Hawaii, Pacific Biodiesel Getting Water from Grease

John Davis

cooney1Researchers in the Aloha State are partnering with a local biodiesel maker to try to figure out how to make the water in restaurant grease traps reusable. This news release from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa says the school’s scientists are working with Pacific Biodiesel to get the water out of the feedstock the biodiesel brewer uses.

“It is kind of a novel incubator way to bridge technology from the university into industry and vice versa,” Michael Cooney a researcher with the UH Mānoa Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute.

“UH has brought the technology to apply to this problem that we have that has a real world economic model that’s waiting for it to be invented,” said Bob King, the founder and owner of Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, LLC.

Wastewater from dishwashing and cleaning kitchens would clog sewer lines because of the oils it contains. Restaurants are required to have grease traps to prevent this from happening and pay companies like Pacific Biodiesel to remove and transport that wastewater to sewer plants. The plants charge a higher fee to dispose of it because it takes more energy to treat.

Pacific Biodiesel wants to recycle the grease trap water, which would be better for the environment, increase the company’s profit margin and reduce grease trap service fees for restaurants.

“It makes it so much harder to do the right thing if it is more expensive,” said King. “So the more we can do to make this more efficient and cost effective then the easier it is to get into the market.”

Officials believe that if they are successful, it will have a major impact on the world’s wastewater situation, while also helping to produce clean burning fuel.

Biodiesel

Opinion: EPA Putting Carrot Behind Biodiesel’s Back

John Davis

KotrbaAs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers its proposal to cut down on the amount of biofuels to be blended into the Nation’s fuel supply, biodiesel makers are still scratching their heads trying to figure out why their green fuel is even being considered. In this piece in Biodiesel Magazine, Ron Kotrba makes the case that when it comes to trying to entice renewable energy production, it seems the EPA has moved the carrot from in front to behind biodiesel… making it move backwards.

[W]hen EPA proposed stalling biodiesel growth and slashing advanced biofuel targets under this year’s [Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)] volume requirements—remember biodiesel is the only commercially available U.S. advanced biofuel to break the billion-gallon mark, and it has done so three years in a row now—investors and producers alike wondered how could they do this, and why?

Opponents to RFS and biodiesel often use the argument, “If biodiesel is such a great fuel, then why must the government require its use?” I believe the answer to this is quite obvious. Without government intervention in the form of gradually increasing mandates, biodiesel would remain locked out of the mainstream petroleum transportation fuels market because every percent of fossil diesel fuel that biodiesel displaces is lost profit for the wealthiest, most powerful corporations in the world.

For those who oppose RFS, for whatever reason, put the shoe on the other foot for a moment. You own a small business. Times are tough, particularly when competing with the local Big Box store with discount prices. The local government commits to its hometown small businesses by providing welcomed tax relief and special deductions that foster small business growth, keeping the mom-and-pop stores competitive in pricing and market opportunity. You, as a small business owner, invest in growing your business, as a result of these long-term commitments from your local government. Then, one day, without good reason, long before the tax breaks were targeted for sunset but just as their legislative intents were beginning to be realized, the council rescinds the tax breaks and you, as a small business owner, are left high and dry with your funds tied up in future growth based on a long-term commitment from your local government. Now what?

Kotrba goes on to counter the argument that if biodiesel was so good, it wouldn’t need government support. He points out that petroleum companies receive more than a half a trillion dollars in government subsidies. Plus, he says that while Big Oil might argue that the energy environment has changed since the RFS was enacted in 2007, one thing has not changed: oil is a finite resource, and one day we are going to run out.

Biodiesel, EPA, Opinion

ACE Elects 2014 Board Officers

Joanna Schroeder

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has elected its 2014 board officers this week with a continued emphasis on providing opportunities for independent ethanol producers, farmers, and grassroots advocates to innovate and succeed.

Ron Alverson, founding chairman and current board member of Dakota Ethanol, a 48 million-gallon-per-year (MGY) ethanol producer in Wentworth, SD, was re-elected as President of the ACE Board of Directors. “I am eager to work with such a diverse group. The ACElogoexperiences and perspectives of the ACE board are well suited to represent our members as we continue to highlight the potential of a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and higher blends like E15 and E85, and what kind of benefits they offer for the consumer and the rural economy,” said Alverson.

Duane Kristensen, General Manager of Chief Ethanol Fuels, a 62 MGY ethanol producer in Hastings, NE, was elected Vice President of the ACE board. He noted, “ACE and Chief Ethanol Fuels are a great combination in that we share many of the same ideals and background, I look forward to this opportunity to help highlight ethanol’s rural success story and I’m enthusiastic about the potential to focus on long-term efforts that will help support the industry, agriculture, and American independence.”

Dave Sovereign, who represents Golden Grain Energy, a 100 MGY ethanol producer in Mason City, IA, on the ACE board, and also serves on the board of Absolute Energy, a 115 MGY ethanol producer in Lyle, MN, was elected Secretary of the ACE Board of Directors. Sovereign also owns Cresco Fast Stop, a convenience store that specializes in selling E15, E30 and E85. “I am excited about this opportunity. I know firsthand how the ethanol industry has brought quality jobs for quality people while revitalizing rural communities across the country. And I’m looking forward to helping promote the industry and its growth so future generations of rural Americans can prosper.“

ACE officers and two additional board members comprise the ACE Executive Committee. The 2014 ACE Executive Committee is as follows:

  • Ron Alverson, Dakota Ethanol, President
  • Duane Kristensen, Chief Ethanol Fuels, Vice President
  • Dave Sovereign, Golden Grain Energy, Secretary
  • Owen Jones, Full Circle Ag Cooperative, Treasurer
  • Lars Herseth, Herseth Ranch, Member
  • Scott Parsley, East River Electric Cooperative, Member
ACE, biofuels, Ethanol

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFCHS Inc., a leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, said today it is investing an additional $20 million in 2014 to strengthen refined fuels supply dependability and flexibility for its customer network. The projects include the final phase of an ongoing replacement of the company’s refined fuels pipeline between Billings and Glendive, Mont., and a new pipeline connection at Council Bluffs, Iowa.
  • McPhy Energy, a company specialized in hydrogen-based solutions for the industry, mobility and renewable energy sector, has signed a decisive contract in the field of sea H2 mobility with one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, Italy-based Fincantieri. McPhy Energy, exclusive owner of a solid state hydrogen storage breakthrough technology, will perform a hydrogen storage design for vessels powered by hydrogen that will lead to the manufacturing of the first prototype.
  • Comverge, Inc., has announced that its customer, Pepco Holdings Inc. (PHI) has won the 2014 POWERGRID International Project of the Year award for its direct load control program, Energy Wise Rewards. Recognized in the Demand Response/Energy Efficiency category, the award is based on the size and scope of the project, level of innovation used, and benefit to the utility, its customers, and the power industry as a whole.
  • JA Solar Holdings has announced that the performance of the company’s solar modules in extreme environments has been certified by the China Quality Certification Center, China’s largest professional certification body. JA Solar is the first solar product manufacturer to receive this CQC accreditation.
Bioenergy Bytes

How to Make BioGasoline From Plant Waste

Joanna Schroeder

A new process developed by researchers at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) could better produce “biogasoline” from cellulosic materials. This new process of converting cellulosic materials such as farm and forestry waste, could open up new markets for plant-based fuels beyond existing diesel substitutes.

“What’s exciting is that there are lots of processes to make linear hydrocarbons, but until now nobody has been able to make branched hydrocarbons with volatility in the gasoline range,” said Mark Mascal, professor of chemistry at UC Davis and lead author on the paper published Jan. 29 in the journal Angewandte Chemie. UC Davis has filed provisional patents on the process.

UC Davis process of biogasolineTraditional diesel fuel is made up of long, straight chains of carbon atoms, while the molecules that make up gasoline are branched and shorter. That means gasoline and diesel evaporate at different temperatures and pressures, reflected in the different design of diesel and gasoline engines.

Biodiesel, refined from plant-based oils, is already commercially available to run modified diesel engines. A plant-based gasoline replacement would open up a much bigger market for renewable fuels.

The feedstock for the new process is levulinic acid, which can be produced by chemical processing of materials such as straw, corn stalks or even municipal green waste. It’s a cheap and practical starting point that can be produced from raw biomass with high yield, Mascal said.

“Essentially it could be any cellulosic material,” Mascal added. Because the process does not rely on fermentation, the cellulose does not have to be converted to sugars first.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Research

Global Demand for Transportation Biofuels To Grow

Joanna Schroeder

According to a new report from Navigant Research, global demand for biofuels used for road transportation will grow from 32.4 billion gallons in 2013 to 51.1 billion gallons by 2022.

The report, “Biofuels for Transportation Markets,” analyzes the emerging markets and future growth opportunities for biofuels, including ethanol, biodiesel, and drop-in biofuels. The report provides an analysis of the major demand drivers and market challenges related traffic-jam in U.Sto biofuels technologies. The report also examines the key technologies associated with biofuels, as well as the competitive landscape.

“Developed nations in Europe and North America are beginning to see declines in liquid fuels consumption from the road transportation sector, due to increased vehicle fuel efficiency and growing interest in alternative fuel vehicles,” said Scott Shepard, research analyst with Navigant Research.

“The continued growth of conventional biofuels relies either on policies increasing biofuel blend requirements, or on growing vehicle markets in the Asia Pacific region. Meanwhile, advances in biofuels derived from non-food feedstocks, and biofuels that require no changes to infrastructure or vehicles, promise to significantly alter the petroleum industry landscape,” added Shepard.

According to the report, petroleum consumption by the road transportation sector in the United States is expected to peak in 2016, according to the report, as biofuels grow to account for 8.7 percent of demand. Major stakeholders, including the airline industry and the U.S. Department of Defense, stand to benefit greatly from advances in drop-in biofuels and will continue to spur development of the technology, driving the price per gallon down to competitive levels.

advanced biofuels, biofuels, Research

50,000 Wind Advocates Call for PTC Extension

Joanna Schroeder

The Production Tax Credit (PT) that provides tax incentives for the wind energy industry expired on December 31, 2013. Although there has been talk of tax reform, that would include a new formula for clean energy tax incentives, more than 50,000 citizens are urging Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) to making a renewing the PTC one of his biggest priorities. Sen. Wyden will be taking over as new chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

wind energy in U.SThe petition was started by Iowa State Senator and Climate Parents member Rob Hogg and is set to be delivered to Sen. Wyden’s offices in Washington, D.C. and Oregon this week.

Last month, Sen. Wyden stated he was “not going to sit idly by while plans for renewable energy development are sacrificed on the altar of inaction.”

Supporters of the PTC point to the lobbying efforts of industry figures, such as the Koch brothers, as the explanation behind its initial expiration. According to a Huffington Post article, the Koch brothers have “enlisted their extensive network of think tanks, advocacy groups, and friends on Capitol Hill to spearhead a campaign to pull the plug on the PTC.”

According to Sen. Hogg, there is growing momentum across the country for an extension of the wind tax credit. An example of this momentum is unanimous approval of a resolution calling on Congress to extend the PTC by a bipartisan coalition of Iowa state senators. “We must support wind power and renewable energy,” said Hogg. “Our children and our grandchildren are counting on Congress to act.”

Hogg explains that despite oppositional efforts, the PTC still enables wind energy to compete with highly subsidized fossil fuel industries, attracts investors for new wind projects, fosters innovation and employs tens of thousands of Americans in the clean energy economy. “Wind power currently provides 25% of Iowa’s electricity generation and has increased nationally by 30% per year over the past five years. The wind power tax credit made this possible,” said Hogg.

Climate Parents Director and Co-Founder Lisa Hoyos said that the decision on whether to extend the wind PTC is a crucial test for Congress that will our children will grow up in. “We have the technology to shift to 100% clean energy. What we’re lacking is the political commitment from Congress to support the investments in renewable energy that will protect our kids’ from the climate impacts already harming communities. Senator Wyden’s leadership on this issue is critical right now.”

“When it comes down to it, Congress has a choice. Are they with the Koch brothers, or with our kids?” said Hoyos. “People across the country have joined this call to action, because we know future generations need us to rapidly deploy kid-safe, climate-safe energy, and stop investing in the dirty energy fueling climate change.”

Alternative energy, Legislation, Wind

DF Cast: Hearing in the Heartland Talks EPA & RFS

John Davis

Unable to get the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to come to the heart of where biodiesel and ethanol are produced, leaders in the Midwest decided to hold their own “field hearing” to let the Obama Administration know they are unhappy with what proposed cuts to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The comment period for this proposal has recently ended, but now comes the possible months-long decision process by the EPA.

In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we listen in on some of what was said at Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s “Hearing in the Heartland,” a gathering of politicians, biodiesel and ethanol advocates, energy experts, and those who will be affected if this proposal to cut the amount of ethanol and biodiesel to be blended into the Nation’s fuel supply comes to fruition.

You can hear more of what was said during the hearing in the Heartland it in the latest Domestic Fuel Cast: Domestic Fuel Cast - Hearing in the Heartland

You can also subscribe to the DomesticFuel Cast here.

Audio, Biodiesel, Domestic Fuel Cast, EPA, Ethanol, Government, RFS

Distilers Grains Exports Record High in 2013

Cindy Zimmerman

Patriot Renewable Fuels DDGsU.S. exports of the ethanol co-product distillers grains set a new record last year and exports of ethanol were lower but still strong.

According to the latest government statistics, exports of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) totaled a record 9.7 million metric tons (mmt) last year, up 31% from 2012 and well above the previous record of 9.0 mmt set in 2010. China was the leading destination for U.S. distillers grains, taking 46% of the total, with Mexico and Canada a distant second and third.

ethanol-tankerU.S. exports of ethanol totaled 621.5 million gallons in 2013, down from the previous year but still the third-highest annual total on record. Canada was by far the leading export market for the year, receiving 52% of the total. The Philippines ranked second, followed by Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and Mexico. Meanwhile, U.S. ethanol imports were down 27% from 2012, making the United States a net exporter of 226.3 mg in 2013, roughly a 24% increase over 2012 net exports.

“U.S. produced ethanol is the world’s lowest cost liquid transportation fuel. As such, we anticipate that export opportunities will continue to grow as countries across the globe recognize the air quality, high octane and superior performance of renewable ethanol,” said Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.

Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, RFA

Both Farm Bill and RFS Important

Cindy Zimmerman

Signing the new farm bill into law on Friday, President Obama commented that the legislation “supports businesses working to develop cutting edge biofuels” which have the “potential to create jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.” The president also announced a new “Made in Rural America” export and investment initiative “to help more rural businesses expand and hire and sell more products.”

RFA-logo-13In response, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president Bob Dinneen noted the great economic benefit biofuels production has brought to rural America. “Under the Renewable Fuel Standard, the U.S. ethanol industry created and supported over 386,000 jobs in the past year,” said Dinneen. “To build on the success of the Farm Bill, we call on President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the RFS and restore the 2014 conventional ethanol requirement to its statutory level.”

During a press call about the benefits of the farm bill for bioenergy, Matt Carr with the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), also pointed out the importance of the RFS. “The Renewable Fuel Standard is really the fundamental policy foundation for the growth of the advanced biofuels industry,” said Carr, noting that BIO submitted comments to EPA regarding the proposal to lower the volume requirements under the law. “That proposal puts at serious risk the investment (our members) have made in advanced biofuels projects.”

“We like to say that the farm bill policy as well as the tax code work hand in hand with the RFS to help accelerate the adoption and deployment of advanced biofuels,” Carr added.

advanced biofuels, BIO, Ethanol, Ethanol News, farm bill, RFA, RFS