Methes Sending $6 million+ of Biodiesel to U.S.

John Davis

Methes1Canadian biodiesel maker Methes Energies will send more than $6 Million of biodiesel to clients in the U.S. by the end of September. This company news release says Methes Energies also will get the share of the expected biodiesel blender’s tax credit if it is renewed.

The agreements require shipment of approximately 1.4 million gallons of biodiesel over this period, commencing around June 23rd. Though these agreements are part of an expected longer term relationship, Methes Energies did not want to commit to shipments over a longer period in a sometimes volatile market.

The agreements also cover the potential reinstatement of the Biodiesel Blender’s Tax Credit (“BTC”) of $1.00 per gallon in the United States. In the event that the BTC is reinstated retroactively, a majority of the BTC claimed by Methes Energies’ clients will be transferred to Methes Energies.

Nicholas Ng, President of Methes Energies, said, “Production is currently going very well and we’ll be ramping up very quickly over the next few weeks. We’ve locked in our feedstock price as well as our selling price for the next 3 months. We see some upside moving forward so we are comfortable with a 3-month at the time strategy with the volume committed in these agreements. We are also in a great position to move more biodiesel on the spot market where we believe we can make more money.”

Methes Energies has refineries in Mississauga and Sombra, Ontario.

Biodiesel

New Geothermal Paper Examines Costs, Benefits

Joanna Schroeder

A new paper released by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) examines the public economic costs and benefits of geothermal energy. “The Economic Costs and Benefits of Geothermal Power,” is another viewpoint of the value and affordability of geothermal energy based on an analysis from several government and private sector reports published in 2014.

geothermal-energyGeothermal power “compares favorably with other technologies currently available according to three difference analyses published in 2014,” the authors state. The reports were issued by the U.S. Energy Information Agency, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, and the California Public Utilities Commission.

The paper also looks at the direct economic benefits of geothermal power. Unlike other renewables, GEA said geothermal power produced on federal lands is based upon leases that are sold competitively, generating bonus bids, and subsequent production is subject to royalty payments. According to the Department of the Interior, geothermal generated $15 million in fiscal year 2014. Also, state lands involved in geothermal power production generate additional revenues, often dedicated to support education. California, for example, reports $4 million received from geothermal production involving state lands.

The paper also discusses the significant number of jobs created when geothermal power is developed. GEA estimates that for every 100 MW of geothermal power, the industry provides 170 permanent, full-time jobs. In addition, geothermal power creates 310 annual construction and 330 annual manufacturing/equipment jobs for every 100 MW of new installed capacity.

Alternative energy, Geothermal

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFThe Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) announced grant awards for renewable energy projects that advance the market for renewable energy in Maryland. This year’s projects represent significant opportunities for improved residential renewable energy approaches in the State, reflecting industry interest in the potential for smaller, more localized generation. Astrum Solar: Pioneering Residential Energy Storage was awarded $250,000. Astrum will implement an equipment leasing arrangement for up to 25 residential solar photovoltaic systems with backup battery storage. MEA’s grant will lower the cost of battery backup. Infinite Invention: Plug and Play Solar for Maryland Homes was awarded $79,910. Infinite Invention will use its innovative ConnectDER device at ten Maryland households to streamline residential solar photovoltaic system connection to the electric grid, without having to enter the household.
  • Transparency Market Research has released a new market report titled “Geothermal Power Generation Market for Dry Steam, Flash Steam, Binary Cycle Technology – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2013 – 2019.” According to the report, the geothermal power generation market was valued at USD 2.5 billion in 2013 and is expected to reach USD 8.9 billion in 2019, expanding at a CAGR of 23.58% from 2013 to 2019.
  • This week renowned experts in energy, innovation, and entrepreneurship convened at the New York Academy of Sciences to discuss strategic direction for New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) three clean energy proof-of-concept centers (POCCs). Each center is dedicated to helping inventors and scientists turn their high-tech, clean energy ideas into successful businesses. To further this goal, the Academy, which serves in an advisory capacity for the POCCs, in concert with NYSERDA, formed an Advisory Board of experts to provide strategic advice the POCCs. The Board was selected for their collective, extensive experience working across sectors, including academia, the private sector, government, and non-profits, in the areas of energy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
  • The latest edition of the Energy Biosciences Institute Annual Report has been published and is now available in print and online. The 90-page report is a catalog of programs and projects being investigated at the EBI in its commitment to explore the applications of modern biology to the energy sector. Now in its 7th year of a 10-year contract with funding from international energy company BP, the public-private partnership continues to make progress toward fulfilling the promise of renewable, affordable transportation fuels developed from non-food sources like grasses and waste material.
Bioenergy Bytes

Wastewater Has Potential as Biodiesel Feedstock

John Davis

luxresearchWastewater streams could provide the feedstocks for biodiesel production. This article from Water Technology says a new study from Lux Research shows the potential to capture industrial fats, oils and greases (FOG) from the streams to make the green fuel.

Growing demand for biodiesel amid a restricted supply of feedstocks drives recovery of industrial FOG. However, current economics don’t favor lithium and phosphate recovery, noted the release.

“Many current wastewater streams contain resources worth billions of dollars of lost product and lost opportunity,” said Tess Murray, research associate and author of the report titled, “Recovering Valuable Resources from Wastewater.”

“As the value of resources rises, recovery technologies are beginning to make sense for even parts-per-million traces of materials such as precious metals and oil,” she added.

You can read the full report here.

Biodiesel, Waste-to-Energy

Tea Time? No, Brits Look to Coffee for Biodiesel

John Davis

coffeecup1While the Brits might be known for their tea, it could be coffee that fills their biodiesel tanks. Researchers at the University of Bath have found a way to turn coffee grounds into biodiesel.

Oil can be extracted from coffee grounds by soaking them in an organic solvent, before being chemically transformed into biodiesel via a process called “transesterification”. The study, recently published in the ACS Journal Energy & Fuels, looked at how the fuel properties varied depending on the type of coffee used.

As part of the study, the researchers made biofuel from ground coffee produced in 20 different geographic regions, including caffeinated and decaffeinated forms, as well as Robusta and Arabica varieties.

Dr Chris Chuck, Whorrod Research Fellow from our Department of Chemical Engineering, explained: “Around 8 million tonnes of coffee are produced globally each year and ground waste coffee contains up to 20 per cent oil per unit weight.

“This oil also has similar properties to current feedstocks used to make biofuels. But, while those are cultivated specifically to produce fuel, spent coffee grounds are waste. Using these, there’s a real potential to produce a truly sustainable second-generation biofuel.”

The researchers found a surprisingly high level of consistency among the various types of coffee grounds for their appropriateness as a biodiesel feedstock.

The work seems to be in line with other studies we have reported on here on Domestic Fuel, including a London startup looking to turn coffee grounds into biodiesel and work at the University of Cincinnati.

Biodiesel, International

Biodiesel Producers Hit DC in Final Push on RFS

John Davis

nbb-advancedBiodiesel producers from across the country are in Washington, D.C. today to make a final push back against the federal government’s latest proposal for the amount of biodiesel to be mixed into the nation’s fuel supply. The National Biodiesel Board says nearly 100 biodiesel producers, feedstock suppliers and other advocates from at least 27 states are on Capitol Hill to voice there concerns over the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal that would cut renewable volume obligations for biodiesel to well below last year’s production levels and that have resulted in nearly two-thirds of biodiesel makers laying off employees.

“People are losing their jobs in this industry as we speak, and it’s largely because Washington has delivered sporadic, inconsistent policy,” said Anne Steckel, NBB’s vice president of federal affairs at NBB, the industry trade association. “As President Obama has said, America should be the world leader in biodiesel and in Advanced Biofuels. And we can be. But we need this Administration and this Congress to stand behind strong energy policy that encourages investment and growth.”

“The recent spike in oil prices stemming from the situation in Iraq should remind us all why these policies are so important,” Steckel added. “We constantly talk about the need to reduce our dependence on oil. Doing that requires massive investments and infrastructure improvements that simply won’t happen without strong energy policy. We can’t keep taking one step forward and two steps back.”

IowaBiodieselBoardLogoBiodiesel producers from Iowa, the nation’s top producer of the green fuel, are also making their voices heard. Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, issued the following statement:

“This swinging pendulum of government policy is wreaking havoc on small businesses with real employees who have banked their future on the promise of growing the American energy industry. EPA’s current RFS proposal represents a giant leap backwards for American-made fuel and advanced biofuels. Our Iowa biodiesel producers and soybean farmers strongly oppose it.”

A common message for all biodiesel producers in this fight is that the RFS is working to reduce greenhouse gases and lessen American dependance on foreign oil, as the original legislation back in 2007 intended. They also urge the EPA to follow the law and restore the numbers.

Biodiesel, EPA, RFS

Mosaic Launches New National Solar Tech Platform

Joanna Schroeder

Mosiac is going national. The first solar company to ever use crowdsourcing investments to finance solar projects has just launched another first of its kind technology platform: Mosaic Places. The technology will enable the nation to go solar one location at a time.

So how does it work? The public can nominate community centers, schools, libraries and places of worship as well as local businesses to go solar. The site already contains nearly 300,000 places across the U.S.

I went to Mosaic Places and checked to see if my friend’s Join Mosaic Put Solar On Western Hills Magnet Centerschool was listed. It wasn’t yet so I nominated Western Hills Magnet Center, an Omaha, Nebraska elementary school for solar energy. The building was built in 1952 and has had no upgrades since. In fact, some rooms have no air conditioning (no, a 100 degree room is not a good learning environment for children). With solar, the school can save money on energy and invest the funds back into the kids. And, it gives these students the opportunity to learn about solar first-hand. This is a perfect example of engaging kids in science, technology, engineering in math (STEM) that our schools need so much more of.

Now that I have my school in the system, it asks for as little as a petition – people just click support (which I already have) to participate. However, serious money can be raised to put solar on a place as Mosaic matches supporters with dollars.

Mosaic Places was born out of a successful New Years pledge launched by Mosaic and actor Mark Ruffalo asking people to #PutSolarOnIt in 2014. While a solar installation was installed, on average, every four minutes in the U.S. in 2013, the nation has put solar on less than 1 percent of the homes and commercial buildings that would financially benefit from solar on their roofs. With thousands of incoming pledges for the #PutSolarOnIt campaign, Mosaic built a platform that would help people achieve their commitments. The product launch comes days before the first national #PutSolarOnIt Day of Action this June 21st, the Summer Solstice and longest day of the year.

Put Solar On It“We have been dreaming about this product for years,” said Mosaic President, Billy Parish. “It’s based on our belief that every building can go solar if the community is behind it. Mosaic has built a product that enables everyone to participate in transitioning the country to 100% clean energy.”

The funds raised are designed to bridge the gap for community buildings whose solar installations may need a few thousand dollars to be financeable by conventional means. For every 50 people that click “support” on a Place’s page, Mosaic will donate $100 to put solar on it. In addition, homeowners who go solar through a Mosaic Place’s page will be eligible to receive a $500 gift, which they can donate to put solar on that place.

Any individual can use Mosaic Places by going to www.putsolaronit.com, finding or adding a Place and sharing their chosen Place with their friends to get supporters and raise funds to put solar on it. Schools, places of worship and other community groups can fundraise to put solar on their buildings by asking their community members to support their Place’s page and put solar on their homes through their Place’s page.

So I want to #PutSolarOnIt on Western Hills Magnet Center. Where do you want to put solar on it?

Alternative energy, Energy, energy efficiency, Environment, Renewable Energy, Solar

Honeywell Green Jet Fuel Flies FIFA Teams

Joanna Schroeder

UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, has announced that Honeywell Green Jet Fuel produced from its UOP Renewable Jet Fuel process will power 200 commercial flights on GOL Airlines during the 2014 FIFA World Cup currently taking place in Brazil. GOL Airlines, the official airline of the Brazil soccer team, has selected to use Honeywell Green Jet Fuel for flights carrying the team to cities across Brazil that are hosting World Cup matches.

The Honeywell Green Jet Fuel was made from inedible corn oil and used cooking oil. Each flight will use a blend of Honeywell Green Jet Fuel with petroleum-based jet fuel. UOP supplied nearly 92,000 liters of Honeywell Green Jet Fuel for the flights. Compared with petroleum-based jet fuel. According to Honeywell, this renewable fuel will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 185 metric tons of CO2 over the course of the event based on life cycle analysis.

GOL Airlines official 2014 FIFA World Cup airline“Honeywell Green Jet Fuel offers lower emissions than traditional petroleum-derived jet fuel and can be made from a variety of non-edible feedstocks, providing a flexible, renewable solution to meeting the current and future needs of Latin America and elsewhere,” said Veronica May, vice president and general manager of UOP’s Renewable Energy and Chemicals business unit. “We are pleased to continue our presence in Latin America and help meet the region’s growing need for sustainable energy solutions.”

Blended up to 50 percent with petroleum-based jet fuel, Honeywell Green Jet Fuel requires no changes to aircraft technology, meets all critical specifications for flight, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65 to 85 percent compared with petroleum-based fuels.

Together, Brazil and the United States account for 70 percent of the world’s total consumption of biofuels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and Brazil is the world’s second-largest biofuel producer.

The first fully commercial production of renewable jet fuel in the U.S. is expected to start up this year and produce approximately 30 million gallons of Honeywell Green Diesel and Honeywell Green Jet Fuel per year. AltAir Fuels will produce low-carbon, renewable jet fuel and other renewable products using UOP’s Renewable Jet Fuel Process with the flexibility to adjust the product mix between diesel and jet fuel to meet market demands. United Airlines will purchase 15 million gallons of this fuel over a three-year period, with the option to purchase more. The AltAir facility will be the first refinery in the world designed to continuously produce both renewable jet and diesel fuels.

advanced biofuels, aviation biofuels, biojet fuel

HP Hood Converts Fuel Oil to CNG

Joanna Schroeder

HP Hood’s plant located in Lafargeville, New York is converting from fuel oil to compressed natural gas (CNG) as a boiler fuel. According to the company, CNG is much less expensive than fuel oil, therefore the new technology will make the plant more competitive. After the conversion, the plant will emit 26 percent less CO2, much less SO2 and NOx, and almost no particulates.

HP Hood’s Lafargeville plant is not located on a gas pipeline so needed another conversion HP Hood CNG truckoption. NG Advantage LLC provided the answer. NG Advantage trucks CNG using its “virtual pipeline” of 27 trailers to deliver the natural gas from existing pipelines to large institutions and industrial facilities in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts and is now expanding into eastern New York State.

HP Hood LLC was founded more than 160 years ago and has grown to be a national company distributing dairy products throughout the United States. Today, HP Hood is now one of the country’s largest branded dairy operators with 15 manufacturing plants throughout the United States. As a leader in its industry, Hood is committed to conducting business in a way that maintains a vigilant focus on sustainability.

NG Advantage will begin delivering natural gas to very large energy users that do not have access to a pipeline in upstate and eastern New York in Q4, 2014. The company said it is committed to bringing the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas to customers located beyond the reach of pipelines. Customers do not need to build storage tanks as the tractor/trailers automatically arrive 24/7 and gas is drawn directly from the trailers into the boilers at the plant.

Freeman Covert, Director of Operations at the HP Hood Lafargeville plant, expressed his support of the conversion to CNG. “As we strive to work smarter and better, we are pleased that the partnership with NG Advantage creates both environmental and business efficiencies.”

According to NG Advantage, their customers save 20-40 percent off the cost of their process and comfort heating bills by replacing fuel oil as their primary source of heat with cleaner, less expensive, North American natural gas.

NG Advantage CEO Tom Evslin added, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring the benefits of natural gas to HP Hood, its customers, employees, and neighbors. We are looking forward to bringing natural gas beyond the pipeline to New York institutions just as we have already done in New England where we got our start.”

Alternative energy, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFThe U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) will hold its 2014 EIA Energy Conference on July 14 and 15, 2014. The EIA Energy Conference has become a great forum for addressing energy issues in the United States and around the world. This event will bring together thought leaders from industry, government, and academia to discuss current and future challenges facing domestic and international energy markets and policymakers. The conference will feature keynote speakers including: Congressman Fred Upton, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency; Eric Slifka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Partners LP; and Daniel Yergin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Vice Chairman of IHS.
  • SolarCity Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Silevo, a solar technology and manufacturing company whose modules have achieved a unique combination of high energy output and low cost. The transaction was announced, and its significance described in detail, in a post from SolarCity Chairman Elon Musk, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Peter Rive and Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Rive on SolarCity’s blog.
  • Sunetric Designs (subsidiary of RSG Energy) has deployed a 198.8 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic (PV) system with automated curtailment and smart-grid controls at a popular beachfront resort on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The system is funded and owned by Kairos Energy Capital, a Hawaii-based merchant bank which finances and invests in solar. The system assures all electricity generated by the PV system is consumed by the local facility and not fed back into the utility grid. This reduces the impact on the local circuit and makes it easier for the island’s electric utility provider, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), to manage the grid.
  • First Reserve, a global private equity and infrastructure investment firm exclusively focused on energy, has announced the closing of its second energy infrastructure fund, First Reserve Energy Infrastructure Fund II, L.P. Formally launched eight months ago, the Fund was oversubscribed beyond its initial target of US$2 billion, ultimately closing at its US$2.5 billion hard cap. First Reserve now has over US$4 billion dedicated to investing in energy infrastructure opportunities. FREIF II will continue to focus on long-lived energy infrastructure investments throughout the energy value chain, including (1) contracted midstream, such as pipelines, storage and LNG facilities; (2) contracted power, which includes both renewable and conventional generations; (3) regulated transmission and distribution; and (4) contracted energy assets including floating storage facilities and other essential large-scale energy infrastructure assets.
Bioenergy Bytes