Ethanol Production Hits Record High

John Davis

eiaU.S. ethanol production has hit a record high. This story from Reuters says it was the the sixth week in a row production rose for ethanol, which was helped by rising gasoline prices.

Ethanol production surged 28,000 barrels per day, or about 3 percent, to an average of 972,000 bpd in the week ending June 13, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Production surpassed the previous record of 963,000 bpd reached in the last week of 2011.

Despite the higher output, strong demand squeezed stocks of ethanol, which fell 572,000 barrels to 17.85 million barrels, a three-week low.

Makers of the biofuel are earning near-record profits as prices for corn, the main feedstock used in ethanol production, hovered near a four-month low.

The story goes on to say that gasoline futures have a $1-per-gallon premium over ethanol futures that makes ethanol good for fuel blenders.

Ethanol, Ethanol News

Biobased Products – How Important for Ag?

Talia Goes

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How would you rate the job farmers are doing telling consumers where their food comes from?” It looks as though many of you feel their efforts are good to fair, but as farmers continue to engage in storytelling activities such as the Food Dialogues and social media, more can be done.
Our poll results:

    • Great – 10%
    • Good – 30%
    • Fair – 35%
    • Bad – 20%
    • Other – 5%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “How important are bio-based products for agriculture?” “We want to get to the point where we’re using everything we grow and everything we raise” to create jobs, help the environment and reduce petroleum use, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in an interview with USA Today. What do you think – will it encourage growth in rural communities and encourage consumers to understand what’s in the products they’re using?

ZimmPoll

American Drivers Can Save 61 Cents Choosing E85

Joanna Schroeder

E85 price at Kum and Go in Adel Iowa on June 16 2014

E85 price at Kum & Go in Adel, Iowa on June 16, 2014. Photo Credit: Joanna Schroeder

Fuels America wants Americans to know that as turmoil in Iraq pushes gas prices up, ethanol can save them money. In an analysis of data covering the past year from E85prices.com shows that drivers with “Flex Fuel” vehicles in the U.S. can pay an average of $0.61 less per gallon by filling up with E85, which contains up to 85 percent American ethanol.

The association notes that ethanol is a higher octane fuel that improves engine performance, and that’s why it has been added to gasoline for decades. Today it is now being blended at higher levels into the fuels used throughout professional auto racing. Prices for American-grown renewable fuels like ethanol and advanced biofuels have grown increasingly competitive thanks to America’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which ensures that homegrown renewable fuels are available as an option to American consumers. In addition to saving American drivers money, the RFS has helped to support 852,000 jobs and $184.5 billion in economic output in the U.S.

The analysis of data from “E85 Prices” also revealed that drivers nationwide have at times saved as much as $0.76 per gallon at the pump over the past year by filling up on E85. And because ethanol increases the available fuel supply, it helps to drive down the price of gasoline for all drivers regardless of whether they choose a higher blend fuel like E15 or E85.

Meanwhile, violenFuels America Digital RFS adce in Iraq is driving high gas prices even higher than predicted. Fuels America notes that mere worries about oil supply issues have already helped drive world and U.S. prices to their highest levels since September. Americans could see prices for regular gasoline jump more than $0.20 per gallon over the next couple weeks as violence in Iraq continues.

Fuels America’s announcement coincides with a paid advertising campaign to highlight the consumer savings the RFS and the renewable fuels industry deliver for Americans. This week, the coalition is running digital ads that ask Americans why we should “let Big Oil pump us dry,” and call on our leaders to “invest in affordable, homegrown renewable fuels” by protecting America’s Renewable Fuel Standard.

biofuels, E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFS

UC Riverside Named an Energy Frontier Research Center

Joanna Schroeder

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz has announced $100 million in new funding for 32 new Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs). The EFRCs are designed to accerlerate the scientific breakthroughs needed to build a new 21st century energy economy in the U.S. One of the new research centers will live at University of California- Riverside (UC Riverside). “Spins and Heat in Nanoscale Electronic Systems” (SHINES) will receive $12 million over four years from DOE. The lead researcher is UC Riverside Professor of Physics Jing Shi, who will work with researchers from seven universities. SHINES is one of 10 new projects announced, along with 22 other projects receiving new funding based on achievements to date.

“Today we are mobilizing some of our most talented scientists to join forces and pursue the discoveries and breakthroughs that will lay the foundation for our nation’s energy future,” Secretary Moniz said. “The funding we’re announcing today will help fuel innovation.” He said the intent of the Energy Frontier Research Centers is to make fundamental advances in solar energy, electrical energy storage, carbon capture and sequestration, materials and chemistry by design, biosciences, and extreme environments.

UC Riverside Professor Jing Shi“I am happy to hear the news,” said Shi, the UCR physics professor who has put together an interdisciplinary team of researchers from UC Riverside, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, Arizona State University, University of Texas, Austin and Colorado State University, Fort Collins. “I’m looking forward to seeing the scientific advances that they come up with,” said Michael Pazzani, UC Riverside’s Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development. “This is exactly the kind of scientific leadership that UC Riverside has been encouraging and supporting This project will lay the groundwork for energy technology for the nation.”

SHINES will investigate several aspects of basic research: new ultrathin films, nanostructured composites, high resolution imaging, the transport of electrical signals, heat and light. “All of it will be studied, modeled and simulated in order to help the nation’s ability to advance in the way we use energy,” said Shi, the lead researcher.

Alternative energy, Clean Energy, energy efficiency

GRFA: UN Sustainable Goals Must Include Biofuels

Joanna Schroeder

This week the 12th session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals began at the United Nations in New York City. In response to the meeting, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) is encouraging participants to include specific targets for biofuels developments as part of UN’s sustainability goals. In addition, GRFA stressed to delegates that the use of sustainable biofuels as a replacement for crude-based grfa_logo1transportation fuels significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions while diving investments in agriculture.

“As participants continue to set new UN Development Goals for the next fifteen years they must keep in mind the positive affects that the global biofuels industry has on agriculture, the environment and the energy sector,” said Bliss Baker, spokesperson for the GRFA.

According to GRFA, the global ethanol industry alone this year will produce 90.38 billion litres of ethanol which will help the environment by reducing GHG emissions by 106.4 million tonnes. This year’s production record will reduce global GHG emissions by over 291,000 tonnes per day. This is equal to 21,279,808 cars being removed from the world’s roads in 2014 OR removing more than all of the vehicles registered in Malaysia off the road each year.

“Global biofuel production and use leads to a more sustainable environment because ethanol use is the largest single contributor to GHG reductions in transportation and the only commercially available alternative to crude oil,” added Baker.

The agriculture sector has also benefited from biofuels production over the years as developing countries adopt biofuel-friendly policies, said Baker. According to a recent publication of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO), “Increased agricultural productivity and output has ensured that the global supply of crops available forUN FAO Biofuels and the Sustainability Challenge non-biofuel uses has continued to grow over the long term.” Additionally, for every tonne of cereals used for ethanol production, on average one-third re-enters the food chain as animal feed. The UN FAO confirmed this in its report “Biofuels and the Sustainability Challenge,” stating that “the by-products of biofuel production can be useful sources of food”.

“In short, the global biofuels industry has increased the amount of food available for human consumption and feed available to farmers for livestock around the world,” said Baker.

The creation of sustainable green jobs going forward has become a priority for governments around the world. In 2012 the GRFA released a report that found that in 2010, global ethanol production supported nearly 1.4 million jobs in all sectors worldwide and contributed over $273 million to the global economy. A recent IRENA commissioned report confirmed that the global biofuels industry has grown, finding that in 2013, 1.45 million jobs were supported by the global liquid biofuels industry.

“It’s clear that because of the global biofuel industry’s ability to reduce our reliance on crude oil, reduce GHG emissions, increase agricultural productivity and create millions of jobs, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals post 2015 must encourage further growth of the global biofuels industry,” concluded Baker.

biofuels, Climate Change, Environment, International, Renewable Energy

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFThe Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is holding its fourth annual National Geothermal Summit Tuesday, August 5 and Wednesday, August 6 in Reno, Nevada. The leading forum for western state policy discussions, the National Geothermal Summit will bring together policy leaders, utilities and industry professionals to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
  • The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and a host of local non-profit organizations, elected officials and community stakeholders will assemble at the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training, the site of the former Maryland Cup Factory, to celebrate the $998,789 EmPOWER Clean Energy Communities Statewide Competitive Grant to Healthy Neighborhoods, Inc. (“HNI”). The grant to HNI, working in partnership with Baltimore City Energy Office, and 11 non-profit homeless housing and service providers, will facilitate whole building energy efficiency audits and energy efficiency upgrades to 26 facilities in Baltimore City.
  • SolarCure’s Adopt-a-Solar-Panel program implements Solar Powered SEO so businesses and sponsors can create a buzz about their sustainable practices and support veterans. At a time when consumer demand for purpose-driven brands and investor hunger for purpose-driven opportunities are increasing, this New Jersey company is offering businesses and investors a “triple win” of supporting veterans and VFW posts, greening the environment through solar energy and reducing dependence on foreign energy sources. SolarCure is seeking an outside investment to capitalize its operation. This investment will provide an aggressive return to investors, conservatively 100 percent return on investment dollars, according to the company.
  • Plug-In 2014 is right around the corner. Attendees will be able to listen and debate with the top echelon of leaders in the PEV industry — allowing them to connect and develop long-term relationships with decision-makers who are an integral part of the vehicle and infrastructure markets. Plug-In is a utility-focused PEV conference with an agenda that is focused and specific, providing real data and real-world experiences on technology, driver behavior and preferences, and more. A choice of two, full-day content-packed seminars is being offered prior to the start of the event.
Bioenergy Bytes

DuPont Lights Up Solar Plant in Cernay, France

Joanna Schroeder

A new 4.5 megawatt (MW) solar power plant is now online in Cernay, France. This DuPont project is the largest solar power installation to date and now one of 13 solar installations worldwide on DuPont land. When combined, the solar projects generate over 11 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The Cernay installation is expected to produce 5 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of solar-generated electricity each year, which is roughly the equivalent to the amount of electricity 2,000 households consumed every year in France.

The solar farm is spread over 15 acres of land and features 18,400 crystalline silicon solar panels, manufactured by Jinko Solar. The solar panels feature advanced materials from DuPont that according to the company, are designed to improve the power output, durability and return on investment for solar energy systems. The panels are made with DuPontTedlar polyvinyl fluoride film-based backsheets, which they way are CernaySolarArraythe only material proven to protect solar panels for more than 30 years even in extreme outdoor conditions. They also contain DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallization pastes that help ensure maximum power output.

The project was developed by Hanau Energies, a French project developer and investor in solar installations, and was built in a record time of two months. It falls under a 20-year power purchase agreement with energy provider Eléctricité Réseau Distribution France (ERDF).

“We are extremely proud to partner with a global player like DuPont on this project in France. The solar park in Cernay is a perfect illustration for how advanced and reliable technology and best practices in installation, operations and maintenance can be put into practice,” said Jean-Luc Westphal, president, Hanau Energies.

The project is aligned with Cernay’s federation of municipalities aim to preserve resources and limit its environmental footprint. At the global and national levels, the development of solar and other renewable energy sources are expected to grow in the overall energy mix. According to industry analyst IHS, France’s annual installation of solar is expected to increase by 50 percent in 2014 to exceed 800MW and should keep growing steadily over the following years. Globally, solar is expected to grow 20 percent annually each of the next several years.

“The solar park in Cernay is a prime example of DuPont demonstrating its commitment to develop collaborative and innovative solutions and helping to ensure a more energy secure future,” said Martin Virot, country leader, DuPont France. “We are pleased to see this project realized in France, leveraging our advanced materials to ensure a well-performing, long-term source of electricity as we strive to meet the growing global energy demand more sustainably.”

“The Cernay solar park is a brilliant showcase of socially responsible investment and collaboration between the private and public sectors,” Member of Parliament and Mayor of Cernay, Michel Sordi concluded. “I congratulate DuPont, who continues to be at the forefront of science and technology and has developed multiple projects in the region for over 30 years.”

International, Renewable Energy, Solar

Missouri School Gets Upgrade to Biodiesel Center

John Davis

morockwoodschoolA Missouri high school is getting a major upgrade to its biodiesel center. Officials at Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton, Mo. broke ground on the new Monsanto Education Center for Sustainable Solutions, a facility to teach students the value of renewable fuels, such as biodiesel.

The Monsanto Company, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, National Biodiesel Board, National Corn Growers Association, St. Louis Community Foundation and Rockwood Summit High School announced the establishment of the Monsanto Education Center for Sustainable Solutions in January 2014.

The center will be housed in a new building constructed on Rockwood Summit’s campus and will include an area where students and advisors can plant row crops to study how plants such as corn and soybeans produce a renewable source of fuel.

The Monsanto Education Center for Sustainable Solutions will serve as a STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) educational resource for teachers and students in the St. Louis community who want to experience hands-on, project-based learning on the fundamentals of biofuels, specifically biodiesel.

For the past four years, the RSHS biodiesel project has become a leading program for K-12 STEM in the St. Louis region. Student work includes executing experim​ents to convert waste vegetable oil into biodiesel and designing methods to test biodiesel quality.

Monsanto donated $100,000 to the building of the facility. You can read more about the project here.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel Car Highlighted at White House Event

John Davis

biodieselcarWH1A biodiesel-fueled car that can go 150 miles per hour and get 100 miles per gallon was on display at the White House today. This story from GovTech.com says the Factory Five 818 electric blue race car built by the EVX Team at The Workshop School in West Philadelphia, Penn. was part of the first-ever White House Maker Faire, an innovation showcase for tinkerers, inventors and entrepreneurs.

“When I heard I was going to the White House I was like ‘This can’t be I true.’ ” said Joshua Pigford, an 11th-grader who has worked on the car all year and will be visiting D.C. for the first time. “I couldn’t really believe it.”

The students have been building the 818 for the entire school year. [Simon Hauger, creator and leader of the EVX Team] said it wasn’t hard to get a group of teenagers excited about building a race car.

The goal of the project: Take the kit donated by Massachusetts company Factory Five Racing for the 818 chassis and adjust and adapt the car to make it not only fast, but also environmentally friendly.

As Hauger described it, they were to design “something that was fuel efficient and cool.”

Not only is the car efficient and cool, since it runs on biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil leftover from frying chicken and making doughnuts, it’s also doing another chore in helping clean up the environment.

Biodiesel

Higher Ethanol Blends Campaign Expands

Joanna Schroeder

The 4th annual Alternative Fuel Road Show is kicking off in Georgia to educate consumers about the benefits of higher blends of ethanol. The FlexFuel Awareness Campaign is sponsored in part by Growth Energy, the Kansas and Nebraska Corn and Ethanol Boards along with several others. The roadshow is the largest clean fuel vehicle educational tour and is designed to reach fleet managers, civic leaders and state legislators to help them make informed decisions about transitioning to clean, alternative fuels.

Alternative Fuel Road ShowFlex Fuel Vehicles and ethanol blends are an option for fleet managers that we want to make sure they understand,” said Doug Durante, executive director of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition and manager of the Awareness Campaign. “On a cost per mile basis various ethanol blends can be very competitive and offer fleet managers true flexibility.”

The eight city tour kicks off in Georgia June 17, 2014 with the 2014 Georgia Alternative Fuel Road Show at the Georgia International Convention Center. Each event will include workshop events.

Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy noted that along with increasing the E15 market, high level ethanol blends are key to expanding the domestic ethanol market and breaking through the blend wall. “Flex fuel use in fleets can be an important piece of the puzzle as we continue to back out imported oil, create jobs, and improve air quality,” said Buis.

Durante added, “As part of an ‘all of the above’ approach, this Road Show showcases all the alternative fuels, and they all have their strengths and advantages in a given situation. We are pleased to be part of this successful effort and make sure biofuels like ethanol are in the mix.”

Following the Georgia road show the program will move to the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC Metropolitan area with numerous events planned throughout the region. In addition to the FlexFuel Awareness Campaign, other sponsors and contributing organizations include the Atlanta Clean Cities Program, the Georgia Public Service Commission, Nissan Motors, and many others.

Alternative energy, Alternative Vehicles, biofuels, Growth Energy