Car Clinic Host Baffled by AAA Ethanol Attitude

Cindy Zimmerman

Automotive service expert Bobby Likis nearly blew a gasket when he saw today that the AAA is calling for the sale of 15% ethanol blended fuel (E15) to be suspended “to protect motorists” from damaging their engines.

“To state that ethanol damages engines is a disservice to consumers…specifically to AAA members,” said Likis, who is the host of the syndicated Car Clinic Network and has been in the automotive service industry for over 40 years as technician, rear-engine dragster builder, and owner of an award-winning service shop. “The fact is there’s no proof that ethanol damages engines.”

Likis is a long time AAA member who also provides both of his out-of-state daughters with annual AAA road service cards and he speculates on what members might take away from the organization’s statements about ethanol. “Can you imagine a car owner reaching out to AAA in need of gas with the stipulation they would not accept ethanol-based fuel?” he questioned.

Likis says he is amazed when he hears people claim that ethanol ruins engines. “Technicians know that people ruin engines – neglect of ownership, lack of service, lack of following normal maintenance procedures,” said Likis, noting that car engines are perfectly capable of running on at least 15% ethanol. “Have been since 2001 and even cars prior to that, if the truth be known,” he added.

Listen to an interview with Likis about AAA statements: Car Clinic Host Bobby Likis

Audio, automotive, Ethanol, Ethanol News

AAA Leaves E15 Facts Stranded on the Roadside

Joanna Schroeder

This morning, the AAA released a statement that the EPA should re-evaulate its approval of E15. The call to action was based on a recent survey conducted by AAA. The results found, “a strong likelihood of consumer confusion and the potential for voided warranties and vehicle damage.” The press release went on to state, “An overwhelming 95 percent of consumers surveyed have not heard of E15, a newly approved gasoline blend that contains up to 15 percent ethanol. With little consumer knowledge about E15 and less than five percent of cars on the road approved by automakers to use the fuel, AAA is urging regulators and the industry to stop the sale of E15 until motorists are better protected.”

The ethanol industry came out in response to the survey and subsequent press release and Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy said the survey lacked any substantive research or facts, has no scientific basis and is noting more than “hollow criticism lacking any facts to back up the irresponsible claims.”

“E15 is the most tested fuel to date and the Department of Energy (DOE), a true expert on the matter has studied the fuel extensively, more than six million miles, coming to the conclusion that, “the resulting Energy Department data showed no statistically significant loss of vehicle performance (emissions, fuel economy, and maintenance issues) attributable to the use of E15 fuel compared to straight gasoline,’” added Buis.

The industry has expressed frustration with the associations attitudes toward ethanol. Prior to the sale of the fuel, a retailer must provide adequate warning information to consumers to ensure only vehicles and light duty trucks manufactured after 2001 use the ethanol blend. It is estimated that nearly 80 percent of the vehicles on the road could use E15.

“If AAA weren’t so deep in the Big Oil politics, they would stop manufacturing concern about the efficacy of ethanol blend use and report enthusiastically about ethanol’s consumer gasoline price savings,” said Bob Dinneen, CEO And President of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). “Their misplaced concern today, that E15 should be further tested before being offered for sale reflects a pathetic ignorance of EPA’s unprecedented test program before approving E15 for commercial use. The miles driven on E15 equate to 12 round trips to the moon and back without a single failure, unless you want to count the deer that was killed on the test track! E15 is a safe fuel, as evidenced by the fact auto manufacturers are now providing warranty coverage for it.”

Alternative energy, E15, Ethanol, Growth Energy, Renewable Energy, RFA

DuPont Breaks Ground On Cellulosic Biorefinery

Joanna Schroeder

DuPont has officially broken ground on its $200 million cellulosic biorefinery. When complete in mid-2014, it is expected to be one of the first and largest commercial-scale cellulosic biorefineries in the world. Once fully operational, the facility will produce 30 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year from corn stover residues. The company is also adapting its technology for use with other feedstocks such as switchgrass. Using data derived from its pilot facility in Tennessee has allowed DuPont to further minimize process and maximize technology. Once refined, its fully integrated end-to-end production system will be available to license globally.

The cellulosic biorefinery is situated adjacent to Lincolnway Energy in Nevada, Iowa. Joining James C. Collins, president of DuPont Industrial Biosciences, were representatives of the ethanol plant as well as Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.

“During my previous terms as governor, we were excited to bring ethanol production to the state. After many hard years of work by Iowa growers and technology companies like DuPont, Iowa now leads the country in renewable fuel production,” said Governor Branstad. This site in Nevada is the next critical step in our cellulosic ethanol journey. We look forward to bringing these advanced technologies online, creating local jobs and helping to deliver clean, sustainable energy.”

DuPont will contract with more than 500 local farmers to gather, store and deliver over 375,000 dry tons of stover per year into the Nevada facility. In addition to the estimated 60 full-time plant operations jobs, there will be over 150 individuals involved in the collection, stacking, transportation and storage of the stover feedstock seasonally during each harvest. The stover will be collected from an approximate 30 mile radius around the new facility and harvested off of 190,000 acres.Read More

advanced biofuels, Alternative energy, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Renewable Energy, Video

The Business Case for E15

Joanna Schroeder

While the roll-out of E15 has been a bit slow out of the gate, the ethanol blend is now being legally sold in four states: Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. “While progress has been slow, it is progress,” said Robert White, director of market development for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) during an interview with Cindy Zimmerman on site at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Trade Talk.

White noted that the healthy misinformation campaign that went along with the long wait from EPA on the approval, did its work and it was very successful. “So we’re having to go back and re-educate marketers, curb some of the concerns that are out there from liability concerns to I already have a product that those vehicles can use.”

One of the areas of education RFA is doing is showcasing the business case for E15. White said fortunately a few marketers have taken the first step and are setting an example, one that is in fact proving to be successful.

“Most retailers are seeing their sales in the 20 percent range. With premiums sales hovering in the single digits and E85 between 10-15 percent, this is a great feat, and one I personally, thought would take months,” said White. “With over 65 percent of the cars on the road able to use E15, it’s a large demographic. Almost 85 percent of sales could be E15, so the sales could add up very quickly.”

White added that what consumers are finding is that E15 is a higher octane, lower price product that has the same performance benefits. He added that today, most people are seeing no difference in fuel economy especially compared to E10.

Going into 2013, RFA is working state by state to ensure E15 is approved for sale and sold in a safe manner.

Listen to Cindy’s interview with Robert here: The Business Case for E15

Alternative energy, Audio, E15, Ethanol, Renewable Energy, RFA

Plug Power Awarded $2.5 DOE Grant

Joanna Schroeder

Plug Power has been selected for a $2.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The monies will be used to modify electric tow tractor ground equipment to function with GenDrive hydrogen fuel cells in airport applications. As part of a three-year program, 15 tow tractors will be deployed at FedEx Express airport hub locations in Memphis, Tennessee and Oakland, California. FedEx will test the hydrogen fuel cell technology to study productively, efficiency and the environmental benefits of using hydrogen. FedEx Freight has used GenDrive fuel cells in its Springfield, Missouri facility since 2009.

“FedEx continually works toward goals to increase vehicle efficiencies and reduce emissions in big and small ways that are sustainable and long-lasting,” said Russell Musgrove, Managing Director with FedEx Express. “Plug Power’s plan to develop and deploy fuel cell-powered baggage tow tractors aligns with our commitment to continually research and test technologies that will help us connect the world in responsible and resourceful ways.”

Studies are being conducted that will determine if hydrogen fuel cells can serve as replacements for lead-acid batteries. Early indications, say Plug Power, that customers using hydrogen fuel cells have experienced significant improvements in productivity and operational efficiencies in running their large distribution centers and manufacturing operations. The next step is to trial hydrogen fuel cells in other business aspects including use in fleet vehicles and refrigerated trailer operations.

“Ground support equipment is a natural fit for our GenDrive product, and this project allows us to take our prior expertise in the area and further develop it for future commercialization,” said Andy Marsh, CEO at Plug Power. “FedEx has been a valuable collaborator for Plug Power in the past and we look forward to continuing our positive work with them as the company evaluates additional markets.”

Alternative energy, Hydrogen

National Corn Growers Join Urban Air Initiative

John Davis

Since their stock and trade is the biggest feedstock for ethanol production, it only seems natural that the National Corn Growers Association has joined the Urban Air Initiative, an organization that promotes the human health and environmental benefits of ethanol. The group is a coalition that supports government standards to lower harmful automobile emissions.

“Joining UAI will benefit corn farmers by involving NCGA in important conversations about how ethanol can help our nation achieve important health and environmental goals,” said NCGA Ethanol Committee Chair Chad Willis. “Additionally, joining UAI builds relationships with a variety of influential groups, such as those representing asthma interests, with whom we share common interests but have not previously collaborated. Conversations about reducing the harmful effects modern traffic has upon our respiratory health and the health of our planet play a major role in the formation of public policy. It is imperative that we join in and make sure farmer voices are heard.”

Several of NCGA’s state affiliates have already been funding support for the UAI, including the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Kansas Corn Growers Association, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the North Dakota Corn Growers Association. NCGA will have three seats on the steering committee, to be filled by NCGA Ethanol Committee Vice Chair Paul Taylor, NCGA Director of Biofuels Pam Keck and a corn grower not yet selected.

corn, Ethanol, NCGA

New E85 Station Opens in Atlanta

John Davis

Holiday travelers in Atlanta might be singing “I’ll Have a GREEN Christmas Without You” to their old petroleum-only based gas pumps this holiday season, as the newest E85 station has opened in the area.

The E-Z Trip Chevron, Indore Oil Company and Protec Fuel joined forces to launch the 14th E85 station early last week in the metro at 3601 Atlanta Road in Smyrna, Ga., just off I-285 at Exit 18:

“E85 is part of the future of fuels,” said Mohammad Hossain, owner of the E-Z Trip Chevron. “Many cars have flex-fuel capability, and many of my customers are environmentally savvy. I’m respecting their wishes and also feel area fleets will use E85.”

Protec Fuel, based in Florida, has partnered to help manage the E85 installation and help provide fuel for the location’s new cleaner burning fuel offering of E85. Protec is a turnkey E85 company specializing in station conversions and fuel distribution. Protec has also partnered to open other E85 stations throughout Georgia in the I-75 Green Corridor Project with the East Tenn. Clean Fuels Coalition.

“We at Protec are pleased to partner with Mohammad and E-Z Trip to bring E85 fuel to the well-positioned Smyrna area,” said an Executive Director of Protec Fuel, Steve Walk. “He has an understanding of how important the fuel is to help import less foreign oil, and to instead help bolster the local economies that produce ethanol in the States. This also benefits air quality in a sensitive area such as big cities like Atlanta.”

Indore Oil and Protec Fuel have opened numerous E85 stations throughout Atlanta over the past six years. Indore supplies fuel for E-Z Trip.

E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, News

Anellotech to Boost Plastic Production from Biomass

John Davis

Renewable fuels and green petrochemical maker Anellotech Inc. has inked a deal with the University of Massachusetts-Amherst that will triple the amount of plastics feedstock made from biomass. The agreement adds a new technology capability to Anellotech’s process that triples the amount of p-xylene used to make plastic bottles, clothing, carpeting, automotive and other products usually made from nonrenewable petroleum but now could be produced from non-food biomass.

Anellotech’s core technology, catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP), was invented in Professor George W. Huber’s laboratory at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Anellotech is developing the process to produce benzene, toluene, xylenes and olefins from non-food biomass. The additional breakthrough technology was first reported in an article published in the prestigious journal Angewandte Chemie in October 2012, where Professor Huber, Professor Fan and collaborators describe how to modify the catalyst used in this process to triple the yield of p-xylene within the benzene, toluene and xylenes product stream. The new invention allows the more economical production of renewable p-xylene from non-food biomass, thus enabling the production of lower-cost renewable PET. This research was funded by the Department of Energy Energy Frontiers Research Centers as part of the Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation which is led by the University of Delaware. Anellotech is currently working on scaling up the new CFP technology and bringing it to the market place.

“There is increasing demand for p-xylene, particularly for making consumer products” said David Sudolsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anellotech Inc. “This new technology we will be developing under license from the University of Massachusetts will enable beverage manufacturers to obtain 100% renewable PET bottles made from green ethylene glycol (already on the market by others) together with Anellotech’s green p-xylene.”

The process could replace some of the petroleum now used to make 54 million tons of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) globally.

biochemicals, biomass, Miscellaneous

Biodiesel Maker REG to Go Into Four NY, NJ Terminals

John Davis

The Big Apple (and the surrounding area) will be turning a little greener. Iowa-based biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group (REG) announced its biodiesel will be available at new positions at four biodiesel terminals in the New York metropolitan area.

This company press release says the move will help augment the area’s heating oil and diesel supplies:

“Gaining access to the largest biodiesel terminal network in New York is part of Renewable Energy Group’s strategy to expand into the Northeast market as a reliable biodiesel supplier,” said Renewable Energy Group’s (REG) President and CEO, Daniel J. Oh.

“REG has biodiesel on-site in New Hyde Park today to allow area distributors and heating oil retailers to increase supply as the New York City biodiesel blend (B2) requirement goes back into effect December 1,” added Gary Haer, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for REG. The requirement first went into effect October 1, but was waived as a result of tight fuel supply issues due to superstorm Sandy.

No timetable was given as to when these additional positions will be ready to go.

Biodiesel, REG

News of Senate Allowing Military Biofuel Use Welcomed

John Davis

The U.S. Senate repeal of a second provision in the military’s budget that would have blocked the developing the use biofuel alternatives is being welcomed by biofuel makers. Yesterday, The Senate voted 62-37 to pass an amendment by Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) repealing section 313 of the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which prohibited DOD from procuring alternative fuels if they cost more than their conventional counterparts. Today, they passed Senator Kay Hagan’s (D-NC) amendment to repeal section 2823 of the NDAA that prohibited defense officials from entering into a contract to plan, design, refurbish or build a biofuels plant or any facility used to refine biofuels unless it is specifically authorized by law. This amendment passed by a vote of 54-41.

Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis applauded the move:

“Today’s successful passage of Senator Hagan’s amendment is yet another example of the strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate for American made renewable energy. This is the second successful vote in two days supporting renewable fuels and the message lawmakers are sending is clear – biofuels play a critical role in developing a diversified energy portfolio to meet our growing energy needs and increase our energy independence.

Mike Breen, Executive Director of the Truman Project and spokesman for its clean energy campaign, Operation Free, was also pleased to see Hagan’s (D-NC) amendment pass.

“Today’s vote was a victory for our military’s energy security, helping ensure that we develop technology to diversify the fuels that power our military’s vehicles, ships, and aircraft…

The DoD has a long history of encouraging private-public partnerships that result in new opportunities for civilian industries. Advanced biofuels can be the next success story.”

Bob Dinneen, the President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), added his congratulations to the Senate for repealing both measures in the defense spending bill:

“We now have two examples in two days of the strength and momentum behind renewable fuels. Americans believe in biofuels and see a future that is strong, bright and energy independent.”

A similar provision is also making its way through the House’s version of the defense spending bill.

biofuels, Government, Growth Energy, Legislation, RFA