Hitachi Zosen Membrane Increases Ethanol Efficiency

Joanna Schroeder

Greenbelt Resources Corporation, under its subsidiary Diversified Ethanol Corporation, has announced the selection of Hitachi Zosen Corporation as a collaborator on its ethanol dehydration module. Greenbelt has successfully integrated the zeolite ceramic membrane innovation from Hitachi Zosen to achieve a higher purity ethanol through a more efficient extraction of residual moisture. After a global search, Greenbelt said it chose the ceramic membrane from Hitachi Zosen for its durability, easy-to-maintain seal-less structure and high reliability.

greenbelt“As we accelerate our efforts to establish overseas partners and expand the use of our technology, the addition of our zeolite ceramic membrane to the Greenbelt solution is a first for our company in the growing U.S. ethanol marketplace,” said Dr. Masanobu Aizawa, General Manager of Research and Development Strategy Department at Hitachi Zosen. “Greenbelt has the most extensive knowledge of using membrane technology in the ethanol dehydration process in the U.S. and our collaboration is ideal for us to leverage our innovations and add value that is useful to our global society.”

Hitachi Zosen will be providing the Greenbelt design team with a deep understanding of the membrane structure and their process design criteria. Through their partnership, Hitachi Zosen aided Greenbelt in the invention of a module to house the membranes, as well as helped them develop an overall system design that both achieves target ethanol standards and is simple and highly efficient. The simplicity and efficiency of the Greenbelt dehydration module enables membrane technology to become a contending alternative to molecular sieves traditionally used to dehydrate ethanol.

“In addition to the level of excellence in the simple yet durable design of their membrane technology, we are extremely impressed with the customer service from Hitachi Zosen,” said Darren Eng, CEO of Greenbelt Resources Corporation. “This is a winning combination of global expertise and the entrepreneurial approach by a U.S. upstart to deliver a truly economically sound and energy-efficient solution to the production of viable commercial ethanol for local market communities around the world.”

Hitachi Zosen has operated a zeolite membrane like the one used by Greenbelt in continuous commercial service since March, 2009. In addition to technical support, Hitachi Zosen conducted hands on training for membrane installations and participated with Greenbelt in system stress and performance testing.

biofuels, Ethanol

Fossil Fuels Still Dominate Energy Consumption

Joanna Schroeder

According to new Vital Signs Online trend report released by Worldwatch Institute, coal, natural gas, and oil accounted for 87 percent of global primary energy consumption in 2012. This occurred as the growth of worldwide energy use continued to slow due to the economic downturn. The analysis shows the relative weight of these energy sources keeps shifting, although only slightly. Natural gas increased its share of energy consumption from 23.8 to 23.9 percent during 2012, coal rose from 29.7 to 29.9 percent, and oil fell from 33.4 to 33.1 percent. The International Energy Agency predicts that by 2017, coal will replace oil as the dominant primary energy source worldwide.

The report notes that the shale revolution in the U.S. is reshaping global oil and gas markets. The United States produced oil at record levels in 2012 and is expected to overtake Russia as the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas combined in 2013. Oil drilling in KansasConsequently, the United States is importing decreasing amounts of these two fossil fuels, while using rising levels of domestic natural gas for power generation. This has led to price discrepancies between the U.S. and European natural gas markets that in turn have prompted Europeans to increase their use of coal power. Coal consumption, however, was dominated by China, which in 2012 for the first time accounted for more than half of the world’s coal use.

Global natural gas production grew by 1.9 percent in 2012, dominated by the United States (with 20.4 percent of the total) and Russia (17.6 percent). Other countries accounted for less than 5 percent each of global output.

In 2012, coal remained the fastest-growing fossil fuel globally, although at 2.5 percent the increase in consumption was weak relative to the 4.4 percent average of the last decade. China increased its coal use by 6.1 percent, and India by a significant 9.9 percent in 2012. Coal use by members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) declined by 4.2 percent, as an 11.9 percent decline in U.S. consumption outweighed increases of 3.4 percent in the EU and 5.4 percent in Japan.

Oil remains the most widely consumed fuel worldwide, but at a growth rate of 0.9 percent it is being outpaced by gas and coal for the third consecutive year. The OECD’s share declined to 50.2 percent of global consumption-the smallest share on record and the sixth decrease in seven years. This reflects declines of 2.3 percent in U.S. consumption and 4.6 percent in EU consumption. By contrast, usage in China and Japan rose by 5.0 and 6.3 percent, respectively.Read More

Energy, Natural Gas, Oil, Research

RIP E10 Blend Wall

Joanna Schroeder

On the heels of surging E15 and E85 sales, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has declared the so-called E10 blend wall dead. Recent calls to modify the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), say IRFA, have centered on the myth that it is impossible to sell blends above 10 percent ethanol (E10), but actual retailer sales data proves otherwise.

“All too often the debate in DC is disconnected from the real world – and the debate surrounding the bogus E10 blend wall is no different,” explained IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “There is no E10 blend wall.”

higher ethanol blends at the pump“Everywhere higher blends have been offered, consumers have responded positively. Rather, there are frivolous ethanol access restrictions (FEAR) – FEAR that is being systematically heightened by Big Oil through lies, lawsuits, and legislative attacks in an attempt to preserve its fuel monopoly,” continued Shaw. “In truth, the RFS is the only tool we have to combat Big Oil’s FEAR mongering and provide consumers the opportunity to choose lower cost, cleaner burning ethanol blends like E15 and E85.”

IRFA released the first month of sales data for E15 in Iowa following its September 16 reintroduction. The six registered E15 retailers in Iowa reporting data sold 23,959 gallons of registered E15 in only one month – enough to make more than 19 trips around the world!* Each of the retailers also offers other higher blends for flexible fuel vehicles, including E85. Averaged across all fuel blends, ethanol accounted for roughly 25 percent of the retailers’ gasoline sales. This level of ethanol sales far exceeds the scheduled RFS levels for years to come.

Shaw added, “We have real world data on higher blend ethanol sales and the facts are clear. In Iowa, and to my knowledge around the country, every retailer that offers higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85 exceeds the percentage of conventional renewables called for by the Renewable Fuel Standard – in 2014 and far beyond. This proves consumers will buy enough higher ethanol blends to exceed the RFS if given a chance. If policymakers compare Big Oil’s hypothetical blend wall horror stories to real world data they quickly learn it’s not that you can’t sell these ethanol blends; it’s that Big Oil refuses to do so. ”

With attractive pricing, second quarter E85 sales in Iowa nearly doubled those in the first quarter. While official third quarter sales data has not been released by the state, a sampling of retailers indicates third quarter sales will continue the upward trajectory and could be 50 percent higher than second quarter data.

*Assumes a vehicle achieving 20 miles per gallon. Only six of Iowa’s eight registered E15 retailers shared sales data with IRFA.

biofuels, E15, E85, Ethanol, Iowa RFA, RFS

New Agreement to Bring EV’s to the Road

Joanna Schroeder

There is a new multi-state cooperative agreement to put more than three million battery-electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel-cell-electric vehicles on U.S. roads. The Consumer Federation of America (CFA), joined representatives american lung association susan griffinfrom California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont to announce an agreement to promote the accelerated adoption of zero emissions passenger cars, trucks and transit buses in these states.

“Efforts to provide consumers with new, more efficient and gasoline-free transportation options are welcome and needed,” said Mark Cooper, Director of Research for CFA, who took part in the public announcement of the new agreement.

The Zero Emissions Vehicle Program: Clean Cars States Lead in Innovation, a new paper released today by CFA, explains that Zero Emissions Vehicle policy coupled with efforts to reduce barriers to clean vehicle adoption will accelerate the growth of the national market for the latest zero emissions vehicles. Based on years of polling data, the paper explains, that is exactly what American consumers want.

“The key role that California and the Clean Cars states played in accelerating the deployment of hybrids in the past decade underscores the importance of leadership in energy innovation,” said Cooper.Read More

Alternative Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen

InfraCal 2 Analyzer Offers Better Biodiesel Features

John Davis

infracal-2-biodiesel-blend-analyzer-3aA new analyzer will give biodiesel producers more and better features for the industry. This piece from Biodiesel Magazine talks about the new InfraCal 2 Analyzer, recently introduced by Wilks, that provides better repeatability, multiple calibrations, unlimited data storage, optional internal battery pack, touch screen display and password protection for instrument settings for biodiesel in diesel measurements.

The InfraCal 2 incorporates new electronics providing a better signal-to-noise ratio that improves the stability and repeatability. The calibration scheme makes it easier to get an accurate zero, which contributes to more repeatable readings. The analyzer’s multiple calibration capability enables users to have calibrations for numerous types of diesel fuel, making measurements even more accurate on different feedstocks.

The InfraCal 2 Analyzer provides a virtually unlimited amount of internal data storage. For users testing fuels at different locations or at a remote loading rack, data can periodically be transferred serially or via a flash drive. The internal battery pack will last up to 12 hours bringing portability to a new level and eliminating the need to ship samples to a laboratory and wait for results.

User will also find the touch screen on the InfraCal 2 allows them to password-protect calibrations and instrument settings, and they will be able to tag each measurement with information about the analyst, location, date and time of the measurement.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel Tops 1 Billion Gallon Mark

John Davis

nbb-logoNew numbers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that biodiesel has once again broken the 1-billion-gallon mark. Biodiesel production hit 140 million gallons in September, pushing the year-to-date biodiesel total of nearly 1.1 billion gallons, the third year it has reached that milestone. The news was welcomed by the National Biodiesel Board:

“This is a tremendous achievement that is a testament to the hard work of the biodiesel industry and the success of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as an effective policy for diversifying our fuel supplies,” said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board. “Biodiesel is proving that Advanced Biofuels are working now, and we need the Obama Administration and Congress to continue this success.”

NBB goes on to point out that biodiesel is the first EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide and 1 billion gallons of annual production. In fact, at this pace, biodiesel production this year will hit 1.7 billion gallons by year’s end, significantly exceeding the RFS requirement of 1.28 billion gallons.

Biodiesel

Does Farm Size Matter?

Talia Goes

zp-nhOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ”What is most important to you when buying food?” Given the economy, it’s only fitting that price won out in our poll, but also tied with whatever you’re hungry for. Guess it just depends on your mood!

Our poll results:
· Price – 29%
· Whatever I’m hungry for – 29%
· Organic – 14%
· Brand – 12%
· Other – 9%
· Special diet – 7%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Does farm size matter?” which was also the topic of the USFRA Food Dialogues in Boston this week. Increasingly, consumers are hearing they should be concerned about the size of farms, and may be making purchasing decisions without understanding how food is grown and raised on farms of any size. What do you think? Let us know!

ZimmPoll

Turbines Begin Operation at Echo Wind Park

Joanna Schroeder

The first 13 wind turbines at DTE Energy’s Echo Wind Park have been commissioned, with the entire facility set to begin commercial operation by the end of November. The 70-turbine Echo Wind Park in Huron County, Michigan will be operational by the end of 2013 and add another 112 megawatts (MW) to the DTE Energy’s renewable energy portfolio. The wind park, primarily in Oliver and Chandler townships, is sited on nearly 16,000 acres. The Echo Wind Park is the third to be owned and operated by DTE Energy.

echo_wind_park_01The 110-MW Thumb Wind Park reached commercial operation in December 2012. In addition, DTE Energy has an ownership stake in the Gratiot County Wind Park. The Gratiot wind park is a 212.8 MW project. Sixty-four of the turbines are owned by DTE Energy, while 69 turbines are owned by Gratiot Wind LLC, an affiliate of Invenergy Wind LLC. DTE Energy purchases the power from Invenergy’s turbines under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

DTE Energy also announced recently it will purchase the energy from the 20-MW Big Turtle Wind Farm, which will cover 2,800 acres in Rubicon Township in Huron County. The Big Turtle Wind Farm, expected to be operational by late 2014, will comprise a minimum of 50 percent Michigan content and feature new technology advanced by Ventower Industries of Monroe and other Michigan suppliers.

The Big Turtle Wind Farm will have 10 2-MW turbines and will be the first wind park in Michigan to incorporate all Ventower towers. The owner, Big Turtle Wind Farm LLC, is a subsidiary of Heritage Sustainable Energy, a Michigan wind energy producer.

The Big Turtle contract is part of DTE Energy’s efforts to expand the company’s renewable energy resources and meet the state’s renewable energy goals. DTE Energy expects to add more than 900 MW, or 10 percent of its power, by 2015. The Big Turtle contract will bring DTE Energy’s renewable energy portfolio, with contracts signed or projects in operation, to 9.8 percent.

Electricity, Energy, Renewable Energy, Wind

Conergy Begins Third Thailand Solar Project

Joanna Schroeder

Conergy Thailand solar projectConergy is constructing is another large-scale solar project in Thailand with a total capacity of 21 megawatts. This is the third consecutive project for the Bangkok-based Siam Solar Energy 1 Co., Ltd. (SSE1), a subsidiary of Thai Solar Energy Company Limited (TSE). Conergy has closed power plants for SSE1 with a total capacity of more than 70 megawatts since the fall of 2012. With an order volume of more than 100 megawatts in Thailand, the PV solution and service provider has secured a market share of around 20% and captured market leadership.

“Solar power plants are an attractive asset for investors. We are making good progress in extending our large-scale project business,” said Conergy CEO Dr. Philip Comberg. “Solar power plants are becoming an increasingly attractive asset class for funds, financial investors and strategic industrial clients. Together with this group of investors and Kawa as our asset management parent we want to increase our volumes even further, especially in growth markets such as Asia and North America.”

The two new solar power plants, each with a capacity of 10.5 megawatts, are located in the provinces of Suphanburi and Kanchanaburi in western Thailand, 130 kilometers from Bangkok. Conergy will act as general contractor for this large-scale order, assuming responsibility for the entire planning, engineering and design as well as for the supply of the components and the installation. Conergy is working with its longtime local partner Ensys on the construction of the two solar plants, which will cover about 370,000 square meters in total – an area larger than 50 soccer fields.

12.4 MW Conergy solar park Nakhon Pathom Thailand_2SSE1 CEO Cathleen Maleenont said, “We place emphasis on 100% quality and efficiency. We are delighted about our renewed collaboration. We are impressed with Conergy’s leading quality standards with each new power plant. With this project we will expand our solar capacity to 85 megawatts AC in total. This entails a 17-fold increase in one year. For our solar portfolio, selecting systems with the highest quality and efficiency is paramount and with Conergy we have found exactly the kind of strong partner needed for planning and implementing our solar projects.”

Once construction for these two new parks is completed in autumn 2013, the nearly 84,000 Conergy “P Series” modules installed on more than 80 kilometers of Conergy SolarLinea mounting systems, will generate over 30,000 megawatt hours of clean electricity each year. The solar parks can provide for around 14,000 households in Thailand. Additionally they will avoid an annual amount of about 16,500 tons of carbon emissions per year, which is more than what could be absorbed by a 1,600 hectare forest in the same time period.

Electricity, Energy, International, Renewable Energy, Solar

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFFigtree Financing, a provider of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, issued its third bond bond on October 22, 2013. This issue comes just over 3 months after having funded improvements to seven California properties in a prior bond issue. The latest bond, with a value of $478,100, includes four projects in the California cities of Chico, Bakersfield, and Palm Springs, bringing the total value of commercial PACE projects financed by Figtree to over $2 million. This bond funded solar and cool roof improvements to two retail shopping facilities, a commercial warehouse, and a hotel.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway will co-host a free Ethanol Safety Seminar on Oct. 29, 2014 at the CNM Workforce Training Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There will be a morning session from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and an evening session from 5:30 to 10 pm. Registration is limited to the first 90 people. Lunch and dinner will be provided. Certificates of attendance will be awarded to attendees at the completion of the course.
  • Admirals Bank has announced the launch of their Energy Investment Calculator as part of their suite of solar contractor tools. Solar installers nationwide can use this online tool to accurately estimate and present homeowner monthly payments for their Admirals’ loan and energy savings, including comparisons to a lease or power purchase agreement.
  • SolarCity has announced it has been selected by Hawaiian Electric Company to build a 15-megawatt photovoltaic system to provide clean energy to O’ahu residents. The 50-acre project will be constructed on undeveloped land at the Kahe Generating Station, subject to PUC approval. SolarCity, with local operations in Mililani, was selected through a competitive procurement process to construct the project, which will be owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric.
Bioenergy Bytes