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This Valentines Day – Heart Big Oil

Joanna Schroeder

This Valentines Day, spread some cheer by telling Big Oil just how much we heart them – NOT! On this love filled holiday, Fuels America sent out a Valentine Day video, “We Love Oil” to show that although love is in the air this week, America is suffering from a broken heart caused by oil.

How do you love oil? “I love how when the oil companies are making more profits than any other industry in history, ever, they still get billions in subsidies ever year. I mean, that’s awesome.”

Awesome indeed. This video must be watched and go viral!

Fuels America says it is time to end America’s love affair with this finite and expensive fuel source that has led to higher gas prices, and climate change-inducing weather that makes us the wrong kind of hot.

So what are you waiting for? Tweet this out already @FuelsAmerica.

advanced biofuels, Oil, Renewable Energy, Video

Best DC Fly-In Ever!

Joanna Schroeder

Saying that the American Coalition for Ethanol’s (ACE) DC Fly-In will be the best ever may be a bit premature but not if I can help it. The fifth annual event will happen on Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14, 2013 in Washington, D.C. where ACE members and other ethanol supports will descend on the Hill and tell the great local stories irfa-13-aceof ethanol.

I spoke with Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President for ACE to get the update on this year’s event. There is no fee to be involved and Jennings said they need as many people involved that they can. Last year they had about 60 participants from a dozens or more states and met with 200 congressional delegates in two days.

The reason ACE does this is because they feel that it is important to show the story rather than just tell it. While Jennings believes that facts are on the industry’s side, he said that sometimes you need to wrap up the story in a better wrapper. What they’ve found is that real people can put a human face on why the RFS is important or why we need E15. So when a banker from a small town or a farmer who happens to be a board member for an ethanol plant goes to talk to members of Congress why his or her daily life ethanol has provided benefits and why it’s important, that tends to resonate a lot more effectively than it would if it were a paid lobbyist trying to make the case.

Jenning said ACE knows that 2013 is a pivotal year in trying to keep the RFS so they will focus on this as well as some other issues. They will also be sure to meet with the “freshman” congressman to make sure they start their term understanding the benefits of ethanol.

ace-beltway-13We here at energy.agwired.com have a mission. To have at least one person from each state participate in this year’s fly-in. We’ve created a “watch” logo and will be bringing you updates on state representation and we’ll be calling out those states without a participate. So let’s work together to make this event phenomenal. To register visit www.ethanol.org, or contact Shannon Gustafson at (605) 334-3381 ext. 16 or via email.

Listen to my interview with Brian here: Best DC Fly-In Ever!

View the IRFA Renewable Fuels Summit Photo Album.

ACE, Audio, E15, Ethanol, Renewable Energy, RFS

Advanced Biofuels Companies Gaining Momentum

Joanna Schroeder

According to new research from Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), dozens of states in the U.S. are now homes to advanced biofuels companies. There are now more than 80 advanced biofuel companies, refineries and related operations located in at least 27 states. Top states are California, with 30 companies, Illinois (8), Colorado (6) Texas (5) and Iowa (4).

A searchable map and state-by-state breakdown of companies involved in the advanced biofuels industry is a centerpiece of a new website launched by E2. The site is a clearinghouse for information on how clean fuel companies are driving economic growth, and includes reports that examine the growth and potential of the domestic biofuel Clean Fuel Companies E2industry; fact sheets about the industry and videos and other stories that spotlight American biofuel companies in action.

E2 says the biofuel market could be worth more than $60 billion within the next decade and more than 18,000 jobs could be created by the 26 biorefineries that are expected to open by 2015. The website also details how advanced biofuels can be produced sustainably without competing with food. As the stories of many biofuel companies show, farmers are discovering new revenue opportunities for their agricultural waste; companies are developing new technologies to make fuels cleaner and biofuel refineries are popping up nationwide.

“We’ve got the resources, the knowledge and the technology to put our country on a path to meet our transportation needs with cleaner fuels,” said Mary Solecki, clean fuels analyst at E2. “The type of innovation we’re seeing in the biofuel industry is what makes America great.”

There are many ways states can integrate clean fuels into their mix, according to Solecki. Some states use tax incentives, while others like California and Oregon have a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). California’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (AB 118) also has been especially helpful in getting companies to open new operations inside California.

“States that will benefit the most from this promising and important industry are those that support sound clean fuel policies,” added Solecki. “States that ignore this growing economic development opportunity risk missing out in the future.”

advanced biofuels, Renewable Energy, Research

Iowa Biodiesel Production Poised to Double

Joanna Schroeder

Iowa Biodiesel producers and supporters took to the Iowa State Capitol yesterday during the Iowa Biodiesel Board’s (IBB) annual Day on the Hill. While there they asked legislators for their support in fulfilling a bold new domestic energy goal. The Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) is asking for expanded state policies that foster biodiesel growth and will be good for Iowans through increased economic activity, job growth and national energy prestige.

IBB leaders said Iowa biodiesel production could double by 2022 as a part of a new national goal. Last week, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) unveiled the new goal: “10 by 22,” which means biodiesel would make up 10 percent of the nation’s on-road diesel supply by 2022. According to NBB, reaching this goal depends upon continued technological and agricultural advancements, but is responsible and attainable.

IowaBiodieselBoardLogo“As the nation’s leading biodiesel producer, Iowa is poised to play a major role in this bold new effort, and would benefit from the increased production,” said Randy Olson, IBB executive director. “Under the 10 by 22 plan, we estimate Iowa could double its production, which would mean current plants would operate at or near full capacity. This would enhance Iowa’s economic development.”

Olson added that successful state policies, such as the current incentive for fuel retailers to blend biodiesel and a producer’s credit, help keep Iowa competitive with surrounding states.

Recent economic studies show Iowa biodiesel supported nearly 5,000 jobs in the state in 2012. The industry’s contribution to Iowa’s GDP was nearly $400 million in 2012. Also, corn, soybean and livestock producers all benefit from biodiesel production, according to economic analysis. IBB says the industry’s 10 x 22 goal envisions a more diversified future energy portfolio that would include biodiesel making up 10 percent of the diesel fuel supply. This goal is benchmarked to the on-road volumes but expected to be used in various blend levels in various applications.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, NBB

NY Bioheat Honored With Industry Partership Award

Joanna Schroeder

The biodiesel industry has many to thank for efforts that have lead to greater adoption and support of biodiesel. One area that has been an early adopter is the Big Apple – New York City. Under the leadership of John D. Maniscalco, the CEO of the New York Oil Heating Association, New York City recently passed landmark registration: beginning in October 2012, all heating nbb-13-maniscalcooil sold in the city must contain at least two percent biodiesel.

This cleaner burning, domestic fuel blend known as Bioheat® will replace up to 20 million gallons of petroleum a year. The efforts of Maniscalco and the support provided by the New York Oil Heating Association made this unprecedented legislation possible.

It is these efforts, along with others, that led to his Eye on Biodiesel award from the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), during the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo this week in Las Vegas.

With the help of NBB and its dedicated Bioheat program, there is currently a Bioheat consumer education campaign running in the Big Apple. Maniscalco hopes this will increase awareness and support of biodiesel. His next two goals for this year are to increase the Bioheat legislation to the entire state of New York, as well as increase the Bioheat biodiesel blend of 2 percent to at least 5 percent.

Maniscalco is also giving back to the community as the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy continues. He is sponsoring a “NYC Proud 2B2 Renewable Warmup” campaign along with Midwest biodiesel producers. Through the campaign the biodiesel industry is offering a grant to three charities – $15,000, $10,000, $5,000 – but you must vote now to determine who will win.

Listen to my interview with John here: Next Steps for Bioheat in the Big Apple

Listen to John’s presentation during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference here: Industry Engagement Critical

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

advanced biofuels, Audio, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference, NBB

Bioenergy Bytes

John Davis

  • BioEnergyBytesDFGreen Fuels NZ Limited has purchased Biodiesel New Zealand’s Production Facilities. Officials say they will continue to produce Green Fuels’ popular Biogold™ branded biodiesel, made from 100 percent recycled vegetable oil and usable in most diesel fuel operations.
  • SC Johnson has announced it will increase its use of wind power by 65 Percent at its Toluca, Mexico facility. The maker of household products, such as Glade and Pledge, says it will participate in the Comision Federal de Electricidad’s (CFE/Federal Electricity Commission) wind farm program, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions at the Toluca plant by more than half.
  • The average American will have more opportunities to buy solar panels. Connecticut-based DCS Energy announced its “Buy A Panel Program” that allows individuals the chance to fund a solar energy project by purchasing a solar electric panel. At just $800, including installation and power equipment accessories, the energy production of the panel will provide a 3-4 percent annual average return payment for the panel purchaser over a 15-year period.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the $100K ACC Clean Energy Challenge, a business plan competition encouraging students from universities throughout the southeast to develop business plans for new clean energy companies. Initial entries having an executive summary and video pitch, are due by March 1, 2013. The winning entry receives $100,000 and competes in the DOE National Clean Energy Business Plan Finals.
  • Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners has acquired the remaining 50 percent stake of British Columbia-based Powell River Energy Inc. for CAD$33 million plus the assumption of some debt. The two hydropower generating stations have a total installed capacity of 83 MW producing an average of 546 GWh on an annual basis. Brookfield Renewable has hydropower operations on 69 river systems and 11 power markets in the United States, Canada and Brazil.
Bioenergy Bytes

Car Makers Take Stage at Ethanol Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

nec13-car-panelRepresentatives from General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz talked “Future Fuels and Higher Octane” at the National Ethanol Conference last week in Las Vegas.

Kristy Moore, Vice President, Technical Services, Renewable Fuels Association moderated the panel and said the manufacturers are facing some real challenges.

“They are under significant pressure to create a vehicle that meets these regulatory requirements and meets a 54.5 fleet economy MPG by 2025,” adding that consumers don’t want to give up the size and convenience their SUVs are giving them now.

Coleman Jones, Biofuel Implementation Manager, General Motors, pointed to Brazil, where that country made the regulatory and tax changes in favor of E100 vehicles but faced some real challenges when oil prices fell dramatically, and consumers became worried whether they could get the high-blend fuels and use those vehicles. That’s when automakers recognized being flexible was the way to go. “In 2003, General Motors and Volkswagen introduced flex-fuel vehicles. These proved to be spectacularly successful in the marketplace. This is what the customer wanted.”

Matthew Kevnick, Senior Principal Engineer, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing N.A. talked about how his company will be incorporating E15 into its owners manuals. Honda North America’s Vice President of Government and Industry Relations, Ed Cohen, said they want electric and fuel cell vehicles. Stuart Johnson, Senior Manager, Volkswagen Group of America, told the gathering they are releasing a full line of gasoline engines and incorporating FFVs, while Bill Woebkenberg, U.S. Fuels Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc., said his company is interested in higher octane with higher level blends of ethanol.

Listen to the panel discussion here: NEC 13 Car Panel


2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

Audio, Car Makers, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

Ram Commericial A Hit With Ag

Talia Goes

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What did you think of Ram Trucks Super Bowl ad?”
Our poll results: The majority at forty-eight percent said All of the Above; twenty-eight percent said Great Exposure for Ag; twelve percent said Very Well Done; six percent were Not Impressed; four percent Hope to See More Like It; and two percent said Other. The Ram Truck super bowl ad could have been controversial within the ag community, but from the looks of our poll, most of you can look past the fact that Paul Harvey, the voice of the commercial, was an animal activist and enjoy the message that he conveyed.

feb13

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What grade would you give Ag Sec. Vilsack during his first term?” Vilsack has had an entire term under his belt, so how would you rate his performance as leader of the USDA? Let us know.

You graded him at mid term and the results were mixed. It will be interesting how you grade him at this point.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by New Holland Agriculture.

ZimmPoll

Chrysler’s Super Bowl Ad Garners Huge Response

Joanna Schroeder

People are still talking about Chrysler Group’s Super Bowl ad that highlighted the importance of America’s farmers, and today more than 100 Iowans have signed a letter urging Chrysler to recommend the use of E15 in its new vehicles. According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), higher blends of ethanol, such as E15, are necessary to maintain the farm prosperity that renewable fuels have created over the last seven years. The signatures were gathered during the 7th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit.

The letter stated, “E15 is playing an important role in growing the nation’s economy and providing fuel choice for consumers. Ford and General Motors have already approved E15 for their new cars. The undersigned Iowans ask Chrysler to also approve E15 for its new vehicles.”

“We commend Chrysler for its outstanding Super Bowl ad showing support for the American farmer,” Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Now Chrysler needs to take concrete action and recommend E15 for use in its new vehicles. E15 contains 50 percent more farmer-made ethanol than today’s standard blend. Iowans want to be able to use homegrown fuels like E15 that reduce our dependence on imports and support our farmers.”

biofuels, E85, Iowa RFA, Video

What Happens in Vegas, Doesn’t Stay in Vegas

Joanna Schroeder

nbb-13-inspirationawardIf you are looking for a little inspiration for biodiesel, look no further than Las Vegas, or now the city I have renamed Las BioVegas. A community group of innovators, known as the Las Vegas Biodiesel User Group, became early adopters of the fuel blend and were awarded the Eye on Biodiesel: Inspiration award during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference and Expo aptly held in BioVegas.

Gary H. Weinberg, Western Sierra Services; Ron Corbett, City of North Las Vegas; Frank Giordano, Clark County School District; James Morwood, Las Vegas Valley Water District; Dan Hyde, City of Las Vegas (retired) were all part of the crew.

Listen to the interview with Gary Weinberg here: Weinberg on Innovation

nbb-13-teallAs Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board rightly pointed out during the award ceremony, luckily for biodiesel, what happened in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas. As Jobe explained, this group of biodiesel pioneers championed the alternative fuel against all odds in the 1990s to help it become the established fuel it is today. The Las Vegas Biodiesel User Group was among the first users of biodiesel in the nation. These fleets worked to overcome resistance, remove technical obstacles, and even successfully challenged large diesel equipment manufacturers to support biodiesel.

Listen to the interview with Frank Giordano here: Giordano on Biodiesel

“In the beginning, biodiesel had its struggles to gain support, like any new fuel,” said Ron Corbett, Clean Cities Coordinator for Las Vegas. “Those of us who were early champions are gratified to see biodiesel finally gaining the momentum it needs to become the fuel of choice.”

Listen to the interview with James Morwood here: Morwood on Leading the Pack

Listen to the interview with Russell Teall here: Teall on Developing Biodiesel Technology

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

advanced biofuels, Audio, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference