The global wave and tidal energy market was worth US$25 million in 2013. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 64.1% from 2014 to 2020, eventually reaching a value of US$10.1 billion in 2020. A new research report released by Transparency Market Research, titled “Wave and Tidal Energy Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 – 2020,“ makes this prediction for the global wave and tidal energy market based on comprehensive primary and secondary research.- The 31st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC 2015) will take place from September 14-18, 2015 at the Congress Centre in Hamburg, Germany. The event will cover the entire PV value chain including market challenges and opportunities. The event is jointly organized by EC-JRC, ENEA, ETA-Florence and the EU PV Technology Platform as well as IRENA, and will offer a deep insight into specific topics along the most recent technology, market and business trends.
- The Clean Power Plan (CPP) will have a negative impact on the country’s coal industry, with the potential loss of up to 60 Gigawatts (GW) of coal power capacity by 2020, according to an analyst with research and consulting firm GlobalData. Pavan Vyakaranam, Associate Project Manager covering Power, says that of the 326 GW of current coal power capacity in the country, around 20 GW is expected to retire in the next five years and a further 30-40 GW will find it difficult to meet the emission standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Boralex Inc. has closed financing totalling $64.4 million for the Côte-de-Beaupré community wind farm in partnership with the Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality. The Côte-de-Beaupré wind farm, covered by a 20-year power purchase agreement with Hydro-Québec, is a community wind power project under a partnership between the Côte-de-Beaupré RCM (49%) and Boralex (51%). Ten Enercon E-92 wind turbines are being installed on the private lands of the Seigneurie de Beaupré and commissioning is expected in December 2015.
Tigo Powers Solar-Battery, Off-Grid Home
Tigo Energy along with PV installer Renewable Energy Services (RES) has developed one of the largest residential solar microgrid installations in the world located on the Bakkan Hale property in Hawaii. Earl Bakken, inventor of the first battery-powered pacemaker and founder of Medtronic, is behind the solar-battery project that will be equipped with 176kW ground mounted PV moduels powered by Tigo. The system will be capable of generating 350Mwh per year.
“I want to demonstrate using a solar and battery-powered microgrid is the best solution because it allows us to meet all of our power needs day and night.” said Bakken. “We are attracted to Tigo’s platform in particular because their technology is of the highest quality, which will enable us to generate solar power at the optimal level for many years into the future.”
Tigo powers Bakken Hale ground mounted system (Photo: Business Wire)
Bakken Hale utilizes Tigo’s Smart optimization product, that according to the company, enables customers to monitor their systems at the module-level, deactivate high voltage with a push of a button, and allow for the greatest design flexibility on systems of any size. The technology performs data acquisition via a cloud-connected data logger across new systems and retrofits of all sizes. Tigo-optimized modules work efficiently with battery backup systems, charging from the sun during the day, then discharging during the night.
“We are proud to be the only company capable of servicing a range of inverters and charge controllers for off-grid PV systems,” said Tigo’s chairman and CEO Zvi Alon. “We look forward to continue to increase the number of hybrid PV+Battery systems and working on similar solar-battery projects worldwide.”
Roland Shackelford, Vice President of RES added, “This project was done with the highest level of workmanship and components selected from every nut and bolt, to the use of Tigo. Tigo’s reliability and ability to get the maximum power output from each module is exactly what we were looking for. The per-module monitoring and performance notification capabilities are benefits that ensure that the system is working optimally in the years to come.”
Officials Highlight Need for Stable Energy Policy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released new data showing the cost of wind energy has declined by nearly two-thirds over the last six years according to the report 2014 Wind Technologies Market Report. DOE Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz noted, however, that to keep the momentum going there must be stable energy policy.
“With declining costs and continued technological development, these reports demonstrate that wind power is a reliable source of clean, renewable energy for American homes and businesses,” Secretary Moniz said in a statement. “Through continued investments and the help of stable policies, we’re confident that wind power will keep playing a major role in creating jobs and shaping America’s clean energy future.”
In reaction to the report, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said this success has been driven by performance-based renewable energy tax incentives that drive U.S. manufacturing and American ingenuity. The report finds that since 2009, costs have fallen 65.5 percent. This makes the U.S. the global leader in total wind energy production.
“While this report is good news, extending the Production Tax Credit and Investment Tax Credit remains critical for keeping Americans at work, reducing the cost of wind energy and continuing to scale up this homegrown resource through the end of this decade,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO AWEA. “Wind energy is increasingly cost-competitive in several parts of the U.S., but we need stable, predictable policy to continue bringing this consumer benefit to every corner of the country. Policy stability will keep this American economic success story going.”
There must be, called Kiernan, an extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and said the near-uncertainty in these credits puts investments at risk. The last time the credits were not expanded the U.S. wind energy industry lost nearly 30,000 jobs and caused wind installations to drop 92 percent the following year. Kiernan concludes by noting that Federal policy plays a critical role in the wind industry’s decisions to make long-term investments in U.S. manufacturing facilities, research and development, and worker training to create the modern American wind industry, and thus, the credits must stay in place.
Pearson Fuels to Sell E85 for $.85 in Sacramento
California-based Pearson Fuels will start selling E85 in the Sacramento area. And the company says it will celebrate the event by selling the green fuel for just 85 cents per gallon today between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The event is intended to introduce more members of the public to a fuel that many of their vehicles will burn. The event will be held at the following locations:
Shell 5103 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, CA 95608
Shell 730 29th Street. Sacramento, CA 95816
Shell 3721 Truxel Road, Sacramento, CA 95834
Shell 800 Ikea Court West Sacramento, CA 95691
Oliver Gas 1009 Oliver Road Fairfield, CA 94534
Pearson Fuels General Manager Mike Lewis states, “We are very proud to make this announcement. These five locations in Sacramento, West Sacramento and Fairfield are owned by some of the most progressive fuel station owners in the state. These stations were selling E85 before we made our agreement with them. We are happy to be working with them and helping to recognize and promote their progressive decision to offer something most stations do not. We encourage the public to vote with their dollars to improve the environment and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”
IBISWorld Offers Buying Strategies for Ethanol
The ethanol market can be a pretty volatile place when it comes to pricing. IBISWorld is offering a report on how to identify where volatility exists, not just in ethanol, and how to reduce risks in price instability.
Because of fluctuating key input costs, prices of diesel and ethanol have displayed a high level of price volatility. While diesel and ethanol are both used for fuel, they do not share the same production process because diesel fuel comes from crude oil and ethanol comes primarily from corn…
Meanwhile, the price of corn is estimated to fall 21.7% in 2015, which will play a large part in the 29.2% drop in ethanol prices expected this year. Similar to diesel, ethanol prices are forecast to reverse and then stabilize at mild growth in the coming years.
The fuel market is known for its booms and busts, which can foster a hectic procurement environment. As such, buyers are encouraged to engage in long-term contracts with their fuel suppliers to reduce their exposure to price fluctuations. By locking in favorable rates now while prices are low, buyers can avoid the risk of anticipated prices rises in the future.
More information is available here.
North Dakota Firefighters to Get Ethanol Training
Firefighters in North Dakota will get some training on ethanol safety. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and North Dakota Firefighter’s Association will co-host seven free Ethanol Safety Seminars this month across the state, focusing on numerous areas of ethanol safety to target first responders, hazmat teams, safety managers, and local emergency planning committees, as well as the general public.
Starting Aug. 17, Ethanol Safety Seminars will be held in the following locations:
Aug. 17: Bowman Fire Department in Bowman | 5:30–10 p.m.
Aug. 18: Dickinson Fire Department in Dickinson | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Aug. 18: Richardton Fire Department in Richardton | 5:30–10 p.m.
Aug. 19: Washburn Fire Department in Washburn | 5:30–10 p.m.
Aug. 24: Stutsman County Law Emergency Center in Jamestown | 9 a.m.–2 p.m. & 5:30–10 p.m.
Aug. 26: Hankinson Fire Department in Hankinson | 5:30–10 p.m.
Aug. 27: Larimore Fire Department in Larimore | 5:30–10 p.m.
The goal of these seminars is for attendees to gain a complete ethanol emergency response training experience that they can put to use immediately in the field and pass along to other first response teams. A majority of this training is based on the “Training Guide to Ethanol Emergency Response,” a training package created by the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) that has been distributed throughout the United States and to several countries worldwide. These seminars are funded through a grant from the Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
“The North Dakota Firefighter’s Association is honored to partner with the Renewable Fuels Association to provide the Ethanol Safety Seminars to seven different locations throughout North Dakota,” said Renee Loh, executive director of the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association. “NDFA is grateful that this training can be offered to the first responders of North Dakota! We encourage all first responders to register for this important class.”
RFA officials say it is important that communities have the know-how to respond to ethanol emergencies quickly and effectively. Incidents are rare, but should they occur, these seminars will give first responders the necessary training they need to keep the public safe.
To register for a session, go to www.rfa.traincaster.com.
Iowa State Fair to Host Prez Soapbox
Iowa State Fair visitors have an opportunity to see what presidential candidates think about energy and agricultural issues compliments of the Des Moines Register’s Presidential Soapbox series.
A majority of the presidential candidates from both parties have confirmed they will speak from the soapbox during the fair. A total of 14 Republicans and four Democrats are on the soapbox schedule starting Thursday August 13 through Saturday August 22. Notably missing from the list are the frontrunners for both parties – Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Check the schedule from the Des Moines Register for updates. Candidate speeches will be live-streamed at DesMoinesRegister.com/SoapboxLive. The ZimmComm blogging team will be following the Presidential Soapbox series as well and bring you news of relevant issues.
Need Biomass? There’s an App for That
Genera Energy has developed a biomass app to use as a crop planning and learning tool for biomass farmers and landowners. The Biomass app has multiple features including a biomass crop library complete with detailed information, photos and range maps for the most utilized biomass crops in the U.S., along with the ability to overlap crop ranges in a live, interactive map function.
“We are very pleased with the Biomass app’s features,” said Sam Jackson, vice president of business development for Genera Energy, Inc. “The information that the app is built on is the result of years of research and development in the biofuels management industry.”
According to the company, another key function, is a multi-function biomass calculator that helps the user determine how much biomass they’ll need for their specific situation, including conversion technology, conversion rate, and location. The results can then be emailed to the user. People wishing to convert biomass to biofuels, biochemical, bioproducts, or biopower, the app will provide realistic projections and crop suggestions based on actual, in-the-field studies and crop outcomes.
Jackson added, “Probably the most important aspect in developing the app was working directly with biomass producers, project developers, and policy makers across the different aspects of the industry. This helped us to develop an app specifically targeted to what users actually needed and wanted.”
The free version of the app is available for both Apple- and Android-based devices. Visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store from your phone to download.
MN Soy Helps Bring Bioheat Awareness to Midwest
Bill Zurn is a farmer from Minnesota who grows soybeans, corns and sugar beets. Last fall he had a chance to go out to the bioheat tour in New York City where they explained why they use Bioheat, a biodiesel blended oil commonly used for heating homes and buildings in the northeast. He said the port authority is also a user of biodiesel in their vehicles.
Zurn said they realized they should invite the group to Minnesota so they could visit some biodiesel plants and soybean farms and learn about how the state makes the biodiesel that is ultimately blended into fuel and Bioheat. This event is the Biodiesel and Bioheat Forum, sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.
While, Zurn noted the Midwest is not a big user of the heating oil due to lack of concentration in homes, the demand in the northeast continues to grow and he and other growers in Minnesota and helping to meet that demand.
The event is taking place August 19, 2015 in Mankato, Minnesota. Event panelists include: Paul Nazzaro- President of the Nazzaro Group, he represents organizations pursuing commercial market acceptance for their specific fuels; John Huber- President of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA); and Michael C. Trunzo- President of Northeast Public Affairs, LLC., a government affairs, lobbying and association management firm.
Registration is still open. To learn more about the event listen to Chuck Zimmerman’s interview with Bill Zurn: 
Bill Zurn Talks Biodiesel & Bioheat Forum
BioEnergy Bytes
- ScottMadden, Inc., has recently published “The Electric Vehicle Market: Utility Perspective and Considerations for Utility Infrastructure Deployment.” This report is designed to help utilities who are considering the initial launch or expansion of their electric transportation program with Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) infrastructure and other market support offerings.
- Wisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner has introduced legislation that requires the Environmental Protection Agency to limit the volume of cellulosic biofuel to be blended into the nation’s fuel supply to what is commercially available until a comprehensive study from the National Academy of Sciences is completed.
- On August 6th, the U.S. and Indonesia conducted a workshop with regulatory, financial, and technical experts, as well as high-level government officials, to advance geothermal development in Indonesia. The country’s plan to increase collaborations and explore opportunities over the coming weeks and months to accelerate private investment. Experts explored world-class approaches to reduce risks associated with geothermal development, to increase the efficiency of government processes and to create the financial certainty necessary to increase overall levels of geothermal energy investment.
- Gratt Industria de Maquinas has proposed an experimental plant for production of ethanol using sweet potato crops. The facility would produce nearly 5,000 litres of ethanol and would be sold to fuel distributors, electric utilities, and the government with waste to used as animal feed. If approved, the plant could begin operations within 12 months.