ACE Conference 2026

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

Ft. Dodge Terminal Great for GROWMARK Energy

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK has made several changes since purchasing the Fort Dodge Fuel Terminal in Duncombe, Iowa two years ago – and the cooperative company continues to grow the facility which was originally built more than 40 years ago.

“GROWMARK has made a lot of improvements to get a good quality system where customers can depend on it to come and get fuel 24 hours a day,” said terminal manager Bill Fandel, who has been at the facility for nearly 40 years himself. “We’ve been in a constant state of construction.” Capacity has increased to over nine million gallons for fuel oil and about 3.5 million gallons for gasoline.

GROWMARK also added 76,000 gallon storage capacity for ethanol and 30,000 gallons for biodiesel. “We’re blessed with about eight ethanol plants in a 40 mile radius,” Fandel said, and at least two biodiesel plants within 40 miles. “It is all soy, no animal fat,” he added.

Listen to my interview with Bill here: Bill Fandel, Ft. Dodge Terminal

Demand for both ethanol and biodiesel are good at the Fort Dodge Terminal. “The majority of the gas going out of here has ethanol in it and a lot of our member companies are using the bio,” said Fandel. Customers select their blend at the terminal for both ethanol and diesel.

Facility operations manager Greg Eckhart says the Fort Dodge facility has been a great investment for GROWMARK. “It was a great asset sitting right in the middle of our territory already, it was a terminal we did use before and we saw potential and growth,” said Eckhart, who added that they have nearly doubled volume in two years.

Adding ethanol and biodiesel was good for them. “We’ve increased the gas loading here tremendously because of that,” Eckhart said.

Listen to my interview with Greg here: Greg Eckhart, GROWMARK

Audio, Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News, GROWMARK

Report: Wind Energy Reduces GHG Emissions

Joanna Schroeder

Environment America has released the new report, “Wind Power for a Cleaner America: Reducing Global Warming Pollution, Cutting Air Pollution and Saving Water,” detailing how current power generation from wind energy prevents as much global warming pollution as taking 13 million cars off the road each year. With the Production Tax Credit (PTC) quickly reaching its expiration date, Environment America is urging Congress to extend the federal incentives for wind power. In addition to the PTC, they are also encouraging the offshore wind investment tax credit (ITC) be renewed as well.

“Our message to Congress is clear: Don’t throw wind power off the fiscal cliff,” said Courtney Abrams, Clean Energy Advocate for Environment America. “Our clean air, water, and children’s future are too important to blow it now.”

In light of the results of the report, several U.S. Senators who support wind energy offered comments. U.S. Senator Mark Udall, whose bill to repeal the clause that prevented the U.S. military from pursuing aviation biofuels was passed by the Senate, said, “Extending the wind Production Tax Credit is one of the most straightforward ways we can support clean, Made-in-America energy and American manufacturing jobs. We need the PTC to help create more good-paying jobs here at home, including jobs for our veterans who are transitioning from the military into the civilian workforce. The wind PTC is also a commonsense way to support clean energy and to reduce our carbon emissions. It is critical that Congress extend the PTC ASAP and support clean, renewable wind energy.”

U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, noted, “Wind energy is a win for the economy, a win for the environment, and a win for New Jersey. We will continue fighting in Congress to extend the wind production tax credit and support the kind of energy development that is needed to create jobs, clean up the air our children breathe, and move America to a clean energy future.”

The report sites one advantage of wind is that it saves water. Read More

Alternative energy, Electricity, Environment, offshore wind, Renewable Energy, Research, Wind

Teaching Families About Solar Energy

Joanna Schroeder

Pacific Power Renewables has completed a 177.7 KW solar PV project that will provide all the energy needs for the Aerospace Museum of California in McClellan, California, just north of Sacramento. As part of the project, the museum is using the solar system to help educate children and adults about solar energy.

The roof-mounted system consists of 756 Motech 235 watt modules with an estimated annual production of 265,430 kWh, enough to power the museum. Recent testing showed that the solar installation was producing electricity at 111 percent of estimated annual production.

“Going solar was a strategic move for the Aerospace Museum of California. We save on energy costs and we can use this as an educational tool for our students,” said Roxanne Yonn Executive Director of the Museum. “The STEM principles of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are all demonstrated through the use of solar. In partnering with Pacific Power Renewables, we created an exhibit that demonstrates how solar works inspiring the scientists of tomorrow.”

The museum has a strong and growing program based on hands-on, practical experiences related to math, science, technology and engineering for students from elementary to community college. The Aerospace Learning Center has hosted thousands of students over the years as well as held special events attended by visiting astronauts. The museum’s Aerospace Learning Center Programs are designed to get students excited about aviation.

“I am happy to have been a part of helping the Aerospace museum achieve a green initiative and at the same time reduce their electricity expense,” said David Dwelle, president of Pacific Power Renewables. “An additional win came from the love of aviation that runs deep throughout our family’s lineage. The final win was the relationship with Flyers Energy who provided the tax equity financing.”

Alternative energy, Electricity, Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar

Smith Electric Opens Facility in Chicago

Joanna Schroeder

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Smith Electric Vehicles have announced that Smith will open an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Chicago, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs. The company’s decision to locate a facility in the windy city was influenced by the Mayor’s voucher system created to accelerate the conversion from diesel to zero-emission, all-electric commercial fleet vehicles. In addition, the city, with a growing battery and electric vehicle industry, also offers some development incentive for Smith. Chicago will be Smith’s third location in the United States, joining their headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., and a manufacturing facility in New York City.

“I’m proud to welcome another growing company with a great mission to Chicago. Soon hundreds of Chicagoans will be able to put their skills to use providing businesses worldwide with high-quality, zero-emission, American-made vehicles,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Smith Electric Vehicles is an innovative company in a forward-looking, essential industry that is a central part of Chicago’s economic future.”

Smith is  a leading manufacturer of all-electric commercial vehicles, which are considered zero-emission and less expensive to own and operate when compared with traditional diesel trucks. The company produces trucks for multiple industries, including food & beverage, utility, telecommunications, retail, grocery, parcel and postal delivery, school transportation, military, and government. Smith’s customers include many of the world’s largest fleet operators, including PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division, FedEx, Staples, TNT, Sainsbury’s, Coca-Cola, DHL, and the U.S. Military.

During the press event, the Chicago Department of Transportation announced a $15 million incentive program to encourage companies to convert their fleets to electric vehicles. Believed to be the first of its kind, the plan rewards fleets on an increasing scale for converting to EVs. The incentives will be in the form of vouchers to assist with conversion costs. Chicago is also considering additional incentives such as preferential loading jobs and decreased registration costs.

“A mass urban deployment of commercial electric vehicles is an important next step in catalyzing mainstream adoption,” noted Smith CEO Bryan Hansel. “Chicago’s location, commitment to adoption in municipal fleets, concentration of commercial vehicles, talented workforce and importance to the global business community make it a perfect choice to grow our company and this industry.  The leadership being shown with the mayor’s CDOT voucher program is a prime example of how Chicago is creating the template for a new energy city.”

Alternative energy, automotive, Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy

EU Parliament Budgets €6 Billion for Clean Energy

Joanna Schroeder

The European Parliament’s Energy and Research Committee (ITRE) voted to allocate 6 billion Euros to clean energy research. This is nearly two-thirds of the entire energy research budget, of 80 billion Euros, to cover renewables, energy efficiency, smart grids, and storage.

“MEPs have understood how crucial wind energy and other renewables are to the EU’s economic growth, technology leadership, fighting climate change, and that sufficient R&D funding is essential to further their development in line with the EU’s climate and renewable energy priorities,” noted Vilma Radvilaite, Regulatory Affairs Advisor at the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).

“With 75% of its energy funding going to renewables, energy efficiency, smart grid and storage technologies and an additional 15% going to the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme, Horizon 2020 gives a real boost to green growth,” she added.

The ITRE Committee also made a specific commitment to the development of wind energy research with the agreement that they would create a separate budget line for wind energy and other Strategic Energy Technology Plan technologies. The Horizon 2020 R&D program is set to run between 2014-2020 but needs to be presented to the European Council for approval.

Alternative energy, Electricity, International, Renewable Energy, Wind

Yingli Americas Selected for Large Solar Project

Joanna Schroeder

Yingli Green Energy Americas (Yingli Americas) has announced the company has been contracted to supply 200 MW-dc of utility-scale solar PV modules for the Centinela Solar Energy Facility Project. This is the company’s largest order to date. The project will be completed in two phases and when complete, Yingli Americas believes the 170 megawatt-ac project will be one of the largest of its type inte world. It is being sited around 90 miles from San Diego, California, on 1,600 acres and is expected to be fully operational in mid 2014.

“The expansion of the utility-scale market in the U.S. is instrumental in securing our country’s clean energy future. We are proud to be chosen for this milestone project that demanded the highest levels of product and performance guarantees,” said Robert Petrina, Yingli Americas’ managing director. “We are now working with several of the top utility companies in the nation, and are cementing our reputation as the ideal module supplier for large-scale projects.”

The facility will generate enough electricity to power more than 60,000 homes and is one of the first significant projects to feed into the Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Line. Centinela Solar Energy, a member of LS Power Group, will be handling the engineering, procurement and construction and will also overview the operations and maintenance. San Diego Gas and Electric will be purchasing the power through a 20-year agreement.

John King, Executive Vice President of LS Power, added, “We’re pleased to work with a module supplier that proves their commitment to reliability with competitive warranty terms. We are confident in Fluor Corporation’s selection of Yingli Americas for this significant module supply deal.”

Alternative energy, Electricity, Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar

Tablets Top the Wish List

Melissa Sandfort

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ” What gadget is on your Christmas wish list?”

Our poll results: Twenty-four percent said other; twenty percent said tablet; ten percent said wide screen TV; seven percent said desktop computer; three percent said smartphone; and three percent said notebook computer.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “With harvest over what are your winter plans?” During the winter months, you may not see farmers out in the field but that doesn’t mean they’re not busy! So what will you be doing until next year’s planting season? Let us know!

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

ZimmPoll