Visalia Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Surpasses 1,000 Hours

Joanna Schroeder

The demonstration cellulosic ethanol plant owned by Edeniq and located in Visalia, California has exceeded 1,000 hours of continuous operation. The corn-to-cellulosic migration plant uses the company’s proprietary technology to process more than one metric ton of feedstock per day into cellulosic ethanol. According to the company, this achievement exceeded the plant’s initial target. The project, funded in part by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant, is being used to demonstrate the viability of producing ethanol in a cost-effective manner from non-food sources including corn stover, switchgrass and woodchips.

Edeniq Plant Employee3In addition to achieving over 1,000 hours of continuous operation, the plant sustained and exceeded the DOE’s target of at least 90 percent up time demonstrating over 95 percent operational reliability. In addition, the facility promotes the use of sustainable resources including reusing or recycling substantial portions of its water to meet process demands, according to a company press release.

“While we have been developing these ethanol technology solutions for years, being able to fully integrate and operate our own plant has given us invaluable, deeper insight into the intricacies of the process and has enabled us to continuously improve our core technologies and operations,” said Thomas P. Griffin, chief technology officer at Edeniq. “The DOE has been a tremendous leader and driver in moving US interests toward the commercialization of advanced biofuels, and we look forward to further collaboration with them in the pursuit of this shared mission.”

The next step for Edeniq is to continue operations of the plant under the co-sponsorship of the California Energy Commission. The plant will undergo further process enhancements toward the production of low-cost sugars from a range of biomass and agricultural waste sources, including those indigenous to California. Edeniq is also working with companies to implement larger scale facilities based on the successful testing and operations of its demonstration plant.

advanced biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol

Poll Asks Opinion of Committee Farm Bills

Talia Goes

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Are so-called “ag gag” bills fair?”

Our poll results: Fifty-two percent said No, forty-one percent said Yes and seven percent said I Don’t Know. So most of you feel that ag gag bills are not fair. Do you think answers would be different if we called them “See Something, Say Something” laws?

chart

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What’s your opinion of committee farm bills?” The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 15-5 to approve their version of a 2013 farm bill. And according to House Ag Committee Chairman, Frank D. Lucas, “The work of the Agriculture Committee, including reauthorizing the Farm Bill, affects every American; ensuring that our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to produce an abundant and affordable food and fiber supply is as important to our country as national defense.” Let us know what you think.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by New Holland Agriculture.

ZimmPoll

Tractor Pullers to Run On 100% Biodiesel

John Davis

TractorPullPhoto1Those high-powered tractors that scream down the track will have even more sternum-rumbling power as they’ll soon be running on 100 percent biodiesel. This United Soybean Board news release says the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) will allow for the pure green fuel in all of their diesel pulling classes this season. It’s good news for the pullers, who will see a 4 percent increase in torque and horsepower, according to a study conducted by the United Pullers of Minnesota paid for by the state soy checkoff board in Minnesota:

“Performance results like these are an added bonus to the environmental and economic benefits of using biodiesel,” says Larry Marek, soy checkoff farmer-leader and a soybean farmer from Riverside, Iowa. “If NTPA pullers can get these kinds of results on the track, we can certainly get great results using B100 on the farm.”

Also returning to the track this season will be the “Powered by Biodiesel,” Light Pro Stock class, in which all competitors are required to use biodiesel blends.

“B100 performs well, and is dependable even in the most excruciating tests,” says Gregg Randall, NTPA office general manager. “Pullers will definitely want to take advantage of the fuel this pulling season.”

Check out the entire 2013 NTPA competition schedule here so you can experience first-hand the rumble and thunder of your favorite tractor pullers… now using B100.

Biodiesel, Soybeans, USB

Africa Mecca for Clean Energy

Joanna Schroeder

UN Africa Clean Energy Patent StudyAccording to a recent study by the United Nations, less than 1 percent of all patent applications relating to clean energy technology have been filed in Africa, with the majority of this 1 percent filed in South Africa. The study find that Africa is a mecca for clean energy and has the ability to leapfrog existing fossil-fuel energy sources. “Patents and Clean Energy in Africa,” finds the country has an untapped potential for generating clean energy including enough hydroelectric power from its seven major river systems to serve the entire continent’s needs. In addition, the country has great potential for solar, wind and geothermal energy sources.

Hydropower, the most commonly used renewable energy source, is estimated to be utilized at just 4.3 percent of the continent’s total capacity – although recent years have seen efforts to ramp up clean energy, with North African nations leading in solar and wind categories, Kenya in geothermal, Ethiopia in hydro and Mauritius in bioenergy.

The study also points out that intellectual property and patenting in particular have been highlighted as a significant factor limiting the transfer of new clean technologies to developing countries, and identified as a barrier to these countries meeting new emission limits for CO2 and other greenhouse gases. While the lack of patents filed means CETs can be freely exploited in Africa, the lack of these patents to protect their products means source companies may be reluctant to offer up Clean Energy in Africatheir know-how to promote technology transfer, according to a news release on the study.

“The development and transfer of technologies are key pillars in both mitigating the causes of climate change and adapting to its effects; patents are a crucial part of this process,” said UN Environment Programme spokesperson Nick Nuttall. “In addition to an accelerated response to climate change, boosting clean energy technologies have multiple green economy benefits including on public health – for example, in sub-Saharan Africa more than half of all deaths from pneumonia in children under the age of five, and chronic lung disease and lung cancer in adults over 30, can be attributed to solid fuel use,” he added.

Only 10 percent of African inventors apply for patent protection in Africa; the majority tend to seek protection in four other regions: the United States (27 percent), the European Patent Office (24 percent), Germany (13 percent) and Canada (10 percent), according to the study.  The report adds that there are signs that the situation is changing. Despite low patent application numbers, the overall inventive activity in African countries grew by 5 percent between 1980 and 2009, compared to 4 percent at the global level. With a 59 percent increase, mitigation technologies grew most significantly in that period.

Clean Energy, Geothermal, Hydro, Solar, Wind

Iowa Biodiesel Plants at Just Over Half Capacity

John Davis

ia-rfaIowa’s biodiesel plants are at just over half capacity … leaving a lot of room for growth of the green fuel in the state. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) says the refineries are at 54 percent capacity in the first quarter of 2013, producing 42.7 million gallons.

Nine of the state’s 12 biodiesel plants reported production. If all 12 Iowa biodiesel facilities operated at full capacity, they would produce 315 million gallons in one year. The industry is focused on promoting higher biodiesel blends to boost demand and maximize the biodiesel industry’s positive impacts on the state’s economy.

“While the first quarter was solid start, biodiesel production in Iowa has plenty of room to grow,” stated IRFA Communications Director T.J. Page. “Iowa’s famers and policymakers have a real opportunity to further boost biodiesel’s job creation and rural revitalization potential. IRFA continues to urge the Legislature to create a B10 differential in any fuel tax legislation considered this year. We’ve seen a strong move toward B5 blends, but promoting B10 has the potential to double the positive economic impact.”

The release goes on to say how biodiesel is helping farmers’ bottom lines by increasing the price of soybeans, cutting feed costs and raising the value of animal fats for Iowa’s livestock producers.

Biodiesel, Iowa RFA

NBB Welcomes Progress on Farm Bill’s Energy Parts

John Davis

wash-watchBy a 15-5 vote, the Senate Agriculture Committee sent the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 and its commitment to renewable energy to the full Senate, which could take it up next week. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) welcomed the move, especially the part that funds the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program to the tune of $1 million a year through 2018, with another $1 million a year in discretionary funding for that same time.

During an interview with Chuck at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) Washington Watch, Anne Steckel vice president of federal affairs for the NBB said she is also hopeful Congress preserves the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

steckel“The RFS is really the backbone of the biodiesel industry,” she said. “It’s been incredibly successful for our industry, and it’s been very beneficial for consumers in general. We’re supporting over 50,000 jobs. We’re diversifying off foreign oil, and we’re helping better the environment.”

Steckel went to say that biodiesel enjoys a broad base of bipartisan support in Washington, and she is optimistic that support will continue and help that green fuel sector grow.

“The biodiesel industry is going to continue in its steady growth pattern, [producing] 1.3 billion gallons this year,” and the support of the RFS and biodiesel federal tax credit will help the industry and consumers as well.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Anne here: Anne Steckel, NBB

2013 NAFB Washington Watch Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, farm bill, Government, Legislation, NBB

To Buy or Not Buy a Hybrid Car

Joanna Schroeder

Screen Shot 2013-05-14 at 4.05.17 PM

I’m in the market for a new car and one of the areas I have been researching is hybrids. The question: to buy or not to buy a hybrid? I came across this infographic developed by Auto Pawn, that tells the tale of two cars: hybrid versus non-hybrid.

While many factors are considered, one that is not is if the driver is using an alternative fuel such as biodiesel, ethanol, compressed natural gas, propane, etc. Click here for a link to the full graphic.

While I still haven’t decided what new car I’m going to drive home soon, this information is definitely worth mulling over….

Electric Vehicles, Opinion

Senate Panel Approves Farm Bill with Energy Title

Cindy Zimmerman

The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 15-5 today to approve the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, which includes cuts to reduce the deficit by $23 billion dollars but still offers a commitment to renewable energy.

senate-committeeThe bill includes an energy title that helps to advance “bio-energy production, supporting advanced biomass energy production such as cellulosic ethanol and pellets from woody biomass for power.”

The bill also provides support for blender pumps and higher ethanol blends, which was welcomed by the ethanol industry. “The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) thanks Chairwoman Stabenow and members of the Senate Agriculture Committee for adopting a Farm Bill which provides $800 million in mandatory funding for critical Energy Title initiatives, particularly $241 million in mandatory funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP),” said ACE Executive Vice President Brian Jennings. “REAP provides vital cost-share assistance to help petroleum marketers make upgrades or install new equipment at retail stations, ensuring consumers have access to renewable and affordable fuels such as ethanol. Today’s action highlights strong bipartisan support for market access to E15 and midlevel blends, such as E30 or E85. We encourage the U.S. Senate to take action soon to enact the Farm Bill.”

The bill is expected to move to the Senate floor next week.

ACE, advanced biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, farm bill, Government

What Do Orca Whales and Solar Have in Common?

Joanna Schroeder

What do Orca whales and solar energy have in common? Nothing until now. Canadian Solar Solutions has donated solar modules to power the OrcaLab Whale Research Centre, on a remote island off the British Columbia coast near Alert Bay. OrcaLab has been recording the Johnson Strait whales for more than four decades. Founder, Dr. Paul Spong and his wife Helena Symonds have spearheaded global research that confirms orca “clans” have distinct, highly sophisticated dialects. This Orca Whalesscientific evidence in turn has led to bans against commercial orca hunting, and to the creation of nearby orca sanctuaries.

“The solar installation is performing beyond our expectations,” said Dr. Paul Spong a whale expert and advocate. “We are now running all of our power needs without a generator, and looking forward to a future here without oil. We are so grateful to Canadian Solar for everything they have done for us.”

According to Canadian Solar Solutions, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, the new donated solar system allows the off-grid OrcaLab to cut gas generator use and fuel costs dramatically, increase battery performance and life, expand the range of microphones and cameras, and improve amenities for summer volunteers. The system is designed to perform with minimal maintenance for several decades. In addition, the panels will power the main OrcaLab site, and a network of underwater microphones and cameras which will track migrating orca whale and other marine animals.

“We are honored to be involved in the ground breaking OrcaLab foundation’s noble orca whale research,” said Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar. “We are proud to be able to help advance the team’s ambitious work through this latest exciting application of solar energy. As an industry leader, Canadian Solar strives to also lead in our philanthropic efforts with organizations around the world.”

Alternative energy, Electricity, Energy, Environment, Solar

Methes Energies & BioFuel Aruba Ink Deal

Joanna Schroeder

109752_MethesEnergyMethes Energies Canada, a subsidiary of Methes Engeries International, has signed a Purchase and Cooperation Agreement with BioFuel Aruba of Oranjestad, Aruba to purchase one Denami 600 biodiesel processor. The agreement was signed during the “Europe Meets the Americas” business conference in Aruba earlier this month.

Mr. Abe Dyck a cofounder and shareholder of Methes Energies was in Aruba for the ceremonial signing of the agreement. “I believe the signing of this agreement accomplishes the objective Aruba has of becoming a Green Gateway for companies wanting to deploy their technologies in the region. I see this as the start of a great relationship. I have enjoyed working with Gregory and the staff at Arina (Aruba Investment Agency) and look forward to commissioning the first 600 later this year.”

Screen Shot 2013-05-14 at 12.28.06 PMBioFuel Aruba was the first and is the only biodiesel producer in the country. The company will work with Methes to expand its biodiesel capacity. In addition, BioFuel Aruba has entered into pilot agreements with the Aruba Airports Authority and the public transit company, Arubus BV, to implement a biodiesel blend into their fleets. The two companies will also be working with the Government of Aruba to develop a biofuels mandate to be incorporated into their national energy policy.

“We can’t wait for our first Denami 600 to be delivered. With two pilot projects soon to start with Arubus and the Airport, we are looking forward to a greater demand for biodiesel. Methes’ technology is a great fit and will allow us to add more Denami’s as the demand increases even more here in Aruba and in the surrounding islands,” said BioFuel Aruba President, Gregory Fung.

Alternative energy, Biodiesel, biofuels