Mixed Bag of Things Needed to Feed the World

Melissa Sandfort

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What is most important for feeding growing world population? ”

Our poll results: Fifteen percent said Precision ag technology; thirteen percent said Biotech hybrids; nine percent said Crop protection products; seven percent said Information technology; twenty-two percent said Natural resource conservation; six percent said Less government regulation; twenty-three percent said All of the above; and six percent said Other.

There is not a simple answer to this question. We put a number of options up there but through comments others were suggested too. One thing we can all agree on though is that farmers will do all they can to produce the safest, affordable food to feed our growing population that they can!

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Have our efforts to educate consumers about agriculture been successful?” Agri-marketers continue to try to help educate the growing population of non-ag consumers. Another great example is USFRA, the largest agricultural communications effort of its kind and the goal is to speak with “one voice”. So how are we doing? Let us know here.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

ZimmPoll

SLICE Award Winners for Clean Energy Announced

Joanna Schroeder

Seven winners received the 2012 State Leadership in Clean Energy (SLICE) Awards given by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA). The award recognize state programs that are most effectively accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies.

This year’s winners are New York’s Clean Energy Business Incubator Program and On-Site Wind Market Development Program, both administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); Connecticut’s Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority’s (CEFIA) CT Solar Lease Program; the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Pilot Program; the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission’s Residential Wood-Pellet Boiler Rebate Program; and two projects by the California Energy Commission: the University of California, San Diego Microgrid, and the Synchrophasor Research and Development Program.

“Despite challenging economic conditions and uncertainty over continuing federal support, the SLICE Award-winning state programs have demonstrated innovation, supported emerging technologies, and advanced clean energy markets,” said Mark Sinclair, Executive Director of CESA. “After a decade of experience working with clean energy funds across the country, CESA feels confident that these programs represent the best of what’s out there today.”

Winners were chosen by a panel of six judges that included representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Lab along with experts from several other energy organizations.

Energy, Solar, Wind

Tuscon Clean Cities Wins Oil Displacement Honor

Joanna Schroeder

During the 2012 Clean Cities Peer Exchange and Vehicle Technology Deployment Workshop, Tuscon Clean Cities Coalition was awarded the Top Award for Greatest Displacement of Petroleum Using E85. The award came from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) who thanked the coalition for the work they are doing to reduce petroleum consumption.

There are around 100 Clean Cities coalitions across the United States. These groups bring together stakeholders in the public and private sectors to deploy alternative and renewable fuels, idle-reduction measures, fuel economy improvements, and emerging transportation technologies. DOE cities Clean Cities coalitions as also advancing the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector.

Robert White, Director of Market Development for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), thanked Tuscon Clean Cities Coordinator Colleen Crowninshield for her dedication and hard work. White, who has had the opportunity to work with Colleen and her coalition, also congratulated her on her success. It is interesting to note that the winning coalition, was not from the Midwest – rather the Southwest.

“The DOE’s Clean Cities Program has been instrumental in expanding the use of alternative fuels and decreasing our dependency on foreign oil. The efforts of Coordinators like Colleen Crowninshield highlight the impact to the ethanol industry, but also to consumers and fleets across the country. It also stresses the importance of infrastructure development nationwide, as the most successful Coalition with E85 is not from the Midwest, it is from Tucson, AZ,” said White.

Biodiesel, biofuels, energy efficiency, Ethanol, RFA

Enogen Trait Technology for Ethanol

Joanna Schroeder

Syngenta has signed a commercial agreement with Plymouth Energy of Merrill, Iowa to use grain featuring Enogen trait technology in 2013. According to the company, Enogen trait technology eliminates the need to utilize liquid alpha amylase enzyme in dry grind ethanol production. Once incorporated into an ethanol production process, the plant will see improvements in ethanol production and also reduce energy, gas and water usage.

“As profit margins in the industry continue to shrink, we’re always looking for ways to be more efficient,” said Eamonn Byrne, CEO of Plymouth Energy. “We believe Enogen grain can help us do that and ultimately boost our bottom line.”

Plymouth will begin using Enogen grain for the first time in the fall of 2013. Currently, Syngenta is working with growers who provide corn to the ethanol plant to contract them to grow Enogen corn for 2013. Growers who sign on will deliver the specialty grain next fall. Enogen grain production contracts require growers follow specific, yet simple stewardship protocols. In return, growers are paid a premium price for each bushel of Enogen grain delivered to the ethanol plant per the contract terms.

David Witherspoon, head of renewable fuels for Syngenta, added, “Enogen corn adds tremendous value for both ethanol plants and their local communities. With Enogen corn, ethanol plants not only create greater profit potential for their business, but they help put money back in the growers’ pocket as well.”

corn, Ethanol

2013 Clean Energy Challenge Kicks Off

Joanna Schroeder

The 2013 Clean Energy Challenge, funded by the Clean Energy Trust, has kicked off with more than $300,000 in cash prizes waiting to be won. Researchers, students and entrepreneurs with transformative clean tech business ideas based in the Midwest, are encouraged to submit their businesses and concepts through the Clean Energy Exchange.

The Clean Energy Challenge is a two-track competition for projects in different stages of development. The Early Stage Challenge is for clean tech projects with fully-developed business plans and established start-up companies. The Student Challenge is for students in eight-state Midwest region who have a great idea, and need assistance in developing a clean energy business.

“The very best clean technology innovations are being developed in the Midwest and the Challenge ensures that those ideas are presented to the venture capitalists, businesses and investors who can bring them to market,” said Amy Francetic, executive director of the Clean Energy Trust. “The cash prizes and commercialization support kick start Clean Energy Challenge Finalists, which have all gone on to receive significant venture and federal funding.”

Applications are encouraged from Midwest entrepreneurs working in: Energy Storage; Hydrogen & Fuel Cells; Geothermal; BioEnergy; Solar Technologies; Wind Energy; Water-Energy Nexus; Recycling and Remediation; Energy Efficiency; Building Materials; Energy Management; Smart-Grid; Next Generation Transportation; and Manufacturing Efficiency.

Finalists will receive mentoring from the Clean Energy Trust in preparation for the Challenge finals taking place in Chicago on April 4, 2013. The judging panel is comprised of nationally renowned investors and clean technology business leaders. The application deadline is December 3, 2012. Complete rules and eligibility for the Challenge are available at www.cleanenergytrust.org.

bioenergy, Energy, energy efficiency, Geothermal, Hydrogen, Solar, Wind

USDA Announces 6th Regional Biofuels System

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a research grant to develop next generation biofuels in the Northeast.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today awarded Pennsylvania State University a five-year research grant valued at roughly $10 million to develop biomass supply chains for the production of liquid transportation and aviation biofuels in the Northeast. This is the sixth such award made through USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), aimed at developing regional, renewable energy markets, generating rural jobs, and decreasing America’s dependence on foreign oil. In September 2011, the Secretary announced five major AFRI grants for the formation of five regional systems in the Pacific Northwest, the Northwest, Northern states, Southern states, and the Southeast. Today’s announcement underscores USDA’s support for public and private research in building the framework for a competitively-priced, American-made biofuels industry in every major American region.

During a press conference this morning, Vilsack said the goal is to develop alternatives to corn-based ethanol, with each different part of the country focused on different feedstocks and production methods. “This particular project is going to look at miscanthus and switchgrass and willow,” said Vilsack. “It’s possible that we can grow these biomass products on strip mines to restore the land or on marginal flood plane lands.”

Vilsack noted that the project will include support from a number of different educational institutions and companies, including Ernst Conservation Seeds, Case New Holland, Praxair, Inc., Idaho National Lab, Mascoma Biofuels, Primus Green Energy, and Double A Willow. “All of these companies are identifying feedstocks or processing by which these feedstocks can be grown and harvested, so it’s a coordinated effort,” said Vilsack.

Listen to Vilsack’s press conference here: USDA Pennsylvania Biofuels Announcement

advanced biofuels, Audio, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, USDA

Ethanol Report From CARS

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol helped to power events held as part of Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW) in New Orleans, October 11-13 at the Morial Convention Center.

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) teamed up with Bobby Likis Car Clinic Network and Ricardo on the trade show floor of the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) and during a Myth Busters panel at the National Automotive Service Task Force meeting. The Ricardo EBDI (Extreme Boost Direct Injection) engine was on display in a GMC Sierra and Car Clinic Network television and radio programs were broadcast live from the event.

Ethanol Report PodcastThis edition of “The Ethanol Report” features comments from Automotive Service Association president Ron Pyle, RFA Director of Regulatory Affairs Kelly Davis, Ricardo Chief Engineer Powertrain Controls Dr. Matti Vint, and automotive talk show host Bobby Likis.

Listen to or download the Ethanol Report here: Ethanol Report from CARS

Subscribe to “The Ethanol Report” with this link.


CARS Event Photo Album

Audio, automotive, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, RFA

Ricardo Engine Optimizes Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

It’s called the EBDI – Extreme Boost Direct Injection – and it may be the “little engine that could” revolutionize the automotive world to produce cars that get drastically improved fuel mileage while optimizing the higher octane properties of ethanol.

The engine was developed by Ricardo, Inc., and it was on display for automotive mechanics and technicians at the 2012 Congress of Automotive Service and Repair last week in New Orleans. Attendees were able to see the engine in model form and in a GMC Sierra testbed. Ricardo representatives, including Chris Talware (left) and Dr. Matti Vint, were on hand to talk with those at the event and participate in live broadcasts of the Bobby Likis Car Clinic Network from the trade show floor.

Vint says they designed the engine to run efficiently on straight gasoline up to 85% ethanol. “We got good savings with both E-0 as well as E-85, so we designed engines to be flex fuel capable,” said Vint, explaining how they used a systems approach that adjusted a number of variables to increase the “sweet spot” area of the engine.

“The net result is we’ve gotten equivalent performance of a 6.7 liter diesel engine that is in the Sierra truck with a 3.2 liter gasoline engine,” said Talware. That enables what they call “extreme downsizing” that allows it to be scalable to perform in a variety of applications. “The same technology could be applied to a tourist size vehicle, with a 1.4 liter engine,” said Vint. It’s also scalable in terms of market, whether it’s agricultural, light duty trucks or passenger vehicles.

Listen to an interview with Talware and Vint here: Ricardo's Chris Talware and Matti Vint

Watch Dr. Vint explain more about the engine and how it optimizes ethanol below.


CARS Event Photo Album

Audio, automotive, Car Makers, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, Video

Book Review – Rebuild the Dream

Joanna Schroeder

This week I read Rebuild the Dream, by Van Jones, which ironically turned out to be a great book to read with the presidential election just three weeks away. Personally, I believe this country is in an economic mess and I wonder at the so called leaders in Washington who threw up their hands and left early without making several key policy decisions that have such an economic impact. But I realize these leaders are in DC because we the people put them there. In an age of instant entertainment TV, Americans seem to no longer go to the polls and vote on import issues like economy and foreign policy and rather vote on social issues. It has been this way, as far as I can tell, since President Regan was in office.

What, I’m sure you are wondering, does my diatribe have to do with Rebuild the Dream? A lot. Van Jones hits the mark in the book about the economic struggles this country is having and offers suggestions on turning things around. And it starts at the grassroots level with people just like you and I.

Jones’s true calling is working with the private sector and policy leaders to spread the benefits of green job opportunities into struggling communities. Many of the green job opportunities he refers to include educating youth and adults about things such as solar panel installation and installing wind turbines. Many will recall that for a short time, Jones worked as part of the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy (he did not work directly with President Obama). Quite frankly, I think his work has and will continue, to have greater impact in the private sector because this is where true change evolves and succeeds as his book aptly demonstrates.

But what the book really focuses on are the main insights Jones has gleaned from reviewing the past years of political struggle in the U.S. (2003-2011).  He focuses on three areas in the first part of the book: the political movements around Barack Obama in 2007-2008; the Tea Party movement in 2009-2010; and the emergence of Occupy Wall Street and the 99 percent movements. (I am part of the 99 percent and more than likely you too are part of the 99 percent.)Read More

book reviews, Energy, global warming, Government, Opinion, Solar

Solar Industry Responds to Solar Anti-Dumping Rulings

Joanna Schroeder

After a year, The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has released its final findings regarding the Countervailing Duty and Anti-Dumping rules regarding the imports of billions of dollars of solar cells from China.

DOC ruled that there will be no change of scope with the exception that small consumer goods are now excluded. In addition, the effective rate on Suntech has gone up a few percentage points, down four percent for Yingli and Canadian Solar with Trina down 12 percentage points from the preliminary numbers. The DOC also recommended anti-subsidy duty percentages of 14.78 percent for imports made by Suntech, 15.97 percent Trina Solar and 15.24 percent for all other Chinese manufacturers. Lastly, critical circumstances are in effect save for Suntech’s anti-dumping tariffs.
Jigar Shah, the president of The Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE) responded by saying, “We are gratified that the scope of today’s decision is limited only to solar cells made in China and that the Department did not significantly increase the tariff from its preliminary decision in May. We are hopeful that continued innovations in technology, a competitive global marketplace, and demand-generated pressure for lower prices will take precedence moving forward. At the same time, we remain concerned about the growing global trade war, which will only hurt American solar industry jobs, growth and consumers.

He added that CASE believes global competition is good for American solar consumers and companies and that the tariffs will not stop the development of solar energy.

In its final decision, the DOC determined that crystalline silicon photovoltaic (“PV”) cells produced in China, whether or not assembled into modules, would be subject to antidumping and countervailing duties. Under the ruling, solar modules assembled in China from cells produced in third countries do not fall within the scope of the duties. Based on this, PV cells produced in China by JA Solar will be subject to an antidumping duty of 25.96 percent and countervailing duty of 15.24 percent.

Jonathan Pickering, president of JA Solar USA, commented, “We are pleased that the dispute is coming to a close and that the scope of the investigation was not expanded. JA Solar cooperated fully with the DOC during its investigation, and we continue to state our case to the International Trade Commission (ITC).” The ITC will make its final ruling on or before November 23, 2012.

Pickering added, “We remain focused on addressing our customers’ need for high-quality, high-performance products, and we’re determined to play an active role in the rapid growth of the U.S. market.”

Energy, International, Solar