New Waste Biomass Project Announced

Joanna Schroeder December 9, 2013

Concord Blue USA, Inc. and LanzaTech have entered into an agreement to integrate their individually proven technologies to demonstrate the production of fuels and chemicals from waste materials.

LanzaTech will install a Concord Blue Reformer at its Freedom Pines facility in Soperton, Georgia to convert waste biomass from regional forestry operations into syngas. The syngas will be converted by LanzaTech’s gas fermentation process into a range of biofuels and chemicals. The company says the integration and testing at Freedom Pines will serve as an important step towards commercialization of the integrated technologies for multiple projects that both companies have under contract and in development.

“As the U.S. continues to diversify its energy mix and produce more domestic energy, low carbon fuels derived from waste woody biomass and municipal solid waste will play an increasingly important role,” said Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. “Our partnership with Concord Blue will enable us to extend our technology to these important resources.”

Concord Blue says it has developed a closed-loop, commercially proven, non-incineration process that recycles nearly any form of waste, including landfill waste and sewage sludge, into energy at virtually any scale. By working closely with leading businesses, governments and communities around the globe, Concord Blue creates tailored solutions that safely and effectively dispose of waste streams while producing clean energy through advanced waste conversion.

“This partnership and demonstration facility lays the foundation for the expeditious development of large scale projects we have been awarded, like the Four Forests Restoration Initiative (4FRI),” said Charlie Thannhaeuser, chairman and chief executive officer of Concord Blue. “This represents a critical step towards achieving our company’s objective to produce drop-in fuels from waste resources and bolster foreign oil independence by producing sustainable non fossil-based fuels.”

biofuels, biomass, biomaterials, Waste-to-Energy

DuPont Starts Solar Project on Landfill Site

Joanna Schroeder December 9, 2013

DuPont has commissioned a 548kw solar installation located on five-acres of former Superfun landfill site in Newport, Delaware. The solar farm will produce enough electricity to power 60 homes and will generate approximately 729,000 kilowatt hours of power per year.

After successfully completing remediation at the Newport site, and with the support of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Delaware Division of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC), DuPont collaborated with Tangent Energy Solutions to put develop the solar project. Greenwood Energy owns the project and solar panels were provided by DuPont Apollo.

During a celebration event held at DuPont’s Photovoltaics Application Lab, Delaware Governor Jack Markell said of the new project, “The DuPont Solar Power Project complements Delaware’s commitment toward using clean, renewable energy sources. Generating solar energy benefits the residents of Newport, and positively impacts our state – increasing our competitiveness, reducing air pollution, improving public health and creating jobs.”

Linda Fisher, vice president – DuPont Safety, Health & Environment & Chief Sustainability Officer said to the crowd, “We’re very excited about this project because it is the first time we’ve utilized solar on a former landfill. The project will reduce DuPont’s greenhouse gas emissions by 350 tons a year and reuse a portion of a federal Superfund site that had been considered to be unusable land. This is a great example of what we’re trying to do at DuPont around the world: working collaboratively to help meet the growing demand for energy with renewable fuels.”

This represents the 11th solar installation on DuPont land to date, and the fourth in Delaware.

“Under the RE-Powering America Initiative, EPA encourages renewable energy development on current and formerly contaminated land when it is aligned with the community’s vision for the site,” added Shawn Garvin, regional administrator – EPA Mid-Atlantic Region 3. “When we work together to turn an environmental problem into an opportunity, we create the best of what is possible – here solar energy will serve the families of Newport and inspire others to re-power America with alternative energy solutions.”

Alternative energy, Electricity, Solar

Fueling the Future Grants Available

Joanna Schroeder December 9, 2013

Iowa petroleum retailers interested in offering consumers higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel are encouraged to apply for the “Fueling our Future” pilot program to consider applying for cost share funding. A total of $250,000 in federal funds are available through the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board to support projects that will increase the usage of higher blends of both ethanol and biodiesel.

“The renewable fuels industry has been a great asset to Iowa’s economy and making higher blends of renewable fuels will give customers greater access to clean burning, home-grown renewable fuels,” Iowa Governor Terry Branstad said. “It is important we help create opportunities for customers to see the benefits of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.”

The Fueling Our Future pilot project is designed to reduce particulate matter (PM-2.5) vehicle emissions by increasing the use of higher blends of biobased fuels, specifically ethanol and biodiesel. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 7, 2014 and will be reviewed by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program board of directors at their quarterly meeting later that month.

All Iowa petroleum retailers offering fuel to the general public are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 50 percent match and the total assistance available is capped at $250,000 of matching federal funds. Funds will be targeted equally to the most outstanding proposal focused on biodiesel (B5 blends and higher) and ethanol (especially E30). A single proposal that includes both of these bio-renewable products on the same site could be selected.

Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said of the program, “Iowa is fortunate to have many fuel retailers committed to renewable fuels and this pilot program is an exciting opportunity for them to demonstrate their ideas for creating a modern fueling site focused on higher blends of renewable fuels,” “Higher blends of both ethanol and biodiesel have the potential to bring significant benefits to consumers, the environment and our rural economy and I’m excited to see the proposals that come forward.”

Applicants should be aware that there will be a significant research component for this pilot project. Data collected will be assessed and used to assist with determining optimal market effectiveness of mid-level renewable fuel blends. As a result, fuel sales data from the selected site will be required and in the event of the conversion of a current retail fueling site, data access to previous sales volume will be requested. Access to the site for consumer surveys will be required.

A copy of the application and additional information can be found at www.IowaAgriculture.gov by clicking on the “Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program” link under “Hot Topics.”

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol

Biodiesel Board: EPA Got it Wrong

John Davis December 9, 2013

The National Biodiesel Board’s (NBB) message to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pretty simple: You got it WRONG! During last week’s hearing on the EPA’s proposed reduction in the amount of biodiesel and ethanol that will be mixed into the country’s fuel supply, Vice President of Federal Affairs for NBB Anne Steckel told those at the hearing that the proposal could cost jobs and hurt an industry that thought it was on the right track.

“This is a very dramatic thing the EPA has done, and we’re trying to set the record straight,” Anne said in an interview with me, adding that more that two dozen biodiesel producers also made the trip to the Nation’s capital to make the case for the green fuel … a pretty strong one when you look at the facts. “Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel, so we’re lessening greenhouse gas emissions significantly, we’re helping out with the economy, we’re supporting more than 62,000 jobs across the country, we have diversified our feedstocks, and those feedstock prices are low. So for EPA to put this out is very shocking.”

Anne said it looks like EPA just cut-and-paste the data from 2011 and ignored the most recent updates the industry gave it. She stressed that this hearing isn’t the only opportunity to let the EPA know of its mistake. She’s encouraging all biodiesel advocates to contact officials and let them know the biomass-based diesel number should be at least 1.7 billion gallons. The NBB is even providing a template for a letter on its website to help make it easier to have more voices heard between now and the end of the comment period at the end of January.

“Every voice really counts.”

Listen to my interview with Anne here: Anne Steckel, Vice President of Federal Affairs for NBB

Audio, Biodiesel, EPA, Government, NBB, RFS

SunEdison Building NYC’s Biggest Solar Project

John Davis December 9, 2013

One the world’s largest solar energy providers is partnering with New York City to build the city’s largest solar project. SunEdison announced the innovative renewable energy project that will turn a landfill into a source of power.

“Freshkills was once the site of the largest landfill in the world. Soon it will be one of the City’s largest parks, and the site of the largest solar power installation ever developed within the five boroughs,” said [New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg]. “Over the last twelve years we’ve restored wetlands and vegetation and opened new parks and soccer fields at the edges of the site. Thanks to the agreement today with SunEdison, we will increase the amount of solar energy produced in New York City by 50 percent.”

The project, which is scheduled to break ground in the second half of 2015, will consist of two photovoltaic systems totaling up to 10 megawatts (MW) in size, and will utilize between 30,000 and 35,000 high efficiency solar panels installed across 47 acres leased to SunEdison at Freshkills Park. The project will increase the city’s renewable energy capacity by 50 percent and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local pollutants.

“Thank you to Mayor Bloomberg and his team for having the vision to use this 47-acre plot that was once a landfill to generate clean, renewable electricity and also provide businesses in New York with (energy) cost savings,” SunEdison General Manager Attila Toth said at a press conference with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his staff. “The solar systems we intend to build at Freshkills Park will be tangible proof of the Mayor’s commitment to renewable energy, and will serve as a model of public private partnerships by providing economic benefit to both the city and businesses located within its five boroughs.”

Fresh Kills landfill has been closed for more than a decade and now will be part of the city’s plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

Solar

EPA’s RFS Action Hurts Investments, Puts US Behind

John Davis December 6, 2013

A few years ago, the U.S. was considered the most promising biofuels market in the world. But recent policy changes, including the latest from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to roll back ethanol and biodiesel blend amounts to lower than what was scheduled in the Renewable Fuel Standard, is allowing the American biofuels market to be outpaced by competitors in Asia and South America. In addition, Thomas Corle with DONG Energy told the panel at yesterday’s hearing on the subject in Arlington, Va. that investors are now more nervous to put money into the U.S. system.

“Financial institutions will base their investment risks on this historical event,” adding that this proposal goes from a policy of encouraging the RFS to discouraging its implementation. Corle said that in 2008, the U.S. was seen as the most promising market for cellulosic ethanol in the world. “But it has now been replaced or outpaced by other markets that are moving faster, especially China and Brazil. We could be driving by biomass refineries in China before we get our first commercial project commissioned here in the U.S. because the policy risk in the U.S. is greater than even China.”

He cited several other projects where the actions of the EPA are stalling projects in the U.S., costing the country jobs and energy security.

More of Thomas’ testimony can be heard here: Thomas Corle, DONG Energy comments to EPA hearing

Audio, biofuels, EPA, Government, RFA, RFS

Reaction to RFS Strong at EPA Hearing

Joanna Schroeder December 6, 2013

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA hearing yesterday drew more than a hundred people from across the country that spoke on behalf of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). There is alarm among the biofuels and agricultural industry with EPA’s proposed RFS rule to lower the renewable fuel volumes in 2014 from 2013. These volumes are even lower when compared to the volume ramp up as outlined in statute.

Here are just several of the comments made to the EPA yesterday.

POET DMS’s Business Development Manager Kevin Potas message to the EPA: “The cellulosic biofuels industry needs stable policy and a firm base of grain ethanol production in order to reach its potential. The low-hanging fruit of cellulosic biofuel production is the existing network of corn ethanol producers and their access to plentiful crop residue. When you weaken that industry, you weaken the opportunity for cellulosic ethanol expansion.”

Rick Hansen, a cattle feeder and crop farmer from Hinton, Iowa, told the EPA: “I could stand up here and tell you that the co-products from ethanol plants have been great for our business, and that for the first time I see a renewed optimism from the Midwest cattle feeder. Or I could mention how for the first time in decades farmers are making a living without the help from government farm programs. Or I could tout the number of young farmers and cattle feeders returning to their home place to follow their dreams and make a living. These are just a few of the reasons why an Iowa cattleman like me loves ethanol and the RFS, and there’s many more.”

Mark Wigans, a livestock producer from Renwick, Iowa, told the EPA: “Livestock producers in the Midwest have embraced distillers grains as a favored feed ingredient. Customers of mine who buy calves from our ranch, and feed them out, depend on a reliable consistent supply of distillers co-products for their business success. The Iowa ethanol plant near me sells over 500 tons of dried distillers products every day into local feed markets. Those hog and layer operations in the area won’t allow a ton of them to be shipped elsewhere, as they know the value of them in their feed rations and buy all they can get their hands on.”

Growth Energy’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Chris Bliley testified: “The RFS was approved by a bipartisan majority in Congress and enacted into law nearly six years ago….oil industry has used its considerable power to delay, litigate, and undercut the RFS. The program was designed to spur investment in renewable fuels, not to punish those who have invested while rewarding those who have impeded development.”

Randy Olson, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board told the EPA: “I’m proud to say that our members are shining examples of what this policy was intended to create. I’m here to ask that you reconsider the proposed rule for Biomass-based diesel and Advanced Biofuels for 2014. Quite simply, the 1.28 Billion gallon Biomass-based diesel target as proposed will likely mean a reduction in biodiesel volumes for 2014 versus this year’s production, and, importantly, signal to a growing industry that the hurdles to compete with entrenched petroleum interests are even higher than we previously thought.”

Jeff Johannesmyer, president and general manager of Western Iowa Energy in Wall Lake testified: “In a town of 850 people, our plant provides 30 well-paying jobs, and supports over 100 indirect jobs. Our community needs it. Also, based on clear policy signals from the Administration, since 2011 Western Iowa Energy has invested over $2 million to upgrade infrastructure and increase our process efficiency.”

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels, EPA, Ethanol, RFS

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder December 6, 2013

Amyris, Inc. and Total announced the formation of Total Amyris BioSolutions B.V., a 50-50 joint venture that now holds exclusive rights and a license under Amyris’s intellectual property to produce and market renewable diesel and jet fuel from Amyris’s renewable farnesene. TOTAL is Amyris’s largest investor, holding approximately 18% of its outstanding common stock, and is deeply committed to the development of next-generation renewable fuels from biomass.
New speakers have been announced for the European Biomass to Power conference taking place April 1-2, 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Frank Scholdann Lund, area sales manager for Aalborg Energie Technik a/s will speak on ‘Multi-Fuel Fired Biomass Cogeneration Plant’ focusing on how Zignago Power provides high fuel flexibility, high availability, high performance and low emissions. Early Bird rates are still available.
Just Energy has announced the establishment of a new charitable initiative, the Just Energy Foundation. The Foundation is a realization of the company’s vision to establish a dedicated entity to give back to the communities it serves, and supports charities in Canada and the United States that work to enhance the lives of local residents in need. The Foundation is funded by Just Energy, a leading North American retailer of electricity, natural gas and green energy.
Alterra Power Corp. has announced the sale of its 10% stake in the 50 MW ABW Solar project to a consortium led by Fiera Axium Infrastructure, Inc.

Bioenergy Bytes

PPL Doubles Capacity of Hydroelectric Facility

Joanna Schroeder December 6, 2013

PPL Holtwood has announced completion of a new, 125-megawatt powerhouse at its Holtwood hydroelectric facility along the Susquehanna River in south-central Pennsylvania. The powerhouse is part of a $440 million expansion project to boost the plant’s generating capacity and improve fish passage over the century-old dam. The integrated improvements to the fish lifts and water flows are expected to better attract fish into the lifts and ease their migration along the Susquehanna River and its tributaries.

The new powerhouse sits adjacent to the century-old powerhouse and more than doubles the plant’s generating capacity from about 108 megawatts to more than 230 megawatts. The additional capacity is enough to power about 100,000 homes.

“This project, one of the largest expansions of its kind in the U.S., represents a major investment in clean, reliable, renewable energy,” said Victor Lopiano, senior vice president of Fossil & Hydro Generation for PPL. “I thank everyone who was involved in design and construction of the new powerhouse. This project highlights the potential to upgrade existing hydroelectric facilities and expand capacity without the need to build new dams. The new facility’s two 62.5-megawatt turbines are capable of generating more electricity than the 12 existing turbines, combined.”

Lopiano said the hydroelectric expansion further strengthens the diversity of PPL’s competitive generation fleet within the mid-Atlantic. The fleet includes hydroelectric power, nuclear power, natural gas and coal-fired power plants, along with other forms of renewable energy.

Alternative energy, Electricity, Hydro

Success of RFS is Ag Issue Felt All Over the World

John Davis December 6, 2013

Nearly 30 years ago this Christmas time, the world saw one of the greatest human sufferings ever unfold before its eyes, as a million people starved to death in Ethiopia. In a particularly poignant moment during yesterday’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) hearing, Rick Schwarck, the president and CEO of Absolute Energy, an ethanol producer on the Iowa-Minnesota border, reminded the audience why that tragedy happened.

“It’s hard to talk about because it is so perverted. It was caused by low ag prices.”

Rick went on to point out that Ethiopia’s economy has dramatically rebounded, especially in the last few years, as commodity prices worldwide have risen and raised the fortunes of the 80 percent of the population in Ethiopia that relies on a rural, ag-based economy. He added this is being repeated all over the world, throwing cold water on much of the food-versus-fuel argument.

“Google any ag country, and take a look at the growth curves in their economies; it’s been staggering,” Rick said.

This is a pretty busy time of year for Rick, as he is president of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and a member of the national Renewable Fuel Association (RFA). Plus, his family has a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm back home, so he felt pretty lucky to be able to make the trip. But he also knows how important it is for the RFS to be enforced, in his words, “just as it was written and just as it was intended.”

Listen to Rick’s testimony here: Rick Schwarck, President and CEO of Absolute Energy comments to EPA hearing

Audio, biofuels, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, Iowa RFA, RFA, RFS

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