many friends and family that do. I don’t hunt simply because I don’t think I could actually sit still and quiet long enough to not scare away my target. But those that do hunt seem to focus their efforts on their own property. You may not know this, but Chuck is an avid hunter. If you have time to kill just ask him about Crystal Pig Hunt Club.

Here are the poll results:

  • Own property – 33%
  • Private property – 14%
  • Public property – 0%
  • Organized hunt – 0%
  • Don’t hunt – 53%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, Is TPP good for US agriculture?

Trade talks in Atlanta are a wrap, but we will continue to talk about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and it’s impact on agriculture. And it seems like everyone has something to say about the agreement. What do you have to say? Is it good for all of agriculture, parts or bad news for everyone?

ZimmPoll

NASCAR Drives toward Championship on Ethanol

John Davis

austindillon1It’s a big time of the year for race fans as NASCAR heads into the second round of it’s championship series this weekend. And this news article from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says American Ethanol is fueling that drive to the championship.

With E15 American Ethanol featured on the side of every car and on the start/re-start green flag, few sponsors in the sport have this broad exposure. It’s a great place to be to show millions of fans that E15 works.

Only 12 drivers remain eligible and have a shot at winning the Sprint Cup trophy entering the Bank of America 500, which airs at 6 p.m. CT Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Like the other 32 drivers rounding out the field who are not Chase eligible, American Ethanol driver Austin Dillon continues to drive for his first win of the season.

Dillon, one of the hottest young drivers in the sport, has championships in the Camping World Truck Series and the Xfinity Series. As he closes in on the end of his second Sprint season he is driving to hone his skills and for pride.

Check your local radio and TV listings to follow all the action fueled by American Ethanol.

American Ethanol, Ethanol, NASCAR, NCGA

Scania Greenlights Renewable Diesel in Trucks

John Davis

scania truck1European truck maker Scania has approved hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for use in its Euro 6 range of trucks. This news release from the company says the green fuel can cut carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent.

Örjan Åslund is Head of Product Affairs at Scania. “We have decided to give our blessing to the use of HVO biodiesel in our diesel vehicles,” he says. “Scania is the leading manufacturer when it comes to offering power trains for alternatives fuels, and we have considerable experience with the practical side of driving using HVO. It’s an alternative fuel that has relatively few disadvantages when compared to diesel, while also offering a large reduction in CO2emissions.”

Earlier this year, Scania approved HVO for use in all types of Euro 5 vehicles and all types of operations. In cooperation with customers, the company also initiated a field test in Sweden involving some 100 trucks with Euro 6 engines.

“Thanks to the certification and our own decision, all Scania hauliers with Euro 6 engines can use HVO, including in buses,” says Åslund. “I know that interest is very high. The challenge for most operators will be in getting access to HVO, as both production and distribution facilities are still limited.”

Biodiesel, renewable diesel

White Paper Released on Farm Income and the RFS

Cindy Zimmerman

Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the National Farmers Union (NFU) jointly released a new white paper Thursday on how the EPA’s proposed rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is threatening farm income and rural economies across the United States.

ncga-smallerThe paper cites the latest USDA data on net cash income for American farmers and ranchers, which is forecast to decline by 26 percent in 2015 from peak levels in 2013, as proof that the EPA proposal is impacting the farm economy. “That devastating forecast is worse than originally projected, and it represents the lowest farm income levels in nearly a decade, and it could get worse,” says the paper.

“There are factors other than the RFS,” said NCGA president Chip Bowling of Maryland. “(But) it has changed the basis, the price received for our corn, it has changed the way we’re buying equipment … most of that is due to the uncertainty in the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

nfu_logo2EPA is expected to release the final rule at the end of November and NFU president Roger Johnson says they have heard nothing to indicate they will change that time line. “They agreed to that in the court order,” said Johnson. “It’s hard to say what to expect from them.”

Johnson stressed that the so-called blend wall should not be included in any determination for volume requirements under the RFS. “When the RFS was put in place it was never intended that it would stop at ten percent,” he said. “It was always the intent that it would go way beyond ten percent.”

Bowling says corn growers have responded to the demand for more corn to produce ethanol and another record crop is expected this year. “We’re still expecting yields of 162 bushels per acre at minimum,” said Bowling. “We have carry over that’s growing and without a strong Renewable Fuel Standard demand for corn is going to decrease.”

Listen to the announcement from NCGA and NFU here: Press call on RFS/farm income white paper

Audio, corn, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA, NFU, RFS

CoBank Report – Ethanol Industry Rebalanced

Joanna Schroeder

The ethanol industry has rebalanced in 2015 following 18 months of record earnings. As energy prices collapsed late in 2014, so did ethanol prices and plant margins. The report from CoBank, “Ethanol Industry Reblanaces,” has found that ethanol’s supply and demand has remained well balanced, and producers have maintained positive earnings. Looking into 2016, the report finds plant operators will face dueling positive and negative shifts in the market that are likely to result in lean, yet positive margins.

CoBank logo“With corn prices expected to remain relatively static, it will be the prices of distillers grains and ethanol that determine the direction of earnings,” explained Dan Kowalski, the report’s author, and director of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division. “Ethanol profitability will largely hinge on two key factors: the volatility of energy prices and the industry’s ability to maintain strong export sales. The report also points to the importance of sustained discipline in growing production capacity and output.”

Kowalski continued, “The industry will see little growth in domestic sales as a result of improving fuel efficiency in the nation’s vehicles and changes to the EPA’s renewable fuels blending mandate. The EPA’s proposed alteration to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) is expected to be approved later this year, and will set a floor beneath the current 10 percent blending level. However, the new policy will not incentivize retailers to sell higher ethanol-blended fuels.”

The report finds that the potential for increased export sales will help to counterbalance the domestic picture. Brazil has increased its domestic blending rate to 27 percent. This has reduced its export ability and opened the door to U.S. producers.

The report cautions foreign markets also pose a risk to ethanol producers. China, which currently imports 60 percent of U.S. distillers grains, is expected to change its grain policies to discourage the import of corn-alternative feed grains. These changes could significantly impact producers’ bottom lines.

biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFS