NEC 2027

ProCOT Launches Propane Education Campaign

Joanna Schroeder

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) has launched a new campaign, Propane Autogas: Fueling Texas, to educate Texans about the benefits of running fleet vehicles and equipment on clean-burning propane autogas. The campaign officially kicked off last week during Texas Propane day, a ride and drive event at the Texas Capitol. The campaign will feature a series of statewide autogas presentations and road shows to provide fleet operators, drivers and community members a hands-on experience with clean FuelingTexas.comautogas technology.

According to ProCOT, Texas is one of the leading states in converting fleet vehicles to run on propane autogas.  The Texas Department of Transportation operates the state’s largest autogas fleet and the Dallas, Houston and Austin Independent School Districts also use propane. The fuel is widely available in Texas with more than 700 fueling stations throughout the state.

“Vehicle fleets that use autogas save an average of 30-50 percent on fuel costs compared to fleets that use gasoline or diesel,” said Jackie Mason, education and marketing director for ProCOT. “Plus, 98 percent of the U.S. propane autogas supply is made in America, and Texas is home to the world’s largest propane storage capacity. Choosing autogas contributes to a greener, stronger economy on both a national and state level.”

A new website was launched as part of the campaign, FuelingTexas.com, and will be regularly updated with news, educational resources and more. Fleet owners will find an array of information on the benefits of propane autogas, as well as available incentives, tax credits, upcoming events and details about autogas for both on-road vehicles and off-road options.

Propane

Advocates Show & Tell Ethanol’s Benefits

Joanna Schroeder

Nearly 50 advocates from around the country are flying into Washington, D.C. this week to tell lawmakers about the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) and the importance of consumer choice and E15. Brian Jennings, executive vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) who is hosting the event, says there are nearly 100 new freshman members of Congress.

ace-beltway-13“Whether we make visits to their offices or veteran lawmakers, the fact that we need to do a better job about educating people about ethanol through telling our story but also showing our story is really important. That’s what this fly-in enables us to do,” said Jennings.

He said there is a good diversity in the mix of participants. There are several livestock producers attending who will be meeting with key legislators to talk about dried distillers grains. There are also ethanol producers along with some bankers and some enzymes companies as well.

“Ethanol isn’t some narrow, special interest program that benefits only ethanol producers,” said Jennings. “That’s what oil producers would certainly like members of Congress to think. We want to show them that main street businesses, and bankers and livestock producers and consumers all benefit in a variety of ways from ethanol and we feel we have some good ways to show and tell that story.”

The big story out of Washington this past week has been the sequestration and budget cuts and I asked Brian about the mood in DC. He noted that the RFS has delivered benefits across America without costing tax payers a single dime.

“So we’re going to capitalize on that mood in Washington which is concern about debt, concern about the budget deficit. Subsidies for ethanol ended in 2011. We are not subsidized by the government oil companies still are. We have this thing called the RFS that levels the playing field. Oh by the way we’re cheaper than gas. Oh, and did we mention we’re not subsidized? I don’t think we can say that enough.”

Jennings believes the ethanol industry has a compelling story to tell when the event begins Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

Learn more about the Biofuels Beltway March by listening to my full interview with Brian: Ethanol Advocates Show & Tell Ethanol's Benefits

ACE, Audio, Biofuels Beltway, Ethanol

Biofuel Flights Take Air from New York

Joanna Schroeder

KLM biofuel flightKLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) in partnership with Schiphol Group, Delta Air Lines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, have begun a 25-week series of biofuel powered international flights. Last week A KLM B777-200 fueled in part by biofuel derived from cooking oil, departed from JFK International Airport and landed in Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. According to KLM, carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft account for more than half of all airport-related emissions and the use of biofuels are expected to reduce CO2 emissions.

“I am proud that KLM is once again demonstrating its leading role in developing sustainable biofuel,” said Camiel Eurlings, KLM’s Managing Director. “For eight years in a row, KLM, together with Air France, has been sector leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Alongside this biofuel series, we are starting a study to further identify sustainability gains in fuel, weight and carbon dioxide reduction throughout the entire flight process.

“We are striving to achieve the ‘optimal flight’ together with research institutes, suppliers, airports, and air traffic control. We are combining new and existing technology, processes, and efficiency initiatives to achieve this,” Eurlings concluded.

One challenge the aviation industry has faced is small volumes of aviation biofuels packaged with high costs for the fuel. Read More

aviation biofuels, biojet fuel, Renewable Energy

ROUSH Debuts New Propane Ford F-550

Joanna Schroeder

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.

gI_80912_Ford F550GAS, 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

Baxter-E15 pumpKountry 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

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.

irfa-13-carverCarver 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

classic-13-rfa-robert-whiteAccording 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

  • BioEnergyBytesDFThe 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

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.

colibri“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

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 stGrowth_Energy_logo (1)ate 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