Advanced Wind Turbines to Soar Higher

Joanna Schroeder

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz gave an engaging presentation during the WINDPOWER 2015 Conference and Exhibition taking place in Orlando, Florida. He noted that new wind resource maps are showing the ability for advanced wind turbines to reach stronger winds higher above the ground, unlocking a previously untapped wind resource area that the DOE believes could eventually bring wind energy development to every state in America.

Moniz delivered highlights from the new report “Enabling Wind Power NationwideEnabling-Wind-Power-Nationwide-Cover,” which explains how new wind turbine designs are putting one of America’s largest domestic energy resources to use – the strong, consistent winds that can be found high above the ground in nearly all parts of the country.

“Wind generation has more than tripled in the United States in just six years, exceeding 4.5 percent of total generation, and we are focused on expanding its clean power potential to every state in the country,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “By producing the next generation of larger and more efficient wind turbines, we can create thousands of new jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as we fully unlock wind power as a critical national resource.”

The Enabling Wind Power Nationwide report builds upon the DOE’s Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power report released this past March, which shows wind energy can become one of America’s top electricity sources, and save consumers money while doing so.

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) CEO Tom Kiernan was quick to applaud the Secretary’s remarks, pointing out just a few of the ways Americans stand to benefit. “This report is great news for consumers, job-seekers, rural communities and many others in these states that have yet to fully benefit from American wind power,” said Kiernan. “Wind turbine technology has advanced in just a few decades from the Model T era to more like that of a Tesla Model S. Advanced towers, blades and improved electronics to operate and maintain the turbines are all part of this revolution.”Read More

Clean Energy, Electricity, Renewable Energy, Wind

Novozymes Part of Global Bioenergy Initiative

Cindy Zimmerman

sustainableA new UN Sustainable Energy for All initiative was announced this week with the goal of “doubling the global use of renewable energy and ensuring universal energy access by 2030.”

Co-chaired by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials, the initiative includes Novozymes, a global technology provider for the biofuels industry, as a partner in the project to scale up the development and deployment of sustainable bioenergy solutions.

novozymes“With this initiative, we help bring together a diverse range of global frontrunners to advance the development and use of sustainable bioenergy in countries where the environmental and socio-economic benefits are greatest,” said Thomas Videbæk, Executive Vice President for Business Development with Novozymes. “It is a unique chance to involve governments, industry, financial institutions, academia, and civil society to identify opportunities where action on sustainable bioenergy can be accelerated.”

Accounting for nearly half of the global enzyme market, Novozymes has been a major player in the commercial development of cellulosic ethanol. “We produce the enzymes that help break down starch and make sugar available for first generation ethanol and we are working on a number of projects to help breakdown cellulosic material,” said Videbæk in an interview today with DomesticFuel.

Videbæk says next generation biofuels are considered “sustainable bioenergy” under the initiative’s High Impact Opportunity (HIO) goals. “I look at the biofuel area, be it first or second generation, as very sustainable forms of energy,” said Videbæk. “We certainly hope to see that continues going forward.”

Which is one of the reasons Novozymes wanted to be part of this initiative that they hope will help get some regulatory clarity regarding sustainable bioenergy around the world, including the United States. “And we can get politicians to commit to mandates and targets for this type of energy, because we believe that is for the best of the planet’s future,” Videbæk said.

In this interview, Videbæk explains much more about the new initiative and Novozymes’ role in it. Interview with Thomas Videbæk, Novozymes

advanced biofuels, Audio, bioenergy, biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News, International, Novozymes

Ethanol Producers Manage Growth, Change

Joanna Schroeder

The 10th annual Biofuels Financial Conference is right around the corner. This year’s theme is “Managing Expectations” and will focus on ways the successful biofuels facilities are watching for ways to manage capital, reinvest profits and help their plants evolve says John Christianson, CPA and Partner at Christianson & Associates, PLLP, based in Willmar, MN. The Biofuels Financial Conference is taking place June 24-25, 2015 in Minneapolis, MN at the Bloomington Embassy Suites.

Christianson and A logoSpeakers will discuss various aspects of creating a well-managed plan for growth and change, and ways to help investors understand the essential components of future success. Christianson says that his company, which is both a CPA firm and a consulting firm that has worked in the biofuels industry for 20 years, understands the importance of providing services and products that can help ensure financial success for a biofuels plant. This year’s Biofuels Financial Conference will focus on creating a financial plan that maximizes profitability while ensuring future stability and meeting the expectations of all stakeholders.

“It’s important for board members and financial decision-makers to understand the opportunities in the current liquid fuels marketplace,” Christianson added. “What is the impact of the latest legislation changes, what are the marketplace opportunities, what are the technology investments that will bring a plant successfully into the next generation?”

Registration is still open but space is limited. Learn more about the Biofuels Financial Conference and register by clicking here.

Biodiesel, biofuels, conferences, Ethanol

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1ReNew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s largest clean energy companies, has appointed Ajay K Goel as President Solar & Chief New Businesses. In his current role, Ajay will be responsible for building new businesses on the distributed side of the solar sector focusing on commercial, industrial and residential segments.
  • Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd. and its development partner Golden Square Energy, have put two solar power plants in operation near Cambridge in the United Kingdom. After having received planning consent for the Fenland Farm and the Green End PV parks in November 2014 and December 2014 respectively, construction and grid connection of both projects took place in the first quarter of 2015, on time to operate under the 1.4 ROC scheme.
  • MPOWERD Inc., the maker of Luci inflatable solar lights, announced that they have signed a 5-year deal with one of the world’s leading medical supply distributors, UK & US-based Durbin Group. The deal significantly expands the presence of MPOWERD’s solar lights in the NGO and humanitarian aid sector, as Durbin will market the lights throughout its vast network of charitable clients in 180 countries. The companies project that millions of units will be distributed over the course of the 5 year contract.
  • AWS Truepower, LLC, an international leader in renewable energy consulting and information services, announced a major upgrade to Windographer, its market-leading software for analyzing, visualizing, and validating wind resource data from meteorological towers and remote sensing systems. Version 4 allows users to perform numerous tasks more effectively and in less time, while retaining the intuitive, easy-to-use interface that has made the software so popular.
Bioenergy Bytes

Making More Sustainable Ethanol at FEW

John Davis

celleratesyngentaAttendees of the upcoming Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW), June 1 – 4, will have the chance to learn about the next leap forward for ethanol production, as Syngenta presents: Cellerate – a revolutionary ethanol process technology that converts corn kernel fiber into cellulosic ethanol.

Quad County Corn Processors CEO Delayne Johnson will discuss Cellerate as part of, “Grabbing that Next Rung: Advanced Ethanol Production for Existing Starch Producers.” Don’t miss his presentation:

When: Tuesday June 2, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Where: Room 101 DEFG

Syngenta also invites you to stop by booth 701 at FEW to learn how Syngenta is making ethanol more sustainable by integrating Cellerate process technology and Enogen corn enzyme technology.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, FEW

Ethanol Groups Promote Safe Boating on E10

Cindy Zimmerman

With the Memorial Day weekend approaching fast, the ethanol industry is assuring boaters that 10% ethanol blended fuel is just fine for marine engines, despite what the American Petroleum Institute says.

In response to an API press call with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) on Wednesday, Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis noted that “all major manufacturers of outboard and marine motors, as well as small engines, are approved for the use of gasoline blended with up to 10 percent ethanol.”

“What probably does concern boaters is the amount of time they spend dry docked as a result of oil spills, like the one that dumped 21,000 gallons of oil along four miles of coastline in Santa Barbara, California” this week,” said Buis.

rfa-nbra-3Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen adds that “E10 has been used successfully in marine engines for 30 years now” and that the higher octane in the fuel helps with summertime boating activities. “It’s gasoline on steroids, it doesn’t pollute, it’ll pull your jetskier, it’ll pull your tuber, it’ll get you to your favorite fishing hole, and you can know you’re supporting America’s farmers and clean water,” said Dinneen.

Dinneen’s simple advice to boaters concerned about using E10: “Take a look at your owner’s manual.” And check out RFA’s FAQs on ethanol and marine engines.

Listen to Dinneen’s comments about E10 and boating here: RFA CEO on E10 Safe for Boats

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Growth Energy, RFA, RFS

E15 Comes to Orlando

John Davis

protecfuelThe Orlando, Florida area is getting its first offering of the higher blend of ethanol, E15. Biofuels distributor Protec Fuel and Kissimmee Citgo have teamed up to launch the 88-octane fuel at the station at 3297 S. John Young Pkwy in Kissimmee, which already sells E85 and B20 biodiesel fuel.

“We are extremely excited to be the first in Central Florida to offer this additional grade of alternative fuel,” said Ken Allen, president of Mid-State Energy, Inc., “and offer our customers more choices as it comes to fueling. This vacation destination is especially prime with all the rental cars that can run on E15, and even E85.” Mid-State Energy, Inc. owns and provides fuel for this station.

These are part of Protec Fuel’s station rollout of dozens of E15 sites to metropolitan areas that include various cities in the South and Southeast. This is the fourth location under Protec to open in Florida.

The news was also welcomed by ethanol advocacy group Growth Energy.

Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, issued the following statement:

“I would like to congratulate Protec for bringing higher performing, lower cost fuel options to more consumers in Florida. Protec recognizes that E15 is a win for both retailers and consumers, and its ongoing efforts to find new locations to offer the homegrown renewable fuel shows that it is a leader in the marketplace.

“The demand for E15 is strong, and it is great to see E15 expand its footprint in Florida. It is clear, with the growing presence of E15 that when consumers are given the choice, they will choose the less expensive fuel that is better for their engines and our environment – one that creates jobs in America and reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.”

Buis pointed out that E15 is compatible with more than 80 percent of the cars on the road today, as millions of miles have been driven on E15 without a single issue.

E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Growth Energy

Study Shows No RINS Impact on Gas Prices

Cindy Zimmerman

fuelsA new statistical analysis prepared for the Renewable Fuels Association shows that retail gas prices remain unaffected by the “RIN credit” system under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

According to the analysis, conducted by Informa Economics, Inc., prices for “RIN credits” (Renewable Identification Numbers) used to demonstrate compliance with the RFS had no impact on retail gasoline prices from 2013 through the first quarter of 2015.

Instead, the analysis shows that “…a majority of gasoline price movements can be explained by crude oil prices.” In fact, the study found that gas prices in recent years have been driven almost entirely by crude oil prices and vehicle miles traveled.

RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen says the study “disproves the faulty assertion by oil industry trade groups that RINs somehow negatively influence consumer gas prices.”

“The bottom line is that RINs are free for refiners who purchase and blend required volumes of ethanol with gasoline,” said Dinneen. “Only those refiners who stubbornly refuse to blend required ethanol volumes have a need to buy separated RINs on the open market; and in the highly competitive gasoline marketplace, there is no way they can pass those costs on to consumers and remain competitive with refiners and blenders who are blending more ethanol than required.”

The new Informa analysis also supports the findings of an April study by former White House economic advisor James Stock, who concluded that “…there is negligible estimated effect of RIN prices on pump E10 prices.” Dinneen notes that Stock is a former Office of Management and Budget official who was involved with the approval of EPA’s proposal in November 2013 that called for scaling back the RFS. “I wish he had that revelation when he was at OMB,” said Dinneen.

Dinneen comments on the new analysis in this interview: RFA CEO on RINs/Gas Price Analysis

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, RFS

Biodiesel Board Ad Campaign Showcases Success

John Davis

nBBA new ad campaign from the National Biodiesel Board is showcasing the success of the green fuel from coast to coast. The “Biodiesel is Getting Us Where We Need to Go” campaign celebrates biodiesel’s benefits that touch cities and towns, fields and farms, water and air.

“Biodiesel shows that forward-looking energy initiatives work to promote new ideas and innovation that deliver results,” said Joe Jobe, National Biodiesel Board CEO. “We have a lot to be proud of and want to showcase to leaders in Washington and around the nation the environmental, economic, and energy benefits biodiesel brings right to their communities.”

The 30 second commercial will air on national television networks, as well as on select local broadcast outlets and cable news programs throughout the summer.

The digital campaign includes banner advertising and a 15 second version of the television commercial presented as a pre-roll to programming on news platforms and as openers to videos on YouTube. Radio and print focused on target areas will round out the comprehensive campaign, anchored by a re-launched website (www.americasadvancedbiofuel.com) that provides videos featuring how biodiesel is making a difference in from coast to coast.

The campaign complements NBB’s efforts to support biodiesel growth through the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and is funded by the United Soybean Board, State Soybean Checkoff Boards, U.S. Canola Association, and the National Biodiesel Board.

Biodiesel, NBB, USB

Biofuels, Nat Gas Boost Nonpetroleum Usage Levels

John Davis

Petroleum is still tops in transportation fuels, but biodiesel, ethanol and natural gas have taken the biggest bite out of its share since 1954. This report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says the numbers harken back to when coal-fired steam locomotives were declining and automobile use was growing rapidly.
nonpetroleumconsumption
After nearly 50 years of relative stability at about 4%, the nonpetroleum share started increasing steadily in the mid-2000s, reaching 8.5% in 2014. Of the nonpetroleum fuels used for transportation, fuel ethanol has grown most rapidly in recent years, increasing by nearly one quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) between 2000 and 2014. Nearly all of the ethanol consumed was blended into gasoline in blends of 10% or less, but a small amount was used in vehicles capable of running on higher blends as the availability of those flexible-fuel vehicles grew. Consumption of biodiesel, most of it blended into diesel fuel for use in trucks and buses, grew to more than 180 trillion Btu by 2014.

In 2014, transportation use of natural gas reached a historic high of 946 trillion Btu, 3.5% of all natural gas used in the United States. Transportation natural gas is mostly used in the operation of pipelines, primarily to run compressor stations and to deliver natural gas to consumers. Natural gas used to fuel vehicles, although a much smaller amount, has more than doubled since 2000.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, Natural Gas