Xcel Takes Aim at Rooftop Solar in Colorado

Joanna Schroeder

Renewable energy advocates, businesses and environmental groups have joined together to urge the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to reject a new proposal from Xcel Energy that would discourage rooftop solar growth in its territory. Issued last week as part of Xcel’s 2014 Renewable Energy Standard compliance plan, the proposal takes aim at net metering, one of the state’s most important programs for encouraging consumer investment in solar power.

Solar Installation Photo Energy.gov“Net metering is key to reaching Colorado’s Million Solar Roofs goal and has been a huge component to helping Colorado families and businesses afford to go solar,” said Edward Stern, executive director of the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA). “Xcel’s current proposal falls short of accounting for rooftop solar’s tremendous value to Colorado. If we’re going to have a conversation about net metering, we need to make sure we’re using good, updated, accurate information.”

According to solar advocates, the utility is using a contested study that has not undergone public or commission review to make its case against the successful solar policy. The Xcel study and subsequent proposal do not fairly value the many benefits that rooftop solar delivers to Colorado.

Annie Lappé, solar policy director at The Vote Solar Initiative (Vote Solar), said of Xcel’s plan, “Xcel is using a flawed study and backroom tactics to attempt to roll back one of the state’s most important solar customer rights. While we understand that rooftop solar represents a change from the utility’s traditional way of doing business, this proposal is a non-starter for a needed conversation about the future of rooftop solar in Colorado.”

Solar advocates say that rooftop solar is helping Colorado families, schools and businesses take charge of their power supply and their electricity bills. This private investment in local clean energy is delivering economic, environmental and public health benefits to Xcel’s solar and non-solar customers alike.

  • New energy leadership: Colorado ranks 5th in the country with enough solar installed to power 50,500 homes.
  • Grid benefits: Local solar energy systems can reduce the need for expensive centralized power plants and transmission infrastructure, which benefits Colorado’s non-solar customers.
  • Job & economic benefits: There are currently 275 solar companies employing 3,600 Coloradoans throughout the state. In 2012, $187 million was invested in Colorado to install solar on homes and businesses.

“Private investment in rooftop solar is helping build a cleaner, safer and more resilient energy supply for all Coloradans. We encourage the Colorado PUC to stand strong for rooftop solar by rejecting this harmful proposal from Xcel,” added Carrie Cullen Hitt, senior vice president for state affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Miscellaneous

Commercial Scale Cellulosic Ethanol Is Real

Joanna Schroeder

INEOS Bio’s biorefinery, Indian River BioEnergy Center, is now producing cellulosic ethanol at commercial scale. The first ethanol shipments will be released in August. According to the company, this is the first commercial-scale production in the world using their gasification and fermentation technology for conversion of biomass waste into bioethanol and renewable power.

“We are delighted with the progress made by our team at Vero Beach,” said Peter Williams, CEO of INEOS Bio and Chairman of INEOS New Planet BioEnergy. “They have successfully addressed the challenges of moving a new technology to large production INEOS BIO BIOETHANOL FIRST FACILITYscale for the very first time. Consequently, we are now pleased to announce that we are producing commercial quantities of bioethanol from vegetative and wood waste, and at the same time exporting power to the local community – a world first. We expect to spend the remainder of 2013 putting the plant through its paces, and demonstrating full nameplate capacity.”

Dr. Williams added, “All that we have seen so far validates the technical and economic viability of the technology. We remain convinced that the ability to divert waste materials from communities by converting them into competitively priced renewable fuel and power offers an excellent value proposition. It helps solve waste disposal issues, contributes to the supply of affordable and renewable fuel and energy, creates attractive jobs, and provides a sustainable source of value for the community. We look forward to taking the next steps in building a global business based on the broad deployment of this advanced technology.”

The BioEnergy Center is a joint venture project between INEOS Bio and New Planet Energy. The facility has already converted several types of waste biomass material into bioethanol, including vegetative and yard waste, and citrus, oak, pine, and pallet wood waste. It will have an annual output of eight million gallons (24kta) of cellulosic ethanol and six megawatts (gross) of renewable power. The Center is also permitted to utilize municipal solid waste (MSW), quantities of which will be used for bioethanol production at the Center during 2014.

advanced biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol

We’re Sticking With E15

Joanna Schroeder

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has released the results of a survey of Iowa’s E15 retailers showing there were zero complaints, zero lawsuits and zero engine problems in regards to fueling with E15. Big Oil has been engaged in an active campaign against E15 and is using scare tactics in an attempt to ward people off using the ethanol blend.

Screen Shot 2013-07-31 at 10.00.51 AMThe survey also showed that from September 17, 2012 through May 31, 2013 Iowans successfully burned nearly 83,000 gallons of registered E15 (a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol), enough to drive the equivalent of nearly seven trips to the moon with no complaints or engine problems.

“While Big Oil continues to try to scare retailers and consumers with hypothetical E15 horror stories, in reality E15 is being used all over Iowa with absolutely no issues,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “E15 is being sold at a significant discount to regular gasoline, and consumers are taking notice.”

The survey of E15 retailers showed:

  • On average, E15 was sold at nearly a 22-cent discount to regular (no ethanol) gasoline.
  • On average, E15 was sold at nearly an 11-cent discount to E10, a gasoline blend containing 10 percent ethanol.
  • There were zero known cases of misfueling with E15.
  • There were zero lawsuits or reported engine problems regarding E15.
  • There was no reported consumer confusion regarding E15 labeling.’
  • Every Iowa E15 retailer stated they plan to continue selling E15 to 2001 and newer vehicles on September 16, 2013, the start of the “winter” gasoline season.
biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

Investigation Underway in Kansas Biodiesel Plant Fire

John Davis

biodieselfire1Fire destroyed a Kansas biodiesel plant, but thanks to quick work by firefighters on the scene, no injuries were reported. The Wichita Eagle reports the fire at the Green Energy Products plant in Sedgwick was particularly dangerous as fire crews from five jurisdictions faced possible burning biodiesel, corn oil and methanol.

Some cylinders and other vessels exploded initially, Sedgwick County Fire Chief Gary Curmode said.

“The first hour and a half was pretty dangerous,” he said. There were no injuries.

The cause is unknown, but the state fire marshal is investigating.

Fire sent flames and black smoke high in to the air at one point and collapsed the metal building’s roof.

Bernie Hoffman, vice president of WB Services — the parent company of Green Energy — said, “It started very small and burned very fast. It looks like it’s going to be a complete loss.”

About a dozen people were in the refinery when the fire broke out, but all escaped injury. Green Energy officials say the building is designed to contain a fire such as this.

A link to video of the fire is below:
biodieselfire

Biodiesel

Biodiesel Maker REG Posts Strongest Quarter Ever

John Davis

reg-logoThings are looking up for biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group. The Iowa-based company says it sold 69.2 million gallons of biodiesel during the second quarter this year, up 28 percent from the same time a year ago. Revenues also increased 42 percent from a year ago, hitting $387.1 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $41.6 million during the second quarter 2013.

“This was our strongest quarter ever for production and gallons sold,” said Daniel J. Oh, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Market demand for biodiesel remained strong due, in part, to demand for biomass-based diesel RINs. REG’s substantial revenue growth this quarter can also be attributed to manufacturing and operational improvement at our biorefineries and gallons produced via a tolling agreement.”

REG officials also announced that the company’s acquisition of a 30-million gallon per year nameplate capacity biodiesel plant from Soy Energy, LLC in Mason City, Iowa, was approved by Soy Energy unit holders, and they intend to repair the refinery and start cranking out soybean-based biodiesel soon.

REG also reported major multifeedstock upgrades at the Albert Lea, Minn., biorefinery and repairs, upgrades and start-up at the company’s New Boston, Texas, biorefinery in the second quarter. Finally, construction on an Illinois River barge load-out at REG’s Seneca, Ill., location is underway.

Biodiesel, REG

ACE Hails “ACE” Project

Joanna Schroeder

ACE hailed “ACE” yesterday in Galva, Iowa during an event where Quad County Corn Processors broke ground on its Adding Cellulosic Ethanol “ACE” project a bolt-on technology innovation that will specialize in converting corn fiber into cellulosic ethanol. On hand for the groundbreaking ceremony was American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Executive Vice quadcounty13-jennings-acePresident Brian Jennings who noted that the cellulosic ethanol project is a great example of American ingenuity that was intended when the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was enacted.

Jennings explained that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to allow corn kernel fiber to qualify as a cellulosic biofuel feedstock under the RFS. Quad County’s technology, called “Adding Cellulosic Ethanol,” will convert corn kernel fiber into two million gallons of cellulosic ethanol, in addition to the 35 million gallons of corn starch ethanol already produced at the plant. It will improve the facility’s yield by 6 percent, result in three times more corn oil, and produce a new high-protein low-fiber feed for livestock.

“Quad County Corn Processors is likely to be the first production facility on the planet to produce corn and cellulosic ethanol from the same feedstock at the same site,” remarked Jennings. “Some of the biggest and most profitable companies in the world have tried to perfect and commercialize the process of converting cellulose to biofuel. But it should come as no surprise that the 35 employees and 353 farmer shareholders of Quad County Corn Processors will be one of the first to do it, because some of the sharpest minds of this industry are the innovative and hard working people in rural America. This shows how the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a catalyst for innovation.”

Listen to Brian Jennings’s remarks here: ACE Hails ACE Project

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

ACE, advanced biofuels, Audio, Cellulosic, corn, Ethanol

Wind & Solar to Growth Significantly

Joanna Schroeder

According to a recent report by Worldwatch Institute, global use of solar and wind energy continued to grow significantly in 2012. Solar power consumption increased by 58 percent, to 93 terrawatt-hours (TWh), and the use of wind power increased by 18 percent, Ringgenbach-Solar-Farm-Rigeenbach-Germanyto 521 TWh. Although hydropower remains the world’s leading renewable energy, solar and wind continue to dominate investment in new renewable capacity and are quickly becoming the highest-profile renewable energy sources.

The report found that global solar and wind energy capacities continued to grow even though new investments in these energy sources declined during 2012. Global investment in solar energy in 2012 was $140.4 billion, an 11 percent decline from 2011, and wind investment was down 10 percent, to $80.3 billion. But due to lower costs for both technologies, total installed capacities grew sharply.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity grew by 41 percent in 2012, reaching 100 gigawatts (GW). Over the past five years alone, installed PV capacity grew by 900 percent from 10 GW in 2007. The countries with the most installed PV capacity today are Germany (32.4 GW), Italy (16.4 GW), the United States (7.2 GW), and China (7.0 GW).

Europe remains dominant in solar, accounting for 76 percent of global solar power use in 2012. Germany alone accounted for 30 percent of the world’s solar power consumption, and Italy added the third most capacity of any country in 2012 (3.4 GW). Spain added the most concentrating solar thermal power capacity (950 MW) in 2012 as well. However, Italy reached the subsidy cap for its feed-in tariff (FIT) program in June 2013 while Spain recently made a retroactive change in its FIT policies, meaning growth in solar energy will likely slow in these countries in the near future.Read More

Alternative energy, Electricity, Hydro, Solar, Wind

Quad County: The Ethanol Plant That Could

Joanna Schroeder

Remember the story about the little train that could? Well, Quad County Corn Processors should be known as the “smallest plant that did the greatest things“. Yesterday the ethanol plant broke ground on its bolt-on cellulosic ethanol technology coined Adding Cellulosic Ethanol “ACE” project. On hand for the event, along with a standing room only crowd, was Monte Shaw, executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA).

quadcounty13-shaw-iowarfa“It’s exciting to see one of the smaller ethanol plants in Iowa adding some forward-looking technology,” said Shaw during his remarks. “This new bolt-on process will greatly improve many efficiencies at this plant, ultimately reducing the amount of energy used to produce a gallon of ethanol. With other cellulosic projects underway in the state, Iowa is poised to lead the way in advanced ethanol production.”

The “ACE” project will allow more products to be produced from the same kernel of corn – starched-based ethanol, fiber-based ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil. It was this ability that the plant demonstrates that inspired Shaw to wear his “corn” shirt, complements of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) several years ago.

Listen to Monte Shaw’s remarks here: The Ethanol Plant That Could

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

advanced biofuels, Audio, corn, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

Pleasant Valley Biofuels Opens UT Biodiesel Refinery

John Davis

PVBLogo1The folks in Southern Utah enjoy some of the most stunning views I have ever seen. Now, thanks to a new biodiesel plant in the area, the air might just be a little cleaner and clearer to see those sights all the better. The St. George (UT) Spectrum reports Pleasant Valley Biofuels in Washington City, Utah, will be able possibly to crank out up to four million gallons a year of the green fuel from waste grease.

“We are glad to be here,” [co-owner Brandon Thurman] said.

Thurman said the process to convert resources like grease into biofuel includes having it brought in by the truckload, usually about 65,000 gallons at a time. The fuel produced at the plant has to undergo standard quality checks to ensure it is worthy to be sold.

“The process is pretty simple, which is why some people have been known to do it at their house in their garage,” Thurman said.

With its current equipment, the company can produce up to one million gallons per year, with the hope that it will eventually expand to its full capacity of producing about four million gallons per year, Thurman said.

Pleasant Valley Biofuels recently located to Southern Utah from Idaho. Company officials say they get their feedstock locally and sell the biodiesel mostly to trucking companies working in the area. They hope to get some local city fleets to convert to the green fuel.

Biodiesel

Mercer County Community College Goes Solar

Joanna Schroeder

Mercer County Community College (MCCC) located in West Windsor, New Jersey is going solar. The project was developed by MasTec, who selected Solectria Renewables’ SGI 500 inverters for the 8MW solar system located on a 45 parcel of land. The project is estimated to save MCCC nearly $750,000 in energy costs per year.

Solectria SGI 500 invertors“We’ve worked with Solectria Renewables on other projects, including a 4.75MW solar system in Massachusetts, so we already have experience with the reliability and durability of their products as well as the responsiveness of their sales, operations and customer services teams,” said Aron Anderson, Director of Estimating of MasTec. “When this project arose, there was no doubt that we would engage Solectria again. We truly value their products and company as a whole.”

Patricia C. Donohue, MCCC President, said the solar farm moves MCCC forward on many fronts. “The solar farm will save Solectra Renewables Projectcritical dollars and enable us to restore to our budget many cuts in programs and services we have made over the past two years. It also helps us fulfill our sustainability goals. We have committed to the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality.”

The annual electricity produced from this project will provide 70 percent of the power needed to run the campus.

“Being chosen by MasTec is an honor and we value our partnership with them,” added Bob Montanaro, Southeast Regional Sales Manager of Solectria Renewables. “We know that our inverters are the best choice for this 8MW project – they have been deployed across all of North America because of their reliability, bankability and highest return on investment (ROI).”

Alternative Vehicles, Electricity, Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar