Why Sugarcane Ethanol is Essential to RFS

Joanna Schroeder

There is a significant amount of attention being paid to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) but one area that hasn’t been talked about much is the role of sugarcane ethanol in the RFS. To learn more, I spoke with Leticia Phillips the representative for North America with UNICA – the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association.

She said that under the RFS, Brazilian sugarcane ethanol is classified as an “other advanced biofuel” and by 2022 this category of fuel is to contribute 4 billions gallons to the fuel supply. Phillips said that today, sugarcane Leticia Phillipsethanol is the best performing biofuel commercially available today. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculations, sugarcane ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by at least 61 percent when compared to traditional fuel, i.e. gasoline.

Today, sugarcane ethanol represents 3 percent of all fuels under the RFS, but it is actually one quarter of the advanced pool of the fuels for the RFS. Phillips says it plays a pretty important role and provides a secure flow of biofuels.

Brazilian sugarcane ethanol has been under fire because its not “American-made” and also because many argue it doesn’t have the GHG emission reductions that the EPA says it does. I asked Leticia why UNICA believes push-back on the biofuel is misplaced.

Leticia said from her viewpoint is that the RFS doesn’t specify that the fuel must be made in America, but rather the goal is to reduce carbon emissions. “The goal should also be to help America become energy secure and energy diverse,” explained Phillips. She said that energy security and energy independence both mean looking at where the country can get better performing biofuels for the program.

While she understands some of the push-back from the market, she stressed that a bigger problem with the RFS today is the so-called “blend wall” issue coupled with the fact that American fuel use is dwindling – a scenario no one anticipated when the RFS was created.

To learn more, listen to my interview with Leticia Phillips here: Why Sugarcane Ethanol is Essential to the RFS

For more information on sugarcane ethanol, visit UNICA’s sugarcane website.

advanced biofuels, Audio, Brazil, Ethanol, feedstocks, RFS, UNICA

Woman Abducted By Alien: Oil to Run Out by 2026

Joanna Schroeder

*BREAKING NEWS*

Tiffany Hoffinhoffer was driving home near midnight from a work trip when she pulled over for fuel at a rural gas station located just outside Jewell Junction, Iowa. Tired and wanting to get home, she was going through the motions of filling up her gas tank when she says suddenly a bright purple light descended on her. Cupping her hands over her eyes and looking at the sky, the next thing she knew she was waking up in a blue hinged “auditorium” like space, bound to a chair-like contraption floating above a blackish wet and rippling body of liquid.

© Copyright 2010 CorbisCorporationAs told to DomestifcFuel.com, hearing sounds she looked out into the darkness and when her eyes focused she was staring at hundreds of toddler-sized beings with blue bodies, clear green eyes and dressed in Romanesque white robes.

“I was first confused, then terrified,” said Tiffany. “The last thing I clearly remembered was filling my Toyota Corolla’s gas tank with 93 octane premium fuel.”

Calm as she told the story, she said she began to struggle but heard a calming voice telling her she was safe. Then she said, as fast as her fear arrived, it vanished.

“I was told that I had been chosen to deliver an urgent message to the people of Earth.”

“If we don’t stop using oil, then it will run out by 2026,” explained Tiffany who said she told the aliens that planet Earth had hundreds of years of oil left. But the aliens said that Earthlings who thought this were delusional.

The alien, who later said his name was Infinity and was in charge of bringing new alternative energy technologies to Earth, also told her coal would run out by 2032 and natural gas would be gone by 2045.

StoryCityIAHP“I’m not sure why they picked me,” said the Story City, Iowa housewife. “I’m just a stay-at-home mother trying to raise my three children and pinch every penny I can while the cloud of recession still hovers over America. I mean, why me?”

As her story goes, Tiffany says Infinity told her she was the perfect messenger because mothers tend to make all critical household decisions and pay the family’s bills and they would be the first to notice increasing energy costs.

“Women are the agent of change,” Infinity told her.

He said that I, along with my family and friends, could save society, as we know it, by sharing my story. “If we don’t change our ways, the Earth as we know it will end due to intermittent energy and liquid fuel shortages that will cause energy wars and food shortages.”

“I know most people will believe this is a hoax,” added Tiffany, “but when Infinity placed his hand on my shoulder asking for my help, I knew I had to do something and accepted the mission.”Read More

Commentary, Miscellaneous, Renewable Energy

Land Availability Should Determine Biomass Use

Joanna Schroeder

According to a paper published by the nova-Institute on agricultural feedstock use in industrial applications, efficiency and sustainability assessed on a case-by-case basis Global Prod Capacity by region 2015should be the sole criteria in judging the choice of feedstock used. The paper reviewed the “food versus fuel” arguments surrounding feedstocks to help shed light on the debate on how feedstocks should be used. The institute further stressed that the real issue is land availability for growing biomass for different purposes.

The paper refers to studies asserting that, even after satisfying food demand of a rapidly growing world population, enough arable land would remain available for purposes other than food production. The authors argue that the best usage of these areas is achieved by considering the land-efficiency of different crops. Studies show that many food crops are more land-efficient than non-food crops. According to the paper, they require less land to produce the same amount of e.g. fermentable sugar (commonly used in biotechnology processes) than non-food crops or so-called second generation feedstock, e.g. lignocelluloses.

“Efficiency and sustainability should be the leading criteria when selecting renewable feedstock for industrial purposes, such as the production of bioplastics,” said Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of European Bioplastics, embracing the paper as a welcome contribution to the discussion. “If the industry were to neglect the use of first generation feedstock at this point in time, it would do a disservice to society and the environment,” he added. “In addition to being currently more efficient, the use of food-crops for industrial purposes has the major advantage that, in times of food crisis, these crops could be reallocated to food use.”

European Bioplastics is in favor of promoting the use of second or even third generation feedstock for industrial purposes. However, as long as food crops continue in many cases 13-08 use of harvested agricultural biomassto represent the most efficient feedstock by far, discrediting their use would be misguided and a step in the wrong direction in achieving the European Commission sustainability targets.

“This often very emotional discussion needs to be steered into a more fact based direction,” continued von Pogrell. “Only two percent of the global agricultural area is actually used to grow feedstock for material production and only 0.006 percent is used in the production of bioplastics, compared to 98 percent used for food, feed and as pastures,” he concluded.

These findings echo the conclusion of a study recently published by the World Bank, according to which an increase in food prices is largely influenced by the oil price. Biofuels and, by extension, bioplastics play a negligible factor here. The study looked at food commodities such as corn, wheat, rice, soybeans and palm oil and compared commodity prices to energy prices, exchange rates, interest rates, inflation, income and a stocks-to-use ratio to determine which of these drivers had the most impact on food prices.

advanced biofuels, Agribusiness, biomass, biomaterials, food and fuel, Research

Obama Signs Legislation to Expand Hydropower

Joanna Schroeder

relaunch_dam Photo Voith HydroPresident Obama has signed into law the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act and the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act. The hydropower legislation is designed to expand hydropower production in the U.S. by improving and streamlining the licensing process.

“President Obama’s signature on hydropower legislation is terrific news for expanding renewable energy and creating jobs across the country,” said Voith Hydro President and CEO Kevin Frank in response to the signing. “There’s no better indication that hydropower is at the center of the national policy debate than the widespread and bipartisan support these bills received in both the House and Senate. We wouldn’t have gotten to this point without the outstanding leadership of Chairman Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Murkowski (R-AK) in the Senate and Representatives McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) in the House.”

The Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act will improve the permitting process for small and conduit hydropower projects on Bureau of Reclamation facilities. The Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act will:

  • Increase the small hydro exemption to 10 MW (currently at 5MW);
  • Remove conduit projects under 5 MW from FERC jurisdiction and increase the conduit exemption to 40 MW for all projects;
  • Provide FERC the ability to extend preliminary permits; and
  • Require FERC to examine a 2-year licensing process for non-powered dams and closed loop pump storage.

The bill signing comes on the heels of last month’s HydroVision International, where more than 3,000 people associated with the global hydropower industry gathered in Denver, Colorado and discussed challenges and opportunities for hydropower around the world.

“The passage of this legislation is a first but very important step in getting more clean, renewable, and job-creating hydropower to homes and businesses across the U.S.,” Frank continued. “We thank President Obama for his support for America’s largest renewable resource.”

Electricity, Hydro, Renewable Energy

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFGlobal wind and solar company Mainstream Renewable Power (Mainstream) has closed a deal to sell its 7.65 megawatt Carrickeeny Wind Farm to IKEA, the world’s largest furniture retailer. Mainstream has commenced construction of the project which is located in Leitrim in the North West of Ireland and it is expected to be operational in early 2014 at which point IKEA will purchase the plant. As part of the deal Mainstream will continue operate and maintain the wind farm on behalf of IKEA for its 20-year lifespan.
  • China Sunergy, Co. a specialized solar cell and module manufacturer has signed two solar module supply contracts totaling 9.9 MW with Bester Generacion, an engineering, procurement and construction company based in Spain. The solar modules will be supplied from the company’s Turkey plant to Romania in September 2013.
  • According to CareerCast’s 2013 Jobs Rated Report on the energy sector, chemists, geoscientists, industrial engineers, and wind turbine service technicians are among some of the most promising career opportunities in the energy sector.
  • Starwood Energy Group Global and Mesa Power Group have aquired the 377 MW Stephens Ranch Wind Project located in Borden and Lynn Counties, Texas. The project spans more than 47,000 acres. The first phase of the project is expected to being construction in September 2013 and should be operational by August 2014.
Bioenergy Bytes

Why You Should Not Miss the ACE Conference

Joanna Schroeder

The 26th American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Conference is less than two weeks away. The event is being held in Des Moines, Iowa August 26-28th and the conference will be offering great sessions covering issues that are important to the ethanol industry. I asked Shannon Gustafson, Director of Strategic Projects for a brief overview of some of the key issues that will be discussed.

Conference article photo 2She said the first day of the conference general session will highlight “policy & innovation” with topics like “Opportunities for Ethanol Producers to Reduce Carbon Intensity,” “RFS Pathways to Innovation,” and a Q&A with ACE leadership. The second day of the general session will highlight “marketing & profitability” with topics like “Taking Advantage of RINS in the Marketplace,” “Automaker Perspective: Outlook for Higher Ethanol Blends and Octane,” “Current Financial Status of the Industry & Co-Product Trends and Their Impact on Profitability,” and “Trade Policy and the U.S. Ethanol Industry.” She said they will also have breakout sessions designed to help ethanol plant managers and board members with things like governance and elections. The full agenda can be found here.

I asked Gustafson, why the ACE Conference is unique in relation to other biofuel conferences. “The ACE conference is unique in that it is an intimate gathering that provides industry members ample opportunity to meet face to face with their counterparts at other plants, ask questions directly to speakers, and dig deep into what issues are affecting the industry in the moment,” explained Gustafson.

She also noted that the ACE Conference is perfect for ethanol plant management and board members, and is also a great event for anyone that works directly or peripherally in the industry. Between the General Session and Breakout Sessions, attendees will find both high level overviews of topics as well as the opportunity to dive deeper into topics during Q&As.

But maybe one of the best aspects of the event is that plant managers and attendees will be able to go back home and put information into action. “Plant members that attend our event will go back with a firm grasp of what is happening in Washington and how it will affect their plant in the coming months,” said Gustafson. “They will also take back skills that can be put to use in board meetings to enrich relationships between board members and plant management and how to make wise staffing decisions, as well as more technical knowledge related to air enforcement and RINs.”

Registration is still open but because of the intimate venue, is limited. So register now before its too late.

ACE, biofuels, conferences, Ethanol

Akash Selects Interneer Software for Biofuels Ops

John Davis

akashinterneerHouston, Texas-based Akash Energy selected software developer Interneer, Inc. to help the provider of biodiesel and ethanol, as well as petroleum products, automate some business processes. This Interneer news release says the business mobile apps will be used throughout Akash’s distribution chain, from raw material sourcing through distribution to Akash’s retail stations, expected to open later this year:

In 2013, Akash developed an inventory management and invoice processing solution using Intellect BPM that has been integrated into its existing operations. Further, Akash is using Interneer to integrate strategic planning processes into every aspect of their operation. The strategic planning module will link every task to an objective and its corresponding goal, revolutionizing the employee relationship with the company’s mission.

“I am part of the Millennial Generation, which is a unique generation in the sense that we bridge the gap,” said Justin Heller, Founder and President of Akash Energy. “We grew up before technology had infiltrated every aspect of our lives, but came of age as it did, leading to one of the most significant paradigm shifts since the industrial revolution. The ability to connect with anyone, anywhere, at any time, coupled with universal access to the sum total of human knowledge, is creating a population that is becoming exponentially more conscious of the consequences of their actions.”

Akash officials say the Interneer software is “robust and completely customizable,” crucial elements for their sustainable energy operation. Plus, they say the program will allow them to better manage fuel sourcing, production, and inventory in real-time.

“Sustainable energy is a robust and high growth market with constant change taking place,” said Romeo Elias, CEO of Interneer. “The ability to rapidly adjust business processes and yet at the same time track details for compliance is crucial to the success of any company in the energy and utilities space. We are pleased that Akash Energy chose to run their critical business operations on Interneer and to empower employees across the enterprise and partners over an extended network.”

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Corn Oil Biodiesel Adds Arrow to Ethanol’s Quiver

John Davis

More ethanol plants are squeezing more profits out of the corn they use by recovering more of the oil in the process and turning it into biodiesel. This article from Ethanol Producer Magazine says by the end of the year, as many as 80 percent of U.S. ethanol plants could be recovering corn oil.

cornoilbiodiesel1WB Services is offering ethanol producers a way to turn corn oil into high-value fuels on site. The company has two separate technologies, both commercially available now, that call for co-location of either a biodiesel or renewable diesel facility with an existing ethanol plant. “We think this just adds another arrow to the quiver for an ethanol plant as far as diversifying their product mix and insulating them against tough times,” [Bernie Hoffman, vice president of business development and minority owner of WB Services LLC] says. Rachel Overheul, engineering manager for WB Services, agrees. “It brings a lot of potential market value to the ethanol plant, as opposed to being dependent on the corn oil market,” she adds.

The company has built and is operating a 2 MMgy biodiesel plant and is in the process of completing construction on a 3 MMgy renewable diesel facility, both in Sedgwick, Kan. Although neither facility is co-located with an ethanol plant, both serve as a showpiece for potential customers interested in co-location. “They can come and see the technology at work, feel comfortable with the way they operate,” says Ron Beemiller, company president and CEO.

The article goes on to point out how a co-located biodiesel facility helps with commercial viability, uses existing infrastructure to keep costs down and allows for continued research and development. In addition, while many facilities might be built for corn oil, there’s some real flexibility in choosing another feedstock if the need arises.

Biodiesel, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, News

UK Seeks “Best” Biofuel

Joanna Schroeder

According to an article in The Guardian, the United Kingdom (UK) is willing to pay for the best biofuels. The UK government is hosting a competition to come up with the most garbageviable demonstration plants for biofuels made from waste organic materials, such as wood waste or straw.

Many groups, especially environmental groups, have begun to lobby in favor of “better biofuels” or ones they consider to be both better for the environment or for society. Within this context, groups are opposed to first generation biofuels– or those that can be used for “food-” aka the food versus fuel debate. In light of this trend, focus has shifted to biofuels made from other feedstocks, especially waste materials – things that would end up in landfills.

Attempts to manufacture biofuels from waste have been going on since the late 1960s; however, until now, research has been limited to the lab have have not met with great success. Yet growing concerns about the environment has brought more attention to the transportation sector and a resurgence in waste-to-energy technology has evolved. Today, the industry is beginning to see some success at demonstration level.

In the UK, Ministers believe that research has now reached a stage where advanced biofuels are commercially possible. The department for transport said indications from the biofuels industry have demonstrated there are potential projects with a modicum of interest. The Ministers believe there will be several “high quality” bids for the 25m on offer, which must be matched by private sector investment.

Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat transport minister, told the Guardian, “It’s hugely important that we decarbonise transport. We have been up hill and down dale on biofuels in the past few years. What we need to do is distinguish between good biofuels and bad biofuels, and this competition will produce good biofuels.”

The first step of the prize will involve a feasibility study detailing the design of the competition and the criteria that needs to be met by any bidder. This stage is expected to take four or five months, after which bids will be accepted. A winner could be announced within a year, but the process could take longer depending on the bids received. The prize will accept a bid for a project using any methodology or feedstock as long as they can be proved to produce carbon savings over conventional fuels and come from feedstocks that are environmentally sustainable.

 

advanced biofuels, International, Waste-to-Energy

IRFA Unveils E85 Wholesale Price Listing Service

Joanna Schroeder

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has launched an E85 Wholesale Price Listing Service. The IRFA lists E85 prices from wholesale distributors with the intent of increasing transparency in the marketplace, allowing retailers to review supply options in one location.

“The goal of our E85 wholesale price listing program is to assist retailers in providing their consumers with the lowest-cost E85 available,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “This is good for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), good for consumers, and great for Iowa. Many of these suppliers pass the RIN savings to the consumer, which is making for some very attractive E85 prices. In fact, several E85 suppliers this week have E85 a dollar or more below the average price for regular unleaded gasoline.”

IRFA E85 Price IndexThe IRFA will publish Thursday’s E85 price every Friday. E85 suppliers wishing to have their price posted should contact T.J. Page with the IRFA at 515-252-6249 or tpage@IowaRFA.org. To be eligible for listing, the supplier’s price must: be publicly posted elsewhere; be available to any retailer or supplier; not be restricted by gallonage caps.  E85 is defined in state law as a blend of between 70 and 85 percent ethanol with gasoline.

biofuels, E85, Ethanol, Iowa RFA