DuPont & Zhenfa to Partner On Solar Power

Joanna Schroeder

DuPont China Holding Co., Ltd. (DuPont) and Zhenfa New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (Zhenfa New Energy), have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to collaborate on improving the performance, reliability and return on investment of solar power installations. Under the agreement, both companies will cooperate in optimizing the selection of durable solar materials and technologies used in solar panels.

DuPont Zhenfa solar partnership“Solar energy is a clean and sustainable form of energy that we expect will become a greater part of the future energy mix,” said Zhenfa Zha, general manager, Zhenfa New Energy. “We are excited to collaborate with DuPont to employ quality solar materials and technology support to help maintain long-term power generation, operations management and cost optimization at our solar installations. This will ultimately benefit our customers with cheaper, cleaner electricity.”

All of the solar panels installed by Zhenfa will be manufactured with DuPont Tedlar polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) film-based backsheets, the only material, according to DuPont, proven to reliably protect solar panels for over 30 years, even under extreme environmental conditions. Both companies will work together to optimize solar energy power production and performance as well as conduct field research on panel reliability and failure modes in order to better understand materials’ critical impact on solar energy systems.

Chuck Xu, global business director, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions said of the partnership, “We are delighted to expand our relationship with Zhenfa New Energy into a more strategic relationship that leverages advanced materials critical to the reliable, long-term performance of solar panels for their solar installations. DuPont continues to advance material science to improve the performance, reliability and return on investment in solar to help make it more competitive with other forms of electricity.”

International, Renewable Energy, Solar

Get a Piece of the Renewable Energy Funding Pie

Joanna Schroeder

Find Grant Funding Now coverProsperity Consulting, LLC has identified two grant programs from the Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) that could make significant investments in alternative forms of energy.

EERE has announced the Biological and Chemical Upgrading for Advanced Biofuels and Products Grant. The grant is focused on supporting production of the fuels from cellulosic sugars, lignocellulose derivatives, lignin, cellulosic alcohols, bio-solids and biogases. Awards range from $1 million to $3.5 million. Concept papers are due on May 1, 2014, and full proposals are due June 13, 2014.

The second grant program from EERE focuses on solar energy. The Solar Market Pathways Grant seeks to drive down solar energy costs and encourage a significant increase in solar deployment. The funding includes costs for planning and stakeholder meetings. Awards range from $1 million to $4 million. Concept papers are due on May 28, 2014, and full proposals are due July 3, 2014.

For companies, universities, communities and others interested in applying for these grants who are seeking assistance, Prosperity Consulting is available to assist. The company aids it clients in market research and feasibility study development as well as the development of strategic plans.

advanced biofuels, biofuels, Cellulosic, Renewable Energy, Solar

Renewable Energy Power Awards Announced

Joanna Schroeder

During a ceremony in San Francisco, California, winners of the inaugural Renewable Energy Power Awards were announced by Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits at the Novogradac Financing Renewable Energy Conference.

Burgess BioPower plant“We are pleased to congratulate the winners and honorable mentions of the inaugural Renewable Energy Power Awards for their exceptional work in bringing the benefits of renewable energy to communities across the country,” said Michael J. Novogradac, CPA and managing partner of Novogradac & Company LLP. “As the first recipients of the Renewable Energy Power Awards, our honorees have set high standards with the caliber of their work and I look forward to seeing other worthy projects recognized by these awards in the years to come.”

The Renewable Energy Power Awards were presented to development teams involved with effective and innovative renewable energy tax credit projects that created jobs, provided positive community impact and reduced energy footprints. Developments eligible for consideration used the federal renewable energy investment tax credit (ITC), the federal renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) and/or Section 1603 cash grant funds. Awardees were recognized in three categories:

  • Financial Innovation: Winner: Burgess BioPower LLC, projected developed by Cate Street Capital Inc.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: Winner: Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative Inc. and Town of Dennis Solar Project, developed by American Capital Energy Inc.
  • Small Community Project: Winner: Little Deschutes Lodge II, developed by Pacific Crest Affordable Housing LLC

The Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits provides news, analysis and commentary on the affordable housing, new markets, renewable energy and historic rehabilitation tax credit industries.

Clean Energy, Renewable Energy

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFAmigo Energy, subsidiary of Just Energy Group Inc. has announced a new promotion in recognition of Earth Day. The company has entered into a partnership with the bike sharing program, Houston B-cycle, a transportation alternative for people living in and visiting Houston. Launched April 21, customers who enroll for electricity in Amigo’s 100% renewable energy program will receive an annual membership to B-cycle.
  • Intersolar Europe will be taking place in Munich, June 4–6, 2014. The event will be kicked off with the launch of the Global Market Outlook for Photovoltaics 2014-2018 presented by the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA). Attendees will learn about current and future developments in the solar industry.
  • Alterra Power Corp. and Fiera Axium Infrastructure Inc. have completed a partnership agreement for the Jimmie Creek hydroelectric project. Under the agreement Alterra will own 51% of the project and Fiera Axium Infrastructure Canada II LP will own 49%. The Jimmie Creek project will provide 62 MW of clean power capacity to southwest British Columbia and will sell 100% of its power to BC Hydro for 40 years beginning in August 2016.
  • Ecoppia, a developer of autonomous water-free solar panel cleaning solutions, announced today that JA Solar has certified Ecoppia’s solution for use on its solar panels. Ecoppia recently announced similar certification by Suntech Power. Additional certification processes are underway, with the aim of ensuring Ecoppia’s market-wide compliance with the stringent standards of all major panel manufacturers.
Bioenergy Bytes

New York & New Jersey Port Authorities Go Solar

Joanna Schroeder

This week, ConEdison Solutions and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey unveiled one of four new solar installations that will produce clean energy at Newark Liberty International Airport. The 3,200 solar panel installation covers 62,000 square feet and will produce 817,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. This solar array marks the first solar power installation at any airport buildings operated by the Port Authority throughout the region.

Newark International Airport solar array“The Port Authority is committed to implementing environmental programs we view as vital to our airports and other facilities,” said Port Authority Director of Environment & Energy Programs Christopher Zeppie. “Solar panels atop the roofs of buildings at Newark Liberty are an innovative way to make use of little used space to help reduce the agency’s carbon footprint while also saving money and increasing resiliency.”

By utilizing solar power as an energy source, Newark Liberty International Airport anticipates an electricity savings of approximately $60,000 per year.

“Earth Week is the ideal occasion to recognize Newark Liberty International Airport for its outstanding commitment to sustainability,” said Michael W. Gibson, Vice President of ConEdison Solutions. “The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is setting an excellent example for airports nationwide and around the world.”

Officials visited a 152-solar panel installation on the roof of Building 121, an AirTrain Newark electrical substation. The other three solar sites include a 312-panel project on an AirTrain Newark maintenance building, a 585-panel installation on a Port Authority maintenance building, and a 2,145-panel site on a multi-tenant cargo building.

To educate travelers and other guests about the benefits of the multi-site solar initiative, the airport will soon introduce colorful, interactive informational kiosks at Terminal B that will provide information about solar power and this initiative at Newark Liberty. Kiosks also will update visitors on the amount of power that has been generated during a particular day and during the current month and year.

Renewable Energy, Solar

Fla. Sued for Giving ID Thieves Biodiesel Co’s Credit

John Davis

scalesofjustice1The state of Florida is being sued for its part in giving identity thieves a biodiesel company’s tax credit. This story from Courthouse News Service says Epoch Biodiesel is suing for $1.3 million, claiming the state gave corporate identity thieves a tax credit in that amount, and refused to make the real company whole after the fraud was discovered.

“The project qualified for the State’s energy technology tax credit based upon 75 percent of eligible expenditures, but Epoch Biodiesel was denied the tax credit because imposters falsely posing as authorized representatives for Epoch Biodiesel had applied for, and were granted, a putative tax credit of $1,250,174.59, based upon an investment Epoch Biodiesel had made,” the complaint states.

It continues: “Epoch Biodiesel did not learn of the ‘identify theft’ until it attempted to rightfully apply for the tax credit, and was and told by the State that ‘Epoch Biodiesel’ had already applied for and been awarded a tax credit. Epoch Biodiesel was further instructed not to apply for a tax credit, no matter how rightful its claim for a tax credit might have been, since the State had already granted a tax credit in the name of ‘Epoch Biodiesel.’ Epoch Biodiesel got no benefit from the tax credit issued to the imposters.”

Epoch says it spent $1.7 million building its Groveland, Fla. biodiesel plant. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Department of Revenue are named as defendants in the suit.

Biodiesel

Iowa Moves Forward Biodiesel, Ethanol Incentives

John Davis

While the fate of some national biofuels incentives remain up in the air, Iowa takes the bull by the horns and passes its own incentives for biodiesel and ethanol. The State House has followed the State Senate’s lead and passed SF2344, a measure that provides a incentive to producers $.02 per gallon refundable credit on the first 25 million gallons of biodiesel produced in any single plant and enhances the state’s E15 retailer tax credit to help alleviate extra costs to Iowa retailers who want to offer E15 as a registered fuel during the summer driving season. The bill also updates the Iowa Code to define biobutanol as a legal renewable fuel option for Iowans

The Iowa Biodiesel Board welcomed the news:

IowaBiodieselBoardLogo“Today our legislators have demonstrated foresight in supporting one of the most powerful economic drivers Iowa has – biofuels,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “Not only does this biodiesel policy benefit Iowa’s economy and a rural renaissance, it also props up our nation’s energy security and environment by encouraging domestic fuel production.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) also welcomed the vote that sends the measure to Governor Terry Branstad for his signature:

IowaRFAlogo“The entire Iowa Legislature should be commended for its commitment to ensuring that Iowa not only continues to lead the way in biofuels production, but also in renewable fuels policy,” stated IRFA Policy Director Grant Menke. “S.F. 2344 will help preserve Iowa biodiesel jobs while also expanding Iowa motorists’ access to cleaner-burning, more locally-produced E15, and I applaud Iowa’s elected leaders for standing united with Iowa’s renewable fuels community.”

Branstad is expected to sign the bill.

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, Legislation

Is corn planting underway in your area?

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What’s your favorite use for Easter eggs?”

Deviled eggs is a clear winner in last week’s ZimmPoll. Personally, it is my favorite way to eat boiled eggs too. This Easter I was reminded of my husband’s family tradition of egg tapping. Each person takes a dyed boiled egg and taps the pointed end of their egg with that of another person. The last person left with an egg that is still in tact is the winner. When there is a couple dozen kids running around, this keeps them occupied for awhile. The catch is if you want to play you had better like hard boiled eggs, because when you loose you must eat it.

Our poll results:

  • egg salad – 16%
  • deviled eggs – 37%
  • unpeeled & plain -21%
  • special recipes – 5%
  • not a boiled egg fan – 8%
  • only use plastic – 5%
  • for hunts – 8%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Is corn planting underway in your area?”

Farmers across the country are busy in the fields. For some, planting is well underway. For others Mother Nature hasn’t quite cooperated. Let us know where you are in your corn planting.

ZimmPoll

ZimmComm Team Looking for Summer Intern

Jamie Johansen

zimmcomZimmComm New Media is now taking applications for a summer intern. Students in the agricultural communications field interested in attending and learning how to “agri-blog” some of the most important industry events held every year should apply.

The opportunities will include all-expense paid trips to one or more industry events where students will assist in the compiling of photos, audio, video and posting of activities on pertinent websites. Interns will learn and develop communication tools, techniques and technology to gather and distribute information through various social media channels. Per-diem and college credits may also be available.

YES! I’m interested in learning how to do some agri-blogging. Apply here.

Agribusiness, Education, ZimmComm

Concern Over Environment Drops in US

Joanna Schroeder

According to the most recent article in Gallup’s Climate Crisis series, over the past year concern over the environment among Americans has dropped. Today, one in four respondents of a recent poll say they are “solidly skeptical” of global warming. The poll found Americans are clustered into three global warming groups. “Concerned Believers” comprise 39 percent and attribute global warming to human actions and are worried. “Mixed Middle” comprise 36 percent and the remainder fall into the category of “Cool Skeptics” – a group that is not worried about global warming much or at all.

Gallup Global Warming Opinion GroupsThrough ongoing polling from a special “cluster” analysis of four questions designed to measure belief and concerns about human-induced global warming, Gallup has found that the rate of “Concerned Believers” has varied but today is in line with 2001 results. During the same decade, the members of “Cool Skeptics” have increased while those aligning with the “Mixed Middle” have modestly declined.

According to results, “Concerned Believers” and “Cool Skeptics” are of different mindsets when it comes to how much they worry about global warming. “Concerned Believers” say they worry “a great deal” or “fair amount” about the issue, while “Cool Skeptics” worry only “a little” or “not at all.” “Concerned Believers” also think media reports about the issue are either correct or underestimated, while “Cool Skeptics” think they are exaggerated. One hundred percent of “Concerned Believers” say the rise in the Earth’s temperature over the last century is due to the effects of pollution, while 100 percent of “Cool Skeptics” say it is due to natural changes in the environment. Finally, two-thirds of “Concerned Believers” believe global warming will pose a serious threat to their own way of life in the future, while 100 percent of “Cool Skeptics” disagree.

Those in the “Mixed Middle” hold a combination of views. Some believe humans are the cause of the Earth’s warming, but aren’t worried about it. Some say global warming is a natural phenomenon, but that it will pose a serious risk in their lifetime. In one way or another, those in the “Mixed Middle” fail to line up with the orthodoxy on either side of the climate science issue.

In the past decade, skepticism has increased, while “Concerned Believers” have recovered to pre-Climategate levels and the Mixed Middle has dwindled. So all in all, what the analysis found is that American’s views have grown more polarized about the issue.

Climate Change, Environment, global warming