Ethanol-Ready Dispensers Offered at 0% Interest

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

College Works on Bio-Inspired Fuel Cell

John Davis August 13, 2015

Researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology are working on developing fuel cells made from natural, biological sources. This article from the school says Dr. Umit Koylu, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has received a six-month $50,000 Innovation Corps Teams (I Corps) Program grant from the National Science Foundation to accelerate tech-transfer and explore commercialization of a biology-inspired polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell.

“Nature perfected its natural delivery system,” Koylu says, glancing out his window. “Our team of researchers came up with an engineering version of it.”

The technology was developed during four years of research led by Dr. Ming Leu, the Keith and Pat Bailey Missouri Distinguished Professor of Integrated Product Manufacturing and professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Missouri S&T.

Koylu currently works with Dr. John W. Sheffield, visiting associate professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University, who is professor emeritus of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Missouri S&T; and post-doctoral Missouri S&T researcher Dr. Warren Vaz.

To get useable energy out of fuel cells, they have to be stacked together, which takes up a lot of space to produce minimal results. However, the bio-inspired fuel cells are expected to increase peak power density by up to 30 percent over conventional fuel cells, Koylu says. That means bio-inspired cells would take up less space than current models, or more could be stacked in the same amount of space, increasing power.

The research is set to end in December.

bioenergy, Miscellaneous

EPA’s Ethanol Rules Pollutes Air Equal to 1 Mil Cars

John Davis August 13, 2015

The government’s proposal to cut the amount of ethanol to be blended into the nation’s fuel supply would pollute the air equivalent to one million more vehicles on the road. The Energy Resources Center (ERC) at the University of Illinois at Chicago conducted the analysis on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed ethanol blending rules.

The findings come in the wake of proposed rules by the U.S. E.P.A. that call for a reduction of the volume of ethanol blended in gasoline as mandated by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a program of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 signed into law 10 years ago this month. If the rules are adopted as proposed, a total of 17.5 billion gallons of ethanol would be blended with gasoline by 2016, 3.75 billion fewer gallons than originally mandated by Congress.

“The RFS has been one of the most successful federal policies enacted in the United States because it achieved exactly what it was intended to do: spur research and investment, lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Our work has demonstrated that, over the last 10 years, steady reductions in greenhouse gas emissions have materialized as biofuels became a more efficient, high quality product,” said Dr. Steffen Mueller, principal economist at the Energy Resources Center.

The peer-reviewed analysis was conducted using the GREET Model (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation) developed by Argonne National Laboratory which examines the full life cycle emissions impacts of energy sources. As part of the analysis, carbon emissions related to the planting, growing, harvesting, transportation and production of corn into ethanol were compared to that of oil recovery and production.

Under the EPA’s proposed rules, conventional starch ethanol would likely be reduced to 13.4 billion gallons from 15 billion gallons in 2015. In this scenario, the analysis found that 4,520,000 tonnes of additional CO2 emissions would be incurred in 2015.

Both the National Corn Growers Association and the Illinois Corn Growers Association expressed disappointment in the direction the EPA has taken.

“It is very curious that some vocal audiences known for touting job creation, a stronger domestic economy, and reduced air and water pollution were largely mute on this significant occasion,” said Chip Bowling, NCGA president and a farmer from Maryland. “It is pretty hard to miss the irony of this anniversary-related RFS assessment hitting while the Environmental Protection Agency is weakening the successful legislation.”

“We are disappointed that the same federal agency charged to protect human health and the environment is proposing a rule change that would directly lead to greater greenhouse gas emissions,” said Ken Hartman, president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. “After 18 months of delay in proposing new rules, the EPA has chosen not only to shirk its legal obligation as set forth by Congress, but to lose sight of its own mission.”

The EPA is expected to release its final rule in November.

corn, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, NCGA, Research

Minnesota Coop to Offer E85 For 85 Cents A Gallon

Joanna Schroeder August 12, 2015

E85 (85 percent ethanol/15 percent gas) will be available for 85 cents a gallon at the Farmers Coop Elevator in Bellingham, Minnesota on Wednesday, August 19 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Located at 300 Railroad Road, the promotion will also offer a 30 cents per gallon discount on E30 and a 15 cents discount per gallon on E15. The fuels are only available for flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). To see if your car can run on higher blends of ethanol, visit www.MNFuels.com.

“These promotions are a great opportunity for drivers of flex fuel vehicles to give these cleaner-burning fuels a try,” said Robert Moffitt, communications director for the American Lung Association in Minnesota. “Because flex fuel vehicles can also run on conventional gasoline blends, many owners don’t realize they can also use a fuel that reduces air pollution and usually costs less than gas.”

The American Lung Association in Minnesota recognizes the role cleaner-burning fuels like E85 have in reducing harmful tailpipe emissions and reducing air pollution. Other supporters include the Bellingham Farmers Elevator, Lac qui Parle County Corn & Soybean Growers, Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Clean Air Choice Team. For more information on the ethanol and other cleaner fuels available in Minnesota, visit www.CleanAirChoice.org.

biofuels, E15, E85, Education, Ethanol, Promotion

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