American Wind Rebounds

Joanna Schroeder

According to a new report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the American wind industry is rebounding. During 2014, there was four times more new wind energy installed or coming online than in 2013. There was 4,850 MW in generating capacity installed with total installed capacity increasing by eight percent to 65,875.

However, AWEA notes that this amount still falls short of the record 13,000 MW installed in 2012 and blames failing to reach the record due to federal policy uncertainty. The renewable energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) was only extended for two weeks at the end of last year, and has now expired again. Tom Kiernan, AWEA CEO notes that every other energy source receives some type of tax relief and wind should not be, well, left in the wind.

“Wind is gaining strength, but as recent history shows, we can do a whole lot more,” said AWEA CEO Tom Kiernan. “We’re looking forward to working with Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle so that a reasonable, responsible tax policy is in place that allows the wind industry to continue lowering costs and investing billions of dollars in U.S. communities.”

Jonathan Weisgall, Vice President for Legislative and Regulatory Affairs of the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co., told reporters that the $1.9 billion wind farm his company is building in Iowa is the largest economic development project in 2Q2014 State Blue Mapthe state’s history. When finished, it will pay farmers $3 million a year for land leases, and supply customers such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft that have committed to buying clean energy.

“Our customers want wind,” Weisgall said. “We like wind because it’s a hedge against fossil prices…and wind, with no fuel costs associated, can keep those rates stable.”

The PTC provides a tax credit of 2.3 cents per kilowatt-hour generated for the first 10 years of a project’s life. It has encouraged $125 billion dollars of investment across America, creating 500 U.S. manufacturing facilities and technological innovations that lowered the wind power’s costs by more than half in the last five years.Read More

Electricity, Renewable Energy, Research, Wind

Innovations Helped Grow Biodiesel Industry

John Davis

nbc-15-butcherIt’s many of the innovations that have helped grow biodiesel from what could be considered just a cottage industry not that long ago to the major fuel it is today. During the recent National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, Tom Butcher from Brookhaven National Laboratory was recognized for his contributions to the industry. He told the group that as a researcher, he has worked on a lot of different energy technologies and was impressed with biodiesel’s impact.

“The impact that it’s had on the Northeast, the impact on the heating oil industry across the country. This is an industry that because of biodiesel has been rejuvenated,” he said.

Tom played an instrumental role in the technical research that has been done over the last six years that formed the basis for the balloting of performance specifications for 6 percent to 20 percent biodiesel blended into traditional heating oil as a new fuel grade in the ASTM D396 fuel oil standard. His groundbreaking work documenting the positive field experience with biodiesel blends and providing the research background were major factors in addressing questions brought up by the NORA/NBB-lead Bioheat Technical Steering Committee.

He concluded saying he was lucky to be part of this group and is looking forward to the innovations of the future.

Listen to Tom’s remarks here: Tom Butcher

2015 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conference, NBB

Ethanol Report on 20th Ethanol Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

rfa-nec-15The Renewable Fuels Association’s 20th Annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC) with the theme of “Going Global” is just around the corner now, coming up February 18-20, 2015 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.

The theme will hone in on how important export markets are to the future growth and financial health of the ethanol industry, particularly in light of the challenges being faced to fully implement the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and grow the domestic industry.

ethanol-report-adIn this edition of “The Ethanol Report,” Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen talks about the upcoming 20th NEC and how the industry has changed in 20 years.

Ethanol Report on 20th Ethanol Conference
Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

First Biodiesel Mandate Cited in Influence Award

John Davis

nbc-15-schoenfeldThe mandate that inspired other states to put in their own biodiesel requirements and the man who helped start it all were recognized during the recent National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. Jerry Schoenfeld of Minneapolis-based Greater States Advisors picked up the Eye on Biodiesel Influence Award for his instrumental part in the development, passage, and defense of landmark biodiesel legislation in Minnesota after soybean growers came to him in 2000.

He admits he didn’t know much about biodiesel back then, as there was just 2 million gallons produced nationwide each year – a dramatic difference from today’s 1.8 BILLION gallons annually. Jerry said he had to work with a state legislature that was split between Republicans and Democrats and an Independent governor. The nation’s first 2 percent biodiesel standard for all diesel was finally made into law and served as a blueprint for other states’ mandates.

“In many ways, that measure worked, along with many others in your respective states,” Jerry told the group. He added that working with the split legislature and governor’s office taught him important lessons in legislative matters. “If you work hard and you keep at it, you will succeed. And secondly, you can’t always assume who your friends and who your enemies are, because on any given day, different politicians will be both!”

Listen to Jerry’s remarks here: Interview with Jerry Schoenfeld, biodiesel award winner

2015 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conference, Legislation

Green Seal Energy Cert Created

Joanna Schroeder

The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) along with the Trade Chamber (CCEE) have created the Seal Green Energy certificate that confirms that company’s are using at least 20 percent of electricity produced from renewable sources.

Green Seal Energy certification works with the Bioelectricity Certification Program that will allow the exchange of information between UNICA and CEEE is confirmation that the electricity produced from a sugarcane production facility is generated from sugarcane biomass. The certification will also show that a company meets the criteria set out in the Sugar and Alcohol Industry Paulista Environmental Protocol, signed by the government of St. Paul and the sugarcane industry in 2007.

Sugarcane Plant in Brazil Photo Joanna SchroederThe President of the Board of Directors of CCEE, Luiz Eduardo Barata Ferreira, said of the new program, “The verification by the CCEE, that the criteria for plants and consumers will allow the Seal Green Energy become a differential that will add value for both the generator and buyer of energy produced from biomass of cane sugar.”

In 2014, 20.815 million gigawatts/hour (GWh) of electricity from biomass was produced, 20 percent higher than achieved in 2013. This amount would be able to supply 11 million households. UNICA also cites that if there was no electricity derived from sugarcane biomass, CO2 levels would be 24 percent higher.

Elizabeth Farina, president of UNICA added, “With the full energy use of sugarcane biomass, the technical potential of this source could reach 20,000 MW by 2023, which corresponds to the energy produced by two plants Itaipu. And certainly, this certification program will help to take advantage of increasing their potential.”

biomass, Electricity, UNICA

New Brand for Propane Autogas

Cindy Zimmerman

propane-autogasThe Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has debuted its first-ever logo and brand identity made specifically for propane autogas: PROPANE AUTOGAS Clean American Energy™.

To solidify propane autogas as the official name of the popular alternative fuel, the propane industry commissioned PERC to develop a single symbol and identity. However, PERC also hoped to build a brand that advances propane as an increasingly abundant, American-made energy source.

“Last year we debuted a new propane logo to better showcase propane in many of the other industries where it’s used every day,” said PERC President and CEO Roy Willis. “The propane autogas mark is an extension of that same brand, but serves an important role in the on-road industry: It brings consistency in what our industry, manufacturing partners, and customers call this popular alternative fuel at a time when sales are rapidly growing and when alternative fuels are becoming more widely adopted.”

Fleets that operate propane autogas vehicles can now place the logo on vehicles, dispensers, tanks, and marketing materials to help showcase the fact that they’ve chosen a clean, American-made fuel.

PERC, Propane

Protec Opens E15 Station in Georgia

Joanna Schroeder

protectlogoProtec Fuel has joined with Mountain Express to make E15 available to drivers in the greater Atlanta region. Mountain Express-Quick Stop is located in Marietta, GA and the Mountain-Express Food Mart in Greensboro, GA.

With the new E15 addition, the state now has 16 E15 locations.

“We are thrilled to see E15 continue to expand on America’s eastern seaboard,” said Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “E15’s expansion continues — reaching 16 states today — despite the misinformation being spread by Big Oil and its friends. We expect additional stations in more states to follow Georgia’s example and offer drivers low-cost, environmentally-friendly E15.”

Protec has been a country leader in bringing E15 to drivers. The ethanol blend is approved for vehicles manufactured after 2001. The ethanol industry stresses that when consumers are given choice, they choose ethanol blends, such as E15 at the pump.

“I would like to extend congratulations on behalf of Growth Energy and its members to Protec Fuel and to Mountain Express for their efforts to offer consumers a choice of homegrown, renewable fuels that help reduce harmful emissions and provide consumers with a choice and savings at the pump,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.

Buis added, “Protec and Mountain Express are helping pave the way in Georgia for consumer choice and savings. By offering a higher octane fuel for less, they are not only gaining a competitive edge, but they are serving their consumers who want to support cleaner burning, homegrown fuels.”

E15, Ethanol, Growth Energy, RFA

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • https://energy.agwired.com/category/bioenergy-bytes/New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Annual Renewable Energy Outlook 2014, forecasts the global installed capacity of renewable energy to more than double from 1,566 gigawatts (GW) in 2012 to reach 3,203 GW in 2025 at an average annual growth rate of 5.7 percent. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is expected to account for 33.4 percent of total renewable energy capacity additions over the 2012-2025 period. Wind follows closely at 32.7 percent, ahead of hydro power at 25.3 percent. Other renewable technologies will represent the remaining 8.6 percent of capacity additions.
  • Outlook, trader debates and refining updates will be center stage at the 11th annual Kingsman Dubai Sugar Conference, a renowned event in the world of sugar trading, to be held January 31st through February 3rd, 2015. More than 30 speakers, representing producers, importers, investment bankers, shipping companies, traders, analysts and associations will offer views on sugar production by country, regional and global trade agreements, competition in ethanol, what’s ahead to 2020, and market pricing.
  • The U.S. biomass power market is expected to see nominal growth expected during 2014-2025 according to a research report titled “Biopower in United States, Market Outlook to 2025, Update 2014 – Capacity, Generation, Regulations and Company Profiles“, now available with ReportsnReports.com. The report highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2010 to 2025 in United States Biopower market. A detailed coverage of renewable energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to Biopower market development is provided in the report. The research also provides company snapshots of some of the major market participants.
  • Natcore Technology has announced their research team has successfully used their proprietary advances in laser technology to produce an all-low-temperature laser-doped solar cell with all of its electrical contacts on the back of the cell. Eliminating the contacts from the front of the cell will allow an additional 4% to 6% more light to enter the cell and increase its output by a comparable amount. This increase along with other expected gains can increase efficiencies by up to 4% on an absolute basis relative to current benchmarks for front contact solar cells.
Bioenergy Bytes

Biodiesel Conference Honors Franken for Impact

John Davis

nbc-15-frankenA long-time advocate for biodiesel was honored during the recent National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. Sen. Al Franken from Minnesota was honored with the the 2015 “Eye on Biodiesel” Impact award for his work for biodiesel in Washington, taking a particular leadership role last year in challenging the EPA’s initial proposal that would have weakened Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes.

Sen. Franken has helped organize his Senate colleagues in holding meetings on the issue with senior Administration leaders. He has coordinated advocacy letters from members of Congress. And he has spoken out publicly to highlight biodiesel’s benefits in Minnesota and across the country as he fought for a strong RFS. Additionally, Sen. Franken has been a consistent and vocal advocate for the biodiesel tax incentive. His advocacy and leadership have been instrumental in helping to develop a policy environment in which biodiesel can continue to grow.

In recorded remarks played for the crowd gathered at the conference, Franken thanked the group for the honor and reiterated his opposition to the Obama Administration’s proposal to cut biodiesel requirement under the RFS to 1.3 billion gallons annually.

“Our annual biodiesel production meets and even exceeds the expectations set in the [RFS]. Last year, you produced 1.8 billion gallons – each one of those gallons is helping improve our energy security and creating good jobs here at home,” said Franken, pointing out that he’s talked with anyone who would listen in the administration, including President Obama, telling them all how opposed he was to the proposal. “We need a strong RFS, not a weak one.”

Franken vows to keep fighting for the biodiesel industry, also working to reinstate the federal biodiesel tax credit.

“It doesn’t make sense for taxpayers to spend billions of dollars each year subsidizing Big Oil, while letting investments in clean, homegrown energy, like biodiesel, lapse.”

Listen to Franken’s remarks here: Sen. Al Franken speaks to biodiesel conference by video

2015 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conference, Government, Legislation, NBB, RFS

Biodiesel, Soybean Groups Criticize Import Decision

John Davis

Proponents of the biodiesel industry in this country and the feedstocks that make it are blasting the U.S government’s decision to allow Argentinian biodiesel easier access to American markets. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) say the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ease sustainability requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to fast-track the South American fuel couldn’t come at a worse time.

nbb-advanced“This decision poses a tremendous threat to U.S. industry and jobs, not to mention the overriding goal of the RFS of developing clean, homegrown renewable fuels,” said Anne Steckel, NBB’s vice president of federal affairs. “This is incredibly damaging, particularly in light of the continued delays in establishing RFS volumes. The Obama administration has effectively run the U.S. biodiesel industry into a ditch over the past year by failing to establish a functioning renewable fuels policy, and instead of pulling the domestic industry out, it is fast-tracking foreign competition.”

ASAlogo1“Today’s decision issued by EPA on Argentinian biodiesel shows a lack of coordination and alarming tone-deafness regarding the purposes of the Renewable Fuels Standard,” said ASA President and Brownfield, Texas, farmer Wade Cowan. “EPA has put the interests of our foreign competitors above those of soybean farmers here in the U.S. At this point, we can only scratch our heads and wonder what EPA’s priorities are when it comes to the domestic renewable fuels industry.”

Under the RFS, feedstocks generally must be grown on land that was cleared or cultivated prior to Dec. 18, 2007 – when the RFS was implemented. Typically, foreign producers must closely map and track each batch of feedstock used to produce imported renewable fuels. EPA’s decision allows Argentinian biodiesel producers to use a survey plan for certifying that feedstocks used, far less stringent than the current map and track requirement and more difficult to verify. NBB estimates that up to 600 million gallons of Argentinian biodiesel could enter the U.S. as a result of the change.

“At a time when our U.S. industry needs a lifeline, it feels instead like we’re being pushed back under water,” Steckel said. “This decision simply makes no sense from an economic perspective, an energy security perspective or an environmental perspective. It is baffling.”

Biodiesel, EPA, Government, International, NBB