Dems Webb & O’Malley Take the Soapbox

Joanna Schroeder August 14, 2015

Democratic hopeful presidential candidates Jim Webb and Martin O’Malley both appeared on the Des Moines Register’s Presidential Soapbox yesterday afternoon speaking to hundreds of Iowans attending the Iowa State Fair. They have some fundamental issues in common, including both the need for better education and to bring the American dream, aka the economy, back to Americans. While Webb’s plans to do so were a bit more fluid, O’Malley pitched his 15 point plan to American prosperity. This includes tackling climate change and fostering global sustainably development.

In terms of energy Jim Webb supports agriculture and renewable energy. He supports the pipeline and says that reports show environmentally the pipeline is neutral. He said he supports an “all above” energy strategy and that includes nuclear energy. He noted America has the safest, best managed nuclear program in the world and it is “totally” clean.

When asked if he supported the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) he replied that he supported renewable energy. He said Iowa is the perfect example of a place where it can work. He has visited a wind farm and an ethanol plant and said he was impressed with the technological advancements seen in the ethanol industry.

To learn more about why Jim Webb wants to be our next president listen to his speech here: Jim Webb at the Iowa State Fair

During the question and answer portion of the speech, O’Malley was asked about renewable energy, in particular the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan. He advocates for a clean energy grid by 2050 that he says will be “just in the nick of time”. He noted that in Iowa, 30 percent of electricity not only comes from wind energy, but highlighted the fact that multiple wind turbine components are manufactured in the state as well. He touted Hawaii’s goal of 100 percent renewable electricity and California’s 50 percent goal.

O’Malley also stressed that Renewable Energy Portfolios (REPs/RES) and the RFS should not only stay in place, but they should be expanded. He stressed that these are the drivers of American ingenuity in technology development and the next generation of clean energy technologies.

To learn more about why Martin O’Malley wants to be our next president listen to his speech here: Martin O'Malley at the Iowa State Fair

Agribusiness, Audio, biofuels, Clean Energy, Ethanol, Iowa State Fair, Nuclear Energy, Renewable Electricty Standard (RES), RFS, Wind

East Kansas Agri-Energy Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Joanna Schroeder August 14, 2015

East Kansas Agri-Energy (EKAE) is celebrating its 10th anniversary of operations. The Garnett, Kansas ethanol biorefinery is hosting an event on Saturday, August 15th and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) will be onsite to share in the plant’s success along with government and industry officials and featuring a keynote speech from Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan). Attendees can also tour the facility.

Since opening in 2005, EKAE has produced and sold more than 376 million gallons of ethanol, more than 2 million tons of wet and dried distillers grains animal feed, and nearly 35 million pounds of corn distillers oil. The plant has processed more than 137 million bushels of corn since opening, creating an important new market for local farmers and adding value to East Kansas crops.

Following a plant expansion, EKAE can now produce 48 million gallons of ethanol each year. Construction is also underway for a co-located renewable diesel facility that will convert corn distillers oil into low-carbon advanced biofuel. Other accomplishments include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifying the ethanol plant as an efficient producer. The EPA determined that the plant’s corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 27.2 percent as compared to petroleum even when the elusive “land use change” calculations are included.

“We’ve come a long way since that first gallon of ethanol in 2005. What started as an idea at a local coffee shop is now a multi-million dollar advanced biofuel refinery,” said EKAE Chairman Bill Pracht. “Our company has evolved to become a leading driver of economic growth in our community, and we’re very proud of that fact. Once our renewable diesel project launches, we will employ more than 50 hard-working men and women at our facility. We’re also proud of our safety record and the fact that we have had no lost-time accidents since day one.”

“The entire EKAE family should be congratulated for this remarkable achievement,” noted RFA Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper. “The EKAE facility has made an indelible mark on the Garnett community, and for that the company’s board, staff, and investors should be very proud. But they should also be proud of the fact that the positive impacts of this plant—including lower gas prices, reduced dependence on foreign oil, and cleaner air—extend well past the borders of Anderson County.”

Jeff Oestmann, EKAE President and CEO, explained that the ethanol plant has experienced a tremendous level of success in an industry that is often known for its unpredictability. “East Kansas Agri-Energy has had an unquestionably positive economic impact on Garnett, helping to revitalize the community by creating demand for local producers and saving consumers cash at the pump.”Read More

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News

POET Shows Economic Impact of Its Ethanol

John Davis August 14, 2015

Ethanol made by POET is big in U.S. economic growth, cutting dependence on foreign oil, and reducing greenhouse gases. The South Dakota-based ethanol maker has released its first-ever economic impact study that shows the company made significant contributions, including:

– Generating a total of $13.5 billion in sales for U.S. businesses;
– Adding $5.4 billion in national gross domestic product;
– Supporting an estimated 39,978 full time jobs; and
– Contributing $3.1 billion in income for American families.

The report further details POET’s contribution to the economic prosperity in each of the seven states where it operates – South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. POET, which is headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., operates a total of 27 dry mill corn ethanol plants with an annual capacity of 1.7 billion gallons – more than 11 percent of the total U.S. ethanol output.

“Ethanol provides us the means to produce our own clean fuel and keep the enormous economic benefits within America’s borders,” POET CEO Jeff Lautt said. “The impact flows from the plants to farmers, communities, throughout the states in which they operate and across the nation.”

In addition, the report cites POET’s impact on reducing foreign oil dependence. According to the study, POET’s production of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol displaces nearly 1.2 billion gallons of gasoline, which requires 61 million barrels of crude oil to produce. This displacement potentially reduces the outflow of money to foreign producers of oil by nearly $5.5 billion.

The use of POET ethanol also reduces greenhouse gas emissions relative to gasoline. Burning a gallon of ethanol opposed to gasoline results in a 35 percent reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Reflecting this, the production of 1.7 billion gallons of POET ethanol cuts CO2 emissions by approximately 874,000 metric tons.

The full report is available here.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, POET

Ethanol-Ready Dispensers Offered at 0% Interest

John Davis August 14, 2015

Fuel retailers will have an easier path to being able to offer ethanol. Patriot Capital Corporation and Protec Fuel have teamed up to offer 0 percent financing for retailers who install dispensing equipment for E15, E85 and higher ethanol fuel blends.

The rate – available on terms of up to 60 months – is available to qualified retailers who install dedicated dispensing equipment and sign a supply agreement with Protec, a leader in turnkey ethanol solutions. Protec works closely with its C-store and fuel-marketing clients to manage and implement a complete alternative fuel solution, with services that include:

– Equipment expertise in E15, mid-level blends and E85 systems, dispensers and stations.
– Project-management or co-management of infrastructure installations, storage tank conversions or installs.
– Assistance with permit applications and filings.
– Station site promotion, target marketing, and advertisement.

“Protec has developed a solid reputation for providing C-store operators with an expanded range of fuel options, ranging from E15 to E85,” said Chris Santy, managing director, Patriot Capital Corporation. “We are excited about expanding our partnership with Protec Fuel. This partnership would include financing options for dispensers, price signs, underground storage tanks and other equipment work that will support the expansion of alternative fuels.”

“Patriot Capital Corporation is well regarded as the industry’s leader in providing financing to the fueling industry,” said Todd Garner, managing member and CEO of Protec Fuel. “We are excited to expand upon the expertise that Patriot has in providing hassle free financing to our customers. This will enable Protec to achieve our mission of broadening the footprint of ethanol availability for consumers and commercial fleets.”

Ethanol, Ethanol News

Mike Huckabee on the Soapbox

Joanna Schroeder August 13, 2015

Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas (the state of the Clinton’s), took the soapbox this morning as the kick-off candidate of the Des Moines Register’s Presidential Soapbox series taking place during the Iowa State Fair. He was the winner of Iowa’s 2008 Republican Caucuses. Now back to the Clintons for a moment. Huckabee worked and fought and campaigned against them for many years and said he won, then noted, “I hear Hillary Clinton could not come. She will email in her appearances”.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee addresses the crowds on the Presidential Soapbox during the Iowa State Fair.

Since this is a site about alternative energy, I will be focusing my reporting on his views (and other candidates as well) on this issue. However, I will throw in some of his campaign platform issues as well.

For Huckabee, these are getting America back on a solid economic, security and moral ground. Through his “fair tax” he wants to bring manufacturing jobs back home and enable companies to build the products that are created in our own country competitively. He wants our military to be so strong, “nobody around the globe ever wants to pick a fight with us’. He wants to dismantle the IRS and bring frugal spending back to Congress. He noted, “We spend our campaign money like you wish the government spent your tax money. We try to be frugal.”

In terms of the biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), he said he is a big supporter. Why? Because our government made a promise to the farmers and those in the biofuels industry. “The government came to American farmers and asked them to engage in a process,” said Huckabee. To pull out disrupts an economy. He said the government made a promise to farmers and the renewable fuel industry and pulling out “just messed up people who trusted their government”. He feels the same about how veterans and those on social security and Medicaid are also being treated.

In closing, Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey encourages everyone, including presidential candidates, to #GetYourAgOn at the Iowa State Fair.

To learn more about why Mike Huckabee wants to be our next president listen to his speech here: Mike Huckabee at the Iowa State Fair

Agribusiness, Audio, biofuels, Iowa State Fair, politics, RFS

‘George Washington’ Warms up Iowa State Fairgoers

Joanna Schroeder August 13, 2015

George Washington as portrayed by Ron Carnegie speaks with Iowa State Fair crowd about the ideal candidate for the next presidency.

President George Washington took the the Presidential Soapbox this morning on the first day of the Iowa State Fair where he stressed that America ‘must put behind us matters that divide us and brace matters that bind us together’. Portrayed by Ron Carnegie, his rousing speech kicked off the Des Moines Register’s Presidential Soapbox series. All presidential candidates but Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are set to take the soapbox beginning today through Saturday August 22nd. However, there are unconfirmed rumors that the two will in fact be attending the Iowa State Fair (see schedule here).

Washington said there were several key areas that should be considered when choosing his replacement (aka candidate) including the nation must have a sacred regard for public justice and an elected representative should not being saying yes when he/she should be saying no. He noted that the young generation will soon be running this country, and America must make good on its promises.

When asked if he supported one candidate, Washington replied, “I have no intention of speaking in favor of any candidate. Influence is not good government. The greatest requirement is the approbation of the people of our country. That’s the candidate that should be elected president.”

Another nifty nugget of advice: national credit must always be preserved. Avoid spending unnecessarily.

So which candidate(s) meet our nation’s first president’s merits? That’s for Americans to decide. To stick with “fair” language, we’ll be bringing you tasty tidbits from each candidates over the next 10 days. The Des Moines Register is livestreaming all candidates and you can access all their news coverage here.

Iowa State Fair, politics

Who’s Your GOP Candidate Today?

Jamie Johansen August 13, 2015

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What brings you to the county, regional or state fair?”

People all across the country are flocking to their local, regional and/or state fairs. It looks like tradition topped out lasted poll as to why many attend. But exhibiting livestock and a fair corn dog were runners up. Whatever your reasoning for going, we can all agree fairs are all centered around agriculture.

Here are the poll results:

Food – 18%
Exhibit livestock – 22%
Carnival – 0%
Just the experience – 17%
Tradition – 35%
Concerts – 4%
Other – 4%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, Who’s your pick now for GOP candidate?

The Republican field for president is crowded but since the debate on Fox some are starting to stand out. This week most of them will be on the soapbox at the Iowa State Fair. Who stands out for you at this time?

ZimmPoll

The Quest for a Sustainable Highway

Joanna Schroeder August 13, 2015

The Mission Zero Corridor Project in Troup County West Georgia is trying to build a ‘green highway’. The travel corridor would, according to Innovia Technology, who has been commissioned for the project, rethink the purpose and function of infrastructure to generate social, environmental and economic value.

Some of the technologies being looked at for the project include algae biodiesel gas stations, smart solar-powered roads, moon-cycle adjusting lights, wildlife bridges, driverless cars, electric-car charging lanes and cultural greenways.

“Worldwide the highway infrastructure is continuously maintained, rebuilt and expanded at considerable economic and environmental cost. The Mission Zero Corridor Project is proposing an alternative future where highways have a positive impact on our communities. It’s very exciting to be involved in making this vision a reality,” said Alastair MacGregor, CEO of Innovia Technology, of the challenge ahead.

The late Ray C. Anderson, founder of Interface, Inc. developed the Mission Zero framework to eliminate Interface’s environmental impact while maintaining productivity and still turning a profit. The aim was a promise to “eliminate any negative impacts the company may have on the environment by 2020” and the framework created a blueprint for business sustainability. As a memorial, the Ray C Anderson Foundation is using a 16 mile stretch of Interstate 85 as the living experiment of the “regenerative, restorative and sustainable highway”.

To get the project started the Foundation and Interface funded a vision study through The Georgia Conservancy’s Blueprints for Successful Communities program. Using Interface’s Mission Zero framework as a roadmap, graduate students in the School of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology, with studio instruction from a team of architects from Perkins+Will in Atlanta, explored how a highway could be a tool of change. The outcome was an inspirational report that identifies a broad range of potential technologies and opportunities. Innovia’s role is to provide a creative exploration of new opportunities, evaluate the technologies for viability and scalability, and to propose a strategy to bring the vision to life.

advanced biofuels, algae, Alternative energy, Biodiesel, Climate Change, Electric Vehicles, Environment, Solar

Propel Offers Renewable Diesel HPR

Joanna Schroeder August 13, 2015

Drivers in Southern California now have a new way to fuel up: Diesel HPR (High Performance Renewable). A more renewable fuel choice for diesel vehicles, the fuel is produced by Neste and called NEXBTL renewable diesel; however, it is being branded at the pump by Propel Fuels as Diesel HPR. The fuel meets all petroleum diesel specifications and can be used in any diesel engine and lowers toxic air emissions nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PM 2.5) as compare to petroleum-based diesel.

“Drivers across Southern California can now experience the power, performance and value of Diesel HPR, while making a positive impact on the air quality of the region,” said Rob Elam, CEO of Propel. “Any diesel vehicle can fill with Diesel HPR since it meets the ASTM D-975 quality standard for petroleum diesel.”

In addition to the 13 retail locations, Propel is able to deliver the fuel in bulk to businesses and agencies, Propel’s HPR is bundled with the company’s patented CleanDrive emissions accounting software, allowing fleets to easily quantify and report GHG reductions and air quality benefits.

“It’s good to see this high quality, low-carbon diesel coming to corner gas stations across Southern California,” said Mary D. Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board. “This renewable diesel will now be conveniently located for all consumers, and joins a growing suite of new, cleaner transportation fuels in California thanks to our Low Carbon Fuel Standard and forward thinking companies like Propel.”

Diesel HPR made its North American debut in March 2015 at 18 Propel stations across Northern California, where the company has seen very strong consumer response. In HPR’s first three months of sales, Propel has seen a 300% increase in gallons sold compared to its former biodiesel product (B20). Propel customers have also provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the fuel, validating HPR’s performance and value to drivers.

“We congratulate Propel Fuels on their initiative to introduce Diesel HPR to consumers in California and are excited to be their supplier of choice with our NEXBTL renewable diesel,” added Kaisa Hietala, Neste’s executive vice president of Renewable Products Business Area. “NEXBTL renewable diesel reduces emissions as well as enhances engine performance leading to lower maintenance and service costs.”

Locations, directions and real time pricing can be found on Propel’s mobile app available in the Android and Apple app stores. A complete list of locations is also available at dieselhpr.com/locations.

renewable diesel, Retailers

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder August 13, 2015

Key issues surrounding the deployment of energy storage and its participation in U.S. electricity markets are examined in a new report by Clean Energy Group, “Energy Storage and Electricity Markets: The value of storage to the power system and the importance of electricity markets in energy storage economics”. The report analyzes electricity markets where structures have been implemented to compensate energy storage services adequately enough to encourage increased deployment.
Equitable Origin (EO) is expanding its social and environmental standards and certifications into renewable energy projects. The EO100 Standard is a voluntary standard for responsible practices. The standards identify local impacts on people and the environment of energy projects and then caution developers that the impacts must be accounted for and mitigated. The process will help remove potential barriers to renewable energy development at the local level.
The Green Transportation Summit & Expo is taking place August 19-20, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The event will offer attendees and the media a chance to drive over 30 alternative fuel vehicles, from a natural gas tractor-trailer to an all-electric Nissan Leaf at Bandimere Speedway. This location will provide the opportunity to test the vehicle’s capabilities in a performance environment.
The Microgrid Global Innovation Forum 2015, September 16-17, in Barcelona, Spain, will bring together energy professionals from around the world who are working to refine the buisness model and maximize system performance of hybrid renewable energy systems in remote, island, off-grid, and grid-connected scenarios. Total identified microgrid capacity has grown from 4,393 MW in the 2nd Quarter 2014 to more than 12,000 MW today, according to Navigant Research. Microgrids are poised to play a significant role in furthering the resiliency of the grid and enabling the widespread adoption of renewable, distributed energy resources in both urban and rural environments.

Bioenergy Bytes

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