UWGP Sponsoring Ethanol Education Events

Joanna Schroeder

United Wisconsin Grain Producers (UWGP) is inviting the public out to educational events about the ethanol industry this month to tell consumers the truth about ethanol fuel blends. The ethanol plant is sponsoring a series of informational sessions at Madison and West Bend car dealerships. Both events will feature ethanol experts as well as a live radio broadcast from Ag reporter Pam Jahnke (“the Farm Babe”).

UWGP logoThe first event is scheduled for Saturday, October 12th from 9 am to 11 am at Zimbrick Buick GMC West in Madison, Wisconsin (1601 West Beltline Highway, Madison, WI, 53713; Radio-106.3FM/Online at www.q106.com). The second event is scheduled for Saturday, October 26th from 9 am to 11 am at Heiser Chevrolet in West Bend, Wisconsin (2620 West Washington Street, West Bend, WI, 53095; Radio-92.1FM/Online at www.wbwifm.com).

UWGP General Manager Barb Bontrager says the dealership events provide a great venue to educate the public and bring the consumers in touch with technical experts. “These events are not just about answering ethanol questions. By giving access to ethanol experts, while doing giveaways and displaying some of the flex-fuel vehicles that are out there, we are highlighting the many advantages to use ethanol blended fuels. We think events like this will help consumers to understand they have a choice of what fuel they use right here in Wisconsin.”

Participation in the events include: the Wisconsin American Lung Association, Glen Bower (Automotive Faculty Advisor from the University of Wisconsin’s SAE program), Michael Lewan (Growth Energy), Alice in Dairyland and many more.

biofuels, Education, Ethanol

Strong Optimism for Geothermal Globally

Joanna Schroeder

Craig Mataczynski President GEAThe GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo hosted nearly 2,000 delegates in Las Vegas, Nevada for an event that featured the latest technologies in geothermal, and frank discussions on opportunities and challenges internationally as well as within the United States. Optimism was felt throughout the conference and was underscored by the release of Geothermal Energy Association’s (GEA) release of a report featuring more than 700 global geothermal projects.

“Each year, the GEA brings together the geothermal business community from all around the world at its EXPO,” noted GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “The sense from the industry was strong optimism for sustained growth in the global market despite lagging U.S. markets, and hope that as the United States works to meet higher state RPS requirements and new climate change goals the value of geothermal will be recognized which will spur growth.”

The report released prior to the event estimated that projects in the pipeline would more than double current worldwide capacity from the 12,000 Megawatts (MW) expected to be on-line by year’s end, and beyond that “developers are actively engaged with 27,000 MW of geothermal resource globally.”

In the U.S., GEA pointed out that as the percentage of electricity produced from intermittent sources increases, the stress on an aging power system designed for fossil fuels encourages geothermal’s continuing role as an important part of the power supply mix.

“The market will turn around as geothermal’s full value to the grid is recognized,” Gawell said. “Its baseload capacity makes it valuable for replacing retiring fossil fuel facilities, and its ability to provide flexible support will add to power system reliability.”

This year’s gathering incorporated a wide range of activities supporting U.S. companies working in the international market. Both the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the U.S. Agency for International Development supported delegations from Turkey and East Africa, respectively. Presentations in the EXPO hall featured delegates from several countries seeking to develop their geothermal power potential. GEA also held a standing room only dialogue with U.S. companies discussing how to expand U.S. exports of goods and services in key world markets.

A wide range of technology was on display at the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo, which featured 125 booths. EXPO booths highlighted the latest in technology to support today’s power projects and tomorrow’s “enhanced geothermal system” developments.

At the event, GEA also held its annual members meeting and elected a new President for the Association. Craig Mataczynski, President and CEO of Gradient Resources, was elected as GEA’s President. Speaking in the Opening Session of the event, Mataczynski laid out a bold new vision for the industry: “to contribute in excess of 5% of the electric energy needs in the United States and globally.”

conferences, Geothermal, Renewable Energy

Announcing National KidWind Challenge

Joanna Schroeder

Due to the continued success of the KidWind Challenge events, KidWind, a leader in clean energy education, has announced the inaugural National KidWind Challenge. The event will take place at the USA Science & Engineering Festival, on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in Washington D.C. The KidWind National Challenge will bring together student teams to compete for the National KidWind Challenge title by showcasing their hand-crafted wind turbines in front of wind industry experts.

gI_96523_KidWind logo“By launching the National KidWind Challenge, we are creating excitement around clean energy,” said Michael Arquin, Founder of KidWind. “KidWind Challenges over the past few years have shown students how important it is to think critically about alternative energy as they prepare for careers in science and engineering. During the National KidWind Challenge, wind energy industry leaders will be on site to witness our leading teams demonstrate their knowledge of wind energy and engineering.”

Teams of students in grades 4-12 can qualify for the National KidWind Challenge by participating in one of two ways — by winning a KidWind Challenge Event in their local area or by winning a monthly KidWind Challenge Online. Teams’ entries will be tested on efficiency and design of their wind turbines in the high-speed KidWind Wind Tunnel and be judged by wind industry experts. In addition, the KidWind Challenge Online allows students across the world to build wind turbines, calculate their own energy output and upload pictures and results to the KidWind website for judging.

“KidWind is a fantastic resource and partner for helping teachers engage students in science and technology projects that matter,” said Andy Lueth, 7th grade science teacher from Buffalo, New York and a KidWind WindSenator, a trained advocate of renewable energy. “KidWind puts tinkering and discovery back in the classroom – where it belongs.”

The three top-performing teams from each KidWind Challenge Event and all monthly KidWind Challenge Online winners are invited to showcase their winning wind turbines at the National KidWind Challenge in Washington D.C. To qualify for the National KidWind Challenge, teams must register between now and March 1, 2014 for their local KidWind Challenge Event or the KidWind Challenge Online.

“The KidWind Challenge is one of the most effective programs we have seen for K-12 education, in terms of reach and content,” said Darlene Snow, executive director of the Wind Energy Foundation. “The KidWind Challenge educates and excites thousands of our future scientists, engineers, technicians, and business and community leaders every year.”

Alternative energy, Education, Wind

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFTaylor High School, located in Taylor, Texas, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of the school’s new renewable energy system. The new renewable energy system consists of a 33-kilowatt solar array and a 1-kilowatt wind turbine, with an integrated computer monitoring system. This project was initiated as a result of the school’s Beginners Learning Alternative Designs for Energy (BLADE) Club winning first place in last year’s IEEE High School Photovoltaic Design Competition at Austin Solar Day. Leveraging its prize money awarded by IEEE and Heliovolt, BLADE was able to secure $120,000 of funding from The State of Texas for this renewable energy project.
  • GP Strategies Corporation has announced that its Alternative Fuels business unit has signed a multimillion-dollar contract to design and construct thirteen liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling stations for UPS across the US.
  • Mortenson Construction has released its new children’s book, “Catch the Sun,” designed to educate future generations about the importance of solar energy. Catch the Sun is the second book in the Mortenson “Discover Renewables” series. The first book in the series, “Catch the Wind,” which was launched in 2008, was developed to teach readers about wind energy and the importance of making environmentally responsible choices.
  • Genera Energy Inc. has announced the appointment of Keith Brazzell to the position of chief operating officer. Brazzell previously served as Genera’s vice president of operations and technology and brings strong management and operational experience to Genera’s team. In his new role, Brazzell will be instrumental in ramping up operational capability, positioning Genera to continue to improve and expand the systems, processes, and resource base required to create a complete and fully-integrated biomass system with the goal of delivering every possible link in the supply chain.
Bioenergy Bytes

New Report Supports E15

Cindy Zimmerman

NRELA new analysis by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) finds no “meaningful differences between E15 and E10 in any performance category.”

The NREL analysis reviewed 43 studies on the effects of E15 on engine durability, emissions, and other factors, including a controversial study by the Coordinating Research Council’s (CRC). Regarding that study in particular, NREL found “…the conclusion that engines will experience mechanical engine failure when operating on E15 is not supported by the data.”

“The disputed CRC engine durability study has been at the center of Big Oil’s political crusade against E15, and policymakers have been given the false impression that the CRC project is the one and only study that has been conducted on E15. Nothing could be further from the truth,” said Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. The NREL report identified numerous flaws in the study, including faulty leakdown failure criteria, failure to use E10 as a control fuel, and inappropriate statistical analysis.

Read the NREL analysis here.

E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

Singapore Micro-Grid to Use Biodiesel, Solar

John Davis

Singaporeflag1Residents of an island of Singapore will be getting their electricity from a micro-grid powered by biodiesel and solar. Channel NewsAsia reports that about 30 residents and businesses on Pulau Ubin will be using the cheaper, cleaner power.

It is part of a test-bed by the Energy Market Authority to assess the impact of intermittent energy sources, such as solar, on grid operations.

Unlike conventional power generators which can provide a steady supply of electricity, solar energy is intermittent in nature and dependent on weather conditions.

Second Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran, who witnessed the launch, said the learning points from the test-bed will help to enhance Singapore’s ability to manage intermittent energy sources.

He added this will also enable Singapore to maximize the amount of solar and other forms of renewable energy that can be deployed when such technologies become commercially viable.

The micro-grid project has been two years in the making.

Biodiesel, International, Solar

Darling Buying Another Renderer for Biodiesel

John Davis

darlingOn the heels of last week’s announcement that Darling International Inc. is buying a Canadian renderer to gain feedstocks for products, including biodiesel, the Texas-based company is now acquiring a Dutch renderer to gain even more biodiesel-possible stocks. Darling says the nearly $2.2 billion deal with Vion Ingredients could close as early as this coming January.

Vion Ingredients’ global network of 58 facilities on five continents covers all aspects of animal by-product processing through six brands including Rendac (rendering), Sonac (proteins, fats, edible fats and blood products), Ecoson (green power), Rousselot (gelatin), CTH (natural casings), and Best Hides (hides).

Vion Ingredients’ rendering business has leading positions across Europe with operations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland and Italy under the Rendac and Sonac brand names.

Randall C. Stuewe, Darling International’s Chairman and CEO said, “Our vision of creating a sustainable ingredients business for a growing population is well on its way. The combination of Vion Ingredients with Darling International will create the global leader in converting edible and inedible bio-nutrients streams into specialty products and ingredients for the food, feed, fuel, fertilizer and pharmaceutical industries.”

The merger is expected to see Vion Ingredients’ CEO Dirk Kloosterboer stay in his current position and take over chief operating officer for Darling International.

Biodiesel

Canada to Create Wind Energy Growth Plan

Joanna Schroeder

CANADIAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION - Emerging Provincial PolicyDuring the Wind Energy Across Canada meeting this week, the Industry Leaders Panel during the plenary session agreed that the country’s wind energy industry is well positioned to build on its rapid growth to date and strong prospects for the next few years. However, for this to happen, there is a need to define the policy framework that will inform new electricity supply choices for the next decade.

While wind energy is expected to see strong and steady growth through 2016 across Canada, the country’s four largest wind energy markets (BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec) all have long-term planning processes underway that will determine how future wind energy development unfolds after 2016.

“There is little doubt that wind energy has become a significant and mainstream electricity source in all regions of Canada with another record year for installations expected in 2013,” said Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) President, Robert Hornung. “This does not mean, however, that our long-term future is guaranteed.”

Given provincial targets and pipeline projects already contracted to be built, Canada will see an average of 1,500 MW of new wind energy projects commissioned annually over the next three years.

Provincial governments across Canada are now engaged in processes to review future electricity demand and assess potential new supplies of electricity against some key criteria, including cost-effectiveness, environmental impact and economic benefits. By any objective measure, wind is well-positioned to meet all of these requirements. Wind is cost-competitive with almost any other generating technology, is one of the most environmentally sustainable sources of electricity available, and brings new jobs and investment to rural economies.

Alternative energy, International, Wind

Pennsylvania Says No to Renewable Energy as Climate Solution

Joanna Schroeder

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that it would not recommend the state’s Climate Change Advisory Committee (CCAC) debate or vote on a plan that considers increasing the state’s renewable energy law, the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS). The DEP also said that it would not be including information in Pennsylvania’s next Climate Action Plan about how the existing AEPS law reduces electricity prices for consumers.

“While other states in the region and around the country recognize the multiple benefits of renewable energy and have increased the requirements in their state portfolios, DEP is telling us upfront that they won’t consider the idea of increasing renewable energy in Pennsylvania,” said Christina Simeone, director of the PennFuture Energy Center and Chair of the CCAC. “This administration chooses to ignore the benefits renewable energy offers, including greenhouse gas reductions, cost reductions for electricity customers, and economic development opportunities. The administration claims they have an all-of-the-above policy yet their actions prove contrary.”

CITIZENS FOR PENNSYLVANIA'S FUTURE LOGOSimoene notes that increasing zero carbon renewable energy, such as wind and solar, are typically key elements of any strategy to address climate change. Not only do these technologies benefit the environment, she says, they create jobs and drive economic growth. In 2012, Pennsylvania added approximately 550 MW of wind, a significant portion of that total developed by Pennsylvania companies using turbines manufactured in the state.

The CCAC was established by law in 2008 and is charged with making recommendations to DEP on greenhouse gas reduction strategies and other actions to address climate change in Pennsylvania. Earlier this year, DEP staff introduced a plan to the CCAC that considered a modest increase in renewable energy from the existing 8 percent standard to a 10.5 percent standard. DEP later withdrew the plan for internal review and informed the CCAC they would not be re-introducing it. The Department also removed a detailed “price suppression” analysis describing how existing renewable energy requirements can reduce electricity prices for consumers.

“An August 2013 study from the Ohio Public Utility Commission found that existing and planned renewable energy projects would save customers $28.5 million by suppressing wholesale electricity market prices. Similar studies covering Pennsylvania have confirmed this cost saving phenomenon, yet DEP doesn’t want to include the information,” said Simeone.

Alternative energy, Electricity, Solar, Wind

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFHydro Dynamics, Inc. of Rome, Georgia has announced that it has been granted a patent, U.S. Patent Number: 8,430,968) covering its Shock Wave Power Reactor (SPR) cavitation technology for ethanol yield enhancement. The Patent covers the application of the SPR cavitation reactor to provide ethanol yield enhancement in the fuel ethanol industry. SPR technology uses the pressure fluctuations produced by controlled cavitation to liberate entrapped starch and sugar from corn, making them more available for conversion to ethanol during the fermentation process.
  • Texas Renewables 2013 has invited energy industry leaders to identify market opportunity, clarify new policy, define new financial tools and report on economic development across the Texas energy market. The Texas Renewables 2013 conference and exhibit will provide a solid understanding of the forces at play to further the vision of an “All-of-the-Above” energy world and discuss strategies to sustain continued growth for Texas energy providers as a whole. The conference runs November 11 – 13, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas.
  • Avianca Brasil has selected the Byogy Renewables Alcohol to Jet (“ATJ”) fully renewable aviation biofuel process to source their environment friendly alternate low carbon aviation fuels. Avianca Brasil is the fastest growing airline in Brazil and plans on leveraging the Byogy ATJ process and lead the world in the development of a truly sustainable renewable aviation fuel industry.
  • Dresser-Rand Group Inc. has reached agreement with MBB Clean Energy AG for the latter’s acquisition of three photovoltaic power plants designed, built and commissioned by Dresser-Rand in Italy. Dresser-Rand will provide long term O&M services, and the purchase is consistent with the company’s business model to stay integrally involved with its equipment throughout its total life cycle.
Bioenergy Bytes