Blue Marble Closes on Land Deal for Biorefinery

Joanna Schroeder

Blue Marble Biomaterials has closed on the purchase of the former GTC Oats Inc. located in Missoula, Montana. Previously, this site was a wet extraction processing plant for the creation of food ingredients. The purchase includes 3.81 acres of land, a 19,000 square foot building complex, and parking stalls for over 100 employees. The building retrofits include systems that will allow for greater energy efficiency and enable the site to be a showcase for the company’s “zero-­‐waste” focus.

blue marble biomaterials“We are excited to announce the purchase of this site which will become our first Large Commercial Bio-Refinery. The acquisition of this facility fulfills the next stage of our scaling plan to begin offering an expanded portfolio of products to global customers,” said Colby Underwood, Co‐CEO and Chief Business Officer for Blue Marble Biomaterials. “In 2011, two percent of all chemicals sold globally were sustainable. By 2025, the USDA predicts that 44% of all chemicals sold will be sustainable. Everyday, we see the explosive growth that is occurring with natural bio-­chemicals. With the increased production capacity of this facility and others planned for the future, we will become one of the bio-­chemical market leaders.”

Blue Marble expects to see significant growth in the coming months, as the site purchase comes just as the company begins closing a $15 million debt financing deal through the USCIS EB-­5 Program. The EB-­5 Program was created by Congress in 1990 as a mechanism to stimulate economic activity, encourage foreign investment in US companies, and create domestic jobs. Currently employing 24 people, Blue Marble believes it is one of the first biotechnology companies to take advantage of the program and expects to create over 300 direct and indirect jobs in the Missoula area as a result of the financing and recent site purchase.

Underwood added, “On behalf of the entire Blue Marble team, I would like to thank Governor Steve Bullock, U.S. Senator Jon Tester, U.S. Senator Max Baucus, Congressman Steve Daines, and Missoula Mayor John Engen for their support on behalf of this purchase and our company. We would also like to thank the hard working employees of the Missoula Job Service, Bitterroot Economic Development District, and Missoula County.”

advanced biofuels, Renewable Energy

Mexico Looks to Build Biodiesel Plant

John Davis

UNAMScientists in Mexico want to build a biodiesel plant that would provide fuel for Mexico City’s public transit. This story in the Latin American Herald Tribune says the the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) plan is to use waste cooking oil from restaurants and hotels and could supply more than 500 gallons a day.

A School of Engineering lab will be responsible for sourcing and quality control for the first project of this type in Mexico, postgraduate researcher Alejandra Castro Gonzalez said.

The quality of the source oil and the biodiesel must be high to ensure the smooth operation of vehicles using it as fuel and avoid damaging engines, Castro said.

Use of biodiesel will help reduce emissions of pollutants, as well as recycling a product that is now often discarded, the researcher said.

“Some (establishments in Ciudad Universitaria) discard about 70 percent and others just 20 percent (of cooking oils), so we can deduce that there are shops that cook more healthy than others,” Castro said.

The project is getting funding from the Conacyt Mixed Fund and the Federal District’s government.

Biodiesel, International

Hyrdogenics’ Power-to-Gas Facility Begins Operations

Joanna Schroeder

Hydrogenics Corporation has announced that its E.ON inaugurated commercial operations has begun at its Power-to-Gas (P2G) facility in Falkenhagen, Germany. The plant uses wind power and Hydrogenics’ electrolysis equipment to transform water into hydrogen, which is then injected into the existing regional natural gas transmission system. The hydrogen, as part of the natural gas mix, can be used in a variety of applications including space heating, industrial processes, mobility, and power generation. The facility, which has a capacity of two megawatts, produces 360 cubic meters of hydrogen per hour.

E.On and Swissgas PG project“This project makes E.ON one of the first companies to demonstrate that surplus energy can be stored in the gas pipeline system in order to help balance supply against demand,” said Dr. Ingo Luge, CEO of E.ON Deutschland. “This method of energy storage is considered a key technology for the transformation of Germany’s energy system. It will reduce the need to take wind turbines offline when the local grid is congested and will therefore enable us to harness more wind power.”

Swissgas, which represents over 100 local natural gas utilities, is a partner in the project with a 20 percent capital stake and an agreement to purchase a portion of the gas produced. Dr. Heinrich Schwendener, a member of the organization’s Board of Management, said during an inauguration ceremony, “Swissgas’ involvement demonstrates the significant value of Switzerland’s gas infrastructure, which enables us to transport and store regenerative energy across national boundaries.”

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Dr. Philipp Rosler, Germany’s Economics and Technology Minister; Dr. Christian Ehler, Member of the European Parliament; and Henning Heidemanns; State Secretary in the Ministry of Economics and European Affairs of the Federal State of Brandenburg, along with nearly 200 other guests.

“One of the biggest challenges of transforming Germany’s energy system is finding ways to integrate the increasing share of intermittent, renewable-source energy,” said Minister Rosler. “To ensure that Germany’s power system remains stable and that our economy continues to have the energy it needs, we not only have to rapidly expand energy networks but also require innovative solutions like the P2G unit here in Falkenhagen.”

Daryl Wilson, CEO of Hydrogenics, added, “We are delighted to see this plant now in full commercial use. In April of this year we announced a second Power-to-Gas project with E.ON for the city of Hamburg, which is currently under construction. That facility, containing the world’s largest single mega-watt PEM stack, is expected to be delivered in the spring of 2014. These projects serve as a platform for upcoming Power-to-Gas facilities not only in Europe but around the world.”

Energy, Hydrogen, International, Natural Gas, Wind

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFThe 2nd Myanmar Power Summit will be taking place September 23-25, 2013 at the Sedona Hotel Yangon. The complete agenda is now available. His Excellency U Khin Maung Soe, Union Minister of Electric Power, Myanmar will inaugurate the three-day summit with a keynote address. The summit brings together Myanmar government’s spokespersons as well as industry players to provide latest update on power situation in Myanmar, government plans and more.
  • Sierra Instruments, a global mass flow instrument manufacturer, has released a new, free biogas measurement white paper. “Precise Biogas Measurement: Overcoming the Challenges of Changing Gas Composition,” offers engineers, as well as plant and facilities managers, solutions for precise biogas measurement even with the changing gas composition, an inherent application challenge in biogas energy flow measurement.
  • Goldpoly New Energy Holdings Limited announced that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement as well as an agreement for the acquisition of 100MW of roof-top solar power plants with China Singyes Solar Technologies Holdings Limited. The strategic cooperation agreement between Goldpoly and Singyes proposes that both parties will strategically cooperate with respect to roof-top and ground solar power plants, micro-grid projects, green energy-saving buildings, application of low-carbon new energy in the islands in China as well as development of green, intelligent low-carbon, satellite cities in China.
  • The City of Lemoore and Chevron Energy Solutions are starting the construction of an expansive solar installation to power domestic water wells, a wastewater treatment plant, the Cinnamon Municipal Complex, Police Department, and several other facilities throughout the city. The project is expected to generate over 3 megawatts of electricity and reduce purchases from the electric utility by close to 100 percent for most of the facilities included. Over its life, and after paying all its costs, the City of Lemoore is expected to save close to $45 million.
Bioenergy Bytes

Hawaiian Utilities Seek Biodiesel as Clean Fuel

John Davis

heco1Hawaii is known for its lush, green jungles. Now, the islands would like to go green environmentally. Hawaiian Electric Companies put out the call to get biodiesel as part of the utilities’ 150,000 barrels of green fuel a year used to supply Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Company generation facilities:

This request for proposals offers biodiesel suppliers — including local biodiesel producers — the opportunity to offer biodiesel or biodiesel blends for all or part of the required volumes on Maui, Molokai, Lanai or Hawaii Island. Proposals will be considered if the biodiesel price is competitive with the price of ULSD.

Hawaiian Electric continues to use 100 percent renewable biodiesel on Oahu in the Campbell Industrial Park Generating Station. It will also do so in the planned Honolulu International Airport Emergency Generation Facility. In addition, all diesel vehicles in the Hawaiian Electric fleets use B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel with 80 percent petroleum diesel.

The push to use biodiesel is part of a larger plan by the utilities to use more renewable energy, including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydro, and, eventually, ocean-generated power.

Get your biodiesel bid into www.hawaiianelectric.com/fuels by Oct. 15, 2013. The three-year contract is expected to start January 1, 2015.

Biodiesel

ACE Gets Out Ethanol’s Message

John Davis

Ray Defenbaugh Big River ResourcesThis week, we’ve been telling you about the American Coalition for Ethanol’s (ACE) “Unite and Ignite” conference in Des Moines, Iowa. And while the attendees have been talking ethanol in Iowa, we’ve also given you some insights from ACE’s Biofuels Beltway March earlier this year when about 70 ethanol backers gathered on Capitol Hill to talk ethanol with the Nation’s lawmakers. During that visit, Joanna caught up with Ray Defenbaugh with Big River Resources, an ethanol producer and advocate who was surprised just how much misinformation is still out there about the green fuel.

“During the presidential campaign and people running for legislative office, we heard frequently that we’re not getting our message out. As much as we’ve tried, there’s still some people who haven’t gotten it, or they’ve gotten it inaccurately,” he said. The group fielded lots of questions about food-versus-fuel, energy usage during production, impacts on corn stocks and more. In addition, they had to head off those who thought there should be delays in implementing the Renewable Fuels Standard. “We were able to explain to them what that would do as far as uncertainty for future development of the cellulosic industry, and we were able to explain that the RFS is working with many of their concerns already addressed in the RFS.”

Ray said the information was well received, but he was surprised just how many didn’t understand the relationship of ethanol and the lack of subsidies, how animal feed supplies are really not impacted by ethanol production, and the intricacies of the RFS.

“Several of them did not understand the impact that (losing the RFS) would have on our rural communities and farmers today,” explaining to many in Congress that renewable energy has also meant good prices for commodities, meaning fewer subsidies… tax dollars… needed to go to farmers.

Ray said it’s just a matter of educating people about ethanol, something that those connected to the industry need to do all the time.

“We have a really good product and industry, and be patient [on cellulosic]. There will be a growth on that cellulosic industry that compares to what the corn ethanol did.”

Listen to Joanna’s interview with Ray here: Ray Defenbaugh, Big River Resources

Visit the ACE 26th Annual Ethanol Conference photo album.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, Biofuels Beltway, Ethanol, Government

ACE Honors Ethanol Advocates

Joanna Schroeder

ACE13-unite-and-ignite-jenningsDuring the 26th Annual Ethanol Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) honored several ethanol advocates. The first award was given by ACE President Ron Alverson, who each year has the opportunity to give the President’s Award to someone who goes above and beyond the industry. This year, Alverson distilled the honor on Brian Jennings, ACE executive vice president, for his tireless work on behalf of the industry to not only promote the benefits of the ethanol industry, but also help promote the people of the industry and the work they do.

The most prestigious award presented by ACE, the Merle Anderson Award is presented annually to recognize an individual who has made distinguished and significant contributions to the advancement of the U.S. ethanol industry. This year the award was bestowed on Tom Vilsack, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary.

ACE13-unite-and-ignite-chuckThe strength of ACE is found within the collective grassroots, devoted individuals who often perform behind the scenes to advance the cause of ethanol. These “unsung heroes” of the U.S. ethanol industry and agriculture are recognized with the ACE Grassroots Award. This year’s winner is Chuck DeGrote with Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC).

The Policy & Legislative Leadership Award is presented to a policymaker at the state or federal level for introducing or championing public policies that promote the U.S. ethanol industry and strengthen rural America. This year’s honoree is Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA).

ACE13-vollan-pauldanaawardThe Paul Dana Marketing Vision Award (formerly Fields to Fuel Marketing Award) an award to recognize individuals or companies in the U.S. who exhibit leadership in marketing ethanol. The award winner this year is Bruce Vollan with Vollan Oil.

ACE13-unite-and-ignite-claytonThe ACE Media Excellence Award goes to those in the media who demonstrate excellence in covering news and issues important to the U.S. ethanol industry. This year Chris Clayton with DTN won the honor.

*Those not pictured were unable to accept their award in person.

Visit the ACE 26th Annual Ethanol Conference photo album.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, biofuels, Ethanol

New Clean Projects Equals New Clean Jobs

Joanna Schroeder

Clean Energy Works for UsAccording to a report released by Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) there were 58 clean energy and clean transportation projects announced during the second quarter of 2013. These projects could create as many as 38,600 new jobs. A new website has been launched – Clean Energy Works for US – keeps track of jobs in the solar, wind, biofuel, energy efficiency and transportation sectors.

Cleanenergyworksforus.org includes more than 500 clean energy and clean transportation job announcements taken from company announcements, media reports and other sources that E2 has tracked since September 2011. The site also includes more than 50 stories, 20 videos and state-specific statistics that put a face on clean energy job growth in America.

“With Labor Day upon us and the country focused on jobs and the economy, clean energy and clean transportation projects continue to create jobs and drive economic growth from one end of the country to the other,” said E2 Executive Director Judith Albert.

The Q2 2013 clean jobs total number is slightly higher than the 37,400 jobs that E2 tracked in the comparable quarter in 2012. For the first time, both Hawaii and Alaska ranked in the top 10 states to announce clean energy projects in the second quarter of 2013.

Two newcomers were among the top five states for clean energy jobs announcements in the second quarter. Hawaii ranked second in total clean energy and clean transportation jobs announced, while Maryland came in third place with the announcement of a $2.6 billion, 20-station, and 14-mile expansion to the Baltimore light-rail system’s Red Line. The project will reduce carbon pollution as well as traffic, and will require more than 4,200 construction workers to lay new tracks and build new stations by 2021.

2nd quarter E2 job reportIn another first for a quarterly E2 report, Kansas and Missouri each made the Top 10 list of states to announce clean energy projects. Leading the way, Clean Line Energy Partners LLC announced the “Grain Belt Express Clean Line” transmission line upgrade project that will transmit more than 3,500 megawatts of wind energy from Kansas and Missouri to other states. The $2 billion project is scheduled for completion by 2018 and is expected to create 5,500 jobs to plan, construct and manage the new line.

California again ranked No.1 in total job announcements. The state led the way with 12 clean energy and clean transportation projects that could cumulatively create more than 9,000 jobs.

“Clean energy jobs are alive, well and growing,” Albert said. “Smart policies like renewable energy standards at the state level, coupled with federal policies like President Obama’s climate change initiative, promise to keep that growth going.”

Clean Energy, Renewable Energy

ACE Tries to Outgun the Big Bucks of Big Oil

John Davis

Steve Petersen3Members of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) have been in Des Moines, Iowa this week to “Unite and Ignite” for their 26th annual conference. But even before they got together, they knew their message of the good ethanol does for the entire country was coming up against some pretty deep pockets of their opponents.

“We don’t have the resources that some of our opponents have in terms of dollars, in terms of personnel, to get our message to the people who make the decisions and make the policy,” Steve Petersen, a small livestock producer from Chelsea, Iowa and an advocate for ethanol, told Joanna during last March’s Biofuels Beltway event when about 70 ethanol backers gathered in Washington, D.C. to tell ethanol’s story to lawmakers. But he’s not deterred, because many congressional staffers told him they wanted to hear from people actively involved in agriculture. “We did a lot of education.”

Steve admitted that it can be a bit disconcerting that so many of those who vote on the policies that affect ethanol don’t understand the process. But he said ethanol advocates just need to work a bit harder to get that message out, and he believes if they can show these lawmakers the impacts on rural areas, they’ll win them over.

“We had a great pictorial this time of walking through the process of ethanol. I’d like to have some actual pictures from Iowa, from Wisconsin, from all of the plants around it, and all of the impact it has on jobs and the tangible benefits it has brought to our communities in the Midwest: the additional tax base, the additional jobs that a lot of these communities haven’t seen for 25 years. Ethanol and biofuels have been a tremendous boon to the Midwest … and all of our country,” he said.

Listen to Joanna’s interview with Steve here: Steve Petersen

Visit the ACE 26th Annual Ethanol Conference photo album.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, Biofuels Beltway, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Government

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFCleanEdison, is company focused on clean energy education, is offering solar energy training. Classes offered include BPI certification courses and LEED Green Associate preparation. The variety of courses and educational and professional training provides individuals with the necessary skills to secure a position in the growing clean workforce.
  • The 24th Annual SRI Conference is offering a new resource and a fresh take on clean tech investing. A new session moderated by Dan Adler, managing director of the Clean Energy Angel Fund and CalCEF, and including Dan Rosen, CEO, Solar Mosaic, will explore the clean tech landscape and the newest products and strategies for sustainable and responsible investors. “Investing in Clean Tech: Expanding Opportunities for ESG/SRI Investors,” will focus on recent developments in crowdsourcing, green bonds, clean energy victory bonds, PACE financing, MLPs, and REIT eligibility. Click here for more information on the SRI Conference taking place October 28-20, 2013 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
  • Sol Systems has secured an investor for a 500 kW North Carolina project. The system, located in Clayton, North Carolina, was funded through a larger multi-megawatt portfolio.
  • RGS Energy, the commercial and utility division of Real Goods Solar, has been selected by Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) to deploy a 1.1 megawatt (MW) solar power system at its water recycling facility and administration building in Oakley, California. RGS Energy will design, install, monitor and maintain the solar power system at the water recycling facility and the administration building. The installation will be comprised of a 1 MW single-axis tracking system and 60 kilowatt carport system, which will generate more than 2.3 million kilowatt hours of solar electricity per year to power the facilities. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2013 and be completed in the first quarter of 2014.
Bioenergy Bytes