Biodiesel Cavitation Process Gets Patent Approval

John Davis

cti-logo-smallA new process for producing biodiesel gets approval from the U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO). Cavitation Technologies, Inc.’s (CTi) process, titled ‘Process for Producing Biodiesel through Lower Molecular Weight Alcohol-Targeted Cavitation,’ received the green light from USPTO.

“This newly patented hydrodynamic cavitation technology and process has demonstrated that it can reduce costs and significantly lessen the environmental impact associated with biodiesel production,” stated CTi’s Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Roman Gordon. “Working in cooperation with our strategic business partners, Desmet Ballestra and GEA Westfalia, the Company will initially target North and South American biodiesel producers for new and retrofit installations.”

Mr. Gordon continued, “There are numerous biodiesel plants located throughout North and South America and many of these plants are currently seeking improved and innovative production methods. We certainly believe our technology can fill the current needs of those biodiesel producers.”

“Compared to conventional methods of biodiesel production, CTi’s process can offer superior quality biodiesel while minimizing the amount of harsh chemicals used and lowering operational costs for producers. Furthermore, our process has demonstrated that this can all be accomplished in an environmentally sound manner,” concluded Mr. Gordon.

Last month, CTi announced the development of its Nano Neutralization(R) Reactor System in Brazil, which processes approximately 500 tons of soybean oil daily and should be ready to use in June 2014.

Biodiesel

Vilsack Defends EPA’s Slashing of RFS

John Davis

vilsackSecretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is defending the Obama Administration’s proposal to cut the 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the amount of renewable fuels to be blended into gasoline and diesel. But some of the people he spoke to, along with several biofuel advocates, are questioning the legality of the cuts. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to set the cellulosic biofuel category at 17 million gallons, biomass-based diesel at 1.28 billion gallons, advanced biofuel at 2.20 billion gallons and renewable fuel at 15.21 billion.

In remarks before farm broadcasters during the 70th National Association of Farm Broadcasting Annual Convention in Kansas City, Vilsack said EPA’s unprecedented number of comments in the proposal shows how much the agency wants to work with the biofuels industry to make sure their fuels will work for American consumers.

“What EPA has done is essentially said ‘We are very interested in maintaining this industry, and we need information from the industry as to policies and programs, in addition to the RFS, that would allow this industry to be more sustainable and more profitable,'” Vilsack said, adding that as part of the comment period for this RVO proposal, the industry will get more input on policies.

As far as USDA is concerned, he said his folks will concentrate on parts of the industry they can control, pointing to programs such as Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provides funds for infrastructure to make sure those higher blends biofuels can be available.

“I think our challenge is to work with the industry … that they need work to create a distribution system, and that they can’t rely on the petroleum industry [to do it for them].”

When pressed by Michelle Rook of WNAX about the authority that EPA had to set RVOs lower than what the law allows, Vilsack, while pointing out he doesn’t run the EPA, said the law does allow for the waiving of statutorily mandated requirements.

“[EPA] would say the reason they are reducing the numbers is because we are at a point where the amount of fuel being consumed in this country is 130 billion gallons,” and when you figure on the distribution problems he said needed to be worked on that basically limit to a 10 percent ethanol blend, that caps how much the EPA can require. “That’s why the EPA went the extra mile of saying, ‘Hey, we have to figure out how to get more higher blends in the marketplace. Give us your ideas.'”

Vilsack pointed to how USDA is working with the EPA, the military and civilian aviation industries to expand biofuel use in those areas as his agency’s commitment to making sure the RFS and biofuels industries are successful.

You can hear Vilsack’s remarks specifically about the RFS here: Secretary Vilsack Press Conference comments on RFS

And you can hear the entirety of what he had to say to farm broadcasters here: Secretary Vilsack Press Conference

Audio, biofuels, Government, Legislation, RFS, USDA

REG Opens Biodiesel Barge Berth at Seneca, Illinois

John Davis

REGsenecabargeribboncut1Renewable Energy Group has opened a new biodiesel loading facility on the Illinois River. This REG news release says it will help move the green fuel from REG’s 60-million gallon biorefinery in Seneca, Ill.

The barge loading facility will be supported by the addition of 2.5 million gallons of new terminal storage. REG’s total investment in these upgrades is about $4.5 million.

“The barge berth at REG Seneca further enhances our lower-cost, efficient business model,” said Daniel J. Oh, President and CEO of Renewable Energy Group, Inc. “Adding more barge capabilities to our network of biorefineries and terminals across the country gives REG another capability for providing high quality biodiesel to our existing and future customers.”

“Every full barge that leaves Seneca equates to about 65 truckloads of biodiesel,” said Brad Albin, REG Vice President, Manufacturing. “This not only increases efficiencies, but expands the geography and customer base we can cover through the inland waterways system.”

Biodiesel is also leaves Seneca by truck and rail, and the company has barge and deepwater ship loading capability In Houston and the New York City area. REG owns and operates eight biodiesel refineries in four states able to produce up to 257 million gallons a year.

Biodiesel, REG

EPA’s RVO Proposal Cannot Stand

Joanna Schroeder

fuels-americalogoFuels America coalition hosted a media call in reaction to the EPA’s proposed renewable volume obligations (RVOs) today. The biofuels industry said they were disappointed and that the proposed volumes would set the entire industry back and that the EPA’s proposal cannot stand.

During the call, Bob Dinneen from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) unveiled a new analysis showing how the RVOs, if implemented, would impact gas prices. In addition to Bob Dinneen, participants included Brent Brent Erickson, Executive Vice President, BIO; Roger Johnson, President of the National Farmers Union; Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy; and Jeff Lautt, CEO of POET.

The Fuels America said of today’s proposed 2014 RFS numbers, “We are astounded by the proposal released by the Administration today. It reflects an “all of the above, except biofuels” energy strategy. If implemented, would cost American drivers more than $7 billion in higher gas prices, and hand the oil companies a windfall of $10.3 billion. The impact of this proposal on the renewable fuel industry– both first and second generation – cannot be overstated. It caps the amount of renewable fuel used in our gasoline far below what the industry is already making, and could make next year, using an approach that is inconsistent with the RFS.

Dinneen said during the press conference, “By re-writing the statute and re-defining the conditions upon which a waiver from the RFS can be granted, EPA is proposing to place the nation’s renewable energy policy in the hands of the oil companies. That would be the death of innovation and evolution in our motor fuel markets, thus increasing consumer costs at the pump and the environmental cost of energy production. This proposal cannot stand.”

biofuel research“An Administration committed to addressing climate change cannot turn its back on biofuels. An Administration managing an economic recovery cannot watch gasoline prices rise for lack of competition. An Administration intent upon seeing the next generation of biofuel technology commercialized cannot eviscerate the demand base that would allow those fuels to succeed. And an Administration that understands the importance of a healthy farm economy cannot rip away demand that farmers relied upon in growing the largest corn crop in history, particularly at a time when there is no Farm Bill safety net. This Administration, a consistent supporter of the RFS, will not affect its demise,” added Dinneen.

Buis noted that this is a proposed rule and not a final rule and there will be a 60 day comment period. “We welcome the opportunity to ensure that biofuel stakeholders are able to express their concern with this proposed rule, while also laying out a reasonable pathway to achieve the goals of the RFS during the forthcoming comment period.

Listen to the full Fuels America press call: EPA's RVO Proposal Cannot StandRead More

Audio, biofuels, Fuels America, Growth Energy, RFA, RFS

Biodiesel Industry Responds to EPA 2014 RVOs

Joanna Schroeder

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) today and the biomass-based diesel category was proposed for 1.28 billion gallons, less than what the industry is currently able to produce. Biodiesel production is on track to set a production record exceeding 1.7 billion gallons this year, using an increasingly diverse mix of feedstocks including recycled cooking oil, agricultural oils and animal fats.

In response, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) warned that the EPA’s 2014 proposal would cause plant closures and layoffs in the U.S. biodiesel industry and called on the Obama Administration to recommit to developing American-made Advanced Biofuels.

nbb-logo“The growth in domestic biodiesel production dovetails exactly with President Obama’s statement in July of this year that ‘biofuels are already reducing our dependence on oil, cutting pollution and creating jobs around the country,’” said Anne Steckel, NBB’s vice president of federal affairs. “This is why EPA’s action today is so surprising and disappointing.”

Steckel continued, “This proposal, if it becomes final, would create a shrinking market, eliminate thousands of jobs and likely cause biodiesel plants to close across the country. It also sends a terrible signal to investors and entrepreneurs that jeopardizes the future development of biodiesel and other Advanced Biofuels in the United States.”

“This Administration has for years supported strong renewable fuels policies and encouraged investment in this industry,” Steckel added. “The private sector has responded to these policies by meeting or exceeding the Advanced Biofuels requirements in every year of the RFS. The Administration should be celebrating that success and continuing the momentum, not retreating.”

Amanda Cunningham of Veros Energy, a biodiesel producer in Moundville, Alabama, is among those in the industry whose job is at risk under the proposal. Cunningham and her husband both work at the company, supporting a family of six children.

“If biodiesel volumes are decreased, it has a hard, hard trickle down impact,” Cunningham said. “We would surely have layoffs; layoffs reduce production; reduced production drops the bottom line; and at that point the plant might as well shut down.”Read More

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, NBB, REG, RFS

EPA Announces 2014 RVO Numbers for RFS

Joanna Schroeder

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its proposal for the 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the amount of renewable fuels to be blended into gasoline and diesel. The EPA has proposed to set the cellulosic biofuel category at 17 million gallons, biomass-based diesel at 1.28 billion gallons, advanced biofuel at 2.20 billion gallons and renewable fuel at 15.21 billion. Development with input from the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Agriculture, the proposal seeks public input.

epaAccording to the EPA, the proposal seeks to put the RFS program on a steady path forward – ensuring the continued long-term growth of the renewable fuel industry – while seeking input on different approaches to address the “E10 blend wall.”

“Biofuels are a key part of the Obama Administration’s “all of the above” energy strategy, helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon pollution and create jobs,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “We have made great progress in recent years, and EPA continues to support the RFS goal of increasing biofuel production and use. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop a final rule that maintains the strength and promise of the RFS program.”

EPA says the proposal discusses a variety of approaches for setting the 2014 standards, and includes a number of production and consumption ranges for key categories of biofuel covered by the RFS program. The proposal seeks comment on a range of total renewable fuel volumes for 2014 and proposes a level within that range of 15.21 billion gallons.

The EPA cites that the majority of gasoline sold in the U.S. is now “E10,” which is fuel with up to 10 percent ethanol. Production of renewable fuels has been growing rapidly in recent years. At the same time, advances in vehicle fuel economy and other economic factors have pushed gasoline consumption far lower than what was expected when Congress passed the RFS in 2007. As a result, the country is now at the “E10 blend wall,” the point at which the E10 fuel pool is saturated with ethanol. If gasoline demand continues to decline, as currently forecast, continuing growth in the use of ethanol will require greater use of higher ethanol blends such as E15 and E85.

The EPA says that the Obama Administration has taken a number of steps to allow or encourage the use of these higher ethanol blends. In 2010, EPA approved E15 for use in vehicles newer than model year 2001 and developed labeling rules to enable retailers to market E15. In addition, since 2011, USDA has made funding available through the Rural Energy for America Program to support deployment of “flex-fuel” pumps that can dispense a range of ethanol blends. The 2014 proposal seeks input on what additional actions could be taken by government and industry to help overcome current market challenges, and to minimize the need for adjustments in the statutory renewable fuel volume requirements in the future.

Looking forward, says the EPA, the proposal “clearly indicates” that growth in capacity for ethanol consumption would continuously be reflected in the standards set beyond 2014. EPA also says it looks forward to further engagement and additional information from stakeholders as the agency works in consultation with the Departments of Agriculture and Energy toward the development of a final rule.

In a separate action, EPA is also seeking comment on petitions for a waiver of the renewable fuel standards that would apply in 2014. EPA expects that a determination on the substance of the petitions will be issued at the same time that EPA issues a final rule establishing the 2014 RFS. Once the proposal is published in the Federal Register, it will be open to a 60-day public comment period.

advanced biofuels, biofuels, RFS

Bison Wind Energy Center Wins Award

Joanna Schroeder

bison-wind-farmMinnesota Power’s Bison Wind Energy Center in North Dakota was voted the best wind project of the year at the 2013 POWER-GEN International Conference. According to Minnesota Power spokespeople, this award is considered the industry’s top honor for a new wind generation project.

“It’s gratifying to be honored by your peers for conceiving and completing a world-class renewable energy project,” said Al Hodnik, chairman, president and CEO of ALLETE Inc., the parent company of Minnesota Power. “Wind generation is a critical component in achieving our EnergyForward resource strategy of an energy mix that is one-third renewable, one-third coal and one-third natural gas as we help transform the nation’s energy landscape.”

Minnesota Power was honored for phases 2 and 3 of the Bison Project, whose capacity of 292 MW includes 85 state-of-the-art direct-drive Siemens 3MW turbines. The energy is delivered to customers using a repurposed direct current transmission line, originally built in the 1970s to send coal-based power from Center, North Dakota to Duluth, Minn.

On August 1, Minnesota Power announced it was moving ahead with phase 4 of the Bison project pending regulatory approval, a 205MW addition that will make it the largest wind farm in North Dakota at nearly 500 MW of capacity.

Alternative energy, Electricity, Wind

‘Operation Free’ on Renewable Energy

Joanna Schroeder

Lt. Gen. Norman SeipArizona State University’s Global Institute of Sustainability recently hosted guest speaker and Operation Free representative Lt. Gen Norman Seip (USAF, ret) on the topic of sustainability and national security. The event was part of the Sustainable Speaker lecture series at ASU’s Tempe Campus.

Lt. Gen. Seip retired after 35 years of military service with his last assignment as commander of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. The three-star general continues his military support through his work with such non-profit military support organizations as Operation Free and the Truman National Security Project.

“Our nation’s dependence on unstable and unsustainable forms of fuel is a strategic vulnerability,” remarked Lt. Gen. Seip. “The military is moving out rapidly to combat this vulnerability. The Navy and Air Force are using advanced fuels to power its fleets and aircraft. At the 2012 RIMPAC exercise, which is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, the Navy powered an entire Carrier Strike Group fueled by alternative sources of energy. Pilots flew the world’s most advanced combat aircraft up to twice the speed of sound, powered by an American-made biofuel blend made from algae and recycled cooking oil.”

Also in attendance at the lecture was 33-year veteran of the Army and Army National Guard, Lt. Col. Joseph Knott, who was one of 12 veterans recognized during a Nov. 5 ceremony at the White House for their work advancing clean energy and climate security. Lt. Col. Knott is a PhD student at ASU’s School of Sustainability, and a supporter of Operation Free.

operation free logo“I spent my career making our military more sustainable and more combat effective and Arizona’s military installations are leading the way,” shared Knott. “Davis Monthan and Luke Air Force bases installed a combined 30 MW of solar. The Army is moving forward to acquire up to 20 MW of solar power for Fort Huachuca, located in Cochise County. And the Arizona National Guard is also leading the way, already having installed over 800 KW of photovoltaic renewable energy generation operating at Guard facilities across Arizona. They have plans to increase their use of renewable energy to support the military readiness of the Arizona National Guard.”

Following today’s event, Operation Free representative and Afghanistan veteran, 1st Lt. Aaron Marquez shared his enthusiasm for the advancements in military sustainability. “I have seen it on the ground in Afghanistan and right here at home. A more sustainable military is a more effective fighting force. Our national security depends on our ability to adapt to the world’s evolving energy environment and innovate new solutions to our energy footprint. It is exciting to see this work taking place at the Pentagon, at Luke Air Force Base and right here at ASU where the School of Sustainability is actively engaging on military sustainability.”

advanced biofuels, algae, Alternative energy, military

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFThe Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) is pleased to welcome Algenol Biofuels as a new member. Algenol is a global, industrial biotechnology company focused on commercializing its patented algae technology platform for the production of ethanol and other biofuels. Algenol’s DIRECT TO ETHANOL technology uses sunlight, algae, non-arable land and carbon dioxide to produce ethanol and waste biomass that can be converted into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
  • Nominations are open for the Sustainable Bio Awards 2014 taking place on March 5, 2014 in Amsterdam during the 9th Annual World Bio Markets Congress. The awards recognize the innovations that are taking place in the development of sustainable and renewable fuels. Categories include Industry Champion 2014, Breakthrough Technology of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Bio-based Product Innovation of the Year and Bio-Based Strategic Financier of the Year. Nominations will close on Friday, 31st January at midnight GMT.
  • There are only three months left to register to compete in the global Valeo Innovation Challenge. Engineering students around the world must register before February 14, 2014. The goal of the Valeo Innovation Challenge is to design equipment that, between now and 2030, will make cars more intelligent and intuitive. Students taking part in the challenge must develop bold, revolutionary solutions for the cars of 2030. To date, 91 teams of engineering students from 17 countries have signed up for the contest and people from over 129 countries have connected to the Valeo Innovation Challenge website.
  • Morrison & Foerster, wind power and renewable energy project advisers, has just concluded the final PPA for Apex Clean Energy’s 300 megawatt (MW) Balko Wind project, which will produce enough electricity to power 110,000 U.S. homes. The firm was counsel for Apex in its deal to sell the remaining 100 MW of wind energy capacity from its 300 MW Balko Wind Project through a Renewable Energy Purchase Agreement with the Western Farmers Electric Cooperative. The deal is expected to come online in 2015 and WFEC’s total power capacity will rise to 1,850 MW.
Bioenergy Bytes

Eight Gas Stations in St. Louis Go Solar

Joanna Schroeder

Eight gas station and convenience stores owned by Home Service Oil Company, along with its headquarters in the St. Louis, Missouri area are going solar. Real Goods Solar has been selected to design, install, monitor and maintain the solar power systems. When combined, the solar systems will provide an estimated 378 kW of power and generate nearly 478,000 kilowatt hours each year.

Home Service Oil Convenience StoreThe project involves the deployment of solar power systems on the rooftop of the gas station and convenience stores. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2013 and be completed in January 2014. This project marks the company’s entry into the fuel retail industry.

“Our selection of Real Goods Solar, a premier solar company in the country, to deploy solar energy at our locations will reduce our carbon footprint while generating significant electricity savings,” said Zach Mangelsdorf, director of real estate and development at Home Service Oil Company. “We see this as a smart investment and a great way to use renewable energy in our operations. We also expect these rooftop solar systems to inspire greater customer loyalty by the many environmentally conscious customers we serve.”

With the solar systems, the gas station and convenience store chain expects to reduce the facilities costs of electricity by at least $43,000 in the first year. This is expected to add up to more than $1 million over the next 25 years, while eliminating more than 18 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions or the equivalent of taking more than 1,757 cars off the road or not consuming 945,225 gallons of gasoline (per EPA-based data).

Justin Pentelute, Real Goods Solar’s president of residential and small commercial systems, added “This win demonstrates our capabilities to pursue new market segments which have significant regional and national growth potential. Not only are we successfully executing our growth strategies in residential, but we are also gaining traction in small commercial systems that represents a fast-growing part of the market. We are proud to work with Home Service Oil Company and applaud their decision to go solar to reduce their operating costs and their carbon footprint.”

Electricity, Renewable Energy, Solar