RFA: Facts Erode Big Oil’s Narrative

Joanna Schroeder

Congress is preparing to return to work and there are two issues top of mind: The FAARM Bill and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). During the break the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) took a look at some of the Big Oil’s summer arguments against ethanol and created a narrative around why these are not valid.

E85 Price in Des Moines Iowa 9-4-2013“While Congress has been away, much has happened to set the record straight on ethanol,” explained Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO. “Rising gas prices have made the value proposition of ethanol compelling for consumers. Indeed, drivers turned out in large numbers over the summer to purchase record volumes of low cost, renewable E85. Academics and government officials spoke out on successfully scaling the blend wall.”

Dinneen also noted that the growing potential for a bin-busting harvest has undermined the food vs. fuel canard, and USDA’s data has proven food inflation is not being driven by ethanol and the RFS. “Slowly, but surely, Big Oil’s heavy handed scare tactics are eroding under the weight of honest data and consumer demand,” he said.

“By the way, in case you missed it, Summer 2013’s “Best Beach Read” award goes to the API/AFPM for their 2014 RFS waiver request,” continued Dinneen. “It has everything, except legal standing, that a fun breezy summer novel should have — futuristic fiction, scary twists and turns, and even a romance with monopolies. In return, RFA penned a compelling and critical review of the API/AFPM tome, laying bare the lack of legal and technical support for a waiver,” concluded Dinneen.

To read in full RFA’s review of the American Petroleum Institute (API)/American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) 2014 partial-waiver request click here.

RFA has released a brief “Big Oil’s Fiction vs. Fact” Below are a few of these issues that Big Oil has raised and the ethanol industry has defended.Read More

advanced biofuels, biofuels, E15, E85, Ethanol, RFA, RFS, RINS

Offering Biodiesel Options to Ethanol Plants

John Davis

Ethanol producers are always looking to find ways to get more value out of their operations. Well, one company is offering ways for those plants turn more profits by adding on biodiesel. At the recent American Coalition for Ethanol’s (ACE) “Unite and Ignite” conference in Des Moines, Iowa, Joanna caught up with Bernie Hoffman with WB Services, a renewable energy company offering a wide variety of plant optimization packages.

WB Services1“We have a number of things that pay back in roughly a year or less,” he said, adding that the capital costs are not high, so payback comes quick.

WB Services has two big technologies that help add value to corn ethanol plants. One is a refining technology that produces renewable diesel that is a match for the ASTM 975 standard for petroleum diesel. The other is a process developed working with Novozymes to produce a biodiesel using an enzyme, as opposed to a traditional transesterification process usually used in biodiesel production. Both of these technologies take advantage of the corn oil produced by an ethanol plant and is intended for either stand-alone operation or, more likely, as a bolt-on with an existing ethanol plant.

“We’ve done both, but our focus has been the ethanol industry so we’ve designed around the bolt-on concept,” Bernie said, adding that the ease of integration really makes their technology the most attractive. Plus, he said since the process is feedstock agnostic, there’s a great variety of plants this works with. “Restaurant waste oil makes a very nice fuel; brown grease, which is typically a low-grade by-product of animal processing; yellow grease, which is an abundant feed stock in the market,” and more.

Bernie said from concept to running operation, it takes about 18 months for a renewable diesel operation but only about six months for a biodiesel refinery, with most of that six months waiting for EPA approvals.

If you’d like to know more, just check out the WB Services website.

Listen to Joanna’s interview with Bernie here: Bernie Hoffman, WB Services

Visit the ACE 26th Annual Ethanol Conference photo album.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, Biodiesel, Ethanol

Global Solar PV Module Installations to Increase

Joanna Schroeder

According to a new report, “Solar PV Modules – Market Size, Annual Production, Average Price, Competitive Landscape and Key Country Analysis to 2020,” solar module installations saw a significant increase from approximately 1.4 GW in 2006 to 29 GW in 2011, but the industry has started to move away from the initial spur.

Solar PV Modules CoverGlobalData’s latest report finds that the growth of the solar PV module installation market in 2012 was much lower when compared to the previous year, with only 30.25 GigaWatts (GW) installed. In 2013, installations are forecast to fall slightly to 25.4 GW, due to reduced government support in several countries, such as Spain, Italy and Germany. From 2014 onward, annual additions are expected to remain stable until 2020.

Germany was the largest consumer of solar modules in 2012, with annual installations of 7.6 GW, followed by China with 5 GW. China continued to be the largest manufacturer of solar modules in the world, boasting 66% of the total global module production in 2012.

Harsha Nagatham, GlobalData’s Analyst covering Alternative Energy, said, “With domestically available polysilicon, a favourable regulatory environment and an easily available inexpensive labor force, companies such as Yingli Green Energy, Trina Solar, LDK Solar and Jinko Solar have been leading solar module manufacturing with annual production capacities of over 1,000 MW each.”

According to the report, solar PV module prices have also dropped drastically since 2006, when the average price was $3.8/W. In 2012, the price of a module was $0.91/W, and it is expected to fall further over the coming years, reaching $0.25/W in 2020.

Nagatham concluded, “Solar PV is the third-largest deployed renewable technology in terms of installed capacity after hydro and wind. Emerging countries in the regions of Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa are expected to be the major markets in the future due to an increasing focus on green energy to help fuel economic growth.”

Electricity, Energy, Research, Solar

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFThe Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has announced that Iowa’s first cellulosic ethanol project to break ground, POET – DSM Advanced Biofuels, LLC, is the IRFA’s newest member.  POET – DSM’s Project LIBERTY will be a commercial-scale, cellulosic ethanol plant that will produce 25 million gallons of next generation ethanol from corncobs, leaves, husk and corn stalk annually.
  • The first ever biofuel ethanol plant in Guyana has gone online. The 1,000 litre a day capacity demonstration plant is a cornerstone of the government’s energy and transport policy, which includes moving towards a 10% ethanol blend. The unit will use black strap molasses as a feedstock, which is essentially a waste stream, from Guyana Sugar’s Albion Sugar factory. The plant will produce two streams of pure ethanol and pure water which can be re-used with no further treatment needed. The technology for the plant has been supplied by Whitefox Technologies and Green Social Bioethanol.
  • Greenpeace has issued a new renewable energy initiative focused on Delhi. The nonprofit is challenging inventors, engineers and tinkerers to design a portable renewable energy-powered water pump for the farmers of the Indian region of Bihar. These farmers currently rely on diesel-powered pumps that are not only expensive to run, but accelerate global warming. Participants in the first challenge could win 30,000 euros and turn their concept into reality. Concepts must be submitted by November 15, 2013.
  • Range Energy has purchased 7,118 short tons of refined beet sugar for $900,000 from the USDA as the only ethanol producer to buy sugar under the Feedstock Flexibility Program. The sugar was purchased from Denver-based Western Sugar. The USDA said sugar mill interest was encouraging but that transportation, volume of sugar feedstock and other concerns appear to have limited bioenergy company participation. USDA expects greater participation in FFP as these concerns are addressed.
Bioenergy Bytes

County Fair in Iowa to Feature Soybeans, Biodiesel

John Davis

isalogoOne of the largest county fairs in the country, bigger than many other states’ state fairs, will be featuring soybeans and one of our favorite soybean products, biodiesel. The Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa will have “Iowa Soybean Day” on Monday, Sept. 9, sponsored by the Iowa Soybean Association.

The ISA Clay County Fair exhibit will be located in Central Park and feature an “Ultimate Performance” sweepstakes. People who received scratch-off sweepstakes cards can redeem their prize at the ISA booth and learn more about the benefits of using biodiesel. Card prizes must be redeemed in person. In addition, staff from ISA’s On-Farm Network® will be present to discuss research, environmental practices to protect soil and water and the latest in aerial scouting. Visitors to the ISA exhibit can register to win $500 in biodiesel or an aerial scouting package and view a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze light-duty diesel passenger car approved for use with 20 percent biodiesel blends (B20).

“Using biodiesel is a win-win for all Iowans, but especially our farmers,” explains Randy Olson, IBB executive director. “It’s developed from agricultural resources, like soybean oil, so it empowers farmers to participate in the energy market and supports their own industry.”

Iowa leads the nation in soybean and biodiesel production … not just a happy coincidence. IBB officials point out that the use of biodiesel also supports the state’s livestock industry.

Biodiesel, Soybeans

US Biodiesel Imports Up, But So Are Exports

John Davis

eiaU.S. imports of biodiesel and biomass-based renewable diesel came in at 28.6 million gallons during June, a spike of more than 12 million gallons from May. Biodiesel Magazine reports that while the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) numbers show a lot more is coming in, the amount going out is also up, hitting 24.6 million gallons of exports in biomass-based diesel in June.

A majority of U.S. imports for June originated from Indonesia and Argentina. Indonesia shipped nearly 11 million gallons of biomass-based diesel into U.S. ports in June, while Argentina sent 5.25 million gallons. More than 6.8 million gallons came from Germany, while imports from the Netherlands, South Korea and Canada made up the balance.

The U.S. also imported nearly 22 million gallons of “other renewable diesel” in June, up from only 5.7 million gallons in May. In June, 17.2 million gallons of “other renewable diesel” came from Singapore while 4.7 million gallons originated in Finland—two Neste Oil strongholds.

Roughly half of the 24.6 million gallons U.S. exports in June went north of the border to Canada (12.8 million gallons), while 6 million gallons was shipped to Spain, and nearly 5.7 million gallons went to Malaysia. Australia received 126,000 gallons of U.S. biomass-based diesel while 42,000 gallons was sent to Taiwan.

More information is available on the EIA website.

Biodiesel, International

Learning About Ag in Other Countries

Talia Goes

zp-nhOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ” Why do you attend farm shows?”

Our poll results:

· To “window shop” new equipment 27%
· To ask questions about existing equipment 19%
· Other 19%
· To purchase new equipment 16%
· For the freebies 11%
· For the food 8%

Among the “other” responses were: For kids to learn about agriculture, networking and for new ideas. For exhibiting companies, trade shows seem to be time well spent according to our poll results.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question “How important is it to learn about farming in other countries?” The ZimmComm team is currently attending the 2013 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress, learning about agriculture in Argentina and networking with our colleagues from around the world. So what do you think – is it valuable for us to learn about ag outside our borders? Let us know!

ZimmPoll

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFLaw firm Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy has advised international lenders in funding construction of a new wind project on 18,000 acres in Carson County, Texas, near Amarillo. The 218-megawatt Panhandle Wind Project is being developed by Pattern Energy. Operational next year, the facility will operate with 118 turbines built by General Electric. GE Energy Financial Services and Citigroup are providing tax equity to Pattern Panhandle Wind LLC.
  • World Bio Markets, taking place March 4-6, 2013 in the Netherlands, has a call for papers. Topics of interest include bio-based chemicals and products, sustainable aviation, plant process design and optimization, strategic finance and investment, and sustainable feedstocks. Proposals are due by Friday, September 13, 2013.
  • China Sunergy Co., Ltd. has announced that its new generation of high-efficient mono-crystalline solar cells have reached 20.26% conversion efficiency in the pilot research and development line, and have received certification recently from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the largest solar energy research institute in Europe.
  • GNS Science has won new government funding for two innovative geothermal energy projects that will help to make geothermal energy developments more efficient and more attractive to investors. The first project will see GNS Science work with The University of Auckland to develop practical ways to extract high-value minerals from geothermal fluids. The project received funding of $230,000-a-year for two years. In a second project, GNS Science and The University of Auckland have won funding to develop new, integrated numerical modelling software that will aid resource development decisions, and support long-term sustainable management of New Zealand’s geothermal energy resources. It will receive funding of $1.1 million-a-year for four years.
Bioenergy Bytes

Ford Explains Ethanol Program to ACE Members

John Davis

ACE13-uniteandignite-DiCiccoKnowing what automobile makers what and need for fuel and how those companies are moving forward in their green energy programs is some good information for the recent attendees at last week’s American Coalition for Ethanol’s (ACE) “Unite and Ignite” conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

“We’re committed to supporting biofuels by providing a range of products that provide biofuel capability in line with consumer demand. And that is key,” explained Dominic DiCicco with Ford Motor Company during the conference session titled, Automaker Perspective: Outlook for Higher Ethanol Blends and Octane. He added that Ford is dedicated to green fuels, but there must be a payoff for Ford in the form of better car sales of the greener fuel vehicles. “Consumers need to recognize value in their vehicle purchases.”

He continued that limited market impact, or at least the perception of limited impact, of E85 is keeping consumers from moving toward the higher ethanol blend, and thus, keeping Ford from making more vehicles E85 compatible. He went on to explain how compression ratios and octane ratings affect an engine’s performance, and that is a big hurdle for ethanol producers and marketers to overcome. Dominic concluded that there needs to be better coordination between car makers, ethanol producers, government regulators and fuel retailers.

“We have to figure out where do we want to take this infrastructure and market moving forward,” Dominic said.

ACE members seem to be up to his challenge telling him, “You tell us what you need, and we will then partner with you to do that.”

Visit the ACE 26th Annual Ethanol Conference photo album.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Car Makers, Ethanol

Report Shows Geothermal Continues to Grow

Joanna Schroeder

Global Market for Geothermal GEA reportAccording to a new report, there are strong growth signals in the international market for geothermal power. Released by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), “2013 Geothermal Power: International Market Overview,” identifies 70 countries moving forward with nearly 700 geothermal power projects.

“The number of geothermal projects continues to grow as more and more countries recognize the potential economic and environmental benefits that geothermal power can bring,” said Karl Gawell, Executive Director of GEA.

Several of the report highlights include:

  • By the end of 2013 the global geothermal market is expected to operate 12,000 MW of geothermal capacity on-line.
  • There are 11,766 MW of new capacity in early stages of development or under construction in 70 countries and territories around the world. Additionally, developers are actively engaged with and exploring 27 GW (Gigawatts) of geothermal resource globally that could potentially develop into power plants over the next decade.
  • This year some of the first demonstration Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) projects provided electricity to grids in Australia and the United States.
  • Counties such as Uganda, France, Tanzania, Chile, and Rwanda have geothermal projects under construction or in the latter stages of development and will have their first operational geothermal power plants within the next few years.

Ben Matek, the report’s author, noted, “There are so many projects moving forward that just a year or two ago were ideas on paper. This demonstrates how quickly the geothermal industry is growing internationally.”

Members of the international geothermal community plan to discuss their successes and emerging market opportunities at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy EXPO in Las Vegas from Sept. 29-Oct. 2. In addition, GEA plans on releasing the background data from the report in early October.

Geothermal, Renewable Energy, Research