RGS Energy and Altus Power America Management have formed a new joint venture, RGS Energy Asset Management LLC. The purpose of the joint venture is to develop, finance and manage up to $150 million of commercial solar projects.- SolarCity is expanding to Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland to make it possible for many area homeowners and businesses to install solar panels for free and pay less for solar electricity than they pay for utility power. SolarCity opened a new, 9,600 square-foot operations center in Seaford, Del., this week.
- The U.S. Department of Energy is hosting a Webinar, “Incorporating Solar in Green Power Offers from Coast to Coast,” on Febraury 25, 2014 from 3:00 pm–4:00 p.m. EST. The webinar will discuss how utility green pricing programs and other voluntary green power offers have incorporated solar into their product mix. Leslie Brown will discuss how Silicon Valley Power in CA, has developed a product with 20% solar from CA. Jay Carlis will share how Community Energy has been engaged with developing solar, buying and selling solar renewable energy certificates, and supplying solar to voluntary program.
- According to a recent report, “Energy Harvesting,” from Navigant Research, worldwide revenue from energy harvesting systems will grow from $283 million in 2014 to nearly $375 million in 2020. Energy harvesting systems convert ambient energy to useable electrical energy and offer an attractive alternative to battery power for portable devices. Using a variety of energy sources including electromagnetic radiation, thermal energy, kinetic energy, and mechanical energy, energy harvesting technology is already powering a range of consumer products, such as laptops and mobile phones.
Primus Green’s STG Technology Awarded Patent
Primus Green Energy has been awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its STG+ liquid fuel synthesis technology. The company says its STG+ produces high quality, cost-effective, drop-in liquid transportation fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel directly from syngas derived from natural gas and other carbon-rich feedstocks in a single-loop process.
STG+ represents a cost breakthrough for the GTL industry, says the company, as it demonstrates compelling economics at scales of less than 6,000 barrels per day. The patented process is far simpler and more efficient than existing GTL technologies as it 
transforms syngas to liquid fuels with only one condensation step and also recycles untransformed gases. These efficiencies result in a high-yield process – STG+ can convert one MMBtu of natural gas into more than five gallons of 90+-octane, drop-in gasoline.
“STG+ is a new, proprietary thermochemical GTL process that fundamentally transforms the efficiency and economics of liquid fuel synthesis technologies,” said Robert Johnsen, CEO of Primus Green Energy. “The allowance of this patent application validates the novelty of the technology we have developed and proven at scale in our research facilities and commercial demonstration plant here in Hillsborough. Further, it greatly strengthens our intellectual property portfolio, an important step as we look toward construction of our first commercial GTL plant.”
In October 2013, Primus successfully commissioned its 100,000 gallon-per-year natural gas-to-gasoline demonstration plant. A recently concluded independent engineers report found that both catalyst performance and STG+ system economics exceeded expectations during demonstration plant operation. The company is now working toward construction of its first commercial plant, which is expected to produce 27.8 million gallons per year of drop-in gasoline from natural gas. The company expects to break ground on the plant in 2014.
Advancing Solar Energy in Saudi Arabia
An agreement to jointly fund a feasibility study for the establishment of a vertically integrated solar PV (photovoltaic) manufacturing complex at Wa’ad Al Shammal in Saudi Arabia has been signed. SunEdison, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of the Government of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian Investment Company hope to move forward with a project to produce polysilicon through modules. The feasbility study is the next step in the process following a preliminary study between the National Industrial Clusters Development Program (NICDP) and SunEdison in 2013.
“We anticipate substantial growth of solar PV within the Kingdom and the region. This project will support that growth, and the growth aspirations of SunEdison and our Saudi 
partners,” said Ahmad Chatila, CEO of SunEdison. “The combination of SunEdison technology, and the Kingdom’s world-class manufacturing and energy sector expertise will enable us to capitalize on substantial growth in the Kingdom and the region, and maximize the value of solar PV projects supported by this venture.”
If developed, the complex would utilize both SunEdison’s proprietary high pressure silane fluidized bed reactor (HP-FBR) polysilicon, and continuous Czochralski (CCz) crystal ingot technology and equipment, as well as include solar wafer, cell and module manufacturing, employ attractive debt financing for the approximately $6.4B project, and would begin production in 2017, ramping to 3 GW (gigawatts) annually.
A significant percentage of polysilicon and ingot production would support the 3 GW planned module output. Should the project go forward, the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals said it will provide the required quantities of natural gas, and the Saudi Electrical Company (SEC) committed to providing the needed power requirements for the project.
“This project will be capable of building a complete industrial eco-system that is sustainable and able to compete on a global level by utilizing pioneering technology developed by SunEdison to produce high purity polysilicon, and high-efficiency, low-cost mono-crystalline ingots, in addition to benefiting from economies of scale given the size and vertically integrated nature of the complex,” said Eng. Azzam Shalabi, President of NICDP.
Chatila added, “We will bring our downstream solar PV development expertise to the region, and will partner with the Kingdom to build a large and dynamic solar energy industry. This agreement represents our ongoing strategy to accelerate our growth, maximize the value of our PV projects, and strengthen our balance sheet to enable both. We are very proud to take this next step with our Saudi partners as the Kingdom becomes a world leader in solar energy.”
BDI Retrofits Greek Biodiesel Plant to Take Grease
A Greek biodiesel plant gets retrofitted to take a wider range of lower quality feedstocks, including grease. BDI-BioEnergy International AG announced the retrofit of the Elin Biofuels S.A refinery in Volos, Greece.
The aim of the RetroFit optimisation project was to increase both raw material flexibility and the quality of the final biodiesel product via the remodelling, expansion and process optimisation of an existing biodiesel plant that was based on outdated German technology.
As a result of the optimisation exercise, not only vegetable oils but also raw materials of lower quality, such as used cooking oil and animal fats, can now be processed into high-quality biodiesel with a capacity of about 33,000 tonnes/year. The quality of the distilled biodiesel satisfies the stricter quality requirements that will have to be met in future (new biodiesel standard in the EU, CEN 14214/2013). The project has now been handed over to the satisfied Greek customer Elin Biofuels S.A officially on time and on budget.
“We are very enthusiastic about BDI’s technical skills and the professional way in which the company carried out the project. Co-operation with BDI proved to be a very effective partnership throughout the project. The final outcome is better than we expected”, said Yannis Courouclis, CEO of Elin Biofuels S.A, at the official opening of the optimised plant.
BDI officials point out that they were able to make the changes without interrupting the current biodiesel operation.
Crimson Renewable Gets $5 Mil Biodiesel Grant
A Colorado-based biodiesel maker has received a $5 million grant from the State of California to expand its biorefinery in that state. Crimson Renewable Energy LP was awarded the money from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) to support expansion of its Bakersfield biorefinery.
The Energy Commission said its solicitation was designed to provide funding for the development of commercial–scale biofuels production facilities in California that can sustainably produce at least 15 million gallons per year of low carbon transportation fuels.
“As the landmark Low Carbon Fuel Standard continues to foster the adoption of lower carbon, more environmentally friendly alternative fuels such as biodiesel at California’s major fuel terminals, we have sought to expand our production of ultra-low carbon renewable transportation fuel to meet that demand,” said Harry Simpson, President of Crimson Renewable Energy. “The funding and vote of confidence provided by the California Energy Commission will facilitate more rapid expansion of plant capacity at Crimson’s Bakersfield biodiesel plant – dramatically increasing production of ultra–low carbon biodiesel and enhancing the company’s sustainability.” Crimson has already completed certain portions of its engineering and design work, and has begun the process for obtaining all necessary permits and procuring equipment.
“The Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology Program invests up to $100 million a year in innovative projects such as these, which are transforming our fuels markets and helping to meet California’s clean air and climate goals,” said Randy Roesser, Deputy Director of the Energy Commission’s Fuels and Transportation Division. “With the expansion of its Bakersfield biorefinery, Crimson is poised to become the state’s largest producer of sustainably produced, low–carbon biodiesel, which will have 85 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventionally produced diesel.”
Crimson will begin construction this spring and hopes to complete the expansion in about a year.
Iowa Wind Energy Conference Around the Corner
The 7th Annual Iowa Wind Power Conference is just around the corner taking place at the FFA Enrichment Center on the Campus of Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa, March 11-12, 2014. Sponsored by the Iowa Wind Energy Association (IWEA), there is a strong line-up of speakers, informative sessions, exhibitors and new research displays.
The general sessions planned feature nationally recognized leaders in the wind energy industry, elected leaders, policy development specialists and utility leaders in the wind energy industry. A special feature of this year’s conference will be the first ever Education/Job Fair on March 11, 2014 which will provide wind energy companies an opportunity to meet with wind energy training programs and job seekers. There will also be an opportunity for K-12 students and educators to learn more about job opportunities in wind energy.
There will be 30 exhibitors showcasing their products and services during the conference including dozens of university wind energy research project displays will be available during the conference. These project displays will be judged by a panel of experts and cash awards will be given to the top projects in several categories.
BioEnergy Bytes
- Ennovor Group, a global sustainable biofuels company, has announced that it has signed a rolling tolling contract with one of Spain’s largest biodiesel refiners. An innovator of feedstock procurement, supply chain development and sustainability assurance, Ennovor plans similar tolling agreements with a number of specialist biodiesel refineries at strategic locations across Europe.
- VIASPACE previously announced that it had entered into a contract with AGRICORP, the largest rice company in Nicaragua, and is growing Giant King Grass on land owned by them. The company reports the Giant King Grass is growing well in Nicaragua, and VIASPACE and AGRICORP have agreed to form a partnership to build a 12 MW biomass power plant fueled by Giant King Grass. In addition to the 12 MW biomass power plant partnership, VIASPACE and AGRICORP have now decided to add animal feed as a second focus to the overall business project in Nicaragua.
- As part of its commitment to science and STEM education, as well as renewable energy, Vernier Software & Technology has partnered with KidWind, the international leader of clean energy education. Through the strategic partnership, Vernier will integrate its award-winning sensors and data-collection devices into KidWind’s wind turbine and solar energy kits, which will now be sold by Vernier.
- EnerNOC, Inc. has announced that it is accepting nominations for its EnergySMART Energy Innovator award. The Energy Innovator award recognizes individuals who have leveraged energy intelligence software and data to inform a successful energy management program. Winners will be announced at the global EnergySMART 2014 conference in Philadelphia, PA, March 25-27 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Nominations are open to all commercial, industrial, and institutional energy users.
Get Your Sustainable Energy in America Factbook
Bloomberg New Energy Finance has released the 2014 installment of the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook. The resource was developed for The Business Council for Sustainable Energy, and found that renewable energy, natural gas and energy efficiency advancements are leading a transformation of America’s energy.
The 2014 Factbook documents the upward trajectory of energy efficiency, natural gas and renewable energy, using the latest data from 2013. The report finds renewable energy provided 13 percent of U.S. electricity generation in 2013, up from 12 percent in 2012 and just 8 percent in 2007. At the same time, renewable energy costs reached all-time 
lows, allowing clean energy, with the aid of incentives, to be cheaper than fossil fuel electricity in some parts of the country. Small, distributed generators and off-grid installations, meanwhile, began to emerge as a transformative force in the power industry. Financiers who back small-scale solar systems have raised nearly $6.7 billion since 2008.
“The U.S. energy transformation that began in the mid-2000s gained additional momentum in 2013,” said Lisa Jacobson, president of The Business Council for Sustainable Energy. “The Factbook plays a vital role in chronicling this fast-moving transformation, which is creating whole new industries and thousands of new jobs in the energy efficiency, natural gas and renewable energy sectors.”
The factbook also found that energy efficiency financing is on an upward trend. Spending by energy service companies and by electric and gas utilities totaled more than $12 billion in 2012. Today 31 states and the District of Columbia, representing 77 percent of the U.S. population, have legislation in place to enable the financing of energy efficiency via property-assessed clean energy programs (PACE). Technology for smart grid and for smart homes is making its way into the market and has potential to be pervasive in the future, driving even further efficiency gains in the years ahead.
“The changes unfolding in the U.S. energy industry have been profound and, by the typical time scale of the industry, abrupt,” said Michel Di Capua, Head of North American Analysis for Bloomberg New Energy Finance. “The effects of these changes will be felt in seemingly every nook and cranny of the American economy, from military bases to manufacturing plants, from homes to highways. 2013 saw some detours from the long-term trends, but overall, it is clear that the long-term transformation of how the U.S. produces and consumes energy continues.”Read More
What do You Like in New Farm Bill
Before we get to our new ZimmPoll let’s look at our latest one which asked the question, “Could drones (UAV’s) serve a purpose on your operation?”
Well over half of the voters this week said that drones could in fact serve a purpose on their operation. Price is still a factor and may be the reason that some operations would not use them yet. We’re going to see a lot more about this new technology since predictions have been made that eighty percent of the multi-million dollar market will be for agricultural use. I’m sure you can think of a number of applications these devices will have in the production of renewable fuels.
Our poll results:
- Yes, if affordable – 50%
- No – 18%
- Yes, at any price – 14%
- No, worried about privacy – 14%
- What are they? – 5%
Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What’s best in the new farm bill?”
The Senate finally passed its version of a conference bill Jan. 29, and now the farm bill goes to President Obama’s desk. As you can read on Senator Debbie Stabenow’s website: “This isn’t your father’s Farm Bill. It is a bill for our future that grows our agriculture economy, helps provide greater access to healthy Michigan-grown foods, preserves our land and water, and cuts unnecessary spending. The Farm Bill is a rare example of a major bipartisan jobs bill and a bipartisan deficit reduction bill,” Chairwoman Stabenow said. Have you had the chance to review the new bill? Let us know what you think is the best part.
Q&A on EPA 2014 RFS Proposal
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received more than 15,000 comments on its 2014 proposed rules for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to the thousands of 
comments, should the renewable fuel volumes go forth as proposed, not only would the first generation biofuel industry be harmed, but significant harm would bestow advanced biofuel development including cellulosic ethanol and efforts to develop drop-in biofuels just as biojet fuels and algal-based biofuels.
In response to the many questions surround the proposed rule, with a big one being is it legal or does it go against statue, the online think tank, Third Way, has released a Q&A on EPA’s proposed rule to lower the 2014 renewable fuel volumes.
The document addresses questions on the importance of biofuels, Renewable Identification Numbers (RINS), the status of cellulosic ethanol and more.