May the Force (of Biodiesel) Be With You

John Davis

milleniumfalcon1Not so long, long ago, in a galaxy not very far, far away, a man dreamed of a owning a Millenium Falcon… powered by biodiesel! You can help make this Star Wars-themed dream come true, as author and filmmaker Luis Aponte has launched a crowd funding project on Indiegogo to build a Millennium Falcon Spaceship Car and have it run on the green fuel.

During an Earth Day presentation about creative alternative fuels at Okeeheelee Nature Center in West Palm Beach, FL, Aponte said of the project, “The United States currently consumes one out of every five barrels of oil produced in the world. In order to establish and protect our energy independence, what better way to inspire kids to think about the future of cars and alternative fuels than by building a Millennium Falcon Spaceship Car that will run on biodiesel?” Crowd funding support will allow Aponte to have the Star Wars-influenced car built in nine months and ready to travel when his children’s book is published next year.

In addition to helping promote biodiesel, fans will be able to pick the book tour locations, as well as what chapters will be included in the children’s book. The goal is to inspire children to think about the future of alternative cars and fuels by touring the Star Wars Millennium Falcon spaceship car and his children’s book across the country. If you want to contribute and be part of the project, you can either donate to your local droid (although these are NOT the droids you’re looking for), or, better yet, click here.

No word if it will be free of Chewbacca hair.

Biodiesel

REG Sells One Billion Gallons of Biodiesel

John Davis

REG LogoCongratulations to our friends at Renewable Energy Group, Inc., as they have sold one billion gallons of biodiesel! The Iowa-based biodiesel behemoth thanked a lot of people who helped them reach this milestone of the company’s 17-year history.

“On behalf of the board of directors and employees of REG, I want to say thank you to all of our customers; vendors; investors; federal, state and local supporters; partners; and team members over the years without whom we could never have met this milestone,” said Daniel J. Oh, REG President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Since our inception we have endeavored to provide customers with a reliable and durable product that helps diversify the energy complex and increases energy security, improves our environment, and supports agriculture,” Oh said. “Our desire to continuously deliver quality products is a driving force behind REG reaching the billion gallon mark.”

REG officials credit their fully integrated value chain including manufacturing, sales & marketing, and supply chain management capabilities for the success, as well as a commitment to research and development and continuous improvement.

For those who might not know, REG’s roots come from its days when it was producing biodiesel as the West Central Coop in Ralston, Iowa. As a grad of good ol’ Glidden-Ralston (probably the BEST school in all of Western Iowa), I can tell you it’s no surprise of the success REG has become. Congrats, guys!

Biodiesel, REG

CSR Looks to Convert Used Railroad Ties to Biofuels

Joanna Schroeder

The Coalition for Sustainable Rail (CSR) has announced a new initiative to review the feasibility of “upcycling” used railroad ties into advanced biofuels. The research project is funded by a grant from the Indiana Rail Road (INRD). Working with the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) of the University of Minnesota – Duluth, CSR aims to determine the viability of converting some of the 15 million ties replaced by U.S. railroads each year into a clean-burning coal alternative.

railroad ties“CSR is thrilled to have the support of the Indiana Rail Road on this important, potentially historic opportunity,” said CSR President, Davidson Ward. “INRD is dedicated to innovation and technology, and its investment in our primary research is an inspiration to the entire team.”

Using a biomass processing technique known as torrefaction, the researchers at NRRI and CSR will convert the structure of used railroad ties, primarily made from hardwood species, into a clean, renewable, homogeneous, and densifiable biofuel. The final result is anticipated to be a pelletized biofuel that can be used in power plants. However, the biofuel will first powe CSR’s test bed steam locomotive, the Santa Fe Railway’s 1937-built No. 3463.

“As the son of a Santa Fe dispatcher and a lifelong student of that railway, I’m intrigued in CSR’s desire to rebuild and modernize such an innovative piece of technology as the 3463, and especially NRRI and CSR’s pursuit of energy, fuel and transportation development,” said INRD President and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas G. Hoback. “This important research impacts not only the future of energy in the U.S., but it honors the tradition of American innovation, from the reconstruction and modernization of an iconic steam locomotive to the biofuel development associated with our donation.”

This initial investigation aims to identify any hurdles involved with the conversion of railroad ties to fuel, including the handling of wood preservatives found in railroad ties. CSR will make results of the research known through its “White Paper Program“.

Hoback concluded, “This is something that I believe could lead to a key development in the future of the railroad industry. It is important to take pride in the history of where we’ve been, and the unique melding of research with preserving history, as championed by CSR, is a great way to honor the legacy of the Santa Fe.”

advanced biofuels, bioenergy, biomass, feedstocks

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFGrowth Energy, the leading coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, welcomed Three Rivers Energy, LLC as its newest member, bringing total plant membership to 83, with another 85 associate members. Three Rivers Energy is located in Coshocton, Ohio.
  • The 2014 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo, the ethanol industry’s largest conference, released its agenda featuring more than 140 speakers and four comprehensive tracks. Now in its 30th year, the FEW is taking place June 9-12, 2014 at the Indiana Convention Center. Registration is open.
  • Kyocera has announced plans to invest in a tax equity partnership for the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects valued at $38 million in New York state, leveraging the 30% federal energy investment tax credit. As part of the investment, Kyocera has also entered into an agreement with U.S. Light Energy to utilize high-quality, dependable Kyocera solar modules on all installations. USLE (formerly New York Light Energy) is in the final stages of installing 9.4 megawatts (MWDC) of PV systems, with the expectation that the installations will be completed by June 2014.
  • Plug Power Inc. has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Hysco Co. Ltd. (Hysco), to create a joint venture partnership to develop and sell hydrogen fuel cells in countries throughout Asia using Hysco’s advanced stack and plate technology. Specifically, the proposed five-year joint venture will develop, manufacture and sell fuel cell solutions, products and stacks for applications in Asian markets. Under the terms of the MOU, the companies must finalize the details of the joint venture by July 31, 2014.
Bioenergy Bytes

10 Reasons to Transition to Sustainable Fuels

Joanna Schroeder

This week is Earth week and Advanced Biofuels USA is asking and answering the question, “Why Transition to Sustainable Renewable Fuels? The organization has published 10 reasons why the country should transition to renewable fuels in a handy handout for use by civic organizations, church stewardship groups, teachers, environmental groups and any and all who are interested in renewable transportation energy.

“By publishing this easy-to-understand handout, we are furthering this educational nonprofit’s mission to promote understanding, development and use of advanced biofuels,” said Executive Director, Joanne Ivancic.

Why Transition to Sustainable Renewable FuelsThe idea came from an honors presentation by biology major Agatha Macairan, an intern from Hood College based in Frederick, Maryland, explained Ivancic. Macairan has been working on an article about why we can’t already buy 100 percent sustainable renewable fuels for all our transportation needs and admitted to struggling with the complexities involved in answering the question so we began to look for a way to simplify the issue.

“So, working together, we came up with these 10 excellent reasons based on her work, her discussions with friends and our additional observations. Instead of asking ‘why can’t we?’ we pose the question ‘why should we?'” added Ivancic.

Why Transition to Sustainable Renewable Fuels?

  1. Climate Change –Recycle carbon. Don’t release “new” carbon from its underground storage.
  2. Energy Security – Peak Oil. We need to prepare for when oil runs out.
  3. Health Benefits – Ethanol can replace carcinogenic aromatics, and substantially reduce harmful emissions.
  4. More Efficient Engines Require Biofuels – Higher octane, higher ethanol transportation fuels. Engine manufacturers can maximize the efficiency of smaller, more efficient engines that utilize high combustion pressures and take advantage of other useful properties of ethanol. Cleaner, lower maintenance jet engines with renewable jetfuel. Less expensive maintenance for biodiesel hybrid buses.
  5. Environmental Benefits – Avoid deep water drilling oil spills, destruction of habitat from tar sands or fracking.
  6. National Security – Military do not have to protect feedstock sources or transportation routes of advanced biofuels.
  7. Jobs – Advanced biofuel production creates local jobs in agriculture, forestry, waste management, engineering, science and biorefineries. Not to mention the jobs which support these with food, shelter and services.
  8. Leadership in Science and Technology– Historically, the basis of economic success. Advanced biofuels is today’s frontier.
  9. Keep your money at home! – Do not spend your currency on foreign energy resources.
  10. Not Under Someone Else’s Control – Lessen foreign energy providers’ power.

 

advanced biofuels, Climate Change, Environment

Advanced Biofuels Group Questions Corn Stover Study

Cindy Zimmerman

aeclogoA new study about the climate impact of using corn residue for biofuel production raises more questions than it answers, according to Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC).

“In reality, the study confirms what we already know; that excessive agricultural residue removal is bad for the soil and has negative impacts on climate,” said Coleman in a statement, adding that the study uses corn stover removal rates far exceeding those used in the field. “The analysis also models a one-size-fits-all approach to managing soil carbon that, by definition, ignores how farmers manage their land.”

The study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln used a supercomputer model to estimate the effect of residue removal on 128 million acres across 12 Corn Belt states. Researchers reported that “removing crop residue from cornfields generates an additional 50 to 70 grams of carbon dioxide per megajoule of biofuel energy produced.”

Total annual production emissions, averaged over five years, would equal about 100 grams of carbon dioxide per megajoule — which is 7 percent greater than gasoline emissions and 62 grams above the 60 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as required by the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act.

“Our industry is more than willing to engage in important discussions about the climate impacts of using agricultural residues to make fuel, but the headline-chasing strategy of trying to sell extreme modeling assumptions as the norm does not facilitate that process,” commented Coleman. “If you look at the full spectrum of peer-reviewed work, cellulosic biofuel is the lowest carbon fuel in the world.”

RFA-logo-13Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen believes the study is “fundamentally flawed and its conclusions are highly suspect. The results are based on sweeping generalizations, questionable assumptions, and an opaque methodology. The authors offer no robust explanation for why their findings contradict other recent, highly regarded research. Ultimately, this paper should be seen for what it truly is – a modeling exercise of a hypothetical scenario that bears no resemblance to the real world.”

advanced biofuels, AEC, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

Biodiesel Producer Uses CNG to Deliver Green Fuel

John Davis

highplainsbioenergy1This could be considered double-dipping in the realm of alternative fuels, as a pork producer is using compressed natural gas (CNG) to deliver its waste fat-to-biodiesel fuel. According to this story in The Oklahoman, High Plains Bioenergy, a subsidiary of pork producer Seaboard Foods that turns waste fat into the green fuel, is using the CNG to get the product to service stations, as well as Seaboard Foods using CNG to get its pork products to market.

“Seaboard Foods continues to investigate other opportunities to integrate CNG into our fleet operations, and we are excited about the potential for expansion in the near future,” [Seaboard Foods CEO Terry Holton] said.

High Plains has contracted with TruStar Energy to build a large fast-fill CNG station in Guymon. The dual-compression station will be configured to serve a wide array of trucks that Seaboard and its subsidiaries use to move their products.

It will be California-based TruStar’s first fueling station in Oklahoma, but it has built more than 60 stations throughout the country since 2008.

“Building this station for High Plains Bioenergy and Seaboard Foods is very exciting to us at TruStar Energy because we’re working with another company with a strong commitment to renewable energy,” TruStar Vice President Scott Edelbach said.

Seaboard officials add that are putting together a database of fueling stations so they can work CNG trucks into their nationwide distribution network.

Biodiesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Spring is running late

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Has spring sprung for you yet?”

It looks like many across the nation are still shoveling snow. Good thing Easter weekend looks warmer for most. Here in Missouri the Dogwoods are in full bloom and the grass is getting greener by the day.

Our poll results:

  • Still snow on the ground – 27%
  • Still too cold – 24%
  • Seeing positive signs – 18%
  • Late spring for sure – 15%
  • Same as normal – 3%
  • Too wet – 9%
  • Too dry – 3%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What’s your favorite use for Easter eggs?”

The incredible edible egg is in the spotlight this time of the year, but what do you do with all those hard boiled, multi-colored eggs on Monday? Eat them, toss them or watch them rot?

ZimmPoll

Denver Clean Cities Helps Reduce Gas Use

Joanna Schroeder

Coloradans are breathing cleaner air with the help of the Denver Metro Clean Cities (DMCCC). Utilizing alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies, stakeholders displaced 5.88 million gallons of gasoline in 2013. This prevented 27,000 tons of greenhouse gases and air pollutants from entering the atmosphere – equivalent to the carbon dioxide generated by approximately 90,000 homes during five days.

electricvehicleparkingClean Cities is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program designed to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. Colorado is home to three such coalitions, which cumulatively helped stakeholders displace 10.2 million gallons of gasoline and 49,000 tons of greenhouse gases last year.

Tyler Svitak, the Clean Cities Manager at the American Lung Association in Colorado, described how the program works. “We assist public and private vehicle fleets, local governments, fuel providers, utilities, and other stakeholders in beginning or expanding an alternative fuel portfolio, which often involves education, technical guidance, or connection to a similar project locally or nationally.”

The City and County of Denver has had a close relationship with Clean Cities since its inception in 1993, and as the City’s fleet continues to look toward innovative ways to save money and reduce emissions, Clean Cities is assisting in the process.

“The Denver Metro Clean Cities Coalition has been a valuable resource for Denver for years, helping educate our City about alternative fuels and opportunities to implement them,” said Felix Espinoza, Denver Public Works’ Fleet Management Director. “Our partnership with Clean Cities has furthered our goals of incorporating alternative fuels and green technologies that improve air quality, lower operating costs, and provide a healthy, livable, and connected city.”

Svitak explains that harnessing alternative transportation fuels like electricity, natural gas, and propane can dramatically reduce pollutants coming from vehicle tailpipes, increase our nation’s energy security, and boost local economies, but what is often a more convincing argument is the amount of money saved in operating costs from using these alternatives.

Last quarter the average national price of natural gas was $2.09 per gasoline gallon equivalent (the amount of energy in natural gas it takes to equal the energy of one gallon of gasoline), propane was $2.43/gallon, and electricity was $1.16 per eGallon (the electrical energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline), and for fleets or consumers traveling enough miles, the payback over the life of a vehicle can be significant.

Though, there are still significant challenges to the widespread adoption of alternative fuels and Clean Cities helps to overcome those through education, knowledge, and training. Refuel Colorado, a Colorado Energy Office project aimed at increasing alternative fuel use in the state, incorporates an energy ‘coaching’ program where organizations like Clean Cities, Garfield Clean Energy, and 4CORE help fleets and local governments understand the factors influencing their bottom line, including lifecycle ROI analysis to help look at the long term savings instead of the initial investment.

Alternative Vehicles, Carbon

Shell Eco-Marathon Seeks Most Energy Efficient Car

Joanna Schroeder

The North America leg of the Shell Eco-Marathon will kick off in Houston, Texas April 25-27, 2014. The event brings hundreds of high school and college students from around the world together to showcase their energy efficient cars. The winning team’s car will travel the farthest distance using the least amount of energy.

For the Houston leg, Linde North America will be the supplier of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Mike Beckman, vice president Hydrogen Fueling, said, “Shell chose Linde as its exclusive worldwide hydrogen supplier because it wanted a solid and technically capable global partner for all of its Eco-marathon events around the world.” The first event of 2014 was held in Manila, Philippines, in February; Rotterdam, Netherlands, will be the site for the May event.

Shell Eco-marathon is also an educational platform, giving innovators practical experience of developing smarter, sustainable transportation. “We’re excited about the opportunity to work 2014 Shell Eco Marathon Prototype Concept Carwith this highly motivated and skilled group of future engineers that falls in line with our support for the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiative,” Beckman added. “These young people are our future, and we’re happy to support this effort.”

Linde will be working with eight teams whose vehicles will require hydrogen, and will be providing valuable technical support and advice to the student teams from North and South America.

“The Shell Eco-marathon is a unique competition that challenges students to design, build and drive the world’s most energy-efficient car,” said Norman Koch, Technical Director Shell Eco-marathon. “We are very pleased to partner with Linde for the fourth consecutive year supporting these students to develop energy efficient mobility solutions for the future.”

The Houston event will be held at Discovery Green Park and George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.

Alternative energy, Alternative Vehicles, Hydrogen, International