Domestic Fuel

A Colorado-based wind turbine company believes it has the solution when winds are not enough to generate electricty: team the turbine up with clean-burning biodiesel.

Smartplanet.com says Hybrid Turbines Inc.’s SmartGen system will use biogas, biodiesel and natural gas to run a back-up power generation system fuel the back-up power system that will operate during the 70 percent of time when the winds don’t get the job done:

This would of course depend on the patent-pending design working and being installed throughout the country’s wind farms. According to Hybrid Turbines, the SmartGen system can be retrofitted for existing turbines, scaled between 3 and 100 kilowatts (possibly higher), and integrated into new turbine designs.

Estimates are that wind power generation capacity would increase by 25 GW, the equivalent of 25 1,000 MW nuclear power plants

Propel Fuels, a west coast retailer of ethanol and biodiesel, has received $11 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission to build and operate 75 self-serve alternative fuel stations across the state over the next two years.

This article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal says the effort will reduce the amount of non-renewable oil used and greenhouse gases given off, while putting more people to work:

The statewide station project, or the Low Carbon Fuel Infrastructure Investment Initiative, has the potential to create more than 450 jobs, while displacing 39 million gallons of petroleum and 187,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, according to Propel.

“This grant brings a new choice to Californians looking to do their part to reduce our nation’s dependency on imported oil and help meet the state’s emission reduction goals,” Propels chief executive officer Matt Horton added in the release. “As advanced biofuel production facilities prepare to break ground in the state, this fueling infrastructure is a critical link between California’s citizens and the next generation of low carbon fuels.”

California Energy Commission officials say this will help bring the needed next generation of biofuels to nearly half a million flex fuel vehicle owners in the Golden State.

The Sportsman Stop at 1818 State Street North in Waseca, MN will be offering E85 Frenquent Fuel Cards beginning tomorrow, Sept. 1. The first 50 flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) owners will receive the card where, if they purchase E85 four times, they will receive $10 off their 5th E85 purchase.

Recently, Kelly Marczak, director for the American Lung Association in Minnesota’s clean fuel and vehicle technologies stated, “The State of Minnesota is serious about its stated goal to reduce its petroleum consumption. In [the first six months of the year], the state’s use of E85 in 2010 prevented more than 1,745 tons of lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions and harmful pollutants from entering our air.”

This promotion is supported by: the Waseca County Corn & Soybean Growers, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, American Lung Association in Minnesota, and members of the Minnesota Clean Air Choice team.

Minnesota is the home of 358 E85 fueling sites — this is more than any other state in the nation.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is using findings of a new report to try and dissuade the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from making a decision on the use of increased levels of ethanol in gasoline anytime in the near future.

The Sierra Research report commissioned by the national trade association that represents the oil industry found that “multiple regulatory and legal requirements remain and must be met before higher ethanol blends can be legally marketed for commercial introduction.” The report lists nine different requirements that must be met before the ethanol blend level can be increased from the current 10 to 15 percent. Those requirements include such things as a Clean Air Act waiver; registration of the fuel with EPA; changes to EPA Reformulated Gasoline regulations; and changes to EPA Gasoline Detergent Additive regulations.

Matt Hartwig with the Renewable Fuels Association agrees that those actions need to be taken before the fuel can be marketed, but disagrees that EPA should wait until they are all complete before it can approve the use of increased ethanol blends. “Those things need to be done and we’re already working on them” said Hartwig. “They can attempt to drag their feet until the cows come home but it won’t change the fact that E15 is a safe and effective fuel for vehicle use. Instead of constantly referring to the few challenges that can easily be overcome, it would be far more effective for Big Oil to work with ethanol producers to address them in a timely fashion – that is assuming they truly want to act in the best interests of American consumers.”

Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis says approval by EPA is the first step needed for the process to move forward. “In order for state laws and regulations regarding fuel specifications to be updated, the fuel must first be approved by the EPA,” said Buis. “We are not surprised that the people profiting from the status quo want to keep it that way. We have been dependent on foreign oil for 40 years- sending $300 billion a year overseas to other countries’ economies – and these delays will only perpetuate our addiction. The Growth Energy Green Jobs Waiver was accompanied by a sound body of science that overwhelmingly supports the use of E15 in existing vehicles. In fact, there has been more testing of E15 than there has been of any other fuel additive in the history of the EPA waiver process.”

API says some of the necessary requirements must occur prior to the initial sale of a new transportation fuel but some can be subsequently addressed. The period of time they estimate to be required for the completion of all of the above changes is “on the order of several years.”

Read API’s report here.

A Cincinnati-based advanced biofuel technology company has announced the development of its next generation, sugar-based fuel ethanol process.

According to AdvanceBio LLC, the process is capable of utilizing sugars derived from sugar cane, sweet sorghum, sugar beet and other similar crops as feedstock for the production of fuel ethanol and green power while generating zero liquid waste.

When built in conjunction with the sugar milling operation, plants employing AdvanceBio’s sugar-based ethanol process will have the same, low-greenhouse gas footprint found in Brazil’s existing cane-based fuel ethanol industry. “The facilities will be extremely self-sufficient. In addition to eliminating costs associated with outside sources of fossil fuels, power and process water, our technology eliminates the need for extensive waste treatment processes and the cost of transporting large volumes of liquid vinasse back to the cane fields. These ethanol production facilities will also meet stringent U.S. pollution and occupational safety regulations,” said Dale Monceaux, Principal.

AdvanceBio envisions that producing fuel ethanol by processing cane and sweet sorghum feedstocks will serve to supplement corn as the country transitions to cellulosic ethanol and beyond. Currently, U.S. legislation establishes a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requiring the production of 36 billion gpy of renewable fuels by 2022. Of this total, 15 billion gpy is designated as a cellulosic ethanol requirement.

Read more here.

Donnie Bowles has become the first member of the ROUSH Drag Team to take a liquid propane-powered Mustang to victory circle. The win was achieved during the August 29, 2010 elimination rounds of the 4th Annual NMCA Muscle Car Nationals at Milan, Michigan Dragway.

While things started out well, the biggest drama of the event came during the third round when the team discovered a crack in the wishbone. The team was able to recover in time for the next round and ultimately Bowles captured the win by only 0.01-second.

“It was very satisfying to get the first win for the ROUSH Powered by Propane Drag Team. My teammate Susan (Roush-McClenaghan) and I have both gone to final rounds this year, but haven’t quite been able to close the deal until this weekend at Milan. It required a total team effort, as we faced our share of challenges on Sunday,” explained Bowles.

Bowles currently leads the NMCA Open Comp point standings and races a 2005 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang which was converted during the off-season to run on liquid propane. This car, along with a 2010 ROUSH Stage 3 driven by teammate Susan Roush-McClenaghan, are an offshoot of the kits that ROUSH Performance uses to convert gasoline-powered Ford pickups and vans to run on propane.

Both cars use an all-aluminum 5.4L, V-8 Ford engine that was originally designed for the Ford GT supercar. This engine is naturally-aspirated with a 12.5:1 compression ratio. Several other changes were required to run on liquid propane, including CNC ported cylinder heads, high performance camshaft and valvetrain, and a wet sump lubrication system, all of which helps these liquid propane-power engines to generate in excess of 700 horsepower.

This year has marked the first year in several that wind installation in the U.S. is on the decline. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reported in July in that only 700 megawatts (MW) of wind energy were added in the second quarter of this year. This is down 57 percent from 2008 and 71 percent from 2009 levels. One of the reasons cited for the decline is a lack of investor confidence in the long-term viability of the industry. This could be overcome, in part, by the passage of a federal Renewable Electricity Standard (RES).

So, how should the industry go about overcoming this issue and others? They can learn this very thing during the inaugural  Midwest Wind Summit & Expo October 4-6, 2010 in Brookings, SD. The event will be headlined by Cascadia Capital Chairman and CEO, Michael Butler, who will provide a keynote address focusing on energy policy and future demand for transmission. These two key issues will set the foundation for more investment, new financing and mergers and acquisitions in the industry.

“Although the wind sector is forecast to have a turbulent 2011, we believe that local content requirements, investment by the turbine manufacturers in the U.S., and the reopening of the U.S. capital markets present opportunities for those who understand the changing dynamics of the U.S. market,” said Michael Butler, chairman and CEO of Cascadia Capital. “The Midwest Wind Summit will dissect key trends in wind investment and finance to help industry leaders understand how the market will evolve and what steps companies can take to stay at the forefront of the sector.”

The event will bring together leaders from the wind and solar industry, federal and state government, academia, trade groups, environmental leaders, and research centers to address the opportunities and urgency to develop more investment and expansion in wind, solar, transmission capabilities, and a smart grid for the Midwest and the nation.

“We are excited to present an all-star program at the Midwest Wind Summit, which will focus on several key issues including investment and finance, energy policy and regulations, said Randy Stratton, Summit Co-Chairman. “With Michael Butler, Susan Sloan from AWEA, along with PUC Commissioners Dusty Johnson-SD, Tony Clark-ND and Dr. David Boyd-MN, we will get a clear understanding of what is next for the wind industry and for transmission developments in the region.”

Registration is now open. You can learn more about the conference including the speaker line-up and agenda as well as register online by visiting the Midwest Wind Summit & Expo website at www.midwestwindsummit.com.

An Ohio utility is looking to buy biodiesel to help it produce power and meet that state’s alternative energy requirement.

This story from Biodiesel Magazine says American Electric Power Co. has opened up bids to supply biodiesel for one or more of its coal-fired plants in the state:

According to AEP spokeswoman Melissa McHenry, the company is investigating the use of biodiesel-blended fuel oil as a possible compliance strategy to meet Ohio’s alternative energy requirements. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio adopted rules to implement its alternative energy portfolio in April 2009, which requires 25 percent of electricity sold within the state to be generated from alternative energy. In addition, at least half that amount must come from renewable energy resources, including wind, biomass, hydro or fuel cell. Electric utilities and service companies are able to use renewable energy credits to satisfy all or part of their renewable energy requirements. According to McHenry, the standard allows renewable energy credits to be generated through the use of biodiesel-blended fuel oil.

The biodiesel-blended fuel oil would replace petroleum fuel oil used for flame start-up and flame stabilization. Pulverized coal plants have large boilers, which McHenry said are essentially large boxes with flame in them that are lined with tubes containing water. The water is flashed to steam, which then fuels the generator. “If a plant shuts down and you need to restart it, you have to start that process flame with fuel oil,” McHenry said. “Then you blow in pulverized coal to keep the flame burning. They also sometimes use fuel oil in the process to maintain the flame to ensure that you are getting the most efficient flame, so you are getting the most efficient transfer of water into steam.”

The utility is looking to acquire three different blends of biodiesel, depending on the time of year it is used: B99.9 for use between April 15 to Oct. 14, B50 for Oct. 15 through Dec. 14, and B30 from Dec. 15 to April 14. AEP officials believe 1.4 million gallons of fuel oil could be replaced. Quotes are due to AEP by 5 pm on September 23.

It might be green and renewable, but it won’t necessarily be DOMESTIC fuel. This article from Biofuels Digest says the Obama Administration will allow advanced biofuels plants owned by foreign companies and those plants in non-rural areas Advanced Biofuels Payments:

In Washington, the (USDA’s) Rural Business-Cooperative Service Agency announced that it is amending the rules for the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program. Now, foreign-owned companies and production of biofuels in non-rural areas are eligible for the assistance. The Agency is requesting applications from advanced biofuel producers producing eligible advanced biofuels at non-rural biofuel facilities and at foreign-owned biofuel facilities.

The article goes on to say that USDA will provide advanced supplemental payment will equal 25 percent of the payment that the applicant would have received pursuant to the agency’s March 12, 2010 notice.

I understand the concept of supporting advanced biofuels and even will sign on to letting our city brethren participate in green fuel production. But I think we might be missing the boat a bit on allowing the foreign ownership. Isn’t part of the point to get us off of foreign oil? Replacing oil with foreign-made and/or financed fuel seems to defeat the purpose.

A group of college students who will be the next generation of scientists have joined together to support biodiesel.

This press release from the National Biodiesel Board, which is leading the effort with support from the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff, says 28 students scientists from across the country have signed on to the new Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel initiative:

Lucas Ellis of Dartmouth, pursuing his Master of Science in Biochemical Engineering, is one of four co-chairs of the effort. “In college there is an eagerness to become an advocate or have a cause, and mine was the environment, science and educating others about sustainability,” Ellis said. “Biodiesel combined all of those and became my passion.”

“We’re bringing the next generation of scientists together with biodiesel, the only advancedbiofuel commercially available in the U.S.,” said Joe Jobe, NBB CEO. “Cementing supportamong future energy thought leaders is important to biodiesel’s future.”

NBB has created a forum where students who support biodiesel can collaborate and share ideas. Any student scientist can sign up at www.biodieselsustainability.org.

This idea is modeled after the NBB’s Scientists for Biodiesel campaign, which has 125 scientist members of its own and is also supported by the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff.

“I think people are going to catch on. That this thing is real and it going to work,” said Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles A. Bronson during an interview about Farm to Fuel. One of Bronson’s long-term goals has been to turn Florida into an alternative energy leader in areas such as biofuels.

This year marked the fifth year of the Farm to Fuel Summit, where academia, growers, investors, distributors and everyone in between came together for three days in Orlando, Florida “cut deals” that will grow the states biofuels industry.

“From the beginning we decided we wanted to include all potential sides of the alternative fuels business,” said Bronson. “Every single meeting we’ve had, a deal has been put into place. Every year we’ve had at least one big deal to come out of these meetings.”

Bronson believes that interest in biofuels has grown, in part, because people have become more informed. He also believes that the alternative energy revolution is going to happen. He stressed that new technologies will be more efficient and said, “We’re going to be growing crops that will be 8-10 times more efficient than corn ethanol production.”

While Bronson is in all the way for biofuels, he is not in for the reason that many may suspect. “I’ve never been a global warming theorist but I do believe in weather patterns,” said Bronson. “And sooner or later, we’ll run out of oil.”

You can listen to Bronson’s interview here with special thanks to Southeast AgNET. Bronson Discusses Success of Farm to Fuel

Last week, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss was quoted on NPR saying the country is preparing itself for another wave of lay offs. It will start at the coasts and move its way to the Midwest. Not good news for the millions of people who are currently unemployed. Unfortunately, a good number of people have become unemployed in the alternative energy industry, but a group in California is set to reverse this trend.

A new alliance of California business, labor, environmental and community leaders have formed the California Apollo Program to help create clean energy jobs in the state. According to the organization, the program is a “blueprint for moving California toward broadly shared economic prosperity, energy security and climate stability, while reinforcing the state’s commitment to a new clean energy future.”

“By implementing the California Apollo Program, we will be making the right moves to secure our economic future, retain our global leadership in clean energy and technological innovation, and engage the workers and businesses who can keep the world’s eighth-largest economy growing,” said Phil Angelides, chairman of the national Apollo Alliance. “The Apollo Alliance will work with our diverse coalition of business, labor, community and environmental leaders to ensure our state seizes the opportunity to invest in California businesses and create new jobs producing the clean technologies of the future.”

The organizations blueprint has identified several key areas it believes will create and retain clean energy jobs including: modernizing the power grid to support clean energy generation and smart grid technology; revitalizing rural California by expanding environmentally sustainable renewable energy and carbon sequestration projects; investing in clean energy research and development; and helping manufacturers retool their factories and retrain their employees to produce clean energy product.

Several of California’s environmental and energy laws are under fire citing the “economic” costs of implementing the technologies required under the laws will cause financial destruction for companies in the state. The supporters of the policies claim that they will help generate up to $104 billion in economic activity by 2020.

The U.S. is using less energy, but more of it is coming from renewable sources, such as wind and solar.

CNN Money reports a new report from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) says the 5 percent drop in American energy usage during 2009 is the largest annual drop on record. But wind energy production alone rose more than one-third during the same period:

Despite the drop in overall energy use, [A.J. Simon, an energy analyst at LLNL] said the study also showed a substantial increase in alternative sources of energy, including gains in solar, hydro and wind power.

Under the 2009 economic recovery act, the Department of Energy has offered generous tax breaks and grants to help fund the development of wind energy. President Obama has set a target of doubling the country’s renewable energy capacity by 2012.

The article says the increase of wind power has directly helped reduce the amount of coal used in this country.

A Wisconsin ethanol plant is receiving nearly $600,000 in stimulus money to help with expansion plans.

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced $595,000 in support for Ace Ethanol to expand its operations in Stanley and retain 40 jobs. “My Administration’s top priority continues to be helping Wisconsin businesses create jobs and giving workers the opportunities to get those jobs,” Governor Doyle said in a press release. “I’m proud to support Ace Ethanol in its efforts to produce clean energy that creates good jobs for our residents.”

The funds are part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and are being distributed through the Wisconsin State Energy Program. They will be used for the installation of heat exchange equipment to reduce waste heat and make the facility more efficient.

Ace Ethanol is a founding member of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA). “This is great news for Ace Ethanol and Wisconsin’s ethanol industry as a whole,” said Joshua Morby, Executive Director of the WBIA. “The ethanol industry has contributed over a billion dollars to our state economy, and it is vitally important that we keep this industry growing and thriving in our state.”

Completed in June 2002, the Ace facility was the first large-scale ethanol plant in Wisconsin, and currently produces over 40 million gallons of the fuel every year. Ace also produces wet and dry distillers grain with solubles and carbon dioxide as co-products of the ethanol production process.

This year’s Brazilian sugarcane crush figures are being revised downward, but still are higher than last year at the moment. Meanwhile, ethanol production is up from last year but exports are down significantly.

That’s according to the latest report from the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA).

The new forecast projects that crushing will reach 570.191 million tons, 3.70% less than the estimate released by UNICA at the start of the harvest in April of 2010 (595.89 million tons), but 5.88% higher than the 541.96 million tons crushed in the 2009/2010 harvest.

Dry weather in the key growing regions is the reason for the lowered forecast, with rainfall significantly lower in some areas, affecting the harvest and reduced the overall availability of cane for crushing by 47 million tons. The State of São Paulo, where more than 60% of all of Brazil’s sugarcane is located, was the most affected region. The dry weather has also resulted in an early end to the harvest season.

According to UNICA Technical Director Antonio de Padua Rodrigues, “the dry weather has persisted through August and if the usual rainfall patterns for this time of year are not resumed in coming months, we will probably have an even deeper harvest failure, which may require a new, revised projection of the amount of cane available for the current harvest.”

Brazilian ethanol production is expected to reach 26.39 billion liters, down 3.66% from the original projection, but 11.40% higher than last year. However, ethanol exports remain below historical values and nearly 46 percent less than this time last year, while domestic use is up 50 percent.