Green Charge Networks Help Save Green

Joanna Schroeder February 18, 2014

Green Charge Networks can help retail chain customers and city municipalities save some green. The company, which specializes in intelligent energy storage, has signed agreements for 1 MW of energy storage with several organizations that are looking to reduce their electricity bills via smart grid technologies.

For example, it is common in California and New York City for business to pay 40 percent or more for their monthly electric bill in “demand charges” based on their electricity use during peak times. To reduce these costs, Green Charge Network uses its GreenStation technology. It works by collecting utility and weather data to predict peak use and store energy accordingly.

7-Eleven stores have been using GCN’s GreenStation successfully for the past two years. One 7-Eleven GreenStation in New York endured Hurricane Sandy and then went on to save the business 56 percent on their electricity bills during the 2013 summer heat wave. Green Charge Networks is adding to its list of customers including 7-Eleven, Walgreens, office buildings, community colleges, and municipalities, adding up to 1 MW as listed on the DOE’s Global Energy Storage Database.

“It is a big accomplishment to our company to help businesses and local governments use power more efficiently,” said Vic Shao, CEO at Green Charge Networks. “1 MW marks a very significant milestone for Green Charge Networks as we continue to diversify our customer base and increase our penetration in the rapidly growing intelligent energy storage market. Energy efficiency initiatives can only take us so far. The era of power efficiency using advanced software is the next frontier in energy savings.”

It is no secret that America’s aging grid needs to be reborn. Yet with the billions, if not trillions, of dollars it would take to accomplish this and ongoing fights on who should pay for the updates (utilities/consumers or state and federal governments) smart grid technologies can help immediately reduce electricity demand on the overstressed grid.

Experts also say that they are also a good tool in both climate change adaptation and mitigation. Green Charge Networks points out that GreenStation is designed to withstand storms as fierce as Hurricane Sandy or temperatures as extreme as the recent polar vortex. In addition, Green Charge Networks says if smart grid technologies like GreenStation were implemented nationally they could save the energy equivalent of 4,000 coal plants per year.

Electricity, energy efficiency, Energy Storage, Smart Grid

Marathon Exec Keynotes Ethanol Conference

Cindy Zimmerman February 18, 2014

It is often said that the goal of a keynote speaker is to set the tone for a conference but the goal of the address given by Dave Whikehart of Marathon Petroleum Company at the National Ethanol Conference was more to allow the ethanol industry to hear the perspective of a fuel refinery partner.

Whikehart tried to explain why the petroleum industry has problems with the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “Marathon petroleum supports corn ethanol because it is a transportation fuel and we are in the transportation fuel business,” he stressed, noting that they have a history of investing in and marketing corn ethanol blends. “What we do not support is government intervention in our markets and mandates that attempt to force products on our customers.”

As director of Product Supply and Optimization for Marathon, Whikehart made quite a few comments that the ethanol industry disputes when it comes to refiners being able to comply with the RFS going forward. He stated that demand for E85 is “non-existant” and that “E85 sales have limited growth potential.” In addition, Whikehart called introduction of E15 a “non-starter” due primarily to liability issues.

The ethanol industry disagrees and the rest of the NEC program this week is dedicated to proving that the RFS is working and that refiners and retailers can do what is needed to meet the goals of the program.

Listen to or download Whikehart’s complete remarks here: NEC Address by Dave Whikehart, Marathon Petroleum

2014 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, Oil, RFA, RFS

Ethanol Industry Rising Tides, Falling Walls

Cindy Zimmerman February 18, 2014

Falling Walls, Rising Tides is the theme for the 19th annual National Ethanol Conference being held this week in Orlando.

Calling it a “mixed metaphor,” Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen said in his “State of the Ethanol Industry” address today that it is appropriate and will come to define the year ahead.

“2014 will be the year the blend wall comes crashing down. 2014 will be the year the cellulose wall is cracked.” said Dinneen. “And 2014 had better be the year we take the brick and mortar away from Big Oil and deny them their wall of ignorance and misinformation that undermines public support for ethanol.”

“How will these walls tumble? By reminding people time and again that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.'”

Dinneen hammered home the simple message they will be delivering to Washington this year. “Keep. Your. Word.” when it comes to the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Read the full text of Dinneen’s speech here, watch the video in the previous post, listen to or download full remarks here:
RFA's Bob Dinneen state of ethanol industry address

2014 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

advanced biofuels, Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA, RFS

Live Stream of State of Ethanol Industry Speech

Chuck Zimmerman February 18, 2014

Hello from the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, FL. This morning we’ll live stream Bob Dinneen’s, Renewable Fuels Association, annual state of the industry address. Introductions will start at 8am, est., with Bob scheduled at 8:15am. We’re also recording it to post afterward. When you click on the player below it will start with a short commercial before the live feed.

Post Update: You can now watch the recorded video of the live stream below.

Video streaming by Ustream

2014 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

Audio, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference

Student Talks Biodiesel By-Product at Conference

John Davis February 18, 2014

The cutting edge of innovation was certainly on display at the recent National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in San Diego. Among the many innovations was a University of Kansas graduate student, who, with a little financial assistance from the folks at the Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC), talked about a new use for the biodiesel by-product, glycerin.

Derek Pickett … was part of the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel (NGSB) program that aimed to educate and collaborate with young scientists.

Pickett presented his findings about using glycerin for power generation during a conference session specifically designed for student-scientists to share their cutting-edge research. Glycerin is a byproduct of biodiesel production, with each gallon of biodiesel producing about 1 pound of glycerin. His research found glycerin that is converted to a synthetic gas has the potential to be an inexpensive source of power.

“Kansas soybean farmers are excited to see young scientists so enthusiastic about research related to biodiesel, which can be made from our crop,” said Dennis Gruenbacher, Andale, who represents the commission’s south-central district. “Those students already are working hard to find even more opportunities for biodiesel to benefit America’s environment and energy security.”

This year, the National Biodiesel Board’s NGSB program brought 36 students from 18 universities to the conference, with 18 of them received scholarships from state soybean organizations and USB. Last month’s gathering also marked the new session that focused solely on university biodiesel research.

Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conference, NBB, Research, Soybeans, University

Biofuels’ Feedstock Growers to Host Ag Secretary

John Davis February 18, 2014

The growers of the two biggest biofuels feedstocks, corn for ethanol and soybeans for biodiesel, will once again host the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for their biggest meeting of the year. For the fifth time in a row, Tom Vilsack will deliver the keynote address to Commodity Classic, the annual convention and trade show for corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum growers. This news releases says Vilsack speaks to an expected crowd of more than 6,000 during the event’s General Session on Friday, Feb. 28, in San Antonio, Texas.

“We are honored to welcome Secretary Vilsack-someone who has been a strong advocate and voice for agriculture-to a conference that is both focused on and led by farmers,” said American Soybean Association President Ray Gaesser. “As we face many challenges in this industry throughout this next year- trade agreements and access, conservation and water quality, moving the RFS forward and access to innovative technology-we are excited to hear the secretary speak on these issues and other important topics that impact farmers who grow the nation’s food.”

“Secretary Vilsack has done a lot to support our growers, and to encourage all farmers to speak out and represent their industry at a time when the general public is more removed than ever from the farms that feed them,” said National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre. “We’re looking forward to his visit to Commodity Classic so he can speak with our growers and learn more about our great efforts to rebuild consumer trust in what we do.”

The 19th annual Commodity Classic is Feb. 27-March 1, 2014, along the banks of the famous River Walk at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Tex. Your ZimmComm New Media team will be there, including myself, bringing you the latest from this annual meeting of the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers, America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show.

Check out the 2014 Commodity Classic website www.commodityclassic.com for additional information.

Biodiesel, biofuels, corn, Ethanol, Government, Soybeans

National Ethanol Conference Golf Winners

Chuck Zimmerman February 17, 2014

Because of today’s beautiful weather in Orlando, FL, everyone is a winner at the annual golf tournament of the National Ethanol Conference. We had about 130 golfers playing today.

Here is the winning team receiving their cash prize from Alex Obuchowski, RFA CFO. I’ll get the names and add them later.

Attn Golfers: You can find your team photo in the online album, click on it, then right click to download the size you want right to your computer. Please enjoy and share.

2014 National Ethanol Conference Golf Tournament Photo Album

Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA, Video

National Ethanol Conference Kicks Off

Chuck Zimmerman February 17, 2014

Breaking news. Ethanol industry gets break from winter. How? By attending the 2014 National Ethanol Conference in Orlando. The Domestic Fuel team is on the scene.

It’s a beautiful sunny day to start things off with some fun activities like the annual golf tournament or an Everglades airboat ride. I took golf pictures while Cindy is checking out the Florida wildlife.

To kick off our coverage of this year’s conference I interviewed the Reverand of Renewable Fuels, Bob Dinneen, Renewable Fuels Association. As you might expect, Bob says they’ll be talking a lot about the EPA and the Renewable Fuels Standard. He likes the mood of attendees and says they’re optimistic. I personally think the sunshine and warm temps are helping!

You can listen to my interview with Bob here: Interview with Bob Dinneen

Here’s where you can find golf tournament photos to download and share: 2014 National Ethanol Conference Golf Tournament Photo Album

Audio, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

PAISS Program to Help Brazilian Sugarcane Industry

Joanna Schroeder February 17, 2014

The National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) and the Funding of Innovation and Research (FINEP) have announced a new program to encourage agricultural innovation for the Brazilian sugarcane industry. The goal of PAISS is to spur innovation and research that achieves gains in increasing productivity while lowering production costs. The PAISS complements the similar plan launched by BNDES and FINEP in 2011.

Enabling investments in agricultural innovation contributes to a renewal of the gains in productivity and to reductions in production costs. “It’s a step that can help us reach a new virtuous circle of investment to expand the production capacity of the sugarcane industry,” said Elizabeth Farina, the president of the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA).

Farina noted that 60 percent of the production costs of ethanol and sugar lies in agricultural production. “The agricultural costs are already high and are in the ascendant, unlike the costs of industrial processing of sugarcane, which has been the subject of research and investment that has resulted in lower costs,” Farina explained.

UNICA data show that during the boom years of the sugarcane industry, between 2002 and 2010, the cost of agricultural production amounted to U.S. $15 per tonne while today this cost has doubled to nearly U.S. $30 per tonne.

Farina noted that the industry has adopted new and advanced technologies with unique speed, as observed in the process of mechanization of the harvest. This is leading to the elimination of burning the cane fields. “But the fact is that in the effort to mechanize the industry literally changed processes without research by adapting existing technology used for manually harvesting sugarcane. Over five years, the industry has adapted to the sugarcane machines, not the machines to sugarcane. It will probably take another five years to find better answers,” added Farina.

advanced biofuels, Brazil, UNICA

EV Charging Stations Expanding in Las Vegas, Houston

Joanna Schroeder February 17, 2014

Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations are expanding in Las Vegas, Nevada and Houston, Texas. MGM Resorts International has announced the largest installation of EV charging stations in Nevada while IKEA has announced the addition of EV charging stations at its store located in Houston, Texas.

MGM is installing 27 EV charging stations at nine of their Las Vegas resorts as well as at their corporate offices. Additional stations will be available at Circus Circus in Reno, Nevada. The charging stations, which will be installed in guest garages and valet areas, will be available for employees and guests to use at no cost.

“It is important that our guests have the convenience and ability to continue sustainable habits during their time with us,” said Cindy Ortega, Chief Sustainability Officer of MGM Resorts International. “The installation of these charging stations encourages green practices in both our guests and employees, serving as a natural step toward smarter, cleaner transportation systems.”

Drivers will be able to access real-time information about the EV charging stations via a ChargePoint mobile application, which shows whether a station is open in addition to the percentage of charge on the vehicle, when the vehicle is fully charged and when a charging nozzle has been removed. Each charger is equipped with two Level 2 charging ports supplying up to 7.2 kW, full motion color LCD display and a robust cord retraction system. All units will have the industry standard SAE J1772 charging ports.

“The installation of EV charging stations provides yet another draw to visit and stay at the MGM Resort properties,” said Pasquale Romano, CEO of ChargePoint, the largest network of EV charging stations in the nation. “This project shows MGM’s commitment to sustainability and continued leadership. It also represents a significant benefit to MGM’s guests and employees alike, and allows ChargePoint to move closer to our goal of providing charging wherever people work, shop, eat and play.”

Four charging stations at Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand Las Vegas and Circus Circus Reno have already been installed and are fully operational. Installation of the remaining EV charging stations is expected to be complete by the end of February 2014. MGM Resorts installed its first charging stations in 2011 at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place and The Shops at Crystals. In 2012, an additional station was installed at its corporate office.

IKEA has plugged-in two Blink EV charging stations at its Houston store as part of its partnership with Car Charging Group, Inc., the new owner of the Blink Network and Blink charging stations, and the largest provider of EV charging services with more than 13,750 charging points in 35 states and three countries. To charge an EV at IKEA Houston, drivers pull into a designated parking spot, tap their Blink InCard (RFID card) to the reader below the screen, plug the charger into the EV and then shop and eat at their leisure in the IKEA store while the vehicle is charging. This initiative represents the 12th such U.S. project for IKEA, with installation underway at other locations.

Alternative Vehicles, Electric Vehicles

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