CGI America Launches Feed-Out Program

Joanna Schroeder

The world is about to see the first market-based, fixed-price funding program for solar and renewable technologies through a Feed-Out Program. The program, the brain-child of the Clinton Global Initiative America (CGI America) and Demeter Power Group, has a goal of helping modernize the nation’s power grid with distributed energy.

Clinton Global Initiative logo“The Feed-Out Program will bring together independent power producers and financiers to enable the lowest-cost, fixed-price offering for renewable energy,” said Michael Wallander, Demeter Power Group founder and president. “But unlike other similar ‘feed-in-tariff’ programs, the energy will be used on the customer-side of the meter.”

According to CGI, $1 trillion a year – a total of $36 trillion – is needed for investment in sustainable energy infrastructure to successfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2050. The Program will help tackle this challenge focusing primarily on funding for solar energy while also enabling cost-effective investment in energy storage, fuel cells and electrical vehicle car charging stations.

Yann Brandt, Demeter Co-Founder and EVP of Development noted, “What retail tenant or business owner would not want to save money on their energy bills while offering customers and employees the ability to shade their cars and power up with solar energy? We enable funding for solar-powered carports with electric vehicle charging stations at a net-negative cost to the customer.”

Demeter Power Group logoDemeter is contributing its finance mechanism – PACE3P – to help overcome credit-related challenges that have prevented scalable finance programs in the past. Demeter explained that PACE3P ties services fees to the buildings where the energy is used through a voluntary assessment on property tax bills.

Initially the Program will make financing available to commercial properties located in Northern California communities participating in the California FIRST property assessed clean energy (PACE) Program offered through the California Statewide Community Development Authority. Interested participants must register with Demeter to participate in the platform, which is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2015.

Carbon, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Electric Vehicles, energy efficiency, Energy Storage, Environment, Solar

Biobased Products Important for Ag

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How important are biobased products for agriculture?”

An overwhelming majority of those polled believe biobased products serve a purpose in the agriculture community. At the USB Biobased Stakeholders Dialogue in Washington D.C., USDA officials shared what they are doing to expand biobased opportunities. Listen to those interviews here.

Our poll results:

  • Very – need new markets – 71%
  • Somewhat helpful – 7%
  • Waste of resources – 7%
  • What are bio-based products? – 7%
  • Other – 7%

    • Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Where are you in #hay14?”

    The hay making process is a necessity for all raising livestock across the country. Many got an early start this year, yet others have had delay after delay because of Mother Nature. I was raised to never complain when it’s raining and after droughts the last couple of years I have learned to take all we can get. However, getting hay up on time and between spring showers has been hard for many farmers and ranchers. Have you finished your first cuttings or are you still in the heat of it? Join the hay making conversation on New Holland’s Facebook page and learn about their Roll-Belt app here.

    ZimmPoll

    BioEnergy Bytes

    Joanna Schroeder

    • BioEnergyBytesDFChina’s renewable energy capacity increased from 27.8 Gigawatts (GW) in 2001 to 183 GW in 2013, and alternative sources are expected to account for more than 20% of the country’s total electricity generation by 2020, says research and consulting firm GlobalData. “Asia-Pacific Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2014,” states that China’s emergence as a major player in the global renewable energy industry, and the leading country in the Asia-Pacific region, has been accelerated by a combination of government encouragement and market guidance.
    • Avantha Group Company CG, along with the other consortium partners Fabricom and Iemants, has been selected by Van Oord, for the offshore wind project “Gemini” in the Netherlands. As part of the scope CG, will design, deliver and install 2 high voltage (HV) offshore substations and 1 HV onshore substation. The volume of the order for the consortium is in excess of €150Mn. CG’s scope covers approximately 30% of the overall contract. The project is expected to start in the second quarter of 2014 and to be completed in 2016.
    • Ellomay Capital Ltd., an emerging operator in the renewable energy and energy infrastructure sector, has announced the execution by the Italian President of a decree presented by the Italian Government that will, if approved by the Italian Parliament, decrease the Feed-in-Tariff (“FiT”) guaranteed to existing photovoltaic plants with nominal capacity of more than 200 kW (the “Decree”). The Decree forms part of the Italian Government’s efforts to reduce electricity costs and has entered into force with its execution by the Italian President, but is subject to the approval of the Italian Parliament within a period of 60 days.
    • OneRoof Energy Group, Inc., a complete solar services provider, has announced that Henry K. Yun, Ph.D. has joined OneRoof Energy’s board of directors. Yun is the Vice President of Corporate Planning for Hanwha Q Cells USA Corp. and brings a depth of global experience in scaling market-leading enterprises. In addition to being a member of the board, Yun will also be a member of the Governance, Nomination & Compensation Committee.
    Bioenergy Bytes

    Biodiesel Feedstock Gets Approval as Cattle Feed

    John Davis

    agrisomaPGFA new feedstock for biodiesel has gained approval as a feed for cattle. Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. announced that its meal from Carinata, or Ethiopian mustard, used in biodiesel production with their partner company PGF Biofuels Ltd., gained approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for use in feed for grower and finisher beef cattle in Canada.

    Marketed under the brand name Resonance® Carinata, this industrial oilseed produces a high protein meal that can now be used as a source of protein in livestock feed. The CFIA’s approval, in conjunction with similar approvals in other international markets allows for Canadian Carinata meal sales and is an important part of the continued development for the Resonance Carinata value chain.

    CFIA regulatory approval for cattle feed in Canada means that Resonance Carinata meal has been through rigorous animal safety and efficacy testing. In his research-based evaluation of the Carinata meal, Dr. John McKinnon, Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Beef Industry Chair, concluded that, “Carinata meal is relatively low in fibre and an excellent source of crude protein that is readily degradable by rumen bacteria. As such, this meal can be used effectively to meet the rumen degradable protein needs of growing cattle.”

    “While the primary market for Resonance Carinata has always been renewable aviation and biodiesel fuels, the value of its high quality meal is an important part of Carinata’s overall market success,” said Mr. Andrew Paterson, Chief Executive Officer of PGF Biofuels. “With Resonance Carinata meal now approved by the CFIA, the market potential for this crop, and its related opportunity for growers, continues to expand.”

    Agrisoma officials say being able to sell the Carinata meal adds value to all the products within the production chain.

    Biodiesel, feedstocks

    Isuzu to Partner to Develop Algae Biodiesel

    John Davis

    isuzu euglenaJapanese car maker Isuzu is partnering with a fellow Japanese company to develop a new kind of biodiesel from algae. This article from Bloomberg says Isuzu and Euglena Co. hope to establish the technology by 2018.

    The companies want to develop a type of fuel that can be used on its own unlike existing kinds that need to be mixed with light oil, they said in a statement today.

    “As long as we use light oil for diesel engines, emissions of carbon dioxide are inevitable,” Susumu Hosoi, president of Japanese truck maker Isuzu, said at a news conference. “It is important to diversify types of fuel” for resource-poor Japan, he said.

    Euglena, a Japanese biotech venture, has been developing jet fuel from algae with airline operator ANA Holdings Inc., President Mitsuru Izumo said at the event.

    Biodiesel, Car Makers, International

    Iowa Sets New Record for First Quarter E85 Sales

    Joanna Schroeder

    Iowa flex-fuel drivers (FFVs) have set a new E85 record with the purchase of 2,707,231 gallons of E85 in the first quarter of 2014, according to data released by the Iowa Department of Revenue. The more than 2.7 million gallons of E85 sold is a new first quarter record, and nearly a 48 percent increase over the first quarter of 2013.

    Flex Fuel Pump at Hy-Vee Mills Civic Parkway in Des Moines IA 6-16-14“As the EPA debates slashing 2014 requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the cost-savings of ethanol-blended fuels continues to grow and Iowans are purchasing E85 at a record rate,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “When you follow-up a record year for E85 sales in 2013 with record E85 sales in the first quarter of 2014, it’s further proof that when given the choice, consumers will choose cleaner-burning, lower-cost ethanol blends.”

    Yesterday, IRFA also reported the largest wholesale price spread between E85 and regular gasoline since it began tracking prices through its Weekly Iowa E85 Wholesale Price Listing Service. On Monday, June 23, the average price of regular 87-octane gasoline without ethanol was $3.23 per gallon at the Des Moines Terminal, according to OPIS. Meanwhile, Absolute Energy, an ethanol plant in St. Ansgar, Iowa, was selling E85 for $1.64 per gallon.

    “At the wholesale level, E85 is being sold for nearly half the price of regular gasoline – that’s right, it’s nearly 50 percent cheaper,” added Shaw. “With Fourth of July travel just around the corner, it will literally pay for flex-fuel vehicle owners to find E85 along their route.”

    biofuels, E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Iowa RFA

    IESI Selects Solectria SMARTGRID Inverters

    Joanna Schroeder

    1.7MW Array at Grafton Water DistrictInnovative Engineering Solutions has selected Solectria Renewables‘ SMARTGRID Inverters for seven projects in Massachusetts totaling 22 MW. The projects include the Concord Landfill, the Grafton Water District and five commercial sites.

    Massachusetts has set ambitious solar energy targets since 2001 and met each of the goals early. In April 2007, Governor Deval Patrick announced a goal of 250 MW of installed solar power by 2017. This goal was achieved in Q1 of 2013, when Governor Patrick set a new goal to reach 1.6GW by 2020.

    “Solectria Renewables is a nationally recognized producer of quality inverters,” said Richard McCarthy, director of energy services at IESI. “Not only are its products highly reliable, but the company also continues to evolve its inverters’ efficiency and capacity to meet their customers’ needs.”

    The clean energy produced over the systems’ cumulative expected lifespan is equivalent to removing 4,065 cars from the roads, 2.2 million gallons of gas, and 20.7 million pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere.

    “We are honored to be a part of IESI’s solar portfolio,” said Phil Vyhanek, president of Solectria Renewables. “The SMARTGRID inverters selected for these solar projects will help IESI and its customers achieve maximum power production and system reliability.”

    Renewable Energy, Solar

    Missouri Corn: Market Instability Reinforces Need for Ethanol

    Joanna Schroeder

    With the continued turmoil in Iraq causing instability in worldwide oil markets, Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is calling for increased ethanol access in the marketplace. Ethanol is trading more than a dollar lower than conventional gasoline according to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

    “The cost savings from blending competitively priced ethanol are being kept from consumers,” said MCGA CEO Gary Marshall. “To pay upwards of $3.50 or $4 per gallon when the top five 1205379-Moil companies profited a combined 93 billion dollars is unacceptable. Drivers are sick and tired of shelling out an arm and a leg for gas – and they have every right to be.”

    Missouri drivers are currently using 10 percent ethanol (E10) in most gasoline sold across the state. Recently E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) was approved for use in the state in vehicles 2001 and newer. However, noted MCGA, the fuel blendstock provided by oil refineries during summer months limits blending higher than 10 percent ethanol, keeping customers from the price benefit of higher ethanol blends.

    “The refusal by oil companies and refineries to provide a quality, cost-effective fuel when consumers are facing increasing costs at the pump is an outrage,” said Marshall. “Drivers could see immediate savings from E15, yet fuel marketers’ hands are tied until the summer regulation is lifted and winter blendstock is reintroduced this fall.”

    While prices at the pump have reached their highest levels since 2008, they would be even higher without the inclusion of ethanol to the country’s fuel supply said MCGA. Last year alone, U.S. ethanol production displaced an amount of gasoline refined from 462 million barrels of imported crude oil, which is equivalent to that imported annually from Venezuela and Iraq combined.

    “The latest energy issues in Iraq are a stark reminder why ethanol is important. As a country, we need to be looking at a long-term energy plan and not be held hostage any time militants take over a refinery in a foreign land,” concluded Marshall.

    biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Energy

    BioEnergy Bytes

    Joanna Schroeder

    • BioEnergyBytesDFThe American economy will face significant and widespread disruptions from climate change unless U.S. businesses and policymakers take immediate action to reduce climate risk, according to a new report. “Risky Business: The Economic Risks of Climate Change in the United States,” analyzes economic and climate impact data at the county, state, and regional level, and finds that communities, industries, and properties across the U.S. face profound risks from climate change. The report, a product of the Risky Business Project, emphasizes that climate impacts differ by scale and type across the country. Focusing on higher temps and declining agricultural productivity, the report finds that Iowa faces significant climate-related risks in the coming decades. The report identifies these specific impacts as likely to hit the Hawkeye state in the next five to 25 years: average summer temps could rise an additional 1.7 to 4º F; and the state could experience between 7 and 17 days over 95º F per year (currently, IA averages just 3 days over 95º F per year). Looking at the end of the century, likely impacts include: more intense and long-lasting heat could drive up commercial and residential energy demand 5.6 to 16.2%; energy expenditures could correspondingly rise by 8.4 to 29%; and agricultural yields could decline between 3% and 66%.
    • CBD Energy Limited has announced that its forthcoming U.S. subsidiary Green Earth Developers LLC (GED) has grown its pipeline of commercial solar projects, valued at $2,500,000 in April to approximately $15,000,000 to date.
    • The 8th World Congress of Industrial Biotechnology (ibio-2015), which will be held on April 25-28, 2015, in Nanjing, China has a call for presentations. ibio-2015 is a custom designed Industrial Biotechnology conference focused on a wide range of essential themes from fundamental science to industrial commercialization. ibio-2015 is designed to let scientists and business executives from the different fields of biotechnology to present their latest work. It covers the recent updates on the new products and technologies for green economy, so we cordially invite you to join us and witness these advances together.
    • BlueNRGY, LLC, a global energy monitoring solutions provider, has completed the acquisition of Umbra Solar Services, a national Photovoltaic (PV) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) company that provides data monitoring, preventative and corrective maintenance, and site management services for PV systems.
    Bioenergy Bytes

    U.S. Mayors Expand Climate Protection Agreement

    Joanna Schroeder

    U.S. Mayors have signed a revised climate protection agreement that for the first time focuses on local actions to adapt cities to changing climate conditions. The agreement is also aims to build grassroots support for local conversation efforts. The action took place during the 82nd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) meeting where one area of focus was climate change and the role energy efficiency and renewable energy could play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon.

    14307537950_ca123598fd_zThe Agreement also urges federal and state governments to enact bipartisan legislation, policies and programs to assist mayors in their efforts to lead the nation toward energy independence. Following the signing ceremony, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Environmental Protection Administrator Gina McCarthy congratulated the Conference on their work and engaged in an interactive discussion with mayors from the audience.

    USCM President Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said mayors have been leaders on climate protection, whether it’s cutting carbon emissions or preparing their communities for the effects of climate change. “In the 3.0 era, mayors are innovating, working with the best and the brightest, to lead on climate. Mayors are getting smart about sustainability. We’re moving from fossil fuels to alternative fuels, from waste to reuse. Mayors are using technology and innovation to do what we couldn’t do ten years ago. We’re boosting our economies and protecting our climate at the same time.”

    The climate initiative was first launched 10 years ago in February of 2005 and at the time the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement was a landmark pledge by mayors from all across the country to take local action to reduce carbon emissions from city operation and by the community at large, consistent with the goals of the Kyoto Protocol. More than 1060 mayors signed the Agreement, mostly representing larger cities. Since then, USCM has been recognizing mayors for their successful efforts through its annual Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards.

    USCM Energy independence and Climate Protection Task Force Co-Chair and Bridgeport, CT Mayor Bill Finch noted, “This is not a cause for mayors. This is a pragmatic problem that requires pragmatic solutions. Mayors across the country are investing in the future by tackling climate change head on. And, those who have signed onto the U.S. Conference of Mayors agreement have made more progress on beating back climate change in their cities than those who have not. Read More

    Biodiesel, biofuels, Carbon, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Education, energy efficiency, Environment