VW Chattanooga Powers Up Largest TN Solar Park

Joanna Schroeder January 25, 2013

Volkswagen (VW) has “powered up” the largest solar installation at an automotive manufacturing facility in the U.S. and the biggest solar installation in the state of Tennessee. The Volkswagen Chattanooga Solar Park is now part of the the company’s green auto plant and was the first in the world to receive the top LEED certification.The Volkswagen Chattanooga Solar Park occupies 33 acres, or half of the 66-acre land parcel adjacent to VW’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. The solar park contains 33,600 solar modules from JA Solar designed to produce 13.1 gigawatt hours of electricity per year.

The electricity produced from the solar park is expected to meet 12.5 percent of the energy needs of Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing plant during full production and 100 percent during non-production periods. The plant covers 1.9 million square feet and employs more than 3,000 people who manufacture the Volkswagen Passat sedan. For Volkswagen, the solar park in Chattanooga will rank as the automaker’s largest photovoltaic installation worldwide.

Frank Fischer, CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations LLC, said, “We are proud to power up the biggest solar park of any car manufacturer in North America today. The solar park,” he said, “is another proof point of Volkswagen’s worldwide commitment to environmental protection under its ‘Think Blue. Factory’ philosophy, a broadly focused initiative for all Volkswagen plants to achieve more efficient use of energy, materials and water and produce less waste and emissions.”Read More

Alternative energy, automotive, Electricity, Energy, Solar

Chicken Wing Shortage for Super Bowl?

Joanna Schroeder January 25, 2013

Despite the win going to the renewable energy industry for the Renewable Fuel Standard to remain in play with no penalties, the National Chicken Council is still attempting to blame the RFS and biofuels for the reduced number of chicken wings this coming Super Bowl.

In response to the rough play, Growth Energy called several penalties:

“Roughing the facts” – 40 percent of the corn crop is not used for biofuel production, that is a complete fabrication. The reality is that only a net of 17 percent of the corn crop is used for renewable fuel production, as the production of biofuels has a co-product, distillers grains. In the process only the starch is removed from the kernel, leaving all of the protein, oil and fiber resulting in a highly nutritious, less expensive animal feed.
“Offsides” – For calling the most successful energy policy the nation has enacted in the last forty years a mandate, when in fact it has reduced our dependence on foreign oil and increased our energy security.
“Personal Foul” – Trying to blame the ethanol industry for increased commodity costs is disingenuous and misplaced. The true culprit is Mother Nature and there is no tool available to alter the unpredictable weather.
“Pass Interference” – For continuing to accept the status quo of our dangerous addiction to foreign oil for some of the most unstable regions around the world.
“Holding” – For aggressively fighting against a policy that is creating jobs right here at home that cannot be outsourced and is revitalizing rural communities across our nation.
“Encroachment” – For propagating misinformation in attempts to repeal a policy that is helping produce sustainable, renewable fuel to meet our growing energy needs, which is cleaner burning and better for the air we breathe and our environment.
“Roughing the Consumer” – For actively seeking to prevent market access of a less expensive, higher performance fuel, denying the consumer a choice and savings at the pump.

According the Growth Energy, “In assessing the numerous penalties, it appears that Colonel Sanders should stay behind the fryer making the wings instead of trying to influence public policy through penalties, misinformation and scare tactics.”

Don’t worry, enjoy your wings this Super Bowl, but Growth Energy wants to remind you to not to believe the big lies and fowl penalties served up by Big Chicken.

biofuels, Ethanol, Growth Energy, RFS

EU Offshore Wind Has Good 2012

Joanna Schroeder January 25, 2013

During 2012, Europe installed and grid connected 239 offshore wind turbines – more than on per working day. There are now a total of 2,662 turbines in 61 offshore wind farms in 10 European countries. The 293 turbines installed in 2012 represent 1,165 Megawatts (MW), an increase of 33 percent compared to 2011 installations of 874 MW. This brings total offshore wind energy capacity to 4,995 MW.

Heading in 2013, EK remains the leader with nearly 60 percent of Europe’s offshore capacity, followed by Denmark (18%), Belgium (8%) and Germany (6%).

“Offshore wind power is growing solidly,” said European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) Policy Director Justin Wilkes. “But solid installation figures do not alter the fact that the wind industry is being hit by political and regulatory instability, the economic crisis, the higher cost of capital and austerity. Europe is a world leader in offshore wind energy and could be creating even more jobs if governments gave greater policy certainty to investors, and resolved grid connection problems.”

The turbines installed in 2012 represent investments of around 4 billion Euros in offshore wind farms. Offshore prospects for 2013 and 2014 are positive with 14 offshore projects under construction, due to increase installed capacity by a further 3,300 MW, and bring total offshore capacity in Europe to 8,300 MW.

Alternative energy, Electricity, Energy, offshore wind, Wind

Get a Biodiesel Update During IRFA Summit

Joanna Schroeder January 25, 2013

Those attending the 7th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit will have the opportunity to learn about biodiesel along with a host of other information about biofuels. The FREE event takes place on January 30, 2013 at The Meadows Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa.

The “More B For Me” biodiesel panel will include Terry Murray, a livestock and crop farmer from Storm Lake, Iowa, who will discuss the benefits of increasing biodiesel use on the farm. Additional panelists include John Grzywacz, President and Owner of CIT Signature Transportation in Ames, Iowa who will discuss the benefits of his transportation company’s commitment to using biodiesel. Also on the panel is Cardno ENTRIX Economist John Urbanchuk who will discuss the findings of his soon-to-be released study detailing the economic impacts of biodiesel production on Iowa’s crop and livestock farmers. The final panelist and moderator, Denny Mauser, is a farmer and board member of two biodiesel plants: Western Iowa Energy and Western Dubuque Biodiesel.

“The biodiesel users panel will provide great insights into the benefits and economic impacts of using and producing biodiesel in Iowa,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “This panel will be an excellent compliment to an already great lineup of announced speakers.”

Other sessions include: E15 and Beyond – The Future of Consumer Fuel Choice; Renewable Fuels: Powering Iowa’s Economy and Leading the Nation; Market Outlook for 2013 and Beyond; Industry Keynote Address; and Petropoly: The Collapse of America’s Energy Security Paradigm; Renewable Fuels & U.S. Agriculture. In addition, the high school contest video winners will be announced.

Biodiesel, biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

Study Looks at Environmental Benefits of Ethanol

Joanna Schroeder January 24, 2013

According to a new study performed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, corn grown using no-till methods may sequester larger amounts of carbon than previously believed. The study was published in BioEnergy Research and showed that corn grown over a 10-year period using no-till practices sequesters carbon in the soil to depths as far as 59 inches under the surface. Previous studies only looked at depths of 11 inches and did not take into account carbon sequestration below tillage depths. These past studies arguably missed more than 50 percent of the increase in soil organic carbon below this depth.

With this new information, models used to calculate and predict the environmental benefits or liabilities of corn production will be able to better reflect the actual impact. As the study shows an average annual increase in soil carbon of approximately 1.2 tons of carbon per acre, new models will likely show more accurately how corn-based ethanol offers a tremendous greenhouse gas emissions reduction when compared to petro-fuels. Soil organic carbon and its sequestration are important, because they affect both soil fertility and greenhouse gas fluxes.

“The findings of this study are important in that they demonstrate a previously overlooked environmental benefit of corn production in general and of corn-based ethanol in specific,” said National Corn Growers Association Corn Board member Keith Alverson. “Estimates of the greenhouse gas savings corn offers over petro-fuels will undoubtedly show a more significant savings once data of this nature is factored into the overall analysis. Farmers are working harder every day to produce food, fuel and fiber sustainably as they actually improve the land through their growing practices. As scientists expand the pool of data, the positive impact of the biofuels produced from their crops becomes clearer also.”

The study, also looked at switchgrass, and was the longest on-going effort to look at carbon sequestration by these two crops.

biofuels, Environment, Ethanol, NCGA, Research

First E85 Station Opens in Richmond, Virginia

Joanna Schroeder January 24, 2013

The first E85 station has opened in Richmond, Virginia. In addition, MAPCO Express, has “re-branded” their retail stores under the “East Coast” brand and the three new E85 stations, two near Richmond and one near Washington, D.C. will be sold under this brand. Partners in the projects included Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board, Protec Fuel, MAPCO Express and the Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Clean Cities Coalitions.

Protec Fuel partnered with MAPCO Express to convert the stations and to provide the E85 fuel for the company at these locations as well as others in the Southeast. MAPCO Express and Protec plan to open two more locations this year as well as offer cellulosic ethanol made from municipal solid waste.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with Protec Fuel to expand the availability of E85,” said Dan Gordon, Vice President of Supply for MAPCO Express, Inc. “This will offer our customers additional choices and expands our network of E85 stations in our chain.”

Steve Walk, executive director of Protec Fuel said, “We are delighted the partner entities are all driven to expand E85 to the East, which is newer to and in need of E85 stations. Not only is it a logical location – near our nation’s capital – to promote U.S.-made fuel, but the corporate partner, MAPCO Express, Inc., has made its environmental mission part of its business model.”

Locations:

13200 Kingston Ave, Chester, VA 23836
6460 Boydton Plank Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803
10007 James Madison Hwy, Warrenton, VA 20187

“Expanded E85 stations in Virginia are a great opportunity for folks to try or switch to this cleaner domestic and renewable fuel” added Alleyn Harned, Executive Director of the Virginia Clean Cities Coalition. “With Protec and MAPCO’s leadership, there are now ten public E85 stations in Virginia, which service the hundreds of thousands of flex-fuel vehicles in the Commonwealth.”

biofuels, E85, Ethanol

Pearson Fuels Recieves $1.35M for E85

Joanna Schroeder January 24, 2013

Pearson Fuels (RTC Fuels, LLC) has been awarded $1.35 million for the installation of E85 dispensing equipment at 19 existing fueling stations throughout California. The monies were part of $3.27 million allocated by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for projects that will help the state reduce transportation sector emissions. CEC estimates the E85 fuel market in the state will eventually be the largest in the U.S. with approximately 55,000 new flex-fuel vehicles purchased in the state each year. However, there are relatively few E85 pumps throughout the state so the project includes collecting data on station operations to help provide a demonstration on the feasibility of developing stations to sell E85.

“These awards will increase the availability of alternative and renewable vehicle fuels, and will help to fulfill the Governor’s goal of significantly expanding the market for zero emission vehicles in the state,” said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. “Additionally, these investments benefit all Californians by improving air quality, creating jobs and reducing petroleum use.”

The approved awards were made through the CEC’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, created by Assembly Bill 118. The program is slated to invest approximately $90 million during this fiscal year to develop new transportation technologies, as well as alternative and renewable fuels. Additional technologies will be needed to help meet the state’s climate emission reduction goals.

In addition, the awards will help fulfill Gov. Brown’s executive order directing state government to support and facilitate the rapid commercialization of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in California, with a 2025 target of having 1.5 million ZEVs on the state’s roads. They will also aid in the installation of additional infrastructure to support 1 million ZEVs in the state by 2025.

The ECEC also approved four awards totaling $2,550,000 to increase the storage, distribution and dispensing of alternative fuels in the state.

biofuels, E85, Electric Vehicles

Iowa Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards

Joanna Schroeder January 23, 2013

John Gilroy from Harney Oil Company in Coralville, Iowa and Jim Becthold from Linn Coop Oil Co. in Marion, Iowa have been awarded the 2013 Secretary’s Biodiesel and Ethanol Marketing Awards. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey presented the awards that were created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to recognize fuel marketers that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote and sell renewable fuels.

“Both winners have gone to great lengths to make biodiesel and ethanol more available to Iowa drivers and I appreciate the effort and investment they have made to promote these home-grown fuels,” said Northey. “Iowa is fortunate many retailers like Harney Oil Company and Linn Coop Oil Company that make the extra effort to ensure that the fuels we produce in this state are available to customers.”

Becthold, who won the Ethanol Marketing Award, was close to becoming the first retailer in the country to sell E15 last summer, but couldn’t get the fuel. But with perseverance, he didn’t achieve his goal of becoming first to sell the fuel blend in America, but he did become to first retailer in Iowa to sell E15. An avid supporter, he is funding a consumer ethanol marketing campaign and is also promoting the benefits of E15 to other retailers across the country.

Gilroy won the Biodiesel Marketing Award for his efforts to increase availability of biodiesel in the state. His facility has a heated storage tank, allowing the sale of 100 percent biodiesel year round and this past year, he expanded his tank. In 2012, he enabled marketers to sell nearly 12 million gallons of biodiesel to Iowans.

The Secretary’s Ethanol and Biodiesel Marketing Awards were designed to recognize businesses that market the renewable fuels they have available through creative efforts including, but not limited to: hosting special events highlighting their renewable fuels, development of creative signage, initiation of new advertisements or marketing efforts, and dramatically increase renewable fuel availability.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Retailers

Biodiesel Production Exceeds 1 Billion Gallons

Joanna Schroeder January 23, 2013

According to statistics provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) biodiesel production in the U.S. broke the 1 billion mark for the second consecutive year. The total volume of nearly 1.1 billion gallons was roughly flat over 2011 production, exceeding it by just 6 million gallons.

“These numbers reflect the ongoing growth and development of our industry and represent real jobs at plants across the country,” said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).”Biodiesel continues to account for the vast majority of the nation’s Advanced Biofuel production and is playing a significant role in diversifying our energy supplies with clean, American-made fuel.”

According to EPA numbers. production for the month of December totaled just 59 million gallons, the lowest monthly volume of the year. The December total marked the close of a year-end slump in which biodiesel production dropped significantly as Congress failed to renew the biodiesel tax incentive. However, with the new year brought the $1-per-gallon incentive renewal as part of the “fiscal cliff” legislation.

“It’s difficult not to wonder how much additional production and jobs could have been created if the biodiesel tax incentive had remained in place in 2012,” Steckel said. “It was a missed opportunity that significantly hurt many producers. But we are pleased that Congress reinstated the tax credit earlier this month and we expect significant growth in 2013.”

EPA’s reports biodiesel production as part of its Biomass-based Diesel category in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The EPA numbers show a total of just over 62 million gallons of Biomass-based Diesel for the month of December, but that figure includes several million gallons of renewable diesel production.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels, NBB

EC Proposes Duties on Imported Ethanol

Joanna Schroeder January 23, 2013

Following an investigation that concluded U.S. exporters sell ethanol to Europe at illegally low prices after receiving subsidies, The European Commission (EC) has proposed a rare duty on all U.S. producers of ethanol. In response, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office expressed its disappointment in the EC proposal, seeking anti-dumping duties of 9.5 percent on American ethanol. The EC distributed a proposal to member states with a request that the regulation is adopted by February 22, 2013.

The American ethanol industry has been vocal on the issue and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy, jointly released a statement. “America’s producers and marketers of ethanol are outraged by the news that the European Commission has proposed to the European Council an anti-dumping duty equivalent to 62.3 Euro per tonne on all ethanol produced in the United States, regardless of who produces the product or who sells it. This decision is unprecedented. Not only does it fly in the face of over 30 years of consistent practice by the EC, but it also violates numerous provisions of the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Antidumping.”

Bob Dinneen, president of RFA added, “This proposal is legally vulnerable on numerous grounds. They selected six producers for investigation and none were found to be dumping; nonetheless, duties are being imposed. In addition, all those producers not selected for review are also being penalized, again with no dumping having been found.”

“We are exploring every option to overturn this decision. Our producers and trading companies cooperated fully with the Commission’s requests for information. In the end, it was all ignored in favor of what can only be described as a political decision to erect an artificial trade barrier,” concluded Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis.

According to an article in Reuters, shipments of ethanol from the United States to the EU are worth more than $930 million, or 700 million euros, a year.

biofuels, Ethanol, Exports, Growth Energy, International, RFA

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