Uesugi Farms Turns Barren Land Into Ripe Commodity

Joanna Schroeder

Usegui Farms has turned barren farm land into a rip commodity with solar energy. Vista Solar along with Uesugi Farms’ General Manager Pete Aiello and several local leaders dedicated the solar power project with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The solar project was installed by Vista Solar and is now producing enough power from the sun to offset 91.5 percent of the farm’s electrical demand. Along with a zero-down operating base lease, the system is projected to create more than $2.6 million in savings over the next 25 years.

“Vista Solar did an excellent job helping us turn a business liability into an asset,” said General Manager Pete Aiello. “Not only did they provide professionalism and expertise in designing and installing the system, but they excelled in all the aspects surrounding it, including obtaining the financing and educating our staff about solar.”

uesegi_solar_panelsWith a low base flood elevation, this parcel of farmland has been prone to flooding, making it nearly impossible to grow crops. Uesugi Farms contracted with Vista Solar to create a design that could transform the unusable land into a solar generation facility. Elevated six feet off the ground to avoid flood damage, the system comprised of 300 Watt Canadian Solar panels and 3-phase, transformerless Refusol string inverters is capable of producing more than 1.25 million kilowatt hours of solar energy annually – enough energy to power more than 100 homes.

“Forward-thinking businesses like Uesugi Farms are motivated by the significant savings that solar can provide for their bottom line, but at the end of the day, they often have several other mission-critical places where their capital is needed. Being able to provide a way to start saving with solar right away while preserving precious capital and lines of credit is one of the things that makes this project and Vista Solar so unique,” said Jaymes Callinan, vice president of Vista Solar.

With the commissioning of their new solar system, Uesugi Farms has deepened its commitment to environmental stewardship by converting a barren plot of land into a carbon-offsetting, renewable energy-generator while adhering to their fiduciary duties as a family business. Aiello said this is a legacy decision that will benefit generations to come.

Agribusiness, Electricity, Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar

Hawaii Co. Uses High-Vacuum Distillation for Biodiesel

John Davis

BigIslandlogo1Making the cleanest, highest quality biodiesel is the goal of most refiners of the green fuel. A Hawaii company has completed testing on a high-vacuum distillation (HVD) unit at its new biodiesel facility, and this article from Biodiesel Magazine says the folks at Big Island Biodiesel, a part of Pacific Biodiesel Technologies and in partnership with Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture, are pretty pleased with the results:

BigIslandplant1The state-of-the-art biodiesel refinery, with a capacity of 5.5 MMgy, has since been ramping up production and dialing in the procedures for the HVD unit—a technology that has proven to be an important component in recycling even the most highly degraded waste oils into premium quality biodiesel…

Distillation of biodiesel under high vacuum is a new approach to addressing the shortcomings of traditional biodiesel refining techniques when dealing with degraded feedstock. The biodiesel produced with the new process is an extremely pure fuel.

Due to this advanced technology and the efficiency of the Keaau facility, laboratory test results from BIB distilled product “have been astounding,” according to industry pioneer Bob King, president of Pacific Biodiesel Technologies, the company that developed Big Island Biodiesel. King noted that the fuel quality is exceeding all of the individual biodiesel test component requirements of ASTM standards.

The article goes on to say that the sulfur content of the biodiesel is just a fraction of ASTM D6751 limits, and the glycerin content is 20 times smaller than maximum allowable levels. And officials point out that’s using biodiesel made from used cooking oil and grease trap oil with a 65 percent free fatty acid (FFA) content. In other words, they’re getting higher quality biodiesel from lower-quality feedstocks.

Biodiesel

Groups Ask For Water “Road Map”

Joanna Schroeder

Leaders of the Committee for the American Clean Energy Agenda (ACEA) praised Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and 22 of her House colleagues for urging new U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to release the long overdue “road map” on how to manage the development of U.S. energy resources without harming the quality and supply of water supplies. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 required water-related recommendations, but as of yet, have not been submitted to Congress.

The coalition comprised of more than 120 citizen organizations and 2 million members, is concerned about the link between energy development and a clean, safe Waterwater supply. With this mission in mind, ACEA applauded the letter submitted by several U.S. House members to Energy Secretary Moniz.

“Without this information, Congress is flying blind when it comes to developing an energy policy so reliant on the availability of fresh water. As we enter the summer months when the impacts of droughts on agriculture and water shortages are felt across the country, access to these recommendations become all the more crucial,” said Pam Solo, president and founder of the Civil Society Institute.”We should have an energy policy where people mater and that includes having access to clean and safe water.”

Back in January, an ACEA survey found that 92 percent of Americans think “U.S. energy planning and decision making” should be based on a “comprehensive understanding of what our natural resources are.” In essence, this is the “road map” that Congress requested but which was never produced. According to ACEA, the national water road map attracts the support of 92 percent of Republicans, 89 percent of Independents, and 94 percent of Democrats.

“This letter from lawmakers echoes the sentiment of the American people that we must better understand how our energy policy impacts this country’s precious water resources,” stressed Heather White, executive director of the Environmental Working Group. “The Department of Energy cannot afford to delay any loner the release of the ‘Water Nexus’ road map when energy production increasingly threatens water quality across the country, as well as quantity in places where water is scare.”

Clean Energy, Climate Change, Environment, water

Tenaska Imperial Solar Hosts “Power On” Event

Joanna Schroeder

Tenaska Imperial Solar Energy Center South has added its latest solar project, located in Imperial Valley, CA, to the grid. The company held a “Power On” event to commission to solar project with more than 130 people in attendance. The energy produced will be delivered to San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) Sunrise Powerlink. The project was the first under construction in the area and one of the largest commercially financed solar projects in the U.S. The ground mounted photovoltaic solar project will produce up to 130 megawatts of energy – enough to power nearly 44,000 homes.

“Today we celebrated delivering on our promise to send clean renewable energy to Californians,” said Bob Ramaekers, vice president of development for Tenaska. Tenaska Imperial Solar South Project“Reaching this milestone at our inaugural power solar project is confirmation that Tenaska’s 26 years of experience in energy project development and construction provide a strong foundation for the successful development of utility-scale solar.”

According to SDG&E, the newly completed 117-mile Sunrise Powerlink serves as the main catalyst for renewable energy projects, by fulfilling its goal as a renewable energy “superhighway” that will deliver green power generated in the Imperial Valley to the San Diego region.

“The Sunrise Powerlink is one of the largest and most significant projects in the history of San Diego Gas & Electric and we are thrilled that Tenaska is delivering its first energy from its Tenaska Imperial Solar Energy Center South project to our infrastructure,” said Jim Avery, senior vice president of power supply for SDG&E. “SDG&E is a leader in the acquisition of renewable energy and our partnership with Tenaska is an important part of meeting the state’s clean energy goals.”

Earlier this year, Tenaska Imperial South was awarded 2013 project of the Year from Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation for its contributions to the region.

Alternative energy, Electricity, Energy, Solar

Everything That’s Wrong About Coal

Joanna Schroeder

Not a fan of Coal? Neither is the Sierra Club who has released a new video highlighting the dangers of mining, burning and disposing of coal. The goal of the video is to explain problems with coal-powered dirty fuels, the benefits of clean energy, and the need to move the country beyond coal.

“It’s clear that coal is a dirty, dangerous and outdated fuel source that is making kids sick,” said Mary Anne Hitt, director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign. “From mining, to burning, to disposal, coal is wreaking havoc on our health and our planet. We hope this video helps viewers better understand the dangers of powering our country by burning coal, and why it is so important that we transition to clean, renewable sources of energy.”

Some examples of a clean, renewable energy future: solar and wind energy.

Clean Energy, Renewable Energy, Video

Biofuels, Farm Groups Applaud Pentagon’s Move

John Davis

coalition1Groups representing biofuels and farm interests are praising the Pentagon’s action to develop cheaper, drop-in biofuels. Michael McAdams, president of the Advanced Biofuels Association, says the $16 million awarded under the Defense Production Act is a significant step in supporting efforts to build commercial drop in fuels facilities:

“Biofuels offer outstanding performance and environmental sustainability, while also providing a diversity of fuels that increases security for the men and women serving in our armed forces. The vision of the military once again leads the world in the evolution of fuels, and is one that should be supported and admired by all.”

Another coalition of groups, including the Advanced Biofuels Association, as well as the Algae Biomass Organization, American Council on Renewable Energy, American Farm Bureau Federation, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), and the National Farmers Union, among others, echoed those sentiments:

“Adopting advanced “drop-in” biofuels will help the DoD and the nation achieve its broader national security goals,” the groups said. “As the largest institutional consumer of liquid fuels in the world, the U.S. military is incredibly susceptible to the volatile global oil market. The DoD estimates that every 25 cent increase in the price of a gallon of petroleum-based fuel costs the military $1 billion in additional fuel costs. It is increasingly important to find domestically produced alternatives to improve the country’s energy security, meet global energy demands, and provide jobs, while strengthening our military and domestic economy.

“By pursuing new processes and technologies for producing next-generation biofuels, we are working to accelerate innovation in a critical and growing sector that will help to improve U.S. energy security and sustain the U.S. military’s readiness.”

advanced biofuels, aviation biofuels, biofuels, Government

Souilly Wind Farm in France Commissioned

Joanna Schroeder

Enovos Luxembourg has officially commissioned its Souilly wind farm located in France. The wind farm consists of five Vestas V90 wind turbines with a power capacity of 2 MW each. The site has an estimated annual production of more than 22,000,000 kWh a year, enough to provide power to 5,500 households.

Souilly wind Farm“Over 10,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions can be avoided every year thanks to the green energy produced by Souilly farm,” said Daniel Christnach, Head of Renewable Energies & Cogeneration at Enovos. “With the addition of this project, the company now has a total renewable energy production capacity of 271 MW in Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France and Italy.”

The company also has a second wind farm in France with a total output capacity of 12MW. In addition, they have three wind projects in Germany with a total output capacity of 27.8 MW and five wind projects in Luxemburg with a total capacity of 48.6 MW.

“As a supplier of electricity and natural gas, we are aware of the limited availability of fossil fuels,” added Marc Reiffers, COO Enovos. “We want to contribute to the supply of sustainable energy and actively protect the climate through sizeable investments in renewable energies, and in this instance it is wind turbines. Our investment in the Souilly wind farm, developed by ABO Win, Wiesbaden, proves our commitment to renewable energy sources that respect the environment.”

Alternative energy, Electricity, Energy, Wind

Siouxland Energy Steps Up to Step Down Gas Prices

Joanna Schroeder

e85-ethanolAs gas prices continue to rise, the ethanol industry is taking a bold step to ensure consumers save at the pump. While E10 and E15 are saving drivings money with each gallon, now flex fuel drivers who use E85 can save even more money. Siouxland Energy and Livestock Cooperative (SELC), a 60 million gallon per year ethanol plant in Sioux Center, Iowa, is now offering E85, a fuel blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, directly to retailers and is passing in the RIN value generated by blending ethanol directly to them. The hope, the retailer then passes their saving on to consumers.

According to OPIS, recent prices for E85 at Iowa terminals were about $2.69 per gallon, while SELC listed the price for their E85 at only $2.17 per gallon. Last week, Absolute Energy of St. Ansgar, Iowa announced the implementation of the same program.

“Here at Siouxland Energy, we’re passing on the RIN savings to the consumer, and it’s making for some very attractive E85 prices,” said SELC Commodity Manager Tom Miller. “I think ethanol plants are growing tired of watching a middleman pocket the RIN value to the detriment of consumers. Our plant wants consumers to understand the real value of homegrown ethanol, so we’ve cut out the middleman and we’re selling E85 directly to retailers at a much greater discount.”

A RIN, or renewable identification number, is a free credit earned by the blender of ethanol that can then be sold on the open market to oil refiners, which use the credits to demonstrate compliance with the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Alternative energy, E15, E85, Ethanol, RINS

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFThe Georgia Alternative Fuel Vehicle Roadshow is taking place in Georgia this June beginning in Athens on June 3, 2013. The events are free.
  • In the state of Queensland, Australia, Conergy recently commissioned a 100 kilowatt rooftop to the grid that operates without any feed-in tariff.  The retirement nursing home “Casa d’Amore” in South Brisbane solar system contains 400 Conergy PowerPlus modules on 6,888 square feet producing 146 megawatt hours of power each year.
  • Save the date for The RIN Academy on Monday, August 26, 2013 in Des Moines, Iowa. Hosted by EcoEngineers, Iowa State University and the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), the RIN Academy is a one-day workshop. Topics include: RFS mandates; higher blends of ethanol & breaking through the blend wall – Opportunities & Challenges;  2013-2014 RIN & commodity pricing trends; the regulatory frontier: RIN QAP, new fuel pathways, emerging technologies; meeting the D5 mandate: sugar ethanol or biodiesel?
  • The 5th Annual OPIS RFS2, RINs & Biodiesel Forum will be held October 17-18, 2013 in Chicago. Top biofuels experts will guide attendees through the RFS from every angle. Participants will learn how to survive the RIN crunch by hedging risk, strategies for optimizing RIN allocations, specific attestation best practices, the nitty gritty legal details of the RFS, implications of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, and more.
  • Natural Power has announced the establishment of its 14th office in Halmstad, Sweden. The new base widens service provision into Scandinavia, expanding on the company’s existing client base. Ex-Triventus employee Mikael Palmqvist joins the company as Senior Technical Manager responsible for the new office.
Bioenergy Bytes

EU Hits Argentine, Indonesian Biodiesel with Duties

John Davis

eu-flagAfter several weeks of threatening, the European Union has pulled the trigger and hit biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia with anti-dumping duties on biodiesel from the two countries. NASDAQ reports the new taxes on the imported biodiesel come after the European Biodiesel Board filed a complaint nearly a year ago:

EU biodiesel makers have long complained that subsidies and incentives for biodiesel makers in Argentina and Indonesia give them an unfair advantage.

Argentina’s Foreign Ministry denounced the duties as an attempt to shield EU companies from more competitive Argentine producers.

“This is a protectionist decision that lacks technical justification,” the ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

Argentina is the world’s top biodiesel exporter, but production and exports have dropped off sharply since September, when the government modified the industry’s export tax incentives. Biodiesel exports fell 11% on the year to $1.85 billion, according to Argentine data.

Argentine officials say they want to have consultations with the EU over the dispute.

Biodiesel, International