Biofuels Help Boost Co-op Income

Cindy Zimmerman

USDA celebrated October National Cooperative Month and the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives with the release today of the top agricultural cooperatives and their revenues for 2011.

According to the release, farmer, rancher and fishery cooperatives posted record sales last year of $213 billion and $5.4 billion in net income, surpassing the previous record sales year of 2008 by $10 billion while besting the old income record by $500 million.

“These new cooperative sales and income records for 2011 underscore the strength and productivity of the nation’s farmer- and rancher-owned cooperatives, and the vital role they play in the nation’s economy,” said Dallas Tonsager, under secretary for Rural Development. “Primarily because of mergers, the number of farm co-ops continued to decline, but memberships and asset values are up.” Tonsager also noted that co-op employment levels remained strong, with cooperatives employing 184,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal workers, up slightly from 2010.

CHS Inc. of Saint Paul, Minn – an energy, farm supply, grain and food co-op – was once again the nation’s largest ag co-op, with $36.9 billion in revenue in 2011, up by a whopping 50% from 2010. Part of the CHS cooperative portfolio is CHS Renewable Fuels Marketing, a leading ethanol marketer, and that part of the business helped the co-op boost revenues in 2011. The fourth ranked agricultural cooperative, GROWMARK, also markets biofuels under its energy division.

While not included under the list of agricultural cooperatives, Tonsager notes that “many of the ethanol plants across the country, or biofuels projects, either are cooperatives or cooperative-like institutions, where they are limited liability companies that have a democratic vote.”

Listen to or download Tonsager’s remarks here: USDA Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager

Audio, Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News, GROWMARK, USDA

Clariant Joins Advanced Ethanol Council

Cindy Zimmerman

RFA AECA global specialty chemicals company headquartered in Switzerland with operations in the United States is the newest member of the Advanced Ethanol Council, a coalition of companies formed last year to promote advanced ethanol fuels and technologies.

Clariant Corporation recently acquired Süd-Chemie, which has been developing its proprietary sunliquid® process since 2006, including the successful operation of a pilot plant since 2009. Clariant started operation of the largest cellulosic ethanol production facility in Germany in July 2012.

“Clariant is pleased to join the Advanced Ethanol Council, which has emerged very quickly as a leading voice for the advanced ethanol industry in the United States,” said Prof. Andre Koltermann, Group Vice-President of the Clariant Biotech & Renewables Center. “With our demonstration plant now operating, we are taking a major step towards the commercialization of our sunliquid® process and the deployment of climate-friendly cellulosic biofuels into the global liquid fuels marketplace including the United States.”

The Clariant demonstration facility, located in Straubing, Germany will produce up to 330,000 gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year specifically from wheat straw, corn stover and sugarcane bagasse. The sunliquid® process is capable of producing bio-ethanol from a wide variety of agricultural residues and dedicated energy crops.

“We are one of the few companies in the industry with proprietary process and enzyme development under one roof,” stated Dr. Markus Rarbach, Head of Biocatalysis of Corporate R&D at the Clariant Biotech & Renewables Center. “We believe that production of feedstock specific enzymes produced process integrated on-site, conversion of both C5 and C6 sugars into ethanol as well as process and energy efficiency in ethanol separation will allow the market to have both a technological and economical solution for the production of cellulosic ethanol.”

Clariant has recently started plans to commercialize the sunliquid® process in the United States and has opened an office in Des Moines, Iowa.

Read more from AEC.

advanced biofuels, AEC, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Book Review: Rooftop Revolution

Joanna Schroeder

There are some books you read and you feel a bit smarter and then there are some books you read that get you excited and compel you to action. Rooftop Revolution by Danny Kennedy got me re-energized about solar energy. In simple terms, the book is about the economic and environmental benefits of solar power. Kennedy focuses on photovoltaics, a method of generating electric power by converting solar radiation (photo) into direct-current electricity (voltaic) using semi-conductors because he believes this technology is a game changer.

Think solar panels on the rooftop of every home and business around the world. Kennedy envisions this dream coming to life through a Solar Ascent where Rooftop Revolutionaries take part by putting solar systems on their homes.

Rooftop Revolution is not only a book about solar energy, but a book about how solar energy can change the future of power. It is also a guide for people to learn how to become part of the fight against Dirty Energy. Using his own experiences and telling stories of others who have gone before us, he tells the past, current and future story of solar energy. He does this through relatable stories, memorable acronyms (King CONG: the four headed monster of coal, oil, nukes, and gas) and easy to do steps.

Dirty Energy, says Kennedy, is telling one story, a story full of misused facts and half truths to make you believe that if you move to alternative sources of energy, such as solar energy, the world will go back to the Dark Ages and to add insult to injury, pay more for less power. Kennedy says this is not true but in fact the price of solar has been cut in half in recent years and with the advent of solar leases, people can begin to save money as soon as they flip the switch to solar. As more solar gets adopted, the technology will get even better and solar energy will continue to cost less and less. (Did you know that even though the U.S. has huge reserves of natural gas, it is getting more and more expensive?)

Kennedy is an activist for change. Back in the day he joined revolutions as a member of Greenpeace, today he is a part of the Rooftop Revolution, helping people all over the world generate clean, cheap power with the sun – solar energy. He writes, “So get involved….Right now it’s important that everyone know the truth about solar’s power and how we should be making energy. Our future – our safety, our prosperity, and our environment-depends on the success of the Rooftop Revolution.”

While most of us do not have the means of the money to start a solar company (Kennedy is the founder of Sungevity), there are still things we can do. One thing is to become a Rooftop Revolutionary and share this book. So I am. Follow @DomesticFuel on Twitter and tweet this story with #RooftopRevolution in your tweet and you will be entered for your chance to win my copy of Danny Kennedy’s Rooftop Revolution.

book reviews, Electricity, Energy, Solar

Top Reasons to Attend Biodiesel Conference

Joanna Schroeder

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is celebrating its 20th anniversary and its 10th biodiesel conference. Don’t miss out on next year’s event: Momentum – National Biodiesel Conference & Expo 2013. The conference will take place February 4-7, 2013 in Las Vegas. But in this case, what happens in Vegas should not stay in Vegas. The tips you learn, contacts you make and insights you gain into important biodiesel policy, cutting edge technologies and more will be things you want to take home and try out. That’s why #3 on the list of the top 10 reasons that the National Biodiesel Board gives for attending the conference is…Bring it Home!

Here is a sampling of the some of the sessions you’ll not want to miss.

  • Betting on Biodiesel: Will We Reach 100% B20 Approval?
  • RINtegrity
  • The Future is Unwritten: Going “All-in” with Biodiesel Feedstocks
  • Chain Link: Developing a Supply Chain for Biodiesel
  • State of the States: Legislative and Regulatory Update
  • You Say You Want an Evolution? How a Bioheat Campaign Created Change

You can learn more about Momentum as well as register online by visiting the conference website.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference, NBB

New York All Bioheat All the Time

Joanna Schroeder

It might not seem like winter will come this year, but it will. New Yorkers are preparing for colder temperatures and on October 1, 2012, all the heating oil (oilheat) will contain at least 2 percent biodiesel. Known as Bioheat fuel, it is gaining momentum in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic U.S. states.

In 2010, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed an air quality bill that included a Bioheat provision for heating homes and buildings. This move was followed by a New York State bill requiring a switch to Ultra Low Sulfur Heating Oil, which took place in July.

“Our members truly recognize Bioheat as the evolution of oilheat,” said John Maniscalco, CEO of the New York Oil Heating Association, which strongly supported the Bioheat mandate. “NYOHA has worked closely with the National Biodiesel Board in ensuring that our member companies and their customers recognize the many environmental and other benefits of Bioheat and we are proud to say that Bioheat usage has already increased dramatically. We are just getting started.”

The beauty of biodiesel is that is can be produced from waste oils including recycled restaurant grease, in abundance throughout the city. Recognizing this resource, the city along with entrepreneurial New Yorkers began using Bioheat and in some cases in even higher blends than the 2 percent biodiesel blend required by law. As often happens when the city adopts a trend, other states have followed.

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) hailed the groundbreaking municipal legislation, and Paul Nazzaro, who heads up the Bioheat education program for NBB said, “The consumer is the ultimate benefactor of this law, now having access to truly 21st Century heating oil. The entire petroleum supply chain deserves credit for making the changes needed to embrace blending biodiesel with heating oil to deliver Bioheat.”

No other city has a Bioheat requirement in place, but several states have passed requirements that will go into effect when contingent states pass similar laws.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, NBB

Solar as Art

Joanna Schroeder

There are many reasons why people believe solar is not a good solution and one is aesthetics. In other words, many people believe that solar panels are just plain ugly. Then I came across a company that just may be able to put this argument to bed: Solaire Generation. Based in New York, this company is turning solar into an artform. Although the company’s forte is installing solar carports, they have also developed a rooftop solar array shaped as an American Flag. The company has also developed really cool PV sculptures including the Solaire Energy Nest and the Solaire Sun Dial.

While this solar art is beautiful, it is also functional. Solar energy is created with each and every design. As many people adopt solar energy as a way to reduce energy costs and promote energy independence, now they can produce energy from the sun while showcasing their patriotism.

Solaire has a mission of dramatically increasing the use of solar power by providing a mounting canopy for every commercial parking structure in the U.S. Founded in 2008, the company began designing structures and in 2009/2010, installed its Solaire Parking Canopy at Johnson & Johnson headquarters. What I find so interesting about the company is not what they are doing, but how they are doing it. Each solar system, including the parking canopies are a work of art.

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Nextgen Offers Attendees Free Clinics

Joanna Schroeder

The nextgen conference is set to take place in UK’s Stoneleigh Park on October 10 and 11, 2012. Unique to the event that showcases emerging renewable energy technologies, attendees can meet with industry experts during a series of drop-in clinics. The clinics are geared for those developing green energy projects or for those already involved in renewable energy production. Visitors will have the ability to learn in more detail about planning, operations and legal frameworks as well as learning the practical steps a business will need to take to achieve its goals.

One-to-one sessions are being offered by Ofgem, the National Farmers Union (NFU), The National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC), Agrii, and National Grid.

“At nextgen, the one-to-one clinics are another way for visitors to get the latest policy and technical advice from renewable energy specialists and plug into world leading industry expertise, products and investment opportunities,” commented Lucy Pitt, group marketing manager of Nextgen Media.

In addition to the clinics, event attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from the Environment Agency about environmental regulation, planning policies and development procedures when seeking permits and consents for renewable energy technologies. The clinics are just one aspect of the show that also offers a trade show area with more than 200 exhibitors and conference sessions. Click here to learn more about nextgen and to register.

advanced biofuels, conferences, Electricity, Energy, energy efficiency, Environment

Megawatt Solar Stations Selected for Solar System

Joanna Schroeder

The Megawatt Solar Stations (MSS), developed by Solectria Renewables, have been chosen by the 5 megawatt (MW) True North solar farm in Salisbury, Massachusetts. When completed, the solar farm will be the largest solar installation in New England and the first direct-to-grid solar farm in the state. Power Partners MasTec awarded the project to Solectria due to its past successful projects and competitive cost per installed watt.

“We evaluated several inverter companies for this project. We found Solectria Renewables to be the best overall choice due to superior technical solutions, personalized service, and their knowledge and experience with large scale direct-to-grid projects,” said Kevin Taylor, Group President, Mastec Renewables. “Solectria Renewables also had the lowest cost per installed watt and highest efficiency products of all the inverter manufacturers evaluated.”

Five Megawatt Solar Stations (MSS) will be used to complete the project. Four stations are 1MW and one is 750 kilowatts. Each MSS is skid mounted and includes a factory wired 22.9 kV medium voltage transformer and switch gear to connect the inverters directly to the grid.

“We were honored to be selected by Power Partners MasTec to be the inverter manufacturer for the True North Solar Farm,” said Scott Bowden, Director of Business Development for Solectria Renewables. “EPCs like Power Partners MasTec realize that Solectria Renewables’ inverters provide them with the highest performance, reliability and efficiency in the market today. Massachusetts has some of the best solar initiatives and incentives in the United States and holds incredible potential for solar farms and installations.”

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Drought Solution for Biodiesel Industry

Joanna Schroeder

This summer was the hottest on record according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the forecast for October could be much of the same: hotter than usual temperatures with less than normal precipitation. A major drought has affected much of the U.S. with Texas feeling the worst impact followed by Colorado, Missouri, Florida, New Mexico, Arkansas, Indiana, and Hawaii. With the heat and dry weather, concerns over biofuel production also began to heat up.

Crop estimates from the United States Agricultural Department (USDA) predict that the corn harvest will be down around 13 percent and soy production down about 12 percent from 2011. Yet as the harvest continues, the U.S. is still estimated to have the eighth largest corn crop on record and the second largest corn crop globally.

Genuine Bio-Fuel believes they have a technological solution for the biofuel industry to mitigate the negative effects the drought is having on the environment. The company says that unlike other biodiesel production technologies that use water for washing fuel, their manufacturing process does not use water and therefore there is no need to dispose of contaminated water.

“Our patent pending manufacturing and cleaning processes were designed with the environmental impact in mind. We believe creating green energy should not compromise the safety of our environment,” said Jeff Longo, Executive Vice President of the company.

Genuine Bio-Fuel produces biodiesel from waste vegetable oil, used cooking oils and other waste feedstocks but does not use soy or other crops that have been impacted by the drought. The weather has caused higher prices for corn and soybeans and this has caused some plants across the U.S. to reduce production and or go temporarily offline. The company believes that their technology is a good solution for other biodiesel producers from both an economic standpoint and an environmental standpoint.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel

And the Survey Says…

Joanna Schroeder

With the legislative races in the home stretch, the American Coalition for Ethanol has released survey responses covering key Congressional and Senate races across the country.

The two major party candidates in races including the Indiana Senate, Iowa Congressional Districts 03 and 04, Minnesota Congressional District 07, Missouri Senate, North Dakota Senate, and the South Dakota At-Large Congressional District responded to questions about keeping the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) intact, extending key cellulosic biofuel tax incentives, and reforming the tax code to provide a level playing field between oil and advanced biofuels.

ACE Executive Vice President Brian Jennings said while the organization would have preferred more candidate responses, the survey shows support for the RFS and other biofuel policy priorities. “Our survey reveals strong bipartisan support for the RFS and for leveling the playing field between oil and biofuels. In addition to making these survey results public, ACE will take a number of steps prior to the election to mobilize grassroots support for the RFS.”

ACE surveyed candidates from select States and Congressional districts. Comments are included from those that responded. Those that did not respond were left blank. For those living in key areas where the races are heated, the survey is a good tool to learn about a candidate’s view of biofuels before you head to the polls.

ACE, biofuels, Ethanol, RFS