South Africa Adopts Biofuels Mandate

Joanna Schroeder

The Department of Energy of South Africa has announced that beginning October 1 2015, all gasoline and diesel sold in the country will include the addition of biofuels. The mandatory blending regulations released by the Department of Energy of South Africa in August 2012, allows mixing of B5 biodiesel and between E2 and E10 for gasoline, ie between 2 percent and 10 percent ethanol blended into gasoline.

South African flagThe Executive Director of the Sugar Cane Industry Union (UNICA), Eduardo Leão de Sousa, noted the introduction of mandatory blending, supported by clear policies and long-term, represents an important step towards the creation of a regional market in South Africa. “Considering the political and economic leadership of South Africa in the region, this initiative should encourage neighboring countries to adopt similar policies, enabling larger scales of production and consumption.”

The regulations also make sure that the biofuel-blended fuel are of high quality. Blenders may only negotiate with producers who are licensed to produce and sell biofuels and they will be required to provide a certificate that guarantees the quality in the production process. Oil producers will have to pay a regulated price and the South African Department of Energy is currently working on a table of biofuel prices that it hopes to have completed by the end of the year.

The effective date of October 2015, also takes into account the need to develop and improve the infrastructure for manufacturing, supplying and blending of biofuels. An implementation committee for biofuels was created especially to ensure that issues are resolved to the blends before the regulation comes into effect.

Africa has great potential to produce ethanol from sugarcane, which is considered an advanced biofuel by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) meaning its reductions of greenhouse gases are higher than 50 percent. Sugarcane ethanol emits up to 90% less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared with gasoline.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, International, UNICA

S.C. Opens Largest Wind Energy Testing Facilities

Joanna Schroeder

wind_testing_cert-1The U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman recently joined with officials from Clemson University to dedicate the nation’s largest and one of the world’s most advanced wind energy testing facilities in North Charleston, S.C. Led by Clemson University’s Restoration Institute, the facility will help test and validate new turbines, particularly for offshore wind – helping to speed deployment of next generation energy technology, reduce costs for manufacturers and boost global competitiveness for American companies.

“Developing America’s vast renewable energy resources is an important part of the Energy Department’s all-of-the-above strategy to pave the way to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future,” said Deputy Secretary Poneman. “The Clemson testing facility represents a critical investment to ensure America leads in this fast-growing global industry – helping to make sure the best, most efficient wind energy technologies are developed and manufactured in the United States.”

Congressman Jim Clyburn said, “This facility is about job creation, sustainable growth and energy independence, while building the infrastructure to power America’s economic growth and prosperity for years to come. I applaud Clemson University for their leadership in bringing this cutting edge research to South Carolina and North Charleston. Wind energy represented over 40% of new electricity production in the United States in 2012, but there is still tremendous amount of untapped potential for this technology. I look forward to this industry creating jobs while providing clean renewable energy.”

Located at a former Navy warehouse with easy access to rail and water transport, the Clemson facility will test machinery that converts both onshore and offshore wind to electricity and allow engineers to simulate 20 years’ worth of wear and tear on drivetrains in a few months. The facility’s proximity to the coast also makes it ideal for U.S. and international companies to testing larger offshore wind turbines.

Supported by a $47 million Energy Department investment as well as about $60 million in outside funding, the facility is equipped with two testing bays – for up to 7.5-megawatt  and 15-megawatt drivetrains, respectively. The facility will also feature a gridwind_testing_cert-2 simulator that mimics real-world conditions and can help private industry and public researchers better study interactions between wind energy technologies and the U.S. power grid.

Over the past four years, the Energy Department has made significant investments in our nation’s wind turbine testing capabilities, including the Scaled Wind Farm Technology facility in Lubbock, Texas, to help optimize whole wind farms’ performance and power production as well as the United States’ first commercial large-blade test facility in Boston Harbor.

These efforts build off the Department’s National Wind Technology Center in Boulder, Colo., which has helped drive new wind technology development since 1993. This past week, the Department dedicated a new five-megawatt dynamometer at the center to further strengthen its capabilities and conduct research on stronger, more durable wind drivetrains for land-based wind farms. Connected to a grid simulator as well as operating multi-megawatt turbines at the center, the new installation will also help study grid interactions and test energy storage devices simultaneously.

Alternative energy, Electricity, offshore wind, Wind

Ecotech’s Clean Jobs Index Shows 1M Plus Jobs

Joanna Schroeder

According to Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index, a tool to compare states’ use and development of clean energy, there are more than one million job postings in the clean energy sector from July 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013. This shows a 54 percent increase in needed clean energy employees, evidence that the sector is rapidly growing and in need of experts.

Ecotech Institute launched the Clean Jobs Index in January 2013 to provide objective job information about the clean tech industry. The Index also looks at various sustainability factors such as alternative fueling stations, LEED projects and total energy consumption in EcoTech Clean Job Indexall 50 states. The Clean Jobs Index defines a clean tech job as one where workers make their business more environmentally friendly, use fewer natural resources, or produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment.

To complement the increase in these clean energy job opportunities, 1,543 new alternative fueling stations opened across the United States since the second quarter 2013. Between the months of July and September, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Tennessee had the most alternative fueling stations per capita.

Highlights from the Clean Jobs Index, Q3 2013 include:

  • Number of U.S. Clean Jobs Postings: 1,099,734 (a 54 percent increase from Q2 2013);
  • New Alternative Fueling Stations (Since Q2 2013): 1,543;
  • States With the Most Alternative Fueling Stations (Per Capita): Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Tennessee;
  • In Q3, Ohio Moved From 24th in Energy Efficiency to 2nd in the Nation;
  • The Most Energy Efficient States (in no particular order): California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington; and
  • States With the Most Incentives for Sustainability and Renewables (in no particular order): California, Texas, Minnesota, Washington and Oregon *(Rhode Island added more incentives and rebates than any other state in Q3).

“This data shows a long-awaited boom in the clean tech industry, from the increases in alternative fueling options to a massive amount of clean job opportunities,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations. “States now offer more sustainability and renewable incentives than we’ve ever seen before, which proves that they’re taking the power of the industry seriously. In the state of the current economy, over 1 million job opportunities is a truly incredible statistic. We’re proud that Ecotech is the only higher education institution out there devoted entirely to helping students become successful professionals in this rapidly expanding sector.”

Clean Energy, Education, Renewable Energy

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFAccording to a recent report from Navigant Research, the fuel cell industry topped the $1 billion mark in revenue from the sale of fuel cell systems in 2012, growing from $847.5 million in 2011 to $1.3 billion in 2012. Rising demand and new policy initiatives from a variety of countries such as China, South Korea, and South Africa made 2012 a pivotal year for the fuel cell market.
  • Integrated solar company Solar FlexRack has announced the appointment of Steve Daniel to the position of EVP of Sales and Marketing. Daniel comes to Solar FlexRack with more than 25 years of top performance in sales in solar and high technology companies. Beginning his career as an Industrial Engineer with Digital Equipment Corporation, Daniel has enjoyed increasing responsibilities in companies such as Sun Microsystems, BEA, and Silicon Graphics. Daniel’s recent positions at Akeena Solar and CentroSolar in California have prepared him to lead significant growth at Solar FlexRack.
  • According to a new survey generated from interviews with BrightCurrent customers, the vast majority of homeowners that have gone solar are highly positive about their experience and would recommend solar to their friends. While the general public’s perception of solar continues to be mixed, reviews from those who actually have solar are undeniably positive. The research study was generated from interviews BrightCurrent held with over 200 solar customers who had installed solar within the last five years through over 30 different installation companies. The research found 91% of solar customers interviewed would recommend solar to their friends; customers that went with a solar lease would recommend solar at a 94% rate; and customers that went with a solar purchase would recommend solar at an 87% rate.
  • Solexant Corp., a leader in advanced solar energy, today announced a new corporate identity as Siva Power. The new identity is the culmination of a two-year transition to a platform that creates a profitable path to sub-$0.40 per watt solar power, along with unprecedented production scale. The company also announced a new technical advisory board.
Bioenergy Bytes

Schletter Opens North Carolina Headquarters

Joanna Schroeder

Schletter, a company focused on solar photovoltaic mounting systems, recently celebrated the company’s new North American headquarters in Shelby, North Carolina with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The North Carolina facility is currently operational and production of solar mounting systems and custom sheet metal fabrication began this past summer.

Located in ClevegI_96151_Ribbon Cutting Cropland County, the Shelby, North Carolina facility is the company’s third North American manufacturing facility since starting business in the United States in 2007. The company’s original facility in Tucson, Arizona will continue to supply products to customers in the western United States while the company’s second facility in Ontario, Canada will continue to serve the Canadian market. In addition to the three manufacturing facilities, the company maintains offices in Connecticut and plans to open a new office in Texas in 2014.

“The addition of the Shelby, North Carolina manufacturing facility gives Schletter the largest manufacturing capacity for solar mounting systems in North America – a benefit we have already begun passing on to our customers. Our manufacturing capacity, combined with a high level of automation, is enabling us to drive down costs for our customers and decrease shipping costs, for the east coast in particular,” said Schletter CEO and President Martin Hausner.

Hausner continued, “Schletter has almost every process in-sourced, enabling us to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Our focus is our customer and we are committed to our customers’ success – through the protection of their investments in the way of product longevity and sound structural calculations, and streamlining design and ordering with services like the new online tool PV Powerhouse.”

Expansion of the original structure is complete with 140,000 square feet of highly-automated manufacturing space and administrative offices. In Shelby, the company currently employs a staff of 100 and plans to hire 70 more before the end of the year. Schletter employs over 200 individuals In the United States, while globally the company employs more than 1,600.

Nicholas Wiebelhaus, Schletter East Coast General Manager added, “The event was a tremendous success with over 150 participants and an excellent lineup of speakers. We extend our gratitude to all those who helped us celebrate this milestone, including our speakers Shelby Mayor Stanhope Anthony, Representative Tim Moore, and NCCEBA Executive Director Kristen Thornburg.”

Alternative energy, Electricity, Renewable Energy, Solar

2013 CleanTech Open Winners Announced

Joanna Schroeder

The Cleantech Open, the world’s largest clean-technology accelerator, has awarded PowWow Energy of Sunnyvale, California the Grand Prize “Cleanie” award for the Top Cleantech Entrepreneur of the year. PowWow Energy has developed technology that PowWow Energyenables farmers and ranchers to quickly detect water leaks that can destroy an entire crop or cause thousands of dollars of damage. Two runners-up were also selected: HJ3 Composite Technologies and Bio-Adhesive Alliance.

The announcements were made in San Jose at the Cleantech Open Global Forum, the “Academy Awards of Cleantech,” which marked the grand finale of this year’s Cleantech Open Accelerator and the culmination of the 2013 Cleantech Open Global Ideas Competition. San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, who has played a key role in promoting the vibrant Silicon Valley cleantech industry and has been a vocal supporter of the Cleantech Open, kicked off the awards ceremony.

“Congratulations to the 2013 winners and finalists, which represent the best in early-stage cleantech innovation and viable solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges,” said Rex Northen, executive director of the Cleantech Open. “I would also like to express our huge appreciation of our sponsors, who make the Cleantech Open possible, and to thank the army of volunteers who power the world’s largest cleantech accelerator.”

Other category finalists included:

  • Argriculture-Water-Waste — Polymer Green, which has developed the first available clean solution to process landfill waste plastic.
  • Energy Generation —Helion Energy, which is dedicated to making practical and affordable fusion energy a reality.
  • Green Building — Bio-Adhesive Alliance, which produces low-cost and durable adhesive from swine manure that can be utilized as a substitute to petroleum-based asphalt.
  • Chemicals and Advanced Materials — HJ3 Composite Technologies, which manufactures, engineers, and installs advanced composite systems that have been used on over 10,000 successful applications worldwide.

The National Sustainability Award went to Garden Fresh Farms, which is building a nationwide network of investor-owned, inner-city indoor hydroponic farms. The runner-up in this category was Grannus, has developed the Eureaka Process, a disruptive innovation in the production of nitrogen fertilizer (urea).

Alternative energy, Clean Energy

Biodiesel By-Product Could Make Marine Fuel

John Davis

glycerinA by-product of biodiesel could become a green fuel for maritime operations. This article from Seatrade Global says glycerol, or better known as glycerine, is being looked at for use in shore-side operations.

If adopted by shipping, glycerol could potentially match the emissions-saving properties of low-sulphur marine diesel or even liquid natural gas at a fraction of the cost of dirtiest bottom-of-the-barrel fuel oil, and would be available in plentiful supply. Now, the Glycerine Fuel for Engines and Marine Sustainability (GLEAMS) project, a joint programme involving Lloyd’s Register, Aquafuel Research, Gardline Marine Sciences, Redwing Environmental and Marine South East, is moving to facilitate exactly that.

Currently, the infrastructure is simply not available for a quick adoption of the new fuel. However, there is an extremely strong case if distribution can be set up. David Rea, project manager at Marine South East, tells Seatrade: “Glycerol represents a more thermally efficient combustion process than marine diesel oil (MDO) or heavy fuel oil (HFO), and therefore the basic carbon reduction calculation is improved. Cleaned fuel-grade glycerol will be 2-3% of the carbon level of MDO or HFO.”

Glycerol is also seen as being more stable than many fossil fuels, as it’s almost impossible to ignite accidentally, water soluble and non-toxic. And that could make storing the fuel and retrofitting the machinery and infrastructure much easier.

Biodiesel

London Buses to Run on Waste Grease Biodiesel

John Davis

stagecoachSome buses in London will soon be running on biodiesel made from waste cooking grease. This story from the East London Advertiser says more than 100 buses are testing a B20 blend of the green fuel.

Matthew Pencharz, Boris Johnson’s senior advisor for Environment and Energy, said: “This is another example of the mayor’s commitment to cutting carbon emissions and making our city’s transport even cleaner and greener. The mayor has called for investment in a large scale biodiesel refinery in the capital and with London operating one of the biggest bus fleets in the world, this pilot is an important step in demonstrating to the UK’s biodiesel industry that there is a huge potential demand for it here.”

Mark Threapleton, managing director for Stagecoach London, added: “Stagecoach was the first bus company to use 100 per cent biofuel back in 2007 and we’re delighted to be at the cutting edge in the use of this cleaner, greener biofuel in London.”

The buses will be running to some famous sites in the city, including Trafalgar Square.

An approximately 12,000-gallon storage tank has been put on the bus depot site so the biodiesel can be mixed right there.

Biodiesel, International

EPA Setting Dangerous Precedent for Biofuels Globally

Joanna Schroeder

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is setting a dangerous precedent for the global biofuels industry according to spokesman Bliss Baker with the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA). On November 15, 2013, the EPA announced its proposed biofuel volumes for 2014 for the Renewable Fuel Standard and for the first time since the legislation was passed in 2007, the amount of biofuels for all categories was reduced.

GRFA says for the first time the U.S. government has bowed to petroleum industry pressure and the proposed changes would have severe economic and environmental consequences.

GRFA1“The EPA proposal cuts the demand for domestic fuel produced by America’s renewable fuel industry, which will increase the cost of gas at the pumps,” said Baker. “You cannot remove over 1.3 billion gallons of fuel from a fuel pool without it having an impact on fuel prices.”

Baker noted that the U.S. has been a leader in the global biofuels industry and the latest EPA proposal will tarnish this leadership role, putting at risk other jurisdictions who have followed the lead of the the country to introduce biofuels friendly policies. Baker continued by saying The EPA proposal jeopardizes the progress biofuels have made in reducing global crude oil dependence, cutting carbon pollution and boosting rural economies.

“This EPA proposal is a terrible precedent for the global biofuels industry. Today over 60 countries around the world have adopted biofuels friendly policies, many of whom have adopted mandates. This EPA proposal will send a very negative message to those countries trying to reduce their reliance on crude oil,” said Baker.

The GRFA forecasted that global biofuels production in 2013 will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 100 million tonnes. This equates to 20 million cars or all the cars in Portugal and the Netherlands being pulled off the road. The EPA proposed claw back in biofuel demand and use would result in an increase in GHG emissions in America.

“Globally, if we cut biofuel demand like the EPA proposes, it would significantly hamper our ability to combat climate change because biofuels are the only commercially available alternative to crude oil. “Moreover, the GRFA finds it somewhat ironic that a proposal from the Federal Government’s Agency entrusted with protecting the environment will result in an increase in green house gas emissions,” concluded Baker.

advanced biofuels, biofuels, International, RFS

Genera Energy, UTIA Complete $5M Biofuels Grant

Joanna Schroeder

Genera Energy and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) were awarded a $5 million grant in 2009 from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to research and develop economical systems for bulk-handling and processing of chopped switchgrass and reduce the costs of baling in the field and subsequent bale grinding. Genera has announced that the research supported by the grant has been completed.

Funds from the grant were used by Genera Energy to add a bulk-format handling and research equipment to its existing Biomass Innovation Park facility, implementing new gI_135453_biomass-supply-chaintechnology best engineered to supply processed switchgrass within specification at the lowest cost. Genera’s added capabilities are unique in that they allow it to receive, convey, store, reclaim, discharge, and compact bulk-format switchgrass automatically with an effective, integrated system.

“Through this grant and by collaborating with Genera Energy, we’ve been able to evaluate existing switchgrass supply logistics and to develop ground-breaking systems that offer better and more cost-effective methods for handling, processing, and storing chopped switchgrass,” said Al Womac, Ph.D.,  professor of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science with UTIA and the project leader. “The funding began in 2009 and in that time we have been able to create and produce a fully-replicable system that saves money and time and which is logistically superior to traditional baling.”

Using scientific data collected during the research phases UTIA and Genera were able to develop innovative systems that were based on detailed analysis of switchgrass harvest and handling equipment and logistical efficiencies as well as material characteristics such as weight, particle size, bulk density, moisture content and other factors. Software was also developed to calculate effective field capacity, field efficiency, machine utilization and system limiting factors.

“Our collaboration with the University of Tennessee in the development of new feedstock logistics systems using chopped switchgrass has culminated in a first-of-its-kind system,” added Genera Energy President and CEO Kelly Tiller, Ph.D. “By working with our partners over the last several years, we’ve developed a fully-functioning and innovative biomass feedstock bulk supply chain. And in the process we are creating sustainable biomass feedstock systems that can be replicated on a larger scale, something we only imagined when Genera was first envisioned.”

Agribusiness, biofuels, biomass, feedstocks