Reducing Wildfires and Making Biodiesel

John Davis

GoodearthpowerA project designed to cut back on wildfires in northern Arizona’s forests will also result in the green fuel biodiesel being produced. This story from the Mojave Valley Daily News says the project looks to thin 300,000 acres in four forests over 10 years with the harvested trees to go into biodiesel production, among other products.

Pioneer Forest Products was selected in 2012 to thin 300,000 acres in four Arizona forests over 10 years. But the Montana-based company had trouble with financing and talked to the U.S. Forest Service earlier this year about transferring its contract.

The Forest Service on Friday announced the approval of a transfer to Good Earth Power AZ LLC., whose parent company in Oman primarily does work outside the U.S. Forest officials said they determined that Good Earth is financially and technically sound to carry out the work.

The stewardship contract that the Forest Service has called the largest in its history is meant to restore a 2.4 million-acre area along the Mogollon Rim to reduce wildfire risks and create sustainable forest industries.

Good Earth has a $50 million mill in Winslow, Ariz., and a power plant to produce synthetic gas to be turned into biodiesel as part of its plans.

Biodiesel

Emotions Mixed on EU Biofuels Vote

Joanna Schroeder

There are very mixed emotions with the European Union’s (EU) vote on the biofuels and indirect land use change (ILUC) that took place earlier this week. The EU voted for 6 percent cap. In October of 2012, MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) were voting to cap the amount of land-based and food-based biofuels used in transport fuel. In October, the cap of 5 percent on the amount of food that can be used to meet the overall 10% target for renewable energy in transport by 2020 was proposed. Since then, a cap of 6.5 percent was also offered.

Citris peel waste for ethanolThe 6 percent cap voted for by MEPs represents an increase on the current figure of 4.5 percent. They also voted to recognize the link between biofuel production and the destruction of forests and other landscapes, (i.e. indirect land use change or ILUC) but not until 2020. And backed a 2.5 percent target for so-called second generation biofuels – made from non-food sources such as agricultural waste, sewage and algae.

UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association was pleased with the final vote – sugarcane ethanol is considered an advanced biofuel in the U.S. as well as in Europe.

“UNICA very much appreciates the efforts over the past several months of Members of the European Parliament to push for the consumption of biofuels that have the highest environmental credentials and technical performance,” said UNICA CEO, Elizabeth Farina. “UNICA is pleased to see MEPs voted Wednesday to approve measures to incentivize the production of more advanced biofuels, including those made from bagasse and straw,” she said.

A 2.5% sub-target for promoting the production and consumption of advanced biofuels in transport fuel, as voted by the European Parliament, is a step in the right direction, added Farina.

“UNICA also applauds the European Parliament’s rejection of proposals that would have applied protectionist measures and made it difficult, if not impossible, for sustainably, EU-compliant biofuels produced in non-European Union nations to be legally counted toward meeting EU renewable energy and fuel quality requirements,” added Geraldine Kutas, Head of International Affairs at UNICA. “However, it is unfortunate that the Parliament gave into biofuel critics’ pleas to put an arbitrary, 6% cap on the use of all food-based biofuels.”Read More

biofuels, Indirect Land Use, International, Legislation

Pope Car Can Run on Biofuel

Cindy Zimmerman

pope-car-1According to a story in an Italian Catholic publication, the Pope’s new/old car is able to run on biofuels.

The National Catholic Reporter reports that Italy’s Famiglia Cristiana interviewed the priest who gave Pope Francis the 1984 Renault 4L as his personal vehicle.

“Knowing Francis’ environmental activism, (Fr. Renzo) Zocca proudly told Famiglia Cristiana that the Renault can run on biofuel,” NCR reports. Pope Francis had the same type of vehicle in his native Argentina.

The 69-year-old priest presented the Pope with the car last Saturday.

biofuels

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