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

Hawaiians Crave More Solar

Joanna Schroeder

According to a recent opinion poll Hawaiians want more solar. The poll found that 90 percent of respondents believe that Hawaiian Electric (HECO) is slowing rooftop solar to protect its profits. The poll found that most residents are very familiar with and supportive of rooftop solar with a third of the respondents having family members with solar and more than half have neighbors with solar.

The poll was conducted by Honolulu-based polling firm SMS and commissioned by The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC), an organization that represents the majority of rooftop solar installations in the United States, including more than seven thousand projects in Hawaii.

“While it shorooftop solar in Oahu Photo Hugh Gentryuld be a point of pride that Hawaii has the highest solar per capita in the country, it shouldn’t give us any reason to slow down,” said Jon Yoshimura, a Hawaii spokesperson for TASC. “The people of Hawaii clearly want and expect more rooftop solar, and are looking to both HECO and to policymakers to advance policies that help increase access for homes and businesses.”

Responses revealed that Hawaii residents are adopting solar not only to save money, but also to drive energy independence for the state. Respondents also identified oil dependence and lack of competition in the utility sector as top reasons driving utility rates.

“Hawaii’s energy landscape is rapidly changing and we need to adopt new policies and business models that support the public’s desire to produce their own clean, homegrown energy,” Yoshimura added.

Less than half of those surveyed have a favorable opinion of HECO, while 95 percent have a favorable view of solar power companies. When respondents were informed that the number of solar permits just hit a two year low on Oahu, half said their opinion of HECO declined even further. In short says TASC, HECO’s public image is in danger if the utility continues to fall short of public expectations for rooftop solar.

“I decided to go solar for environmental and financial reasons​. I was delayed for months–many peoples’ ​interconnection approvals are delayed for years by​ the utility as a stalling tactic,” said Nancy Robberson, retired schoolteacher from Kula,​ Hawaii. “Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries should not get in the way of more solar here​. Harnessing the sun’s power should be an ​inalienable right for all.”

Renewable Energy, Solar

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFRenewable Energy Markets 2014 will be held December 2–4, 2014 in Sacramento, California. The call for abstracts is open. They are looking for 10 to 12 minute presentations featuring new data or ideas, consideration of important issues and thoughts about where renewable energy markets are headed. Categories include: organizations using renewable energy; project development; marketing renewable energy; policy and legal issues; markets and trading; and bundled electricity products.
  • The Iowa Wind Energy Association (IWEA) elected Mike Prior as the organization’s new Executive Director. Prior had served as Director of Business Development of IWEA since 2009 and had served as Interim Executive Director since December of 2013.
  • Google Inc. and SunPower Corp. have announced a new program that will provide financing to support approximately $250 million of residential solar lease projects. Both companies are investing in the program, with Google committing up to $100 million and SunPower committing approximately $150 million. Thousands of homeowners are expected to finance solar power systems through SunPower solar leases as a result of this program, joining approximately 20,000 Americans already leasing from SunPower.
  • La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec has announced a CDN$42 million investment in the Parc des Moulins wind energy project operated by Invenergy Wind LLC. After this transaction, Invenergy will continue to be the majority controlling shareholder. Parc des Moulins is a 135.7 MW wind farm that has been in commercial operation since December 2013. It covers three Québec municipalities: Thetford Mines, Kinnear’s Mills and Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf.
Bioenergy Bytes

First Diesel Hybrid PV System Online in Guelph

Joanna Schroeder

Canadian Solar Inc. has completed one of the first diesel hybrid PV system in the remote microgrids in northern Ontario, Canada. The 152kW rooftop solar array on the Deer Lake First Nation Elementary School is the first project under the strategic partnership with NCC Development, LP (NCC), a First Nation renewable energy management company, in a commitment to use renewable energy (RE) microgrid solutions to assist the energy needs of off-grid First Nations and remote communities.

canadian solar logoNCC has identified more than 80 First Nations and remote communities for potential RE microgrid solution deployment, in an effort to promote photovoltaic services and projects to areas heavily reliant on diesel and challenged by limited access to electricity.

“NCC is optimistic in moving forward with our partner Canadian Solar, as we continue to build strategic collaborative efforts with leaders in the solar and renewable energy industry to foster sustainable development of Canada’s indigenous communities. As North America’s largest producer of solar power solutions, Canadian Solar’s industry leading experience and expertise will greatly contribute to our efforts,” said Geordi Kakepetum, Chief Executive Officer of NCC Development LP.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar Inc. noted of the project, “Our partnership with NCC started 3 years ago. It underscores our strong commitment to Canada, helping to bring solar power to areas previously unable to get connected to the grid. Solar is a green, flexible, low-cost, and sustainable energy solution for these underserved First Nations and other rural areas. We are proud of our involvement in this important effort and the direct impact we will have on so many deserving families.”

During a ribbon cutting ceremony, Chief Royale Meekis, the leader of Deer Lake First Nation said, “To reduce peak load and connect five more homes, we developed a three-part plan, including conservation, load shifting, and installing a PV solar system. This is important not only for the families who are waiting to move into these new houses, but for all of Deer Lake.”

Deer Lake First Nation aims to eventually replace 50 percent of their diesel consumption with the RE microgrid retrofit solution. The focus of the partners in developing RE microgrid solutions is also to help to build much needed additional clean energy capacity, and to support future economic development in the communities.

Alternative energy, Solar

Arizona State to Offer Algae-to-Biodiesel Showcase

John Davis

azcati1Algae has a great future as a feedstock for biodiesel, as well as cleaning up wastewaters. Arizona State University will be offering a showcase on how to do both at its Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation (AzCATI), May 1-2.

Students from Arizona universities will demonstrate their projects to the public at the Innovation Showcase May 1, and during a formal public presentation workshop May 2. The multi-university collaboration is made possible by funding and support from the Arizona Board of Regents.

Tour the labs and the green algae testbed fields of the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation from 3-6:30 p.m., May 1, during the Innovation Showcase, hosted by the College of Technology and Innovation. Throughout the showcase, Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University faculty and students will discuss their algae projects, and AzCATI representatives will host tours throughout the center. Stop by the AzCATI booth at the Innovation Showcase in the Sun Devil Fitness Complex to learn about algae and begin a guided site tour.

The school promises more in-depth insight into the students’ leading-edge research on May 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with tours of the AzCATI facility to follow.

algae, Biodiesel

Wilks Offers Better Biodiesel Blend Analyzer

John Davis

Wilks, maker of application-specific analytical instrumentation, has built better analyzers of biodiesel blends and oil in water. The company says its new InfraCal 2 Analyzer offers additional features to its line of InfraCal Oil in Water Analyzers and InfraCal Biodiesel Blend Analyzers, including better repeatability, multiple calibrations, unlimited data storage, optional internal battery pack, touch screen display, and password protection for instrument settings.

infracal2-345The InfraCal 2 incorporates new electronics providing a better signal-to-noise ratio that improves the stability and repeatability. The InfraCal 2 for oil in water analysis now has the capability to measure from sub-ppm to percent levels, making it suitable for wastewater, produced water or frac water measurements, as well as checking hydrocarbon levels in drilling mud or drill cuttings.

For biodiesel in diesel, the InfraCal 2 has a new calibration scheme that makes it easier to get an accurate zero. It includes alerts to ensure the sample surface is clean prior to measurements – features which contribute to more repeatable readings.

Wilks goes on to say its InfraCal 2 Analyzer has a virtually unlimited amount of internal data storage and can transfer information serially or through a flash drive, giving date, time, analyst, and location information. In addition, the internal battery pack lasts up to 12 hours, bringing more capabilities right to the field without having to wait for lab results.

Biodiesel

NTSB Holds Rail Transportation Safety Forum

Cindy Zimmerman

ntsbOutgoing National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah Hersman says “regulators are behind the curve” when it comes to the transport of hazardous liquid, whether ethanol or crude oil.

“Those shipments have increased by over 440 percent (since 2005) but our regulations have not changed,” Hersman said at the National Press Club prior to the start of a two day forum on Safety of Rail Transportation of Crude Oil and Ethanol. She says accidents are happening “far too often, safety has been compromised” in oil train shipments.

Some of the concern brought about by recent accidents involving both oil and ethanol shipments revolves around the rail tank cars themselves, particularly the DOT-111, which she says is not safe enough for hazardous liquids. “Carrying corn oil is fine, carrying crude oil is not,” said Hersman.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen testified at the NTSB forum about the safety record of ethanol shipments via the DOT-111A railcar, the intense focus of the RFA on safety training and best practices within the ethanol industry, and the need for the NTSB to focus on the root cause of recent derailments, including track conditions and human error.

RFA-logo-13Noting that 70 percent of ethanol travels to the marketplace via rail and has done so for over 30 years, Dinneen gave credit to the railroads that since 2012 have successfully shipped 99.997 percent of hazardous material carloads. “From 2006–2013, the U.S. ethanol industry moved over two million shipments of ethanol,” Dinneen testified. “However, during that period only 226 cars derailed with only 91 releasing product.”

Dinneen further testified that in each of the ethanol derailment incidents that have occurred, the NTSB determined the derailment to be the result of rail operation, such as substandard track integrity, switching failures, inspection errors, maintenance problems or lack of communication between train crews. “Keeping the cars on the track by eliminating the root causes of these DOT-111A tank car derailments is the only way to achieve a perfect safety record,” said Dinneen.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, transportation