Cold-Growing Algae Shows Biodiesel Promise

John Davis

yellow-greenalgaeA new strain of algae found growing in the snowy Rocky Mountains could provide a promising feedstock for biodiesel. This story in Science Daily says heterococcus sp. DN1, a new variety of yellow-green algae, grows at near freezing temperatures and accumulates large amounts of lipids, working best at high light at the low temps:

Algae that can grow in extreme conditions and accumulate lipids are of great interest to industry. The team found that as H. sp. DN1 produces the highest quantity of lipids when grown undisturbed with high light in low temperatures, it is a potential source of lipids for human nutrition when grown undisturbed, and it has an ideal lipid profile for biofuel production when stressed.

davidnelson“We have isolated and characterized a new cold-tolerant lipid-producing strain of algae from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, US,” said Dr. David Nelson [Department of Plant Biology at the University of Minnesota]. “This may have implications for the commercial production of algal lipids at northern latitudes where the culture of other algal species is limited or impossible.”

algae, Biodiesel

WWF Launches Renewable Energy Campaign

Cindy Zimmerman

WWF is calling on the world to Seize Your Power and invest in renewable energy.

wwfWWF, the international name for the 50-year-old environmental focused World Wildlife Fund, is issuing a global call to action urging governments and financial institutions worldwide to increase investment in renewable energy by at least $40 billion over the next 12 months.

“We are running out of time. We know that if we continue to rely on fossil fuels we will face a future of worsening air pollution and an increasingly inhospitable climate. It is now our collective responsibility to commit to the future we want. We call on political and financial decision-makers to seize their power to make the switch to clean and sustainable renewable energy and end the inertia of coal, oil and gas,” said Jim Leape, Director General of WWF International.

The WWF Seize Your Power campaign features an on-line pledge that enables supporters to call for increased investments in renewable energy and the phasing out of investments in coal, oil and gas.

The pledge, which can be found on www.panda.org/seizeyourpower, calls on financial institutions and governments worldwide to act immediately, by making stronger commitments to increased financing for renewable technologies and policies and to directly invest more money in sustainable energy powered by wind, water and sun.

From today, WWF will campaign to seek major public commitments from governments and international financial institutions to make new investments of $40 billion USD beyond business-as-usual in the renewable energy sector. The public campaign will feature in more than 20 countries, where WWF is targeting public finance, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. By establishing a business case for moving new money into renewable energy, the campaign will show the environmental, social and economic risks of the dependence on dirty energy such as coal, oil and gas.

“The energy markets’ driving forces include speculation, institutional inertia, lack of accurate information, perverse incentives but also huge economic and political interests. It’s time to reframe the debate and expose the real costs of fossil fuels and the real opportunity of the renewable energy sector. The call to action we’re launching today is an invitation to every decision maker to invest in the future we want – one that is powered by clean, renewable and sustainable energy,” said Samantha Smith, Leader of the Global Climate and Energy Initiative of WWF-International.

While US$40 billion is only the start of the additional amount of investment that is needed, WWF believes that these new investments are an essential turning point in shifting money from risky fossil fuels into clean and renewable energy.

Environment, Renewable Energy

Green Plains to Buy Nebraska Ethanol Plant

Cindy Zimmerman

Green Plains Renewable Energy has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the membership interests of Choice Ethanol Holdings, owners of the former NEDAK Ethanol ethanol plant in Atkinson, Neb. The purchase also includes an ethanol storage and loading facility located near the plant. The dry-mill ethanol plant will add approximately 50 million gallons of operating capacity to Green Plains’ current annual production capacity of 740 million gallons.

“The acquisition of the plant in Atkinson expands our ethanol production platform and aligns with our ongoing strategy of growing our business and enhancing long-term shareholder value,” said Todd Becker, Green Plains’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “The plant meets our disciplined acquisition criteria and we have a deep understanding of this technology, size and geographic area. We believe we can rapidly improve the overall performance of this plant.”

The ethanol plant utilizes Delta-T processing technology. The ethanol storage facility holds approximately 24,000 barrels of ethanol and is located on the BNSF rail line. Green Plains plans to staff and re-start the plant within the next four weeks. Once the transaction closes, the Company plans to begin installing corn oil extraction technology, which should be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013. Completion of this transaction is subject to standard and customary closing conditions.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Facilities

Ethanol Supporters Disappointed in Florida Bill

Cindy Zimmerman

A bill repealing Florida’s Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) was signed into law Friday by Gov. Rick Scott to the disappointment of many ethanol and other biofuel supporters.

deb-mayfieldState Representative Debbie Mayfield of Vero Beach, led the opposition to the repeal of the requirement which was passed in 2008 when her late husband Stan Mayfield chairman of the Florida House energy committee. “We said that we were going to be a renewable energy state,” said Mayfield.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) supported the repeal, but long-time member and strong ethanol supporter Bobby Likis says they did not speak for him. “The automotive industry, businesses and consumers SEMA is purported to serve will regret this action, which is not based on facts but rather on misinformation, myths and interests spear-headed by a few,” said the automotive technician and talk show host, adding that those supporting the repeal ignored the interests “of the consumer, advancing technology, independence from foreign oil and American business development and financial success.”

“As this country struggles to comeback from recent economic hardships, it is sad to watch a state legislate away good paying jobs in the renewable energy sector and the abundant economic opportunities that come along with them,” said Bob Dinneen of the Renewable Fuels Association and Tom Buis with Growth Energy in a joint statement, noting that the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) supersedes any state law. “This toothless legislation might win favor with Big Oil supporters, but it has closed the door on job creation by the biofuels industry and sent investors packing for more visionary states. This is most definitely a lost opportunity for people of Florida.”

automotive, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, Growth Energy, RFA

Navy Welcomes 1st Solar-Powered EV Charging Station

Joanna Schroeder

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mid-South officially welcomed into service the Navy’s first solar-powered electric car charging station with a ribbon cutting ceremony. During the ceremony NSA Mid-South Executive Officer Cmdr. Brad Meeks thanked the combined Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) and Navy Solar EV Charging Station.jpgCommander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) team that brought the station online. He noted that the new photovoltaic carports are a sign of how the base is evolving to face new challenges.

“Naval Support Activity Mid-South is leading the way,” said Meeks. “This is the first solar power charging station in the Navy, and I want to thank our NAVFAC public works team for seeing this project through. Their efforts have ensured NSA Mid-South’s role in building a clean, sustainable future for our Navy and our nation.”

The carport will enable NSA Mid-South to recharge its current fleet of 17 electric vehicles with renewable electricity in approximately four hours, while reducing demand on the commercial power grid. In addition to charging vehicles connected through either 110V or 220V plugs, the carport will also provide excess electricity to the local power grid, further reducing the base’s electricity costs. The 150-foot-long panel structure tilts automatically to track the sun and includes several safety features to protect against high wind or lightning strikes. So far, the energy generated is enough power more than 60 average sized homes for a day.

Public Works Department Mid-South will monitor the carport’s production via a Web-based system and will rely on the base operations support contractor to maintain the individual solar arrays and components over its expected 25-year lifespan. The carport is part of an ongoing $10 million CNIC project to install seven sites with E85 (85% ethanol / 15% gasoline) stations, nine sites with solar carports and five sites with stand-along electric vehicle charging stations and Navy installations.

Alternative energy, Electric Vehicles, Electricity, Solar

Farmers, City Slickers Connect Through Soy Biodiesel

John Davis

Empireaward1Farmers and folks from the city might not have a lot in common (although more than most people realize), but they’re united by their love of biodiesel. This week, the United Soybean Board (USB) and Empire Clean Cities are recognizing New Yorkers’ efforts to reduce dependence on foreign oil, while going green and creating American jobs.

“America’s soybean growers are excited to support many positive connections and products that bring benefits to New York City residents,” said Sharon Covert, an Illinois farmer and USB Customer Focus Action Team chair. “New York is a leader with biodiesel used in thousands of vehicles and buildings. Now soy-backed turf is newly installed at Battery Park and New York’s first LEED Gold certified restaurant chose soy-backed carpet. The United Soybean Board is pleased state-of-the art products, such as biodiesel, Signature Carpet and AstroTurf, use soy as a rapidly renewable ingredient for sustainability.”Read More

Biodiesel, Soybeans, USB

Introducing One Stop Solar Projects

Joanna Schroeder

One Block off the Grid (1 BOG) has introduced a new one-stop-shop model that allows homeowners to compare pricing and financial options such as leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), much like they would on Kayak or Expedia. The difference: homeowners also receive unbiased guidance throughout the process from an independent 1BOG solar specialist.

1BOG is now offering PPAs and leasing options for homeowners in 15 states from the nation’s best solar providers. Based on a person’s location, electricity consumption and size of his house, a homeowner can compare different offerings to go solar for little or no money down, have the option to create custom payments 1BOG Solar Quoteand investment options, or explore pre-paid opportunities.

“Anyone who owns a home and has a high monthly electricity bill should consider solar. Now all they have to do is go to 1BOG to shop and compare options, and in minutes they’ll see what solar can do for them,” said Ousman Bah, managing director of 1BOG. “Our advisors will walk them through PPA or leasing options, help them understand what is the best option based on their area and their needs and give them the information they need to make an informed decision. It’s all free, and there is no hassle.”

1BOG’s says its success is based on demystifying the complexities around going solar. Many homeowners recognize that it’s a good idea, but have a hard time knowing where to begin. That’s where 1BOG comes in. And did you know that homeowners who go solar save an average of $1,200 U.S. per year and are able to lock in rates for up to 25 years?

“What 1BOG now offers will allow thousands of American families to compare and select the best solar provider in the nation without leaving their living room,” added Bah. “We believe this will be the key to unlocking the true potential of solar in the U.S. market.”

Alternative energy, Electricity, Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFBorrengo Solar Systems has announced its solar expertise contribution to “The Green Schools Investment Guide,” a free resource guide available to K-12 schools that demonstrates how schools can implement healthy and resource-efficient building improvement. Development of the guide was led by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council and Architecture for Humanity.
  • The Department of Environmental Protection has announced that it’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Natural Gas Vehicle program is now open. The program will provide an estimated $10 million in grants to help companies and organizations purchase or convert medium to light-weight natural gas vehicles.
  • VIASPACE has signed a Giant King Grass supply contract with Sagay Central of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
  • Sandia National Laboratories and SRI International are joining forces to explore, test and evaluate a broad range of hydrogen and natural gas fuel systems and components for transportation applications. The five-year memorandum of understanding is the first agreement in Sandia’s new Center for Infrastructure Research and Innovation (CIRI), an alternative fuel research and innovation facility whose goal is to accelerate hydrogen and natural gas infrastructure technologies into the marketplace.
  • Mounting Systems, Inc. has released the new open terrain PV racking system Sigma I XL that reduces pile-driving time and requires less site improvement and maintenance time than its two-post counterpart. Resembling the Greek letter “Pi”, the Pi-rail’s consists of a horizontal beam that provides strength and stability with minimal material usage.
Bioenergy Bytes

Ag Marketing is Not So Good

Talia Goes

Before we get to our new ZimmPoll let’s look at the results of our latest one which asked the question, “ Is agriculture doing a bad job of marketing?”

Our poll results: Sixty-five percent said Yes, Consumers Losing Trust, twenty-one percent said Yes, Industry Thinks It’s Not Needed, twelve percent said No, Consumers Trust Food Supply, and three percent said No, Industry Is Doing A Great Job.

Wow. That’s a huge percentage thinking we’re doing a bad job of marketing. Do you agree with these results? If so, why? What is wrong with the way marketing is being done in the ag sector? Do you think that some sensationalized stories in the media are contributing to a feeling that we are doing a bad job of marketing? If we are doing a really bad job of marketing is it hurting any farmer or company bottom line?

Untitled

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What is MOST important when buying a tractor?” Today, it seems like tractors come with as many options as a new car or truck. Many of these options are for comfort and flexibility. When you are shopping for a new tractor are you just looking for the basics or do you want and need all the new bells & whistles? Let us know.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by New Holland Agriculture.

ZimmPoll

Alabama City Switches Heavy Equipment to Biodiesel

John Davis

gadsdenlogoAn Alabama city is going green … and saving some green at the same time. According to AL.com, Gadsden is converting all of its heavy equipment to run on biodiesel and will net about $100,000 a year in tax credits and fuel costs from the move:

Gadsden began using propane for its city mowers about four years ago. Now the mowing tractors run on a B100 biodiesel fuel made from recycled restaurant and household grease. The city’s police fleet is currently transitioning to flex fuels, which use 85 percent corn-based ethanol. About 80 percent of its diesel fleet will be using the biofuel blend B20, which is a diesel fuel that is 20 percent domestically produced soy.

The city’s supplier is Ira Phillips Inc., a Gadsden-based wholesaler/distributor. The firm supplies the city with both flex-fuel and biodiesel, and installed the tank at a city refueling station. Mayor Sherman Guyton said the tank will mean that city trucks won’t have to “run all over town” to get fuel.

In addition to the monetary benefits, city officials also boast a 15 percent cut in carbon dioxide emissions by using B20. And they point out the increased lubricity of biodiesel keeps the engines running better, longer.

Biodiesel