New Ethanol Survey Misleads Consumers

Joanna Schroeder

A new online survey conducted by Harris Interactive finds that U.S. consumers are ill-prepared for the introduction of higher ethanol fuel blends such as E15. Commissioned by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) the survey is misleading because E15 and higher blends of ethanol are not approved for any small engines, including boats and the ethanol industry has been very specific about this fact.

E15 labelIn a phone conversation with Micheal Frohlich, director of communications for Growth Energy, he notes that this attempt is misguided because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only approved E15 for vehicles manufactured in 2001 or newer and other higher blends of ethanol are only approved for flex fuel vehicles. He said that the labeling required for E15 and higher blends was designed specifically as an education tool for consumers so they don’t “mis-fuel”. He also noted that to date, no retailer currently selling E15 has ever has a mis-fueling claim or fuel complaint regarding E15.

While OPEI acknowledges E15 is not approved for use with small engines, they couch the problem by saying because they will be sold next to E10 or E0 fuels, consumers aren’t smart enough to choose the right, or “legal” fuel at the pump for their small engine.

Ron Lambery, a retail station owner and vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) notes, “Seventy-five percent of cars in the country are approved for E15 fuel. The fact that OPEI refers to that as ‘a small, subset of automobiles’ should tell you all you need to know about the accuracy of this report. This so-called ‘small subset’ will use nearly 100 times the fuel that could be used by all of the small engines in the United States combined.”Read More

ACE, biofuels, E15, Equipment, Ethanol, Growth Energy, RFA

California Stays Strong on Solar

Joanna Schroeder

CA Assembly Member Henry PereaCalifornia is staying strong on solar with the passage of Assembly Bill 327, authored by Assembly Member Henry Perea (D-Fresno). The legislation helps ensure that the rooftop solar industry can continue to grow and create jobs across California. In addition, AB 327 addresses several important residential electricity rate design issues.

According to The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC), AB 327 is a rare example of California’s Investor-Owned Utilities (IOU’s), the solar industry and rate payer advocates all supporting the same bill.

“This bill is the result of hands-on executive leadership from the nation’s most experienced Governor,” said Bryan Miller, co-Chair of TASC and Vice President of Public Policy and Power Markets for Sunrun. “Governor Brown has once again proven his ability to bring disparate sides together to benefit all Californians.”

Key elements of the Bill include directives that pave the way for uncapped net metering. Net metering is the cornerstone solar policy that gives solar customers full retail credit for the excess energy they put back on the grid.

“Passage of this legislation means more Californians will now have access to cleaner, cheaper, and better energy,” said John Stanton, co-Chair of TASC and Vice President of Policy and Electricity Markets for SolarCity. “And greater market stability creates the opportunity for more jobs across California’s rooftops.”

AB 327 will provide much-needed stability for the rooftop solar industry by preserving net metering and removing the ceiling on California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). To help grow solar energy in California, AB 327 will:

  • Remove the current suspension on net metering that would go into effect at the end of this year.
  • Eliminate uncertainly over how the current net metering cap is calculated.
  • Provide a framework for removing the net metering cap altogether.
  • Provide certainty that net metering customers’ investment expectations are respected.
  • Remove the 33% ceiling on the state’s RPS. This means the 33% becomes a floor, not a ceiling.

Randy Bishop, a TASC member and CEO and co-Founder of Verengo, added, “AB 327 recognizes that net metering is smart policy and should continue in California without restrictions. With this bill, our state’s leaders are helping ensure all Californians have the choice of using clean solar energy. ”

After passing the Legislature on September 12, 2013, AB 327 moves to Governor Brown’s desk for its official signing.

Alternative energy, Electricity, Energy, Solar

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFPlatts, a leading global agriculture, energy, metals and petrochemicals information provider, has launched Platts Market Data – Sugar, a  comprehensive, daily data package containing global price assessments and freight rates for raw and white sugar from Brazil, Thailand, Europe and other locations.
  • MAAS Companies is holding an auction for a 5 million gallon per year (MGY) biodiesel plant located in Dove Creek, Colorado. The plant has 10,000 tons per year capacity with room for expansion. The biodiesel facility also has a broad capacity for most oilseed crops in addition to sunflower and safflower. The action is October 8, 2013 beginning at 10:00 am.
  • The full agenda has been announced for the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference being held in San Francisco, California October 9-11, 2013. ABLC-Next brings together the key global leaders in R&D, product development, policy, finance, bioprocessing technologies, and downstream deployment – for real dialogue, real action, real opportunity. Click here for more information and to register.
  • Sol Systems has facilitated financing for an 806 kW solar portfolio in Deming, New Mexico, consisting of three separate solar arrays sized 84 kW, 151 kW, and 571 kW. Together, the three photovoltaic arrays will provide power for three facilities in the City of Deming’s water system. The project developer, New Mexico-based Affordable Solar, approached Sol Systems to arrange project financing and Sol Systems helped the developer to secure financing in only two weeks.
Bioenergy Bytes

Welcome Back E15

Joanna Schroeder

E15 One Year LaterE15 is back. The summer volatility restrictions for E15 end on September 15, 2013 and the 15 percent ethanol blend will again be available to consumers with vehicles 2001 and newer. Due to EPA’s disparate regulatory treatment of volatility for E15 and E10, retailers were forced to change their pump labels on June 1, 2013 and offer E15 to flex-fuel vehicles only or stop offering the product altogether.

Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFS), touted the reemergence of E15, “This is the beginning of what will be a great autumn of increased consumer choice. Compared to gasoline, E15 saves approximately 10-15 cents a gallon. That adds up to very real savings, at the pump and over the span of time.”

E15 has been available in the marketplace since July 2012. In the past 14 months, E15 availability has expanded to approximately 40 stations in nine states. More than 40 million miles have been driven on E15 with no known cases of engine damage, misfueling, or liability claims.

While E15 is the most tested fuel in the marketplace, critics nonetheless continue to create issues desgined to scare consumers away from any alternative to oil.

Bobby Likis, an expert mechanic with over 40 years of award-winning auto service experience and host of the nationally syndicated radio auto show “Car Clinic,” speaks about his personal experience with ethanol and auto engines in a new video. “The fact is, ethanol does not ruin engines. Of the 200,000 engines I’ve serviced, not one has been damaged by ethanol, not one. In fact, engines thrive on high octane and ethanol has it.”

“After three months of waiting, retailers with compatible equipment can finally start offering E15 if allowed by their franchises,” said Robert White, RFA director of market development. “Given the economy, current gas prices, new data on consumer demand and sales revenue generated by retailers who are presently offering E15, I think you will see interest increase dramatically.”

“There are definite benefits for marketers who are ready to present consumers with a cost-saving, environmentally-friendly, domestic, renewable alternative fuel,” added White. “E15 is truly a win-win-win for retailers, consumers, and the nation as a whole. Everyone benefits from increased availability of E15.”

biofuels, E15, Ethanol, RFS, Video

Survey Says Iowa Bullish on Biodiesel

Joanna Schroeder

Biodiesel in Galva IowaAccording to new public opinion research commissioned by the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB), consumers have a strong awareness of – and favorability towards – biodiesel. The research, conducted in early September, shows 87 percent of Iowans surveyed are familiar with biodiesel. Of those familiar, 74 percent have a positive impression of biodiesel, with just 2 percent saying they have a negative impression.

Randy Olson, IBB executive director, said the numbers reflect support for biodiesel at a critical time. Congress is hearing opposition from the petroleum lobby to the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The policy ensures America’s fuel supply includes renewable fuel.

“Iowa’s Congressional delegation is among the greatest champions of the RFS as sound energy policy, and this polling of their constituents shows their support is well-placed,” Olson said. “We hope the rest of Congress recognizes that poll after poll shows Americans favor renewable, cleaner burning biodiesel.”

Survey respondents identified the top benefits of using biodiesel as:

  • Biodiesel is a homegrown fuel and every gallon of biodiesel we use reduces our reliance on foreign oil.
  • Biodiesel is made from diverse, renewable resources produced in Iowa.
  • Increasing biodiesel use will help create jobs and improve the economy.

“This research reinforces that we are headed in the right direction by diversifying our energy supply, using agricultural innovation and domestic resources to fuel our nation’s vehicles and economy,” said Mark Cobb, IBB chair. Cobb is vice president of Iowa Renewable Energy, based in Washington, Iowa; and president of Cobb Oil, a petroleum distributor based in Brighton, Iowa.

The survey, conducted by Moore Information, consisted of 500 online interviews among a representative sample of registered voters statewide in Iowa.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Education

Incbio to Equip North African Biodiesel Plant

John Davis

incbiologoPortugal’s biggest supplier of biodiesel equipment will soon be outfitting a new biodiesel refinery in North Africa. Incbio signed a deal with Biokast Energy S.A, to supply a soon-to-be-built 8,000MT per year biodiesel plant in Tunis, Tunisia.

incbioreactor1[The new facility will use] Incbio’s ultrasonic reactors to produce EN14214 Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil (UCO), collected from restaurants in Tunis. This will be one of the most advanced and efficient transesterification plants in the world, employing [the] three most important design parameters which form the base for Incbio’s technology: small footprint, low cost and high efficiency, which is both innovative and widely proven in Biodiesel production plants globally.

José Marques, Incbio’s CEO, said: “After a long time spent in the project planning stage to ensure the client gets the business model right, we have signed the agreement and construction has commenced, which will see Biokast becoming one of the few biodiesel producers in Tunisia. Securing a regular supply of Used Cooking Oil and ensuring the plant is able to process it into high quality biodiesel is the key for Biokast’s success, and now that this has been secured we are very happy to have been selected as the technology providers. By using our ultrasonic based multi-feedstock technology, industrial units are able to convert a wide range of raw materials into high quality Biodiesel, exceeding the strict standards of EN14214 and ASTM D6751.”

Mohamed Ali Karoui, Biokast Energy S.A’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Incbio, having scoured the market for available options their proposition made the most sense both financially and technically. We really liked the quality of their plants and their extensive knowledge of this industry. Our experience in the biodiesel market is not very extensive, as such Incbio’s support when we reach the operational stage is going to be very important to ensure our success.”

Incbio and Biokast Energy S.A expect to finish the plant in early 2014.

Biodiesel, International

Biodiesel Might Be Fleets’ Best Clean Diesel Option

John Davis

Truck running on biodieselA recent article on TruckingInfo.com looked at several options truckers have when considering alternative fuels. While there are advantages and disadvantages for natural gas, hybrid, electric and even hydrogen fuel cells-powered medium and heavy duty trucks, the article indicates clean diesel (and what’s a cleaner diesel than biodiesel) might be the best choice for fleets:

Alternative fuels are not for everyone. In fact, the best “green” option for some fleets may be today’s “clean diesel” technology.

Ken Gillies, manager of truck ordering and engineering for GE Capital Fleet Services, says he’s seen fleets ready to jump into alternative fuels with both feet without doing their homework or giving thought to their overall “green” strategy as a whole.

“There’s so much talk about alternative fuels, it has turned almost into the total focal point – and there’s so many other things that should be done that can help without adding that kind of cost and infrastructure,” he says.

Of course, the best part about biodiesel is, you don’t have to change out engine parts or delivery infrastructure to make it work… right now! Plus, there seems to be more flexibility in the amount you can blend and run the same as its petroleum counterpart.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel Board Celebrates Milestones

John Davis

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and the fifth anniversary of its eco-friendly, green headquarters building in Jefferson City, Mo.

NBB building1NBB CEO Joe Jobe says when they started in 1993, some of the first research was done in central Missouri at the University of Missouri, funded by the Missouri Soybean Council. They expected to get NBB up and running and off to Washington, D.C., but after 15 years and making biodiesel a commercial success, they decided to stay in Jefferson City and renovated three old buildings in 2008 for their new headquarters.

“We used as many environmentally friendly materials and systems that we could,” said Jobe, including non-toxic paints, low-volatile materials, recycled carpet backings, and even solar-powered parking lot lights. “After all, we represent a green, renewable industry, and we want to live that way.”

In the last 20 years, Jobe says they’ve learned that all renewable energy producers, whether conventional or advanced like biodiesel, must stick together against Big Oil’s constant attacks, a message he drove home when talking to his colleagues at this week’s Advanced Biofuels Conference in Omaha, Neb.

“The petroleum industry has made it very clear that their number one priority is to repeal the RFS (Renewable Fuels Standard),” which Jobe says is working, despite just being fully implemented in 2011. “Two years is not enough to claim, as the petroleum industry has, that the program is broken,” he said. “The program is working as Congress intended it to work.”

Jobe also points to how biodiesel is meeting benchmarks NBB set back in 2005 to have five percent of all on-road diesel be biomass-based by 2015. They met that 10-year vision just this past July, and they want to double that in the next 10 years. “It’s an aggressive goal, but it’s one that we have a lot of confidence that this industry has a very, very bright future.”

NBB now represents both biodiesel and renewable diesel – two green fuels that come from biomass-based products but are made using different processes. Biodiesel feedstocks, fats or oils, react with methanol to make biodiesel and glycerin, where renewable diesel uses that same feedstock but a distillation process similar to petroleum. Each has its own advantages, but both are much greener, domestic and renewable, than petroleum.Interview with NBB CEO Joe Jobe

advanced biofuels, Audio, Biodiesel, Government, NBB, RFS

USDA Announces Support for Advanced Biofuel Producers

Cindy Zimmerman

usda-logoUSDA announced Thursday that the agency is making nearly $15.5 million in payments to support the production of advanced biofuel.

At the National Advanced Biofuels Conference in Omaha, USDA Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Doug O’Brien said 188 producers will received payments through the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program.

“Producing advanced biofuels is a major component of the drive to take control of America’s energy future by developing domestic, renewable energy sources,” O’Brien said. “These payments represent the Obama Administration’s commitment to support an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy.”

The funding is being provided through USDA’s Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, which was established in the 2008 Farm Bill. Under this program, payments are made to eligible producers based on the amount of advanced biofuels produced from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. Examples of eligible feedstocks include but are not limited to: crop residue; animal, food and yard waste; vegetable oil; and animal fat.

Read more from USDA.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Cellulosic, Government, USDA

USDA Increases Corn Crop Forecast

Cindy Zimmerman

Despite a slowly maturing corn crop impacted by late summer heat, USDA upped its production forecast for the crop this year by a little bit instead of lowering it.

corn-harvestCorn production is forecast at 13.8 billion bushels, up less than 1 percent from the August forecast and up 28 percent from 2012. If realized, this will be a new record production for the United States. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 155.3 bushels per acre, up 0.9 bushels from the August forecast and 31.9 bushels above the 2012 average. If realized, this will be the highest average yield since 2009.

“The ear count numbers are a lot higher than what we were looking at just a month ago,” said USDA Economist Joe Glauber. “We’re expecting prices to fall, for ending stocks to recover a lot from where they were.” USDA is now predicting an average price for 2013 of $4.80 per bushel, about $2 less than year.

“It is a huge improvement over last year when we produced less than 11 billion bushels,” said Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association who said lower prices will help increase ethanol production next year. “As this new crop comes in and corn prices come down, it’s very likely we could see close to 14 billion gallons in production next year,” compared to just over 13 billion expected this year.

Brian Jennings of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) noted that a record corn crop on the heels of the worst drought in 50 years “is further proof the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is working and Congress should not repeal or reduce it.”

The corn harvest is just beginning in some areas this week but should be getting into full swing in the next few weeks as the crop hits maturity.

ACE, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, USDA