Clean Energy Investments Jump

Joanna Schroeder January 20, 2015

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), clean energy investment rose for the first time in three years in 2014. New funds for wind, solar, biofuels and other low-carbon energy technologies gained 16 percent to $310 billion last year. It was the first growth since 2011, erasing the impact of lower solar-panel prices and falling subsides in the U.S. and Europe that hurt the industry in previous years.

The study reported that clean energy benefited from a number of trends that will be difficult to replicate in 2015. For example, with China’s commitment to renewables, funding increased 32 percent. In addition, a record $19.4 billion was committed to offshore wind projects during the year.

The industry benefited from a number of trends that will be challenging to replicate this year. Funding surged because of a 32 percent expansion in China’s commitment to renewables, as well as a record $19.4 billion committed to offshore wind projects that were years in the making. And prior to the major drop in gas prices, investments were on the rise for electric vehicle development.

“Healthy investment in clean energy may surprise some commentators, who have been predicting trouble for renewables as a result of the oil price collapse,” said Michael Liebreich, chairman of the advisory board of the London-based researcher. “Our answer is that 2014 was too early to see any noticeable effect on investment. The impact of cheaper crude will be felt much more in road transport than in electricity generation.”

However, the BNEF, there may be trouble on the horizon for electric cars and offshore wind but even with lower oil prices, they predict installations for solar and wind power to grow about 10 percent in 2015. BNEF says the findings ease concerns that the oil price rout that began in the middle of last year would lead to a sharp reduction in funds for low-carbon energy, which is more costly than fossil fuels.

“This increase in renewable energy investment demonstrates the resilience of the sector in the face of tumbling oil prices,” said Ben Warren, head of environmental finance at the consulting firm EY. “This trend is set to continue as technology around renewables becomes more affordable. The increasing role that renewable energy plays in emerging markets will also help ensure sustainable growth for the sector.”

Electric Vehicles, offshore wind, Renewable Energy, Solar, Wind

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder January 20, 2015

In a move designed to reflect their specialized expertise with solar racks and installations, Daetwyler Clean Energy has shifted its solar brand to DCE Solar. “We believe in all renewable forms of energy,” said CEO Bill Taylor. “Our name shift is about emphasizing our focus on solar instead of the much broader spectrum of different kinds of clean energy which Daetwyler also supports.”
Ecolab Inc. is the first major corporate participant in Minnesota’s newest alternative energy program, which uses community solar gardens — shared solar panel sites with grid-connected subscribers — to offset electricity use. SunEdison will develop the solar gardens under the Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards Community Program, which launched in December 2014 in Minnesota. The solar gardens will deliver electricity to Minnesota’s local grid, and as a subscriber, Ecolab will offset the electricity it purchases for its corporate and research, development and engineering campuses in Minnesota.
ReportsnReports.com has added the report, “Global Wind Turbine Value Chain – Production, Market Share, Competitive Landscape and Market Size to 2020”. According to this wind power market and wind turbine industry report, more blades are being outsourced than are being produced in-house, Asian tower manufacturers pose threat to American counterparts and Europe as well as Asia-Pacific combined generate more than 90% of global wind power generators. This research provides global data and information analysis for wind power market, wind turbine, wind turbine rotor blade market, wind turbine gearbox industry, the wind turbine tower as well as generator markets.
Transparency Market Research has released a new market report titled “Waste to Energy Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 – 2019,” that defines and segments the global waste to energy market with analysis and forecast of the global revenues. This report observes that the annual revenue of the waste to energy market was USD 18,472.3 million in 2012 and is expected to reach USD 31,892.9 million by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2013 to 2019.

Bioenergy Bytes

Local Information and Music on Biodiesel

John Davis January 20, 2015

Biodiesel has been convincing folks of the environmental value it holds. Now, a radio station in Canada is using the green fuel to get out local information and music… and serving as one more success story. This story from the Sudbury (ON) Star says Manitoulin’s radio station, The Island, 100.7, is running 12 hours a day on biodiesel made from french fry grease.

KT [Timmermanns] tells me, “Back in 2012, after our Manitoulin Country Fest was over, Craig [Timmermanns, her husband] was shocked at how much waste vegetable oil was going into the landfill from all the vendors. He thought he could turn a negative into a positive. You know Craig: he began to research and develop a system to utilize this waste. You know Craig; his goal is always to use technology to help offset our always increasing energy costs “¦ in operating our radio station.”

KT tells me, “Several approvals were needed. Ontario Power Authority, (OPA) to put the excess energy on the grid, then from the Electrical Safety Authority,(ESA) and Hydro One. OPA approved all Craig’s technical information. Last up was ESA. The inspector was in last week and final approval was granted, with Hydro One coming in this week to install a new bi-directional meter.”

“Bi-directional allows for power to go back onto the grid when the biodiesel is running. We’ll receive a credit, which we use at night or regular power. Now, The Island 100.7 is now running on French fry oil daily from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.”

The Timmermanns are putting in a license for a new station at 50,000 watts. Let’s see if they can pull off that boost with some help from biodiesel.

Biodiesel

Study: Animal Fat Biodiesel Cuts GHGs by 85%

John Davis January 20, 2015

Biodiesel made from animal fat produces 85 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This news release from the European Fat Processors and Renderers Association says new finding from the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IFEU) in Germany confirm a long-held belief that animal fat biodiesel would have significant positive effects on the environment.

The latest calculations carried out in the context of the ISCC sustainability certification process reveal that producing biodiesel from animal fat achieves a remarkable 85% saving in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil diesel fuel…

Public health restrictions mean that animal by-products are subject to special disposal regulations and as a consequence have a negative market value. Therefore, according to the IFEU, all emissions relating to treatment necessary for compliance with public health requirements in sterilised preliminary products should not count towards the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated during production of the associated biofuel.

Niels Leth Nielsen, EFPRA president, commented: “Biodiesel made from animal fat not only conserves resources, it also achieves very high savings in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. That means we already have access to an advanced biofuel.”

Biodiesel, International

Getting Started with National Biodiesel Conference

Chuck Zimmerman January 19, 2015

The 2015 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo is just kicking off in Ft. Worth, Tx. Here’s the communications team that is helping make it easy for the media to get the stories they need.

I’ll be working out of the media room as the Biodiesel Blogger again this year. That means I’ll be sharing stories here on Domestic Fuel but also on the National Biodiesel Conference Blog.

So, let’s get things started with some pictures. I’ve got an online conference album started for your viewing and sharing pleasure: 2015 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference, NBB

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder January 19, 2015

The Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) is pleased to welcome Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP) and Syngenta as new members. Syngenta and QCCP are engaged in a joint venture to develop, license and deploy Cellerate™ — a “bolt on” cellulosic ethanol process technology easily integrated into existing corn ethanol production processes.
New orders of clean diesel and diesel-electric hybrid buses by transit agencies in major communities like San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, and New York over the past year are a strong indication that clean diesel technology is still the all-around best choice for public transportation according to Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “These new clean diesel powered buses offer the most modern and advanced technology to transit fleets in a much more cost-efficient manner than other fuel sources,” Schaeffer said. “It’s because of the safety, reliability and efficiency now coupled with new environmental performance that makes diesel the predominant power source for public transit, as well as school and intercity bus services nationwide.”
Rémi Gruet has been appointed CEO of Ocean Energy Europe – the trade association for ocean renewable energy. Gruet joined Ocean Energy Europe as Policy & Operations Director last year and succeeds Dr. Sian George, who was appointed to oversee the reinvention of the association as Ocean Energy Europe in 2012. Gruet will be tasked with shaping the policy context that will help Europe’s ocean energy sector reach commercialisation over the coming decade.
Henry Ford’s 20th-century vision of a bioeconomy rich with fuels developed from vegetable matter is far from a reality. What will it take to shift the fossil-fuel-based energy of the present into a future sustainable, modern bioeconomy? Bioenergy Connection, the magazine produced by the Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI), confronts that question in its latest issue. The article looks at the state of advanced biofuels and technologies today, as well as offering closer examinations of two biofuels, bio-butanol and biodiesel. Other features address the promise of aviation biofuels, flex fuels in the United States, and the history of sugarcane ethanol in Brazil. In a series of articles, experts also examine the dramatic debut of commercial cellulosic ethanol, the process of separating sugars from biomass, and bioprospecting for potential microbes to aid in biofuels production.

Bioenergy Bytes

Keystone Amendment Targets Corn Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman January 19, 2015

An amendment to the Keystone pipeline bill would eliminate corn ethanol from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a move that ethanol industry groups say would set U.S. energy policy back by decades.

The amendment was offered by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) on the premise that corn ethanol “drives up the cost of everything from gasoline to groceries.”

“The fact of the matter is that corn is less expensive today than when the RFS was passed in 2007,” said Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen. “There is simply no truth to the notion that ethanol has driven up the price of food. In fact, the UN concluded that food prices are driven more by the price of energy than the cost of commodities. To that point, ethanol has been less expensive than gas for the better part of the past four years and has helped reduce consumer pain at the pump.”

“This amendment is an unnecessary solution to an imaginary problem,” Dinneen added. “If approved, it would set our nation’s energy, economic, and climate agenda back decades.”

“This amendment would eviscerate the RFS – the most successful energy policy enacted in the last 40 years,” Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis said. “If this amendment was adopted, it would embrace the status quo of our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil, concede we no longer are serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and seek to pursue a policy that would result in massive upheaval and job loss in today’s booming rural economy.”

The amendment was introduced in the Senate on Friday.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, Growth Energy, RFA, RFS

Boeing, Embraer Open Biofuel Research Center

John Davis January 19, 2015

A new research center will look to establish the aviation biofuels industry in Brazil. Aviation manufacturers Boeing and Embraer opened a joint sustainable aviation biofuel research center in the South American country.

At the Boeing-Embraer Joint Research Center in the São José dos Campos Technology Park, the companies will coordinate and co-fund research with Brazilian universities and other institutions. The research will focus on technologies that address gaps in creating a sustainable aviation biofuel industry in Brazil, such as feedstock production, techno-economic analysis, economic viability studies and processing technologies.

“Boeing and Embraer, two of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, are partnering in an unprecedented way to make more progress on sustainable aviation biofuel than one company can do alone,” said Donna Hrinak, president, Boeing Brazil and Boeing Latin America. “Brazil, a pioneer in the sustainable fuels industry, will play a leading role in establishing the biofuels industry and helping meet aviation’s environmental goals.”

“Our purpose is to support work on developing and maturing the knowledge and technologies needed to establish a sustainable aviation biofuel industry in Brazil with global reach,” said Mauro Kern, executive vice president, Engineering and Technology, Embraer. “Brazil has shown its potential and is already a benchmark for the clean-energy industry, having created very successful ethanol and biodiesel industries.”

This joint research center is the latest in a series of collaborative efforts by Boeing and Embraer, and Brazilian partners on sustainable aviation biofuel.

aviation biofuels, Brazil, International

The Andersons Launches Campaign on Diveristy

John Davis January 19, 2015

Grain, ethanol, and plant nutrient company The Andersons is emphasizing the diversity it brings to agribusiness. This news release from the Ohio-based company says its new brand campaign “And Beyond” includes a refresh to the corporate website www.andersonsinc.com and associated promotional materials.

“The ‘And Beyond’ campaign builds on the equity of the previous ‘And’ theme that we’ve had in place for about six years,” says Tom Waggoner, Vice President, Marketing and Operations Services. “This campaign provides a fresh perspective that keeps our brand moving forward. The theme highlights that The Andersons goes beyond the ordinary with our market expertise and beyond expectations in the strong relationships we form.”

With various business groups operating in 21 states across the country, the “And Beyond” campaign reflects The Andersons as a diversified, yet united, company. Although serving diversified industries, the business groups share a strong commitment to grow enduring relationships through extraordinary service, a deep knowledge of the market and a knack for finding new ways to add value as the company has done for nearly 70 years.

In addition to the ag sector businesses, The Andersons is also involved in railcar leasing, turf and cob products, and consumer retailing.

Agribusiness, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Groups Petition Hawai’ian Utility for Solar Support

Joanna Schroeder January 16, 2015

A coalition of community groups have petitioned the Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission in support of renewable energy such as solar. The group is calling for a completion of the state’s renewable energy goals before it considers approving the purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries by Florida-based NextEra Energy. The coalition includes Sierra Club, represented by Earthjustice, Blue Planet Foundation, Hawai‘i PV Coalition, Hawai‘i Solar Energy Association and The Alliance for Solar Choice.

Solar panels dot the rooftops of homes in Salt Lake on Oahu, Hawaiʻi. Photo Credit: MATT MALLAMS / EARTHJUSTICE

NextEra’s proposal to buy Hawaiian Electric for $4.3 billion was announced in early December and will require various approvals, including by the PUC. The merger application to the PUC has not yet been filed.

“Our purpose is to make sure the horse is in front of the cart,” said Jeff Mikulina, executive director of Blue Planet Foundation. “As clean energy stakeholders, we share the joint interest in making sure we complete planning for Hawai‘i’s energy future now. We don’t want to put the discussions on the back-burner and then have to start over after the merger proceeding is finished.”

“Hawai‘i customers deserve an energy roadmap to ensure we’re acting in the best interest of the public, like having access to cheaper and cleaner power, before engaging in a long and complicated merger process,” said Leslie Cole-Brooks, executive director of the Hawai‘i Solar Association.

Over the past several years, the Commission has demanded that Hawaiian Electric focus on establishing a roadmap for a sustainable, customer-focused electric grid that serves the best interests of the state and people of Hawai‘i.

The petition states that the Commission’s numerous orders, together with enactments by the state legislature, have identified specific issues and mandated specific next steps necessary to articulate “the vision, business strategies, and regulatory policy changes required to align the [Hawaiian Electric]’s business model with customers’ interests and the state’s public policy goals.”Read More

Electricity, Renewable Energy, Solar

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