Brazil Ethanol Group Moves Summit Dates

John Davis

unica1A group representing sugarcane ethanol producers in Brazil is rescheduling its biennial meeting. The Union of Sugar Cane Industry Association (UNICA) has moved its Ethanol Summit 2015 to July 6-7, 2015 at the Golden Hall of World Trade Center to accomodate Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who will be in Washington, D.C., on the original dates at the end of June.

The meeting brings together businessmen from various levels of government authorities, researchers, investors, suppliers and academics in Brazil and abroad.They are expected about 1,500 participants to follow nearly a hundred lectures, presentations, discussions and debates that will take place in large plenary sessions, thematic panels and opening and closing ceremonies as well as parallel events.

“This is a significant year for the sugarcane industry. Key decisions and very important measures that can contribute to a better future of agribusiness, are underway, both in Brazil and on the world stage, increasing the importance of the Summit as the main forum for discussions on the most relevant topics for the energies and products renewable coming from sugarcane “said the president of UNICA, Elizabeth Farina.

Registration for the event opens in the coming days.

Ag group, Agribusiness, Brazil, Ethanol, Ethanol News, UNICA

Technology’s Impact on #Planting15

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How will high path avian flu impact industry?”

The number of outbreaks grows by the day and I am afraid the worst is yet to come. Just yesterday, Iowa announced four more cases. It looks like the majority feel exports will be greatly impacted and many agree that we haven’t seen the worst of it.

Here are the poll results:

  • No major impact – 13%
  • Big export impact – 38%
  • Higher prices – 6%
  • Worse for turkey producers – 13%
  • Worse yet to come – 25%
  • Will recover quickly – 5%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What technology is most responsible for rapid planting progress?

Up until last week, planting progress was running behind normal. But in just one week farmers were able to plant more than one third of the corn acres – including 54% in Iowa alone! What do you think is most responsible for the ability to make such tremendous progress in such a short time?

ZimmPoll

Biofuels Leaders Ask President for Meeting

Cindy Zimmerman

A dozen organizations and companies representing biofuels interests this week sent a letter to President Obama asking for a meeting on proposed rules under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) due to come out next month.

fuels-americaThe letter comes on the heels of an analysis from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) showing how EPA delays in setting volume requirements (RVOs) under the RFS have resulted in the loss of some $13.7 billion in investment in advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol. The letter was signed by BIO, the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, Advanced Ethanol Coalition, National Corn Growers Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, POET, DSM, Novozymes, and Abengoa.

“The EPA’s proposal in 2013 was an enormous disservice to you and your legacy, Mr. President,” the letter states. “Prior to the release of that proposal, we had asked to meet with the EPA, but were rebuffed. We would like to work with you to ensure that the mistake is not repeated.”

In addition to the letter and the analysis from BIO, the Fuels America coalition is running digital ads this week on Politico’s Environment & Energy section that say, “Will the next generation of biofuels be created in the United States or China? It’s up to you, Mr. President. Support the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

advanced biofuels, AEC, BIO, Cellulosic, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Fuels America, Growth Energy, NCGA, RFA, RFS

Black & Veatch Commission Microgrid

Joanna Schroeder

Black & Veatch has commissioned its new microgrid system that provides power to the Rodman Innovation Pavilion located at the company’s Kansas World Headquarters. The microgrid uses a combination of natural gas, solar energy, geothermal and battery storage, and is the first of its kind in the state. It can operate as an independent power source or in support of the utility electric grid adding resiliency to the building and lowering energy costs. The microgrid provides enough clean energy to run the entire Innovation Pavilion.

“We are excited to launch this new technology that highlights the broad range of expertise we have within Black & Veatch,” said Steve Edwards, president and CEO. “It also demonstrates the strong level of support and interest in the design from our professionals who are working on sustainable solutions around the world.”

Black & Veatch’s system includes two natural gas-fired microturbines that deliver onsite electrical power generation. During winter months, heat is recovered from the microturbines to support heating. A geothermal heat pump system with 15 wells drilled 500 feet deep helps heat and cool the Pavilion. The microgrid system also uses battery energy storage to capture energy from generation resources and deliver electricity to the World Headquarters during times of high electric demand, such as in the summer months.

To learn more about the complex interactions of the different energy technologies, Black & Veatch guests can interact with a large screen display that shows the microgrid operations in real time. The microgrid is continually monitored by Black & Veatch’s cloud based analytics platform, ASSET360. It collects data from the system and monitors the performance of each component based on factors like solar radiation, cloud cover, outside temperature and more. It calculates how much energy is being generated and used in the building, providing the company’s energy experts with insights on ways to improve system operations.

Alternative energy, Clean Energy, Electricity, Energy Storage, Geothermal, Microgrid, Natural Gas, Solar

Kyocera Dedicates Floating Mega Solar Plants

Joanna Schroeder

1.7MW floating solar power plant at Nishihira Pond 1Kyocera Corporation and Century Tokyo Leasing Corporation’s joint venture Kyocera TCL Solar has completed construction of two floating mega-solar power plants at Nishihira Pond and Higashihira Pond in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The plants will generate an estimated 3,300 megawatt hours (MWh) per year.

The solar modules are 255-watt Kyocera modules with 11,256 used in total for the project that began in September 2014 and was officially completed in March 2015. The electricity generated will be sold to the local utility, The Kansai Electric Power Company through Japan’s feed-in tariff system.

1.7MW floating solar power plant at Nishihira Pond 2According to Kyocera TCL Solar, there are several benefits of the floating mega solar power plants:

  1. Floating solar power generating systems typically generate more electricity than ground-mount and rooftop systems due to the cooling effect of the water.
  2. They reduce reservoir water evaporation and algae growth by shading the water.
  3. Floating platforms are 100% recyclable, utilizing high-density polyethylene, which can withstand ultraviolet rays and resists corrosion.
  4. The floating platforms are designed and engineered to withstand extreme physical stress, including typhoon conditions.
Clean Energy, Electricity, International, Solar, water

DOE Releases 2014 Hydropower Market Report

Joanna Schroeder

The Department of Energy has released its 2014 Hydropower Market Report. The study quantifies the current size, scope and variability of U.S. hydropower supplies. Today, the renewable energy source provides nearly 7 percent of the U.S. electricity supply – enough to power more than 20 million homes – and its growing with federal support. The report also highlights how hydropower can be rapidly integrated with other renewable energy sources into the electric grid.

“This report outlines the diversity of our nation’s hydropower fleet, shows its tremendous contribution to the U.S. clean energy mix, and points to promising future growth,” said Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 2014 Hydropower Market reportDavid Danielson. “With an expanding industry and continued investment, hydropower remains one of our nation’s most cost-effective and reliable sources of renewable energy and provides an important tool for boosting our clean energy supply.”

The 2014 Hydropower Market Report also highlights the critical investment of more than $6 billion throughout the last decade to strengthen the existing hydropower fleet and the economic benefits that have resulted from support of the industry. Today, the hydropower manufacturing supply chain spreads across 38 states, with more than 170 companies producing one or more of six major hydropower components: turbines, generators, transformers, penstocks, gates, and valves according to the study.

Presenting a unique analysis of the current project development pipeline in the hydropower sector, this report shows that America has more than 77 GW of untapped hydropower resource potential. By making use of existing water resources and infrastructure, the vast majority of new hydropower projects built over the last decade have added electric generating equipment to dams that were previously not powered. The current hydropower development pipeline contains a diverse mixture of projects proposed at non-powered dams, conduits, and previously undeveloped rivers and streams.

Clean Energy, Electricity, Hydro, Renewable Energy

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • http://energy.agwired.com/category/bioenergy-bytes/SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. announced its collaboration with Tesla Motors to provide an inverter solution that will allow for grid and photovoltaic integration with Tesla’s home battery solution, the Powerwall. The joint development by SolarEdge and Tesla builds on SolarEdge’s DC optimized inverter solution and Tesla’s automotive-grade energy storage technology to enable more cost-effective residential solar generation, storage, and consumption for the global market.
  • AWEA WINDPOWER 2015 Conference & Exhibition is taking place in Orlando, Florida May 18-21, 2015. Industry leaders such as GE Power & Water, Siemens, DNV GL and more will deliver insights on the technology trends spurring a “wind rush” across the country, in places like Texas, Michigan and soon the Southeast.
  • Sempra U.S. Gas & Power and Consolidated Edison Development have dedicated the 250 MW Copper Mountain Solar 3 facility in Boulder City, Nev. Situated on 1,400 acres, it is the third phase of the landmark Copper Mountain Solar complex, currently among the largest PV solar power installations in the U.S. The entire complex, which also includes the recently completed 58-MW second phase of Copper Mountain Solar 2, is capable of generating more than 450 MW of power.
  • The Urban Air Initiative has joined with a broad cross section of public and private interest groups supporting the call for more aggressive regional pollution control measures in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. Working together as Clean Fuels Omaha, the campaign was launched to support measures outlined by the Metropolitan Area Planing Agency (MAPA). One program, the Little Steps-Big Impact Air Quality Initiative, is an annual campaign to educate the public on the impacts of ground level ozone on air quality, and the steps that can be taken to reduce emissions.
Bioenergy Bytes

Aemetis Starts India Biodiesel Manufacturers Assoc.

John Davis

aemetislogo1India is getting a biodiesel makers association. With a little help from California-based Aemetis (which also runs a biodiesel plant on the east coast of India), the Biodiesel Manufacturers Association (BEMA) has been launched with Sanjeev Gupta, President of Aemetis International, as the new group’s chairman and president.

The BEMA group was launched as an eight-member association with a focus on expanding the biodiesel market in India, decreasing air pollution and reducing India’s dependence on foreign oil. The organization will serve to further the interests of biodiesel manufacturers by removing regulatory hurdles while educating India corporate and retail consumers about the environmental and cost benefits of biodiesel.

“With the deregulation of the diesel market in India and ending of diesel subsidies last October, India is a new frontier for Aemetis to grow in a large 25 billion gallon diesel market,” said Sanjeev Gupta, President of Aemetis International. “With the recent approval of direct sales to bulk customers, we have launched direct delivery of biodiesel to customers and are moving rapidly to expand production at our 50 million gallon per year capacity East Coast plant in Kakinada to supply the domestic India market,” added Gupta.

“Sanjeev’s chairmanship of the newly formed organization for biodiesel producers in India recognizes the leadership position held by our Univeral Biofuels subsidiary in one of the fastest growing biofuels markets in the world,” said Eric McAfee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aemetis. “Biodiesel is now a less expensive fuel than diesel in India, with the removal of the large diesel subsidy that had blocked sales of biodiesel in India until recently. The formation of BEMA is an important milestone expanding the biodiesel market in India to replace diesel with a healthier and lower cost alternative,” added McAfee.

Biodiesel, International

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • http://energy.agwired.com/category/bioenergy-bytes/The energy and IT company LichtBlick and electric vehicle and battery manufacturer Tesla have entered into a global energy collaboration to intelligently integrate Tesla’s new Powerwall Home Batteries into the energy market. Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the innovative storage device in the early hours of Friday (CET) in Los Angeles. The Tesla Powerwall is particularly attractive for households, businesses and SMEs that want to optimize the use of their own solar power.
  • Dominion announced the acquisition of a 20-megawatt solar facility in California from E.ON North America. The facility is expected to enter service in the second quarter of 2015. Alamo Solar is located in San Bernardino County near Helendale, Calif. It has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) and an interconnection agreement.
  • Mortenson Construction’s Wind Energy Group has announced that it entered into a contract for construction of the Shannon Wind Project located near Windthorst, Texas, which is owned and managed by Alterra Power Corp. (Alterra). Vancouver-based Alterra acquired the project from Horn Wind, LLC, a north Texas wind developer that has successfully developed two other wind projects in the region – both constructed by Mortenson.
  • Ecotech Institute has released a new eBook, “Ditch the Desk: Starting a Career in Energy Efficiency“. This free, comprehensive guide covers everything from a day in the life of energy project managers, potential salary earnings, required skills, tips for job seekers, expectations and requirements, advice from working experts and technicians and more.
Bioenergy Bytes

Pattern Energy Kicks off Amazon Wind Farm Project

Joanna Schroeder

Pattern Energy Group has announced the closing of financing on the 150 MW Amazon Wind Farm (Fowler Ridge) and construction is in full swing. The project is located in Benton County, Indiana and has entered into a 13-year PPA with Amazon to supply electricity to the grids that service Amazon Web Services datacenters. Upon completion, the Amazon Wind Farm project is expected to generate approximately 500,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of wind power annually.

“The Amazon Wind Farm project has successfully closed financing and is moving ahead on schedule,” said President and CEO of Pattern Development, Mike Garland. “We look forward to helping Amazon power its customers’ businesses with domestic clean energy harnessed from the winds of Indiana. We are now working with Amazon, Google and Walmart, demonstrating that America’s leading corporations are increasingly investing in, or buying power from, non-polluting energy sources like wind power. We see this growing trend driving the development of more new projects.”

AmazonPatternThe Amazon Wind Farm (Fowler Ridge) project will be comprised of 65 Siemens 2.3 MW turbines with ‘Made in America’ components. The turbine blades are being manufactured at the Siemens factory in Ft. Madison, Iowa and the nacelles are being assembled at the Siemens facility in Hutchinson, Kansas. The turbine towers will be sourced from Michigan and Wisconsin. Transformers for the project will be manufactured at the Siemens facility in Richland, Mississippi.

“Siemens is proud that our ‘Made in America’ wind components will be used at the Amazon Wind Farm. Wind power is an increasingly important part of our nation’s energy mix, and this project is part of a growing trend we see in the U.S. of technology companies and leading corporations investing in wind power,” said Jacob Andersen, CEO Onshore Americas, Siemens Wind Power and Renewables Division. “Our goal is to provide the most efficient and reliable equipment to ensure that wind energy is both sustainable and affordable. We’re pleased to continue our long relationship with Pattern Development and Pattern Energy, and Siemens technicians will work to ensure optimal performance of this equipment.”

Clean Energy, Electricity, Wind