Senators Show Support for Biodiesel Industry

Cindy Zimmerman

durbin-heidiSenator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) led a number of her Democratic colleagues in calling on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stop the continued delays of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule and highlighted the impact that the uncertainty of the past two years has had on biodiesel industry.

“We stand together as Democratic Senators who care about this industry, care about energy independence, care about farm country, and care about the diversity of our energy sources to plead with the President of the United States to participate in this discussion,” said Sen. Heitkamp. “If you really are serious about a diverse energy mix, why do what we’re doing to the biodiesel industry?”

Joining Sen. Heitkamp were Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Al Franken (D-MN), as well as biodiesel producers, who also stressed how the uncertainty caused by EPA’s misguided 2013 rule and delays on farmers and biodiesel workers.

adm-biodieselKent Engelbrecht, the manager of the biodiesel division at ADM, which has a biodiesel plant in Velva, North Dakota and is headquartered in Illinois, as well as Todd Ellis, vice president at Imperium Renewables near Seattle, Washington, discussed how the delays have impacted their own operations and others.

“2014 was poised to be a breakout year for biodiesel, until the 2014 RVO proposal intervened,” said Engelbrecht. “With the subsequent expiration of the biodiesel tax credit, we were forced to cease or slow production at all of our facilities.”

Listen to or download audio here: Comments from Senators and Biodiesel Industry on RFS Delays

The senators’ press conference was held as word came out Thursday that EPA has sent its new RFS volume obligation proposal, which is due to be released on June 1, on to the Office of Management and Budget for review.

National Biodiesel Board Vice President of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel thanked the senators for their support and was optimistic about news that EPA may be getting the RFS back on track. “What’s most important, however, is that we see volume growth in this pending proposal,” said Steckel. “The Obama Administration says regularly that it supports renewable fuels and wants America to lead, particularly in the development of Advanced Biofuels like biodiesel. This proposal will show if that’s true. The proof will be in the numbers.”

Audio, Biodiesel, Government, NBB, RFS

NY-Sun MW Block Incentive Program Kicks Offs

Joanna Schroeder

New York is set to launch its NY-Sun Commercial/Industrial MW Block Incentive Program that is designed to create new jobs and improve economic development throughout the state. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is calling the program a “key step” in expanding the use of solar.

“Once again, New York is showing how effective public policies can pay big dividends for the state’s economy and its environment,” said SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch. “We applaud Gov. Cuomo, his administration, legislative leaders and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for the successful launch of the MW Block Incentive Program and for their commitment to New York’s clean energy future. We also want to give a ‘shout-out’ to Con Edison, PSEG and the other utilities which are taking part in this exciting new program.”

Dykes Lumber Company solar power project with assistance from the NY-Sun program.

Dykes Lumber Company solar power project completed with assistance from the NY-Sun program.

NYSERDA says the $1 billion program is designed to expand solar deployment through public-private partnerships, as well as training programs for installers and public officials, standardized permitting, customer aggregation, consumer education and systems development.

Resch said the NY-Sun Initiative is clearly working. Growing by 105 percent, New York had the seventh most new solar capacity added last year in the nation, according to a recent report. The state also maintained its Top 10 ranking in total installed capacity, finishing the year behind only New Jersey and Massachusetts among Northeastern states. In 2014, New York added 147 megawatts (MW) of solar electric capacity, bringing its total to 397 MW.

“To put the state’s remarkable progress in some context, the 397 MW of solar installed today in New York is more than our entire country had installed by 2007. That’s an amazing achievement,” Resch added. “What’s more, we expect 2015 to be New York’s best year ever for new PV installations, with more than 250 MW on new capacity projected to come online.”

Clean Energy, Electricity, Solar

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • http://energy.agwired.com/category/bioenergy-bytes/The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has appointed Kristian Ruby as Chief Policy Officer. Ruby is a widely recognised expert in sustainability communication and political affairs. He joins EWEA from Danish consultancy Operate, where he was manager in the sustainability team, specialising in climate, environment and energy issues.
  • IKEA has announced it had officially plugged-in Kansas’ largest rooftop solar array, atop the recently opened IKEA Merriam. The 92,000-square-foot solar array consists of a 730.17-kW DC system, comprised of 2,394 panels, and will produce approximately 986,800 kWh of electricity annually for the store.
  • Germany will become the world’s leading market for annual offshore wind turbine installations in 2015, with the country set to add an impressive 2,071 Megawatts (MW) this year, an almost fourfold increase from the 529 MW added in 2014, according to research and consulting firm GlobalData. “Wind Regains Momentum in 2014 and Industry Outlook Improves,” finds that global annual offshore wind installations will more than double, from 1,681 MW in 2014 to 3,903 MW in 2015, with a dip to 3,255 MW forecast for 2016.
  • Weekend Business Report, hosted by Ileana Bravo, will air a Special Report featuring Ryder System, CNG 4 America, Consolidate Energy Solutions and more where they will look at many of today’s critical energy and environment issues. The report will take an in-depth Deep Dive look at natural gas and how clean burning fuels like Compressed Natural Gas [CNG] and Liquid Natural Gas [LNG] are not only having a positive environmental impact and helping to secure our energy future, but doing so using clean domestic natural gas while creating jobs and saving money for enterprises.
Bioenergy Bytes

EWEA Welcomes ETS Reform, Carbon Reserve Goals

Joanna Schroeder

The EU-28 Member States and the European Parliament have agreed to introduce a market stability reserve in 2019 to tackle a glut of over 2 billion excess permits in the Emissions Trading System (ETS). At hearing the news, the European Windy Energy Association welcomed the move made between lawmakers to reform the ETS before 2021.

ewea-logoAccording to EWEA, the surplus of allowances is currently suppressing the carbon price and failing to hold Europe’s worst polluters to account over their emissions.

Policymakers have also agreed to transfer the backloaded and unallocated allowances into the market stability reserve before they flood the market at the end of the decade. The number of these allowances could be as high as 1.7 billion according to analyst estimates.

Ivan Pineda, Director of Public Affairs at the European Wind Energy Association, said, “The start date of 2019 shows that Member States are prepared to compromise. It is also pleasing to see that a substantial number of excess allowances will not be returning to the market and will instead go directly into the reserve. But we have to acknowledge that Member States and the Parliament could have been far more ambitious in the shake-up of the carbon market and that much more comprehensive reform is needed in order for this instrument to provide a meaningful signal to investors.”

Carbon, Clean Energy, Renewable Energy, Wind

Georgia Power Rolls Out EV Fleet

Joanna Schroeder

Georgia Power has rolled out a new fleet of 32 new plug-in electric hybrid Chevy Volts during an onsite event. Georgia Power Chairman, President & CEO Paul Bowers was joined by Commissioner Tim Echols of the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) and Michael Beinenson of the EV Club of the South to celebrate the edition of the alternative energy electric vehicles (EVs).

Georgia Power rolls out new fleet of EVs. (PRNewsFoto/Georgia Power)

Georgia Power rolls out new fleet of EVs. (PRNewsFoto/Georgia PowerCEO Paul

“We are leading by example and demonstrating to our customers, and other Georgia businesses, that electric transportation works for all drivers,” said Bowers at the event. “Through constructive regulation, and partnerships with organizations like the EV Club of the South, we are growing the EV market in Georgia and helping our customers reap the overwhelming benefits of driving electric.”

Bowers also noted Commissioner Echols’ leadership in increasing awareness of EVs in Georgia, including support and involvement in the annual Alternative Fuel Vehicle Roadshow each June.

Georgia Power, elected officials and community leaders mark the roll out of Georgia Power's new fleet of EVs. (Left - Right) Latanza Adjei (Vice President of Sales, Georgia Power); Kenny Coleman (Senior Vice President of Marketing, Georgia Power); Michael Beinenson (President, EV Club of the South); Commissioner Tim Echols (Georgia Public Service Commission); Paul Bowers (Chairman, President & CEO of Georgia Power); and Carl Jackson (Electric Transportation Manager, Georgia Power). (PRNewsFoto/Georgia Power)

Georgia Power, elected officials and community leaders mark the roll out of Georgia Power’s new fleet of EVs. (Left – Right) Latanza Adjei (Vice President of Sales, Georgia Power); Kenny Coleman (Senior Vice President of Marketing, Georgia Power); Michael Beinenson (President, EV Club of the South); Commissioner Tim Echols (Georgia Public Service Commission); Paul Bowers (Chairman, President & CEO of Georgia Power); and Carl Jackson (Electric Transportation Manager, Georgia Power). (PRNewsFoto/Georgia Power)

The new, Georgia Power-branded Chevy Volts will be seen around town in communities from Savannah to Columbus to Rome and will be driven daily by Georgia Power employees as they serve customers. The EVs will be used primarily by the company’s energy efficiency experts as they travel to conduct energy audits at homes and businesses, a service provided to help Georgia Power customers save money and energy.

In 2014, Georgia Power launched a new electric transportation initiative to advance Georgia as an exceptionally EV-friendly state through its Get Current. Drive Electric. program. The program currently includes an ongoing public education campaign, EV charger rebates for business and residential customers and special rates and charging options for EV customers.

Alternative energy, Alternative Vehicles, Electric Vehicles

Georgia’s First E15 Stations to Open Friday

John Davis

protecfuel1Georgia gets its first three E15 stations this week. To help celebrate the event at the Atlanta area stations, Protec Fuel will be running special “Happy Hour” pricing from 4-5 pm on Friday, May 8, at the Gulf Quick Stop Food Store, 855 S Cobb Dr SE, in Marietta.

88-octane E15 fuel costs less and can run in any 2001 and newer gas vehicle! Plus, it’s American-made, higher octane fuel that’s better for the environment. And, for the first time, it’s available in Georgia!

In addition, state officials will be on hand for the event, plus festivities will include 94.9 The Bull & Zac Brown Band tics giveaway, face painting, balloons, karaoke/bands, a moon walk for kiddos, and more!

E15 will also be available at the Gulf Sunflower Food Mart 1241 Eaton Road, Madison, Georgia and Gulf Food Mart 405 S. Walnut St., Greensboro Georgia.

E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News

New Iowa E15 Station Having $1.99/Gallon Event

John Davis

kum-and-go1Not only does it burn green, but this coming Monday at Iowa’s newest E15 station, the higher blend of ethanol will save you some green. The Kum & Go in Windsor Heights near Des Moines will sell E15 for $1.99 per gallon from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Monday, May 11. This news release from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) says the promotion also coincides with Kum & Go’s announcement last week that the company plans to add E15 to an additional 65 locations in Iowa and six other states over the next two years.

“We have a strong tradition in our company to implement sustainability within our business and at our locations. From our 100 LEED-certified stores, to our selection of alternative fuels, E15 was a natural addition to our fuel offering,” stated Kum & Go Vice President of Fuels Jim Pirolli. “Having E15 in our portfolio allows Kum & Go to offer our customers a quality product at a great value.”

“Motorists have been clamoring for wider availability of E15, and we applaud Kum & Go for providing Iowans with yet another low-cost, cleaner-burning fueling option,” stated IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton. “E15 is the most extensively tested fuel in history, is safe for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles, and will be priced at a great money-saving discount through this special promotion. That’s a win-win-win for Iowa’s motorists.”

“The American farmer is a backbone of the renewable fuels industry. Thanks to partners like Kum & Go, Iowans can fill up with more American-grown fuels like E15 and E85 that are better for our environment, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create new Iowa jobs,” stated Iowa Corn Promotion Board Director of Marketing and Communications Shannon Textor. “E15 is five percent more Iowa-grown fuel that supports Iowa’s farmers.”

The Kum & Go Windsor Heights store is located at 7229 University Avenue.

Ag group, Agribusiness, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Iowa RFA

Abengoa to Build U.S. MSW Biorefinery

Joanna Schroeder

Abengoa has been selected by Fulcrum BioEnergy to build the first biorefinery using gasification technology to convert more than 200,000 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) into syncrude that will be converted into more than 10 million gallons of jet fuel. The plant will be located in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, around 20 miles east of Reno, Nevada. The contract, worth $200 million, gives Abengoa the responsibility for the execution of the plant including engineering design and construction. The will also participate in the development of the project.

Fulcrum-Abengoa logo“Abengoa is the seventh largest EPC company in the U.S. and is one of, if not, the premier engineering and construction firms in the renewables space. They have the demonstrated experience and capabilities and have stepped up and made the business commitments to get the job done for us,” said James Macias, Fulcrum’s president and CEO. “We are eager to add Abengoa to our team. Abengoa has the skill and horsepower to take our design and technology development and successfully turn it into an operating commercial plant.”

This initiative, says Abengoa, provides a sustainable alternative for the large volumes of municipal solid waste generated in the area every year, which would otherwise be disposed of in a landfill. The process of converting MSW into renewable transportation fuels will significantly reduce the number of landfills, a growing concern because of the chemical pollutants released into the air and seeping into the groundwater.

The MSW biorefinery is set to go into operation in the third quarter of 2017.

advanced biofuels, Renewable Energy, Waste-to-Energy

Vattenfall’s DanTysk Offshore Wind Project Online

Joanna Schroeder

Vattenfall has officially begun operations of its DanTysk offshore wind farm. Located 70 kilometers west of Sylt Island, the project is the first infrastructure project jointly implemented by Vattenfall and SWM. DanTysk is comprised of 80 Siemens wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 288 MW.

globalassets-cision-images-20150430-en-1881382-1The event was celebrated by several key energy players in Europe including: German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sigmar Gabriel; Swedish Minister for Enterprise and Innovation Mikael Damberg; Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz and Torsten Albig; Prime Minister of the State of Schleswig-Holstein; Magnus Hall, President and CEO of Vattenfall; and Dr Florian Bieberbach, CEO of SWM.

Sigmar Gabriel, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs said during the event, “Last year we created the necessary investment security with EEC 2014, which led to a real breakthrough in the development of offshore wind power. By 2030 there should be 15 gigawatts of installed capacity, amounting to a capital investment of several billion Euros in wind farms and infrastructure, with high added value for Germany. Together with the DanTysk wind farm, by the end of this year Germany will generate green power from more than 3,000 megawatts of installed offshore capacity. That is a real boost for the energy transition.”Read More

Clean Energy, Electricity, International, offshore wind, Renewable Energy

FEW Set to Break Records

Joanna Schroeder

The International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW), is taking place June 1-4, 2015 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is set to have the largest number of ethanol producers ever FEW14-color-web-NoYeargathered at an industry event with more than 600 producers. During the course of the event, they’ll discuss issues categorized into four tracks: Track 1: Production and Operations; Track 2: Leadership and Financial Management; Track 3: Coproducts and Product. Diversification; and Track 4: Cellulosic and Advanced Ethanol.

BBI Marketing Director John Nelson notes that the event will “create an unprecedented opportunity for industry supplier and supporters to network with ethanol producers and share their products or services.” He also said they are attendees registered from 25 countries. Registration is still open.

There are 194 operational ethanol plants in the U.S. today producing more than 15 million gallons of ethanol per year including several advanced ethanol production facilities.

energy.agwired.com will be onsite covering this event with special thanks from our sponsor Novozymes.

advanced biofuels, biofuels, conferences, Ethanol