The shortlist has been announced for the 3rd annual Solar Power Generation USA awards. Fifteen entries in the categories of Best Solar Collaboration, Best Solar Project 2013 and Most Innovative Solar Company have been whittled down from a large number of very high calibre nominations submitted over the course of the past 6 months. Winners will be announced on Tuesday February 4, in front of an audience of 300 solar professionals at the 6th Annual Solar Power Generation USA congress at the San Diego Marriot del Mar, California.- Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. has announced that it has hired Robert “Bob” Kumpf as the company’s Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Kumpf will focus on expanding the organization’s product and applications development capabilities.
- Via Solar Corp of Sun Valley, California has announced zero down solar panel installations to qualified homeowners. The company says switching over to solar will earn homeowners rebates and tax credits through The California Solar Initiative.
- The American Solar Energy Society (ASES), the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and advocates focused on technological innovation, will hold their annual conference, Solar 2014, in conjunction with the seventh annual Intersolar North America in San Francisco this July. The call for speakers for Intersolar North America is now open. Registration will start on March 18.
NEC Scholarship Winners Announced
Three scholarship winners have been announced for the upcoming National Ethanol Conference (NEC) taking place in Orlando, Florida February 17-19, 2014. The winners are Gavin Kenney, Tyler Machado, and Aaron Walsh.
“We are proud to extend scholarships to these three bright young minds that have shown an interest in ethanol a
nd the future of the industry,” said Mike Jerke, RFF chairman and general manager of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company. “The best way to really learn is to dive right in and the National Ethanol Conference is a one stop shop for learning. The conference will give the students a chance to discuss the future of ethanol, network with key decision makers, and learn about the intricacies of ethanol production during the breakout sessions.”
Gavin Kenney, a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Economics with minors in Agronomy and Entrepreneurship. He grew up on a family farm and ranch operation near Amherst, Neb. He spent two summers interning first at a biodiesel facility, and then at an ethanol facility working in the feed department.
Tyler Machado was born in Guasave, Mexico and grew up in Apex, N.C. He is currently attending San Francisco State University studying Environmental Studies and Spanish. His interest in renewable fuels began when he converted a 1981 Mercedes 300D to run on vegetable oil. He plans to travel to South America this summer to learn about renewable fuel projects and sustainable energy methods.
Aaron Walsh was born in Lansing, Mich., where he is now attending Lansing Community College. He recently testified at the Environmental Protection Agency’s field hearing in Virginia opposing the EPA’s proposed reduction of the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. He has also expressed an interest in ethanol, advocating for ethanol as a solution by speaking to drivers at the pump.
The scholarships were made possible through the Renewable Fuels Foundation, an organization dedicated to meeting the education, research and strategic planning needs of the U.S. fuel ethanol industry. The goal is to assure a growing healthy renewable fuels industry well into the future. The focus of the foundation is toward academia, industry and public policy makers as the industry addresses issues related to new users, new feedstocks and new technologies that will impact the future of ethanol.
Growing Use of Technology for Growers
Commodity groups across the country also took interest in the happenings at the recent National Biodiesel Conference. Frank Legner, Legner Farms is a member of the Illinois Soybean Association and attended the conference to relay the update on biodiesel to growers in Illinois. He talks about how he uses precision agriculture on his farm where they grow 50/50 soybeans and corn.
“With the high prices of commodities in the years previous farmers have used their capital in many different ways. Our farming operation decided to put our capital towards technology. Where we farm you could have about four different soil types on a piece of land and those soil types all have different productivity indexes that have been benchmarked from the University of Illinois. We use those soil maps as a good foundation of how we are going to come up with a plan. We soil sample on two and a half acre grids and when we make these sample sites we overlay them on our SMS advance desktop software to make sure that sample site is in one soil sample. When we get the readings from the lab, we use that to write our VRT recommendations.”
They can then compare results from previous years and start selecting what hybrids will work in each field. Frank said it is kind of like a draft. The multiple hybrid planting is something that he sees them utilizing in the very near future as well.
Frank also shared that colors don’t mix when you are dealing with this level of technology. He shared that precision planting has been the best way for them to use their green planter with their red tractor. Legner Farms has truly adopted the use of technology to create efficiency and increase profitability. He goes on to explain how they have taken advantage of different precision ag company’s innovations and looks forward to seeing what’s next.
You can listen to Chuck’s complete interview with Frank here: Interview with Frank Legner
Biodiesel Record Prompts Call to Reverse RFS Cuts
American biodiesel producers set a record with nearly 1.8 billion gallons produced in 2013. While the record is nice, it’s also a cruel, ironic reminder that the same government office reporting this milestone, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is also trying to lower the amount of biodiesel to be mixed into the Nation’s fuel supply down to just 1.28 billion gallons in 2014. The National Biodiesel Board is calling on the Obama Administration to change direction on this policy that will hurt the industry just as biodiesel is celebrating its greatest success.
“The success of the biodiesel industry in 2013 proves that the RFS is working today and stimulating the commercial-scale production of advanced biofuel,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), the U.S. trade association. “It also makes it incredibly frustrating that the Obama Administration is backing away from this progress with its recent RFS proposal.”
“If our industry produced 1.8 billion gallons of Advanced Biofuel in 2013, why is the Administration retreating to 1.28 billion gallons for 2014?” Jobe asked. “We’re proving it can be done. What we need is consistent policy, and that is sorely lacking in Washington right now.”
“It is incomprehensible that an Administration that has unequivocally supported renewable fuels since Day One has suddenly decided to retreat on the first Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide,” Jobe said. “It threatens biodiesel businesses across the country and thousands of jobs, and it undercuts the Administration’s stated priority of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
NBB officials go on to point out that with some excess 2013 biodiesel production “carried over” into 2014, the real Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) number for biodiesel will be about 1 billion gallons, about half of what is now produced. Throw in a lapsed $1-a-gallon federal biodiesel credit, and the more than 62,000 biodiesel industry jobs in this country could be in big trouble this year.
Farm Bill Compromise Includes $881 Mil for Energy
A compromise Farm Bill agreed upon by U.S. Senate and House negotiators will set aside about $881 million in its Energy Title portion. The deal on the $500 billion Agricultural Act of 2014 gained praise from the Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC), a consortium of organizations and companies representing a broad spectrum of renewable energy, energy efficiency and bioproducts stakeholders.
Lloyd Ritter, co-director of the AgEC, said, “Today’s conference report will continue the Farm Bill’s support for economic growth and development in rural America. Renewable energy and energy efficiency programs support new manufacturing and stable, well-paying jobs. Expansion of the programs will enable renewable chemical technologies to create new manufacturing opportunities and jobs. These very modest investments make major energy security, economic, and environmental benefits happen across the entire United States.
“The programs help grow the rural economy by opening access to critical project capital, ensuring that investments continue to be made in agriculture energy development.”
Some of the benefactors from this legislation include the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, partnering with hundreds of farmers across the country to develop sustainable new biofuels; the Biorefinery Assistance Program, supporting advanced biofuels by assisting U.S. companies secure more than $450 million in private capital for innovative advanced biofuel projects; and the Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) that helps support renewable energy jobs in rural parts of the country.
The bill must still pass the full House and Senate, but the bipartisan compromise is seen as very positive step toward full passage.
Algae Biodiesel Fuel From Utah State
Rhesa Ledbetter from Utah State University was one of the students who attended the 2014 National Biodiesel Conference. Chuck caught up with her for an interview and she explains her research in algae biodiesel fuel.
Rhesa finished her master’s in micro-biology and then decided she wanted to do a project that was really applied. To her biodiesel products seemed to make a lot of sense and something that would work well with her background.
“Our group at Utah State is focusing on biodiesel produced from algae. We have characterized a lot of properties and we also have a diesel streamliner we have been able to run out on the salt flats. It’s been great for me to be able to learn so much about a topic that I wasn’t really familiar with. Being able to interface with all these experts has been invaluable. I think collaborations will develop from this event will end up enhancing our research.”
In the future Rhesa and her team look to continue seeking more efficient ways to produce the fuel and promoting all the great traits biodiesel has.
Earlier this year Joanna did a post on the Aggie A-Salt Streamliner Rhesa mentioned. You can find that post here.
Gas Hole’s Impact on the Industry
When Jeremy Wagner and Scott Roberts made the movie Gas Hole a couple of years ago, they had no idea the impact it would have. During the recent 2014 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo the co-directors/producers presented to attendees, showed an extended excerpt from the movie and did a little Q & A.
Chuck caught up with the team and they shared how they decided a film about the oil industry was their goal and what research it took to accomplish such an endeavor.
Scott said the idea come to them “when the gas prices hit an all-time high. At the time I think it was only $3.25, it was unheard of at the time. We saw an article in a newspaper written by a gentlemen who remembered seeing a vehicle back in the 50’s that he was told got a 100 mph. What happened to that technology and why aren’t we using it?”
They knew they wanted to do a documentary together, but hadn’t decided on a topic. After this discovery they hunted down the man from the article and the rest is history.
“As we started to learn about the history of oil and what happened going back to standard oil. How that became a giant monopoly and then broken up and how it moved us into the 70’s and then we had the oil embargo. The story is so enormous and fascinating we kept running in to these things that you don’t really think about or know unless you have researched it,” Jeremy said. He continued by saying, “We started researching alternative fuels and seeing what was the most viable thing and we came across biodiesel and what was happening in that industry.”
The duo share that their message to viewers is to explain this concept that has been made very complex, when it shouldn’t be. Gas Hole presents the idea that the solutions to our oil dependency is relatively simple.
“We hope through the film we can open people’s eyes and make them think about things they have never thought about before and takeaway all the great things in history that have been accomplished. It took hard work and determination, we are a great country – we have great innovators. This is a perfect example being here at this conference and seeing the people that are doing just that.” added Scott.
If you are interested in purchasing Gas Hole, visit GasHoleMovie.com. It is also available on iTunes, Netflix, Amazon and basically all the major outlets.
You can listen to Chuck’s complete interview with Jeremy & Scott here: Interview with Jeremy Wagner & Scott Roberts
Informa Study Shows E85, E15 Can Achieve RFS
According to a new study by Informa Economics, “Analysis of the Potential Use of Biofuels toward the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2014, shows intended Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) 2014 blending requirements as outlined by statute can be reached through expanded consumption of E85, E15 and carryover of RIN credits (Renewable Identification Numbers). According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the study “clearly demonstrates why the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to reduce RFS blending requirements is unnecessary and imprudent”.
Using empirical data from 2013, the study finds that E85 sales volumes respond strongly to changes in RIN prices. The authors say this demonstrates the RFS program is working exactly as intended to drive expanded consumption of biofuels above the so-called E10 “blend wall.” The study finds, “It is possible for all statutory components and allocations within the Renewable Fuel Standard to be met in 2014, after adjustments have been made for a waiver of a large majority of the Cellulosic Biofuel Standard.”
The study takes a closer look at likely consumption, finding that ethanol consumption in 2014 could be at least 13.7 billion gallons, com
pared to the EPA’s assumption of 13.0 billion gallons. It points toward E85 as a major contributor, “E85 accounts for most of the potential for expanded consumption….The increase could be even larger if E85 is priced at a sustained discount to gasoline (on an energy-equivalent basis), as the consumer response could be stronger than implied by historical data, since discounts have been transitory in the past.”
Bob Dinneen, RFA president and CEO said of the report, “This study is further proof that the so-called ‘blend wall’ can be easily scaled if the RFS is allowed to work as intended. As I have said time and time again, the RIN mechanism is the tool to drive innovation and infrastructure to accommodate higher ethanol blends like E85 and E15. There is absolutely no need to reduce or repeal the RFS. It is working.”
Roger Zylstra, a farmer from central Iowa and current president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association added, “We hope that this study further emphasizes that the EPA decision to lower the RVO just doesn’t make sense. As a corn grower, I know we have the science and the production to back up the current RFS. It is working and we need to move forward, not backward on our energy security.”
The Informa analysis was commissioned by RFA and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board.
BioEnergy Bytes
- Pacific Ethanol has announced it will implement yield-enhancing technology at its Magic Valley, Idaho plant. The company chose ICM Inc.’s Selective Milling Technology as a component in its process to increase corn oil production and boost ethanol yields by increasing available starch for conversion.
- International marine engineering company, SeaRoc, have been shortlisted for the 2014 renewableUK Health & Safety Awards for their innovation and delivery of a ‘minimal human intervention’ lattice tower installation methodology, recently deployed at Dogger Bank. Voting is open now.
- NG Advantage welcomed Ken Pulido as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Pulido comes to NG Advantage with over fifteen years of corporate finance experience focused solely on the energy and power sectors. Having worked for both financial institutions and in corporate energy firms, he has assisted companies in carrying out their strategic business plans by structuring and executing financings across the capital structure.
- Indianapolis based Palmer Trucks has 38 used 2012 Kenworth T440 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tractors for sale. The tractors are one of the first CNG tractor fleets to hit the secondary market in the country. These CNG tractors mark the migration of fleets switching their fuel choice from diesel to compressed natural gas.
MIT Researchers Enhancing Solar Power
MIT researchers have developed a new approach to harvesting solar energy. The technique uses sunlight to heat high-temperature materials whose infrared radiation would be collected by a conventional photovoltaic cell. Researchers say this both improves efficiency as well as could make it easier to store the energy for later use. By adding the extra step, it makes it possible to take advantage of wavelengths of light that typically go to waste.
The process is described in a paper published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology written by graduate student Andrej Lenert, associate professor of mechanical engineering Evelyn Wang, physics professor Marin Soljačić, principal research scientist Ivan Celanović, and three others.
A conventional silicon-based solar cell “doesn’t take advantage of all the photons,” Wang explains. That’s because converting the energy of a photon into electricity requires that the photon’s energy level match that of a characteristic of the photovoltaic (PV) material called a bandgap. Silicon’s bandgap responds to many wavelengths of light, but misses many others.
To address that limitation, the team inserted a two-layer absorber-emitter device — made of novel materials including carbon nanotubes and photonic crystals — between the sunlight and the PV cell. This intermediate material collects energy from a broad spectrum of sunlight, heating up in the process. When it heats up, as with a piece of iron that glows red hot, it emits light of a particular wavelength, which in this case is tuned to match the bandgap of the PV cell mounted nearby.
This basic concept has been explored for several years but Wang says that with TPV systems, “the efficiency would be significantly higher — it could ideally be over 80 percent.”
Lenert, Wang, and their team have already produced an initial test device with a measured efficiency of 3.2 percent, and they say with further work they expect to be able to reach 20 percent efficiency — enough, they say, for a commercially viable product.
In their experiments, the researchers used simulated sunlight, and found that its peak efficiency came when its intensity was equivalent to a focusing system that concentrates sunlight by a factor of 750. This light heated the absorber-emitter to a temperature of 962 degrees Celsius. The MIT researchers say that after further optimization, it should be possible to get the same kind of enhancement at even lower sunlight concentrations, making the systems easier to operate.
Such a system, the team says, combines the advantages of solar photovoltaic systems, which turn sunlight directly into electricity, and solar thermal systems, which can have an advantage for delayed use because heat can be more easily stored than electricity. The new solar thermophotovoltaic systems, they say, could provide efficiency because of their broadband absorption of sunlight; scalability and compactness, because they are based on existing chip-manufacturing technology; and ease of energy storage, because of their reliance on heat.