ROUSH Debuts New Propane Ford F-550

Joanna Schroeder March 9, 2013

During the NTEA Work Truck Show this week, ROUSH CleanTech and Green Alternative Systems (GAS) debuted the new Ford F-550 chassis cab powered by propane autogas. The F-550 features 65 usable gallons, making it, according to ROUSH, the longest driving range of any dedicated alternative fuel counterpart on the market. The fuel tank sits between the frame rails and behind the aft axle. Customizable to carry up to 33 passengers as a shuttle, the Ford F-550 suits the delivery, construction, transit and utility markets. Equipped with a 6.8-liter, V10 engine, the propane autogas alternative fuel system is available beginning with 2013 model year vehicles or newer.

GAS, a certified Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) installer, integrated the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system technology into the F-550 chassis cab. The vehicles maintain the factory Ford warranty and the same horsepower, torque and towing capacity as their gasoline counterparts.

“Partnering with Ford QVM installers allows us the flexibility to launch products faster and package our fuel system to fit customer needs,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “With gas and diesel prices soaring, companies looking for an alternative fuel that doesn’t compromise functionality will see significant savings to their bottom line using this cleaner-burning, American fuel.”

According to Mouw, fleet professionals running propane autogas vehicles can expect to save at least 40 percent on the price of fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25 percent compared to gasoline. There is also a nationwide, large propane autogas refueling network.

“This is a monumental new product release for the fleet industry,” added Sean Connolly, general manager of GAS. “With an industry-leading fuel capacity, this dedicated propane autogas vehicle fills the gap for a reliable alternative fuel option for this commonly used application.”

Propane

Kountry Korner in Baxter, IA Offering E15

Joanna Schroeder March 8, 2013

Kountry Korner in Baxter, Iowa has become the third retail location in the state to offer E15 as a registered fuel. E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in 2001 or newer vehicles.

“Our company is dedicated to environmentally-friendly practices and growing our local economy, so offering E15 was an easy decision,” said Kountry Korner Owner Bryan DeJong. “The people of Baxter will really benefit from cleaner-burning, lower-cost, more American-made E15.”

Kountry Korner is located in central Iowa at 312 E. Buchanan Street in Baxter. In order to offer E15, a retailer must register with the EPA. The retailer was helped throughout the process by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), who assists retailers in the registration process to ensure they comply with all federal and state E15 regulations.

“E15 is starting to gain some traction in Iowa, and retailers are seeing value in offering fuel choice to consumers,” commented IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton. “The IRFA expects more stations in the state to offer the fuel in the near future as more and more Iowans begin to realize the benefits of this cleaner, less-expensive, high octane fuel.”

Alternative energy, E15, Ethanol, Iowa RFA, Retailers

ENOGEN: Profitable for Corn & Ethanol Producers

Joanna Schroeder March 8, 2013

Growers looking for a more profitable corn crop should consider planting ENOGEN corn. Ethanol producers looking for more gallons from a bushel of corn should look to farmers growing ENOGEN corn. I learned about the emerging corn trait designed specifically for ethanol production from Jeff Carver who is the ENOGEN Accounts Manager for Syngenta, when we spoke during the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit.

Carver explained that the trait is expressed in the endosperm so it works really well in the ethanol production process. He said the competitiveness of the hybrid is great for the farmer as well. “It transcends value across both the ethanol plant and the direct payback to the farmer.”

So why is this trait unique? Carver said that one difference is that it is an end-use trait that is expressed in the endosperm. During the hydrolysis of the protein, it allows for a very rapid viscosity break. This allows the plant to reduce the amount of water used in the process. With that, based on market conditions, the plant can either push additional through-put through the plant or actually slow the plant down to produce more ethanol.

So in a “corn kernel” you’re actually producing more ethanol from the same bushel of corn. Carver also discussed the benefits of the trait for the production of dried distillers grains and corn oil.

The ENOGEN program is designed around ethanol production and there are trials currently underway. Ethanol plants who are interested in joining the next trial (2014 and beyond) should contact Jeff now.

Listen to my interview with Jeff Carver here: ENOGEN Corn - Profitable for Corn & Ethanol Producers

View the IRFA Renewable Fuels Summit Photo Album.

Agribusiness, Audio, biofuels, corn, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

Ethanol – The Biggest Rural Success Story

Joanna Schroeder March 8, 2013

According to Robert White, the Market Development Director for the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol is the biggest rural success story for American farmers in the past decade. White discussed with Jamie Johansen how ethanol has been a boon for farmers during the 2013 Commodity Classic held last week in Kissimmee, Florida.

Most farmers, says White, understand what impact ethanol has had on their local community. “But we’re trying to educate them on how they take that message to their elected officials. As each year goes by, more and more people are sent to Washington to represent their home state with no rural background whatsoever. And so the rural message, the ethanol message, can get lost in the urban and city environment and conversations. We want to make sure when they have those opportunities to talk to their elected officials that they pass on the message, Don’t Mess with the RFS.”

White noted that the RFS is working as intended and has already shown to be a very effective policy. He also said the industry needs a nationwide, one message approach to make sure the RFS continues and this is a big issue on Washington and on top of RFA’s priority list for 2013.

Listen to Jamie’s interview with Robert on why ethanol has been so successful for rural America: Ethanol - The Biggest Rural Success Story

2013 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Audio, biofuels, Commodity Classic, Ethanol, RFA, RFS

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder March 8, 2013

The Renewable Energy Group (REG) has announced its 2012 fourth quarter results. The company’s annual revenue exceeded $1 billion, up 23% compared to 2011; fourth quarter revenues were $232 million, down 13% from the prior year period; 188 million gallons sold, up 25% compared to 2011; adjusted EBITDA of $96.5 million for 2012; net income of $22.3 million for 2012; and nameplate production capacity increased to 227 million gallons/year.
The 9th annual F.O. Licht’s Sugar and Ethanol Brazil takes place in 2 weeks in Sao Paulo. The event is March 18 -20, 2013 and registration is still open.
Duke Energy is transferring the power purchase agreement for its 5.2 MW waste-to-energy plant in North Carolina to Blue Spere’s subsidiary, Bino Sphere.
Panasonic Eco Solutions Energy Management North America and Pristine Sun have aligned to begin the first phase of a portfolio build-out of solar PV farms in California over the next 24 months. 50MW of solar power will be connected to the grid and sold to PG&E.
Walmart has worked with SolarCity to install solar panels on 12 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs throughout Ohio. The solar panel installations will add approximately 6,000,000 kWh of generation production – enough energy to power more than 820 homes – and are expected to supply approximately 5-20 percent of each store’s overall electricity use.
Trojan Battery Co. has received the “Application Solar Project of the Year” award at the Middle East Electricity 2013 tradeshow held in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Trojan’s renewable energy group and Trojan’s master distributor Hydroturf International were recognized for the implementation of a first of its kind solar-powered rural street lighting project in 2012 which was commissioned by the country’s Ministry of Public Works.

Bioenergy Bytes

Electric One-Seater Colibri Heading to Market

Joanna Schroeder March 8, 2013

During the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show, Innovative Mobility Automobile GmbH (IMA) unveiled its new electric one-seater Colibri. The lightweight, street legal vehicle is scheduled to enter production by late 2014 and in the first year around 17,000 EVs are expected to be produced at a price point of 10,000 Euro, with an additional monthly battery lease.

“Our vision was to construct an electric vehicle suitable for daily urban use, one which is safe and also fun. It was to be economic, ecologic, and easy to combine with other modes of transportation,” said Thomas delos Santos, CEO of IMA. We succeeded in achieving this. And the market feedback shows: the Colibri strikes a nerve.”

Here are the specs: the Colibri measures of 2.75m length, 1.18m width and 1.30m height. A specially designed lifting mechanism eases entering and exiting, while pedals and steering wheel can be adjusted to suit drivers between 1.58m and 1.98m. The trunk offers enough volume for two crates. The lightweight frame is mounted on a magnesium-steel basis, reducing vehicle weight and energy consumption costs. The company anticipates the electric vehicle will pass all safety and crash tests.

Two CPM Twin engines provide 24 kW peak power. The car reaches a top speed of 120 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. Electricity for a range of 110 km is provided by a high-performance lithium-iron-phosphate battery from the company Axxellon. Its distinct features are a long lifecycle and short charging times.

Electric Vehicles

Growth Energy Leadership Conference Kicks off

Joanna Schroeder March 7, 2013

Today Growth Energy is kicking off its fourth annual Executive Leadership Conference in Las Vegas. The event is designed to bring Growth Energy members together to assess the state of the organization as well as the state of the ethanol industry. The conference will feature several roundtables with moderators and special guest speakers from NASCAR as well as the automobile, agriculture, and renewable energy industry.

“The Executive Leadership conference provides an excellent opportunity for our members to have a frank and open discussion regarding the state of the industry, the successes we have realized in the past year as well as the challenges moving forward,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “As our organization continues to grow, so does the size and scope of the conference,” Buis continued. ‘This year promises to be the best yet with many in depth conversations about how our industry moves forward on a number of fronts.”

Buis said in particular, there have been a number of forums planned to discuss the global marketplace, E15 and the path forward, the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and many of the myths surrounding it, as well as market conditions moving forward. Additionally, there will be a in-depth discussion of American Ethanol’s role in this year’s NASCAR season.

“We have always strived to put together a broad conference that addresses many of the specific issues our membership faces and this year will be no different. I am confident that this conference will help outline the strategic goals of our industry and how best to achieve them in these challenging times,” continued Buis.

“I look forward to this year’s conference and also celebrating the many successes our industry has achieved in the past year. Regardless of the challenges this industry has faced, the individuals gathered here are among the very best and exemplify true leadership in every sense of the way and I look forward to working with them the next few days to help identify the strategic goals and challenges we will face together in the biofuels industry.”

American Ethanol, E15, Ethanol, Growth Energy, NASCAR

Let’s Talk About Ethanol

Joanna Schroeder March 7, 2013

Ron Lamberty is the Senior Vice President for American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) but he focuses mainly on market development. Lamberty has run gas stations for nearly 30 years and still operates a few. In his role with ACE, he works directly with gas stations to answer any questions they have about ethanol and ethanol blending.

ACE, said Lamberty, during an interview at the 2013 Commodity Classic, is a grassroots organization that focuses on promoting the ethanol. Many of their members are state and federal corn groups, rural electric cooperatives, ethanol plants and more. Many corn growers are also individual members of ACE.

A big initiative that ACE has coming up is the Biofuels Beltway Fly-in that around the corner (March 13-14, 2013). Lamberty explained this is where their members, who aren’t necessarily ethanol producers, join other advocates in D.C. to explain to as many people the benefits of ethanol beyond that to just producers. Some of the growers who attended Commodity Classic will also be in Washington, D.C. next week sharing their personal stories about ethanol with members of the Congress, their staff and other key federal leaders.

In addition to the upcoming fly-in, Lamberty mentioned an outreach effort they share with the Renewable Fuels Association called Blend Your Own Ethanol. This program helps retailers who would like to sell ethanol blends, such as E15 and E85, learn everything they need to know to offer consumers more choices at the pump.

Listen to Jamie’s interview with Ron Lamberty who also takes about some other key 2013 ACE initiatives: Let's Talk About Ethanol

2013 Commodity Classic Photo Album

ACE, Audio, biofuels, Biofuels Beltway, Commodity Classic, Ethanol

Iowa Could Be Energy Independent Today

Joanna Schroeder March 7, 2013

Did you know that if Iowa were a country, it would be the fourth largest producer of corn in the world behind the U.S., China, and Brazil? Iowa also produces more than the entire European Union – comprised of 27 countries. And Iowa has a tiny footprint in comparison to America, U.S. and Brazil. Talk about producing more on less land!

Guess who told me this cool stuff. Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey who I had a chance to speak with during the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit.

Iowa is also the largest producer of corn-ethanol in the world with 41 plants producing between 3.5 and 4 billion gallons of fuel per year. This is enough fuel for the state to be energy independent said Northey. Last year Iowa produced 3.7 billion gallons of ethanol, and of the 3 million Iowans, drivers used about 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol and gasoline in 2012. So Iowa uses less than half of what the state produces in ethanol alone. Northey said if Iowa didn’t have to blend its gasoline with ethanol, the state wouldn’t need a drop of gasoline imported from other states or other countries and Iowa would still be able to export nearly half of the ethanol it produced.

“We would be the only state that would be a net-exporter of liquid fuels that doesn’t pump a barrel of oil from the ground,” said Northey.

On the biodiesel side, Northey said the state also uses less gallons of diesel than the total production of biodiesel. Like ethanol, Iowa is the largest producer of biodiesel in the country.

In last January, Senator Harkin announced that he would be retiring. I asked Northey for his thoughts on what Harkin’s retirement means to the biofuels industry. “I hope Iowa elects someone just as strong and just as vocal in his or her support of the biofuels industry,” he said.

Well, Bill fits those requirements. Will he be putting his hat in the ring?

You’ll have to listen to my interview with Bill to find out. You’ll also get some other cool biofuel facts about Iowa: Iowa Could Be Energy Independent Today

View the IRFA Renewable Fuels Summit Photo Album.

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, corn, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

Strong Policies Will Boost Clean Jobs

Joanna Schroeder March 7, 2013

According to a new report from Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), there were more than 300 clean energy and clean transportation projects in 2012 that created 110,000 jobs. E2 notes that the report comes at a time that groups and lobbyists backed by the fossil fuel industry are currently trying to derail clean energy policies including the Renewable Fuel Standard and state Renewable Portfolio Standards.

“It’s now crystal-clear that clean energy and clean transportation are helping our economy recover,” said Judith Albert, executive director of E2. “The projects and job announcements like we saw in 2012 can continue – as long as we don’t let smart energy policies get hijacked by special interests.”

Albert notes that state policies have done a lot to drive growth in the clean energy industry. “If lawmakers care about creating good, clean energy jobs in their neighborhoods, they should continue supporting those policies. If not, they can sit back and watch these good-paying jobs go elsewhere.”

In 2012, California, North Carolina and Florida led the nation. Illinois, Connecticut, Arizona, New York, Michigan, Texas and Oregon rounded out the Top 10. As a region, the Southeast led the country in manufacturing-related clean energy job announcements, with more than 13,700 jobs announced last year, accounting for about 80 percent of the nation’s total. Solar, advanced vehicles and wind energy were the leading clean energy manufacturing industries in the Southeast. Nationwide, clean transportation projects led the job growth last year, followed by clean power generation, manufacturing and energy efficiency projects.

In the fourth quarter of last year, nearly 16,000 clean energy and clean transportation jobs were announced, up from 10,800 in the third quarter, thanks in large part to a 7,000-job light rail announcement in Charlotte, N.C. Clean transportation jobs aside, several sectors saw sharp declines in the fourth quarter, due in large part to regulatory uncertainty in Congress and during the 2012 election.

“Smart policies and regulatory certainty– at both the federal and state levels – drive economic growth,” added Albert. “If 2012 taught us anything, it’s that if America wants to keep creating good, clean energy jobs, we need good, clean energy policies.”

Clean Energy, Environment

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