Biofuels Digest is hosting a free webinar on September 30, 2015 at 12:00 pm ET. Bioenergy University: A Training to Fuel Success is sponsored by Novozymes and will inform attendees how their Bioenergy University helps plant employees: build deeper process and product understanding; increase awareness of plant processes and procedures; develop and refine plant best practices; and improve process consistency. Register here.- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has awarded nine grants to help reduce energy costs for residents in remote rural areas where the cost of producing electricity is extremely high. USDA is providing $7.9 million through the High Energy Cost Grant program, which is administered by USDA’s Rural Utilities Service. Vilsack also noted that energy conservation, through programs like this, helps improve the environment by reducing carbon emissions and the use of fossil fuels.
- Atlantic Wind & Solar has commenced construction on another 320 KW solar PV plant in Ontario, specifically in Burlington, following receipt of the Notice to Proceed from Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator. The $2 million commercial rooftop installation, consisting of 1,488 panels, is expected to produce 7,900 megawatt hours of power over the next 20 years.
- SXSW Eco, a conference that celebrates the power of design, technology and business to drive global change, has added Isha Datar, CEO of New Harvest, as their final Keynote and announced their full conference lineup for the 2015 event. Isha Datar joins previously announced Keynotes Dirk Ahlborn, CEO of the futuristic Hyperloop Transportation Technologies; Chris Lewicki, President & Chief Engineer of asteroid mining company Planetary Resources; James Redford, filmmaker & co-founder of the Redford Center; and closing remarks from Krista Donaldson, CEO of award-winning product design company D-Rev. SXSW Eco takes place October 5-7, 2015 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX.
Executives Criticize RFS Delays on Cellulosic Growth
Executives from the advanced biofuels industry are criticizing the Obama Administration for not adhering to its promise to support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). They say the lack of adhering to mandates has undercut investment in advanced biofuels and sent innovative companies, technologies and jobs oversees. In a letter they write that “broken promise…flies in the face of the President’s statements in support of clean energy and climate change policy.”
Corn stover is used by several bioenergy companies to produce cellulosic ethanol. Photo: Joanna Schroeder
The proposal, argues the advanced biofuels industry, has been devastating for the development of advanced and cellulosic biofuels. Already, $13.7 billion in investments have been frozen, threatening to send American innovation and investment overseas to countries like China and Brazil. It is anticipated that President Obama will be taken to task for U.S.’s lack of leadership and commitment on climate change.
During the call, Adam Monroe, North America President of Novozymes said, “The Obama Administration’s proposal eviscerates the RFS by allowing EPA to slash renewable fuel volumes when the oil industry refuses to distribute renewable fuel. Oil companies are not going to compete with renewable fuel if they can avoid the requirement altogether by simply blocking distribution and market access.”
Vincent Chornet, President, CEO and Co-Founder of Enerkem emphasized how the Obama Administration’s decision impacts international interest in U.S. projects, stating, “This proposal forces investment out of America. Advanced biofuels are on the brink of significant growth – but the Administration’s proposal strands investment and threatens a decade of innovation and progress.”
Oberon, Ford Team Up to Build First DME Car
Oberon Fuels, Inc. is partnering with Ford Motor Company and other European companies to build the world’s first dimethyl ether-powered car. This Oberon news release says the 3-year, €3.5 million project will research, analyze and test the potential of DME and oligomethyl ether (OME) fuel in passenger cars and heavy-duty truck engines, and ultimately build the world’s first production passenger car powered by DME for on-road testing.
FVV is a unique worldwide research network of 170 international member companies across the engine supply chain, including researchers, engine manufacturers, component suppliers, and fuel providers. FVV has become the leading forum for pre-competitive joint research projects, for the exchange of knowledge between industry and science, and for training junior researchers for work in the industry.
“We must continue to find ways to meet the growing global demand for liquid transportation fuels with lower-carbon fuels and more efficient, cleaner burning engines if we are to ensure the long term sustainability of our planet,” said Ralf Thee, project manager with FVV. “This is our most ambitious project yet, and we are pleased to be working with partners who share our commitment to innovation.”
DME is a clean-burning, non-toxic fuel that can be derived from renewable sources. Its high cetane number and quiet combustion, as well as its inexpensive propane-like fueling system, make it an excellent diesel alternative for both passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles. DME-powered engines are expected to benefit from almost soot-free combustion, higher thermal efficiency and excellent cold start properties.
“Ford is committed to helping develop the market for alternative fuels, and DME has exciting characteristics,” said Werner Willems, Ph.D., a technical specialist for powertrain combustion systems with Ford of Europe, and project leader for this initiative. “Not only does DME offer the efficiency and torque desired in a diesel engine, but it can be made from renewable waste streams and reduce the long-term cost of ownership, all of which are important to our customers.”
World’s First Sustainable Biomass to Replace Coal
A collaboration between three companies looks to create the world’s first sustainable biomass fuel to replace coal. Manufacturing and innovation leader Munro & Associates is working with with Biomass Energy Enhancements LLC (BEE) and UK-based and AIM-listed Active Energy Group Plc (AEG) to produce a market-ready sustainable biomass fuel that would be able to directly replace coal without retrofitting the plant.
Other processes that have been used in the past, such as simple compaction and thermal drying, either leave a high level of toxic salts in the biomass creating pollution and frequent maintenance issues or leave too much intercellular moisture reducing the effective energy release from the fuels. BEE’s process “explodes” the fibers like popcorn and exposes the intra-fiber moisture and soluble salts which can then be easily removed. This new process allows biofuels to be generated from materials that would not have been suitable or viable before, such as reclaimed waste wood, and diseased and invasive crops or trees.
A further benefit is that the final product is also hydrophobic, which not only prevents possible reabsorption of moisture that would degrade the fuel, but it subsequently reduces distribution, transportation and storage costs.
Although Munro has worked on several new technologies over the years, rarely does the company make the leap to actually invest in the technologies as well,” said Sandy Munro, CEO of Munro & Associates. “This process has the potential to revolutionize the industry and we are very proud to be a part of the Coal Switch Team.”
Munro’s engineers worked with the BEE team to create a highly scalable, mobile and “flexible in the field” process that can be moved anywhere in the world. This creates a massive savings in regards to moving the raw potential biomass to a facility, rather than move the scalable facility easily and cheaply to set up onsite.
Munro officials say its proprietary Design Profit software has allowed the company to scale up a prototype to a market-scale winning solution.
Farmers Cooperative Hosting Grand Opening
Farmers Cooperative Company, in conjunction with the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), will be holding a Grand Opening event Tuesday, September 22nd to promote their new biofuel offerings. The Mount Ayr location (400 East South Street Mount Ayr, IA) will offer E15 for $1.15 per gallon and E85 for $.85 per gallon from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A free lunch will also be served to those who fill up with biofuels.
The retail station is also selling biodiesel blends including B5, B11 B20, B30 and B99.
“Thanks to Farmers Cooperative Company and Governor Branstad’s ‘Fueling Our Future’ program, Mount Ayr-area motorists will now have a wide range of cleaner-burning fuel choices when it comes to ethanol and biodiesel blends,” said IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton. “Not only will nearby motorists benefit from E15, the lowest-cost fuel for the vast majority of vehicles on the road, diesel customers will be able to take advantage of increased fuel lubricity from more environmentally-friendly biodiesel blends, like B20.”
ROUSH Offers Ford E-450 Extended Range
ROUSH CleanTech is now offering a Ford E-450 extended range fuel tank fueled by propane autogas. The larger fuel tank, with 64 gallons of fuel, now holds 56 percent more fuel than the standard option. The truck will begin shipping in October.
“We listened to our paratransit customers who wanted the Ford E-450 chassis, yet also needed more autogas fuel capacity,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “With this extended range fuel tank, we offer the longest driving range for this model — plus an extended warranty for those customers.”
Built on Ford’s 6.8-liter V10 engine, the Ford E-450 with extended range fuel system comes with an extended 5-year, 100,000-mile warranty exclusively for the transit industry.
ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-450s are California Air Resources Board and Environmental Protection Agency compliant and have completed Federal Transit Administration’s New Model Bus Testing Program (“Altoona Testing”). Altoona-tested vehicles can be purchased using a transit agency’s FTA funds.
BioEnergy Bytes
- The Andersons, Inc. have announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Pat Bowe, formerly Corporate Vice President of Cargill, Inc., to succeed Mike Anderson as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Nov. 2, 2015. Mr. Anderson will remain as the Company’s Chairman of the Board. Mr. Bowe will also be appointed to The Andersons Board of Directors.
- ScottMadden has released The Energy Industry Update. Themed “Strange Brew: Adapting to Changing Fundamentals,” this Update examines a broad array of strategic issues, including: a review of the trends in the community solar market, the different models for its deployment, and the long-term outlook for community solar in the United States; insights drawn from the just-released EPA Clean Power Plan reducing emissions of CO2 from existing power plants—the significant changes from the proposed rule and their implications; and a view of the NY Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiatives—where NY is headed, the key issues being addressed, and what REV may mean for the industry.
- Consumers Energy has entered into a long-term agreement with Geronimo Energy to buy electricity from the 100 MW Apple Blossom Wind Farm, located in Huron County, which plans to start construction next year. As part of this agreement, Consumers Energy will have a future option to purchase the wind farm.
- PowerFin Partners, a solar development firm based in Austin and San Antonio Texas, has announced SolarHost, a pilot program with CPS Energy that will allow participants to host PV systems on their rooftops in exchange for credits on their energy bill. Working under a power purchase agreement with CPS Energy, PowerFin will install and operate 10 MW of rooftop solar on homes and businesses throughout the CPS Energy service territory. Interested CPS Energy customers can sign up to join the program by going to www.solarhostsa.com.
Prez Candidate Bernie Sanders Gives RFS Support
During a recent Roske on Politics show with host Brent Roske, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont (Dem) gave his support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Last month he was in Des Moines, IA for the Iowa State Fair and spoke on the Soapbox but did not mention biofuels or the RFS. However, this visit he was asked directly about the issues facing the RFS in Washington. Now that he has a pro-RFS stand on the record, America’s Renewable Future (ARF) thanked Sen. Sanders for his support who leading the polls in Iowa – one point ahead of Hillary Clinton.
Roske asked, “We’re in Iowa right now. Back in 2007 you voted for the Renewable Fuel Standard in the Senate. What are your thoughts about it now?”
Sen. Sanders answered: “I think as somebody who believes climate change is the greatest global crisis that we face, I think it’s absolutely imperative that we move away from fossil fuel, from oil, from coal, move to energy efficiency and move to sustainable energies. And Iowa, by the way, in general is doing a very good job, as is my home state of Vermont,” said Sanders, “Iowa is one of the leaders in the country in wind and biofuels. So, I support the Renewable Fuel Standard, I think we got to put more emphasis on cellulosic ethanol, which a more efficient form of biofuel than we currently have.”
“Advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol have been a runaway success in Iowa, thanks to a strong RFS that created a partnership between first and second generation renewable fuel,” said former Lt. Gov. and ARF Co-Chair, Patty Judge. “We thank Sen. Sanders for his appreciation of the crucial part biofuels play in the creation of a sustainable energy future. We hope he’ll take us up on our invitation to tour a plant, and learn about how ethanol and other low carbon, first generation fuels are paving the way for advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol.”
“Biofuels support over 73,000 jobs in Iowa, reduce pollution and emissions, give consumers a choice at the pump, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” added Judge. “The RFS is a critical policy for Iowans and certainly an issue that will help them decide who to support in the caucus.”
Governors: Restore Wind Research Funding
Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington and Republican Gov. Terry Branstad of Iowa have sent a letter on behalf of the Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition calling on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to reverse its decision to hamper long-term investment in research advancing American wind power.
The governors’ letter was sent to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran and Vice Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski and refers to funding in the 2016 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill set for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) budget and used for research and technology innovation that has helped lower wind power’s costs by 66 percent in the last six years according to the American Wind Energy Association (EWEA).
Photo credit Joanna Schroeder
“The nation’s long-term investment in research conducted by DOE’s energy programs, National Laboratories, our state universities, and private companies around the nation has helped fuel the extraordinary growth of the nation’s wind energy industry,” the letter states. “As governors, we see the benefits this innovative research has brought to our states, including energy diversification and continual wealth generation in rural America.”
AWEA states that cutting funding for wind energy research could leave untapped opportunities for new wind farm development and the economic benefits that come with it. A move that would affect all 50 states according to the letter, especially the Southeast. Another area of concern is the bill’s elimination of funding for grid modernization restrains the U.S. from capitalizing on the full range of economic and environmental benefits gained by diversifying the U.S. electricity mix with homegrown wind energy.
“These states’ Chief Executive Officers are telling Congress that their decision to hinder wind power’s growth hurts their state economies,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “We support the Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition in urging Congress to restore funding for research that has helped improve wind power’s technology and bring more of wind’s low-cost benefits to American families and businesses.”
RFA: Oregon Treating Biofuels Unfairly
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has offered a proposal to include indirect land use change (ILUC) emissions when calculating the carbon intensity of biofuels regulated under the state’s Clean Fuels Program (CFP). The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has expressed disappointment in the proposal that is to take effect on January 1, 2016 and aims for a 10 percent reduction in the carbon intensity (CI) of transportation fuels in the state over a 10-year period.
RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen said that the DEQ proposal would have the effect of creating an inconsistent and unfair methodology for estimating the carbon intensity of competing fuel options under the CFP. Specifically, DEQ’s proposal would penalize certain biofuels for theoretical indirect emissions, while assuming that no other fuels induce any indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at all. DEQ proposed to integrate the flawed ILUC analysis conducted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), despite the fact that recent analyses have shown that the land use changes predicted by CARB’s computer models have not occurred in the real world. DEQ also flatly ignored the results of new land use modeling approaches, including recently published data from the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory.
“Oregon DEQ really fumbles the ball with this proposal,” said Dinneen. “The Oregon CFP previously enjoyed broad-based support from the biofuels and ag industries because the CI impacts of all fuels were being evaluated fairly and consistently. But the program is headed off the rails now that DEQ is planning to simply regurgitate CARB’s faulty and biased ILUC penalties, while pretending that other fuels don’t have indirect GHG effects.”
Dinneen continued, “Regrettably, Oregon’s proposal puts politics ahead of science, a problem that has plagued the California program, harming consumers by limiting choice at the pump. The U.S. ethanol industry will continue to support performance-based low carbon fuel programs that are grounded in the principles of fairness, sound science, and consistent analytical boundaries. Unfortunately, Oregon’s proposal doesn’t meet any of those criteria.”
Oregon DEQ is hosting a public hearing on the proposed rule on October 19, 2015 and will accept written comments from the public through October 21, 2015.