Quad County Seeing Success with Enogen

Joanna Schroeder August 16, 2013

Quad County Corn Processors, a biorefinery based in Galva, Iowa is definitely an innovative ethanol facility and its paying off. During a visit with Delayne Johnson, whose plant recently broke ground on its bolt-on cellulosic technology coined “ACE,”I got a quick update on how the Enogen corn was faring in their ethanol process. Quad County was the first ethanol plant in the country to adopt Enogen corn, featuring a trait specifically developed to maximize the ethanol production process.

Johnson said they starting using Enogen in their plant full time on January 8, 2013. To date, he said the plant has been able to reduce its energy use, and thus energy costs by approximately five percent, because with Enogen they can put more starch in each fermenter. (The starch is what is converted to sugar and then converted to ethanol.)

Quad County has also seen the ethanol yield per bushel of corn increase approximately 1 percent. Johnson noted that the 2012 corn crop was very weather stressed. He said he is optimistic that they will see the same, if not better results as they get corn that was grown in more ideal weather conditions.

Johnson said these are only early results and they are pleased with what they have seen to date.

To learn more about Quad County’s success with Enogen corn, listen to my interview with Delayne Johnson here: Delayne Johnson Talks Enogen

Visit the Quad County Corn Processors “ACE” Groundbreaking photo album here.

Audio, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News

New Mexico State University Awarded $5M Grant

Joanna Schroeder August 16, 2013

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has been awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to improve algae-based fuel that is compatible with existing refineries. The principal investigator of the project, entitled REAP: Realization of Algae Potential, will be Peter Lammers, director of the NMSU Algal Bioenergy team.

Lammers will coordinate efforts at partner institutions that include Los Alamos, Argonne and Pacific Northwest national laboratories; Washington State and Michigan State universities and four companies, Phycal, Algenol Biofuels, Pan Pacific Technologies and UOP-Honeywell.

Key goals of the 2.5-year project are to improve the yields and stability of algal biomass and cultivation systems while also improving oil content at harvest. Each of the necessary process elements, or unit operations, required to produce drop-in fuels from algal biomass are targets for improvements by various team members.

NMSU’s key role will be to integrate all of the unit operations at a single location to demonstrate start-to-finish process compatibility. For example:

strain improvement work will be conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Michigan State University and Phycal;
cultivation simulation and validation work will be conducted at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and NMSU respectively;
bio-crude extraction methods will continue to be developed at Washington State University;
quantitative modeling of the unit operations and integrated processes will occur at Pan Pacific Technologies, Algenol Biofuels and Argonne National Laboratory; and
Algenol Biofuels also will provide closed cultivation systems that dramatically reduce water losses to evaporation and enhance the stability of algae cultures.

The REAP award follows two other federal awards for the NMSU Algal Bioenergy team – Department of Energy funding through the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts consortium amounting to $700,000 over two years for NMSU to support the algal cultivation testbed located at the Fabian Garcia Science Center, and a National Science Foundation EPSCoR award for which NMSU will get $1.5 million over five years for the algal effort.

advanced biofuels, algae, Research

Australian Algae Production Test Site Completed

John Davis August 16, 2013

An Australian algae company has completed a new test cultivation site. Biofuels Journal reports Aurora Algae, working Durack Institute of Technology, Aurora Algae finished building the new facility in Geraldton, Western Australia. The project will evaluate the potential in that area the production of microalgae and adds to Aurora Algae’s pilot-scale algae cultivation facility in Karratha, Western Australia that produces up to 15 tonnes of dried algal biomass per month.

“We have fully leveraged the Karratha site, demonstrating the efficient functioning of a small-scale operation, while continuing to refine our cultivation and harvesting processes,” said Greg Bafalis, CEO of Aurora Algae. “With the Karratha site, we believe we have demonstrated the most technologically advanced algae production system in the world. Having achieved this milestone, we are now preparing for the commercial production stage of our operation, beginning with a careful evaluation of various additional potential cultivation sites.”

Geraldton, approximately 1,000 kilometres south of Karratha, is one potential commercial site location being evaluated by Aurora.

“Beyond favorable weather conditions and proximity to the coast, Geraldton also offers a stable, local work force and the additional benefit of being home to the Batavia Coast Marine Institute, whose facilities provide a great environment for ongoing research and development activities,” Mr. Bafalis explained.

Part of Durack Institute of Technology, the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute (BCMI) is a state of the art training, research and development facility located at Separation Point in Geraldton.

Durack officials say their facilities, expertise and infrastructure should help with the evaluation stage.

algae

Two Geothermal Areas in Cali Moving Forward

Joanna Schroeder August 16, 2013

Early this week, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell delivered a keynote address at the National Clean Energy Summit. Her remarks included support for the growth of renewable energy including geothermal energy.

“We applaud Secretary Jewell for the announcement today reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to approve 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy production on public lands by 2020,” said Karl Gawell, executive director for the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) in response to her speech. “With roughly one-half of the geothermal power produced today located on federal public lands, it is important for the Department of Interior to maintain a priority for leasing and permitting new geothermal power projects.”

Gawell said the Administration’s commitment will move forward two geothermal areas in Southern California, establishing a new area in the West Chocolate Mountains and approving a new 40 MW power plant in Mono County. Gawell said it has been estimated that together these federal lands could add 190MW of new geothermal capacity, and for comparison purposes that would produce the equivalent power of over 1,000 MW of solar photovoltaics. If the full capacity expected at these sites is developed, it would mean over 1,200 construction and manufacturing jobs on an annual basis, and approximately 325 full-time permanent jobs in Southern California alone.

There is strong interest in geothermal development in this area, according to Gawell, with several companies recently permitting or building new power plants. “We expect as California moves forward to increase its commitment to a carbon-free power system, geothermal power will grow in importance because it can provide the firm or flexible power needed to maintain system reliability, achieve climate goals, and do so with low integration costs,” Gawell added.

GEA recently released an updated Air Emissions Comparison and Externality Analysis showing geothermal energy provides significant benefits to public health and the environment as one of the least-polluting and most environmentally friendly forms of energy. The analysis found binary geothermal plants produce virtually no greenhouse gases (GHG) and dry steam and flash geothermal plants put out only trace amounts of emissions. GEA estimates geothermal provides approximately $88 million in externality benefits per year to California and $29 million to Nevadans by avoiding fossil fuel emissions.

In addition, GEA, together with the California Geothermal Energy Collaborative, have published a report “Energizing Southern California’s Economy” that examines the geothermal power potential in Southern California and the economic benefits to the region of developing them.

Electricity, Geothermal, Renewable Energy, Solar

Northern Power Expands Into South America

Joanna Schroeder August 16, 2013

Northern Power Systems has entered into a strategic partnership with WEG Equipamentos Elétricos S.A., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electronic equipment. WEG and Northern Power are cooperating to bring next‐generation wind turbine technology to the South American wind market. This partnership combines WEG’s extensive production capabilities and market knowledge with Northern Power’s PM/DD technology and wind industry experience to deliver value‐enhanced wind energy products for customers of WEG.

As part of their collaborative efforts, WEG is offering a utility‐scale technology platform that will include wind turbines rated between 2.1 and 2.3MW and rotors sized from 93m to 110m to meet customer requirements in a range of a wind classes. WEG has already secured commitments for initial orders and will be scaling production operations throughout 2013 and 2014.

“We believe that Northern Power’s PM/DD technology offers a significant performance advantage to a vast array of customers in South America,” said João Paulo Gualberto da Silva, WEG’s Head of Wind Energy Generation Business. “The South American wind market, particularly Brazil, is growing at an incredible rate, and the initial market response to WEG’s turbine offerings has been very positive. Having a partner like Northern Power with proven technology which is capable of providing solutions for both current and evolving wind market demands, positions WEG to be a leader in this expanding space now and in the future.”

According to Northern Power, turbines leveraging PM/DD technology typically demonstrate higher availability and lower maintenance and repair costs than traditional gear‐based turbines, offering higher energy production over the turbine’s lifetime, and providing enhanced economic returns to owners. The wind turbines initially will be manufactured at WEG’s manufacturing facilities in Jaragua do Sul, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

“WEG has tremendous capabilities to supply all aspects of wind power plants integrated with a strong understanding of the needs of the South American wind market, and Northern Power has the experience and technology necessary to provide the right solutions for this market,” added Troy C. Patton, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Power Systems. “We look forward to powering WEG’s capabilities through our technology offerings.”

Electricity, Energy, International, Wind

Edeniq & Pacific Ag to Colloborate

Joanna Schroeder August 16, 2013

Edeniq and Pacific Ag, have announced today a five-year exclusive collaboration agreement to assist existing corn-based ethanol production facilities to add cellulosic ethanol production. The technology will help corn-based ethanol plants diversify their feedstock sources and enhance long-term production margins. In addition, the cellulosic ethanol produced will qualify for as “cellulosic” fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“This collaboration holds the potential to enhance the commercial viability of cellulosic ethanol production in the US,” said Brian Thome, the President and CEO of Edeniq. “By combining Edeniq’s bolt-on production technologies for corn ethanol plants with Pacific Ag’s agricultural biomass supply capabilities, we will provide the best turnkey solution for today’s producers to economically integrate cellulosic production into their existing facilities.”

Today there are about 200 operating ethanol plants in the U.S. in 28 states. They produce nearly 14 billion gallons annually representing approximately 10 percent of all gasoline sold. The majority of these plants use corn as their primary feedstock, a commodity grain that has been subject to wide fluctuations in price and supply over the past decade, driven by competing end uses, market speculation and weather.

In an effort to diversify the feedstock pool, the Department of Energy issued its “billion ton” study in 2005. That study determined that U.S. agriculture and forest resources have the capability to produce at least one billion dry tons of biomass annually in a sustainable manner, enough to produce biofuels to meet more than one-third of the current demand for transportation fuels. Yet today, only a small amount of biofuels are produced using biomass and much more is needed.

“This collaboration agreement brings together two companies at the forefront of solving a big risk factor to commercial production of cellulosic ethanol: getting biomass from the field to the plant with maximum reliability and efficiency and successfully converting that biomass at a low per gallon capital investment for existing production facilities,” added Bill Levy, founder and CEO of Pacific Ag. “For Pacific Ag, this potential market represents a key additional sector in our strategy to maximize the role of ag biomass in the nation’s energy supply.”

advanced biofuels, biomass, Cellulosic, Ethanol

7-Eleven Has Success with EV Charging Stations

Joanna Schroeder August 16, 2013

7-Eleven is the first fuel retailer in the New York City area to offer fast charging services for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Green Charge Networks (GCN) energy storage solutions worked with 7-Eleven as well as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and several utility companies to leverage local solar generation and energy storage. This enables them to use high-powered electric equipment, including EV fast chargers, while avoiding or creating peak energy times and high energy prices.

“Even when the New York City electric grid experienced an all-time peak on July 19 during the recent heat wave, the GreenStation allowed for EV fast charging while reducing peak demand by 56 percent,” said Vic Shao, Green Charge Networks’ CEO.

Green Charge Networks’ energy storage system, GreenStation, manages the power consumption at the 5820 Francis Lewis Boulevard 7-Eleven location in Flushing, N.Y. It monitors the store’s load on a second-by-second basis and counteracts peaks and valleys by discharging and charging from an internal ion battery bank.

“Convenience retailing in today’s world increasingly requires the use of high-powered electrical devices, including foodservice equipment and EV fast chargers,” adds Tom Brennan, 7-Eleven’s vice president of infrastructure services. “Meeting our customers changing needs while keeping demand charges and thus our electricity costs in check is a very attractive value proposition for us.”

According to CGN, the GreenStation enables industrial and commercial ratepayers to manage power consumption and rising demand charges. The root technology is a stochastic controller with sophisticated software that flattens the power load curve during peak consumption periods.

Electric Vehicles, Energy

Deal Struck to Research Pongamia for Biodiesel

John Davis August 16, 2013

A deal to research the potential of an oil feedstock has been struck. Biodiesel Magazine reports Tree Oils India Ltd. (TOIL) will collaborate for the next five years with the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) to look into the feasibility of using pongamia for biodiesel, in addition to several other projects dealing with sustainable agriculture.

The locations of the project thus far are TOIL’s R&D farm near Hyderabad, India, and the laboratories of CRIDA, also in Hyderabad. While the new research agreement is for five years, Sreenivas Ghatty, managing director of TOIL, said they hope to achieve meaningful outcomes in two to three years. “We may go to other locations in the next few years as we progress,” he said, adding that TOIL has MOUs with Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, University of Hyderabad and Bayer Crop Science for similar research collaborations. “The exact activities will be delineated while developing the detailed activities to ensure that the proposed research activities with all the collaborators are complimentary but not competitive,” Ghatty said. “We are implementing a pilot integrated Pongamia plantation project in Meghalaya, India, and that location could also be included in the project.”

Part of the study will look at the actaul pongamia pod borer itself as well as a mechanical harvester.

Biodiesel, International

I’ll Take Some Free Fuel Please

Joanna Schroeder August 15, 2013

From Washington to Texas to New Jersey to Florida, motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country stopped by the Buffalo Chip Campgrounds during Sturgis to get some free 93 octane ethanol blended fuel. Riders familiar with the fuel were “stoked” to get a few gallons of free, premium ethanol fuel while those less knowledgeable were excited to try out the ethanol blend after speaking with the onsite Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) biker team including Robert White and Kristy Moore. During the Free Fuel Happy Hours, they answered questions and chatted with bikers across the country to spread the good word about ethanol and give away a bit of free fuel.

Tim Moe from Phoenix, Arizona stopped by the Buffalo Chip to cash in on the free fuel promotion. He said it was a nice consideration and a nice surprise. He rides a Honda Goldwing 1800. When asked about ethanol, he said he had no concern. “I think its a win, win, win. The farmers will benefit from this as they should, the environment will benefit and I will.”

Trace from Coer d’ Alene, Idaho said she was rocked to receive free ethanol.

You can hear what several riders had to say about ethanol in this audio clip. Free Fuel Happy Hour at Sturgis

John from Roll Tide, Alabama stopped by to fuel up and when asked if he had any concerns about fueling with ethanol, he said no. “I’d always heard it was a good thing.”

Rose from Western Colorado thought the free ethanol blended fuel was “absolutely wonderful”. She also said she learned a few things about ethanol including that it takes less units of energy to produce ethanol than gas.

A gentlemen from Odessa, Texas who filled up with free 93 octane ethanol fuel last year came back for more. He said his bike ran great on the blend and he had no adverse effects.

You can hear what several riders had to say about ethanol in this audio clip. Free Fuel Happy Hour at Sturgis

2013 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album

Audio, biofuels, Ethanol, Motorcycle, RFA, Sturgis

Penn State to Offer Renewable Energy Degree

Joanna Schroeder August 15, 2013

Penn State is now offering an online master’s degree in renewable energy and sustainability systems beginning this fall. Elsevier Publishing ranks Penn State first among universities engaged in alternative energy research.

“The new Intercollege Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems (iMPS-RESS) is designed to prepare professionals to lead the world’s transformation from an unsustainable, fossil energy economy to a renewable, sustainable basis of operation,” said Ali Demirci, professor of agricultural and biological engineering and iMPS-RESS academic program chair.

Departments included in the program include the colleges of Agricultural Sciences (lead academic unit), Earth and Mineral Sciences (lead administrative unit), Engineering, and the Liberal Arts; and the departments of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ecosystem Science and Management, Energy and Mineral Engineering, Marketing, and Plant Science.

Daniel Ciolkosz, academic program coordinator for iMPS-RESS, added, “This program is focused on giving students the technical expertise and advanced project management skills they will need to effectively create or manage successful renewable and sustainable energy systems. Options in bioenergy, sustainability management and policy, solar energy, and wind energy will allow students to tailor the degree to their career goals.”

The program will provide students with foundational knowledge in renewable energy and sustainability systems. It includes one course on energy markets, policy and regulation. Students also will complete a management and design project. Program options will provide specialized, technical knowledge. Applications are now being accepted.

Education, Renewable Energy

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