Domestic Fuel

General Motors has added four new solar photovoltaic solar projects to its Warren Technical Center campus located in Warren, Michigan. The installations, done by Empower Energies, included a ground-mounted solar array and three solar electric vehicle charging stations. The 49kW ground-mounted array is situated on the north side of the pond adjacent to the GM Vehicle Engineering Center, and according to GM, is outperforming energy production expectations.

“General Motors is committed to promoting the use of 125 megawatts of renewable energy by 2020, which includes solar installations,” said GM’s Manager – Renewable Energy, Rob Threlkeld. “As the leading automotive user of solar power, we understand the importance of solar projects like this, and we continue to work with companies such as Empower Energies to activate new projects at our facilities around the globe.”

The three EV charging stations are located in parking areas adjoining the Vehicle Engineering Center and the Advanced Engineering Center. The latest of these solar EV charging stations is situated in the parking lot across from GM’s new IT Center. These solar charging stations enable Chevy Volt-owning GM employees to power-up their vehicles while they spend their work-day engineering next-generation EV technologies or taking existing vehicles, such as the Chevy Volt, to market.

“These EV Charging Stations may be small in stature by today’s solar-industry standards,” said Len Jornlin, Empower Energies Chief Executive Officer, “but they represent a huge commitment to Clean Transport Infrastructure, and our ability to scale the technology domestically and abroad using our expertise and extensive relationships, including strategic partners such as China Triumph International Engineering Company (CTIEC).”

Installations such as the solar charging stations at the Warren Tech Center enable Empower Energies and market leaders such as GM to refine product design while honing commercial understanding of EV owner requirements.

The Boston/Dedham Commerce Park is the new home of the largest rooftop solar array in the City of Boston. The 974 kilowatt capacity solar project was completed by FireFlower Alternative Energy in partnership with First Highland Management & Development and spans 12,000 square feet. The solar system to produce enough electricity to “fuel” approximately 65 percent of the building’s energy needs.

“This is an important milestone for the City of Boston,” said FireFlower founder Kathleen C. Doyle. “Large scale solar installations such as this benefit the environment by providing clean, renewable power at no additional cost to the tenants while helping the property owner’s bottom line. It’s a win-win for the tenants and owners and our local economy.” Doyle also powers her own home with solar energy.

First Highland’s Boston/Dedham Commerce Park is a 450,000 SF multi-use building currently home to a diverse group of tenants, including RR Donnelly, the Dancing Deer Baking Company and the nonprofit Hyde Park Open Studios. Broadway Electrical Company, Inc., one of the Northeast’s largest electrical contractors, completed the installation. Financing was provided by Commerce Bank.

The solar array is net metered and interconnected to the NSTAR grid, generating renewable power with an estimated annual market value of over $180,000. Additionally, the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) created by the state to help incentivize solar development in Massachusetts helped make the project possible.

What do Orca whales and solar energy have in common? Nothing until now. Canadian Solar Solutions has donated solar modules to power the OrcaLab Whale Research Centre, on a remote island off the British Columbia coast near Alert Bay. OrcaLab has been recording the Johnson Strait whales for more than four decades. Founder, Dr. Paul Spong and his wife Helena Symonds have spearheaded global research that confirms orca “clans” have distinct, highly sophisticated dialects. This scientific evidence in turn has led to bans against commercial orca hunting, and to the creation of nearby orca sanctuaries.

“The solar installation is performing beyond our expectations,” said Dr. Paul Spong a whale expert and advocate. “We are now running all of our power needs without a generator, and looking forward to a future here without oil. We are so grateful to Canadian Solar for everything they have done for us.”

According to Canadian Solar Solutions, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, the new donated solar system allows the off-grid OrcaLab to cut gas generator use and fuel costs dramatically, increase battery performance and life, expand the range of microphones and cameras, and improve amenities for summer volunteers. The system is designed to perform with minimal maintenance for several decades. In addition, the panels will power the main OrcaLab site, and a network of underwater microphones and cameras which will track migrating orca whale and other marine animals.

“We are honored to be involved in the ground breaking OrcaLab foundation’s noble orca whale research,” said Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar. “We are proud to be able to help advance the team’s ambitious work through this latest exciting application of solar energy. As an industry leader, Canadian Solar strives to also lead in our philanthropic efforts with organizations around the world.”

Methes Energies Canada, a subsidiary of Methes Engeries International, has signed a Purchase and Cooperation Agreement with BioFuel Aruba of Oranjestad, Aruba to purchase one Denami 600 biodiesel processor. The agreement was signed during the “Europe Meets the Americas” business conference in Aruba earlier this month.

Mr. Abe Dyck a cofounder and shareholder of Methes Energies was in Aruba for the ceremonial signing of the agreement. “I believe the signing of this agreement accomplishes the objective Aruba has of becoming a Green Gateway for companies wanting to deploy their technologies in the region. I see this as the start of a great relationship. I have enjoyed working with Gregory and the staff at Arina (Aruba Investment Agency) and look forward to commissioning the first 600 later this year.”

BioFuel Aruba was the first and is the only biodiesel producer in the country. The company will work with Methes to expand its biodiesel capacity. In addition, BioFuel Aruba has entered into pilot agreements with the Aruba Airports Authority and the public transit company, Arubus BV, to implement a biodiesel blend into their fleets. The two companies will also be working with the Government of Aruba to develop a biofuels mandate to be incorporated into their national energy policy.

“We can’t wait for our first Denami 600 to be delivered. With two pilot projects soon to start with Arubus and the Airport, we are looking forward to a greater demand for biodiesel. Methes’ technology is a great fit and will allow us to add more Denami’s as the demand increases even more here in Aruba and in the surrounding islands,” said BioFuel Aruba President, Gregory Fung.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced a commitment of more than $9.6 million for 13 clean and alternative energy projects in 11 counties. The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has approved 13 projects, through the state’s Alternative and Clean Energy Program, including five Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fueling stations that, the agency says, have the benefits of reducing emissions, fuel savings and utilizing the large domestic source of natural gas available in Pennsylvania.

“The projects supported by the CFA will help businesses and school districts save collectively on their utility costs and reduce their environmental impact,” said Corbett. “They will also result in significant private economic investment throughout the commonwealth and the creation of 25 new jobs.”

Among the approved projects includes a $250,000 Alternative and Clean Energy Program grant for PMF Industries to aid in the company’s expansion of their manufacturing plant. The project will expand their precision metal forming facility to allow for the manufacturing of CNG cylinders.

“We have an available, abundant, domestic, economical and clean-burning supply of natural gas throughout Pennsylvania that can be used in a number of ways including to fuel our vehicles,” added Corbett. “Increasing the number of natural gas filling stations in the state will grow the industry, boost our economy and result in a better environment.”

In total, 13 projects were approved in Allegheny, Beaver, Bucks, Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin, Erie, Lackawanna, Lycoming, Montgomery and Schuylkill counties. The state investments are projected to result in more than $109 million in additional economic investments.

Colorado State University’s Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) has launched an Advanced Energy Legislation (AEL) Tracker, a database tracking energy-related state legislation pending in all 50 states. Types of energy include solar, wind, biofuels, natural gas and more. The AEL was created in partnership with Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) and the system will also enable CNEE to conduct analysis of trends in state energy legislation.

To date, there are more than 2,100 bills being considered in U.S. states and the energy tracker monitors the progress of each bill as they move forward. Of these bills, nearly 25 percent call for new financing tools, including tax incentives, for the installation of energy facilities. In addition, roughly 21 percent of the bills are promoting development of clean energy sources, and about 8 percent encourage the adoption of energy-efficient appliances, building codes and practices.

If we look at where the country is going on advanced energy policy, overwhelmingly that transition is being led by states,” said Bill Ritter, Jr., director of CNEE and former governor of Colorado.”To get the pulse of where the country is going we need to understand what the states are doing.”

Ritter continued, “AEL Tracker brings together information on energy-related legislation in all 50 states, in a form that is easily accessible not only to lawmakers at all levels of government, but to academics, analysts, environmentalists, funders, business leaders and the general public. It will allow our Center to conduct critical academic analysis of issues to energy legislation nationwide.”
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EV Connect has closed its initial round of financing with funding coming from 37 Technology Ventures, Jackrel Ventures, Tech Coast Angels, Maverick Angels Keiretsu Forum, and other key individual investors. The company works with companies, government and transit agencies, hotels and consumers to install, operate and maintain electric vehicle charging stations. With this funding, EV Connect will expand its sales, marketing, and software development to capitalize on increasing customer demand. EV Connect will also build out its already-successful partnership program and fast-track strategic alliances with charge station manufacturers and network system providers.

“From 2011 to 2012, plug-in vehicle sales grew nearly 200 percent. I’m impressed with EV Connect’s market opportunity,” said Yuri Pikover, Tech Coast Angels. “EV Connect doesn’t make car charging hardware, rather, it focuses on its differentiated and defensible charge station deployment, management services, and proprietary cloud-based software platform. This unique combination of services allows EV Connect to offer customers their own branded or centrally-managed charge station network at all of their parking lots.”

Jordan Ramer, CEO of EV Connect added, “Our goal is to make EV infrastructure more accessible than ever for all companies and organizations.” We believe in the future, all parking spaces will offer EV charging–and EV Connect will be there to integrate, operate and maintain them, as well as customize their customer-facing features.”

Northern Power Systems has launched two new wind turbine models specifically designed for low wind sites. The NPS 60-23 and the NPS 100-24 are based on the NPS 100-21 platform, but according to the company, leverage product features that produce higher energy capture in low winds while reducing the noise profile of the turbine. To date, more than 20 of these turbines are operating in the U.S., United Kingdom and Italy.

“NPS is committed to delivering enhanced offerings that lower costs and increase performance for turbine owners,” said Troy Patton, President and CEO of Northern Power Systems. “We are increasing the value proposition of our already highly-capable NPS turbines through an integrated road-map of expanded product and services offerings, of which our proven low wind enhancements are just one example.”

The NPS Low Wind turbine fleet has surpassed 50,000 operational hours with availability in excess of 97 percent, and has generated more than 1,500 MWh of energy, enough to power more than 150 U.S. (or 450 UK) homes for an entire year. The company says these improved models are optimized for low wind and yield comparatively more energy in low wind regimes.

The NPS 100-24 is based on the platform of the NPS 100-21, which was originally designed to service remote areas such as Alaska, where regular maintenance is not an option. The NPS 100 utilizes permanent magnet direct-drive technology and has fewer moving parts than a conventional gear-box based wind turbine. The larger rotor diameter, lower rpm and tip speed of the NPS 100-24 and 60-23 makes for quieter operation, while the longer blades capture more energy at lower wind speeds. The NPS 60 model generates 59.9kW rated power and is utilized in areas where grid connection capacity is a constraint.

Scottish farmer Mervyn Wallace recently installed an NPS 60 at his farm, his second Northern Power Systems wind turbine. “I’m excited that Northern Power came out with a new turbine that is designed specifically for lower wind speeds. I am very pleased with the revenue that both of my Northern Power turbines are now earning for me. NPS turbines are an excellent return on capital invested.”

Last week the biofuel industry took a hit when Florida voted to repeal its Renewable Fuel Standard, HB4001, that required fuel retailers to blend ethanol into their gasoline. The charge against ethanol was led by Florida Senator Greg Evers, who represents Escambia County, which happens to be the largest receiver of BP oil spill funds in the state. In fact, the same week HB4001 was passed, the county was one of the first to receive approximately $56 million to go toward restoration projects. Apparently, oil “balls” are still washing up on shore.

Escambia County receives its BP funds….ethanol gets squashed.

Coincidence?

I think not.

Let’s take a closer look at the correlation between state Renewable Fuel Standards and ethanol. In states that have a robust oil industry, Texas, Alaska, California, North Dakota, and New Mexico, combined with the state that has several oil refineries, Louisiana, with the exception of California, none of these states have Renewable Fuel Standards. While California has tried to move away from oil with its low carbon fuel standard, it was ruled unconstitutional. Although the legislation is temporarily moving forward, the oil industry is hoping to get another win when the roll-out is halted.

One could argue that when looking at states with the most ethanol production: Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, and Indiana, you’d think there would be state renewable fuel standards in place. But this is not the case. With the exception of Minnesota, which has a biodiesel mandate, these states have tax incentives for production, but no mandates for use at the pump. They don’t seem to need them. Residents of these states appear to take advantage of choice at the pump (and support home grown fuels).

If there is catastrophic oil crisis, Americans in Midwestern states would be driving long after those in states heavily reliant on straight gas at the pump. In fact, Iowa produces enough ethanol and biodiesel each year to fuel 100 percent of its vehicles plus still have fuel to export.

Common sense should tell us to go the way of the Midwest, but when it comes to logic this country seems fresh out and no one wants to pay the money during a recession for a clue.
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The message being delivered to Washington, D.C. today is that Big Oil attacks on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), so-called blend wall and E15 are bogus. Today representatives from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the Auto channel held a briefing in the Capitol Visitors Center to discuss these issues as well as highlight how E15 and the RFS are key parts of an “all of the above” American energy solution.

“Exposing the so-called blend wall for what it is—a Big Oil bluff—highlights how important E15 and the RFS are to achieving a more secure energy future for America,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw to the crowd. “Big Oil uses scare tactics like the so-called blend wall and bogus E15 studies to protect the petroleum monopoly at the expense of the American consumer. Meanwhile, renewable fuels benefit the American consumer by lowering gas prices, creating American jobs, and decreasing our dependence on foreign oil.”

Fuel retailer and owner of Midway Service in Sioux Falls, S.D. Bruce Vollan said to the ethanol advocates, “We have been offering blends of ethanol from zero to E85 at our station for nearly five years, and year after year, my customers buy an average of 20 to 25 percent ethanol. Despite what the so-called ‘experts’ say, we haven’t had to pay a single repair bill during that time. I think we’ve shown that – given the choice – customers are smart enough to know what works in their engines, and – given the choice – they will buy more ethanol. Being able to offer my customers all of the different fuels they want is just one of the reasons I’ve been an independent retailer for nearly ten years. I couldn’t sell these blends if my station was branded.”

When discussing Big Oil’s efforts to smear E15, ACE Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty explained, “Ethanol’s opponents have dramatically misrepresented the findings of studies about E15. We want to make sure that Congress is looking at the actual science and not just Big Oil’s distorted representations of that science.”

Auto Channel Executive Vice President Marc Rauch added, “For 180 years, the world’s top scientists and automotive engineers have known that ethanol is the best and safest engine fuel. It’s time to put this great domestic resource to serious use, and that means embracing E15 today. I’d much rather have my fuel money go to American farmers than to foreign terrorists.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and The Auto Channel are bringing together a panel of experts in the fields of renewable fuels, automotive and vehicle technology and fuel retailing to discuss important issues regarding E15 fuel, the so-called blend wall, and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The briefing will highlight how E15 and the RFS are key parts of an “all of the above” American energy solution.

The event is taking place on Thursday, May 2, 2013 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am EST in Washington, D.C. at the Congressional Meeting Room South CVC 217 in the Capitol Visitors Center.

Speakers include Bruce Vollan, Owner, Midway Service, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Marc Rauch, Executive Vice President, the Auto Channel; Ron Lamberty, Senior Vice President, American Coalition for Ethanol; and Monte Shaw, Executive Director, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

Please RSVP to T.J. Page, with the IRFA at 515-252-6249 or via email.

The Clean Energy Collective (CEC) has cut the ribbon on the first community-owned solar array resulting from the Community Solar Garden Act. The 2010 Colorado legislation was sponsored by Representative Clair Levy as a means to encourage locally-produced clean energy.

The Boulder Cowdery Meadows Solar Array was built on 3.5 acres of land located in South Boulder County and the 500kWh array will produce an estimated 830,000 kWh of power each year. The energy produced is being delivered to participating commercial and residential customers in Xcel Energy’s territory. The Boulder Cowdery Meadows Solar Array is the first community-owned project in Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards program, and the state’s first solar array through an Investor Owned Utility (IOU).

“We are particularly excited to be celebrating the grand opening of the Boulder facility,” said CEC founder and Paul Spencer. “This is a significant milestone for Colorado, for Representative Levy, and for the long-term viability of our clean energy future through community solar.”

CEC’s community-owned solar model allows 100 percent of a utility’s ratepayers, including businesses, renters, those with shaded properties, and people of all income levels, the opportunity to own clean, locally-produced energy. Members receive all of the same rebates and incentives of home-sited systems, and receive credit for the power produced directly on their monthly electric bills. Customers can purchase as little as one 1 kilowatt in the Boulder Cowdery Meadows Solar Array or enough fully offsetting their electricity usage.

CEC is also devoting 5 percent of the power produced by the more than 2,000 solar panels, or about 25 kW, to low-income residents through a unique partnership with Boulder Housing Partners, off-setting the electric bills for about 15 families living in BHP apartments.

The First Reserve Energy Infrastructure Fund (FREIF I) of First Reserve and Renovalia Energy have announced the expansion of their Renovalia Reserve joint venture with the addition of two wind power plants in Southern Mexico. The investments diversify the Renovalia Reserve portfolio beyond Europe into North America and nearly double the power capacity of the wind farm assets worldwide. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Adding wind power plants in Mexico to Renovalia Reserve’s portfolio is a natural extension of the company’s strategy,” said John Barry, Managing Director of First Reserve and member of the Board of Directors of Renovalia Reserve. “Growth in electricity demand is expected to continue to trend upward based on the pace of population and industrial and manufacturing growth, and the legal and regulatory framework signals stability and predictability of renewable energy policies for the region.”

Barry continued, “These conditions provide a fertile environment against which we can apply our growth equity capital and strong operational model to provide predictable EBITDA and cash flow over the long term, with the principal short term variability being wind resource.”

The first 90 Megawatt (MW) farm in Mexico has been operational since June 2012.  The second 137.5 MW farm is under construction and expected to be fully operational in early 2014.  The 228 MW of the combined farms is estimated to be enough to power between 287,000 – 359,000 Mexican households annually.

Jaime Galobart CEO of Renovalia Energy and Director of Renovalia Reserve noted that Renovalia has been present in Mexico since 2007 through its affiliate Demex. Galobart said the development of 228MWs of Mexican wind assets reflects the successful implementation of our international asset diversification strategy in countries with superior growth in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and energy consumption, outstanding wind resource, and solid legal and political frameworks, such as Mexico.

“We are very impressed by the commitment shown by the Mexican Authorities in promoting the development of clean and competitive renewable energy,” he added. “We are delighted to continue sharing our expansion plans with such a solid partner as First Reserve.”

Mosaic, an online marketplace that connects investors to high-quality solar projects, has released its largest solar project to date with $700k in investment opportunities. This is the company’s second project in its Golden State Series, a $100 million series of solar investments available to residents of California. Mosaic’s first offering, a $153,000 project for a charity in San Diego, sold out in less than six hours.

The company’s newest investment offering is a 487 kW solar project that will be located on the roof of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Wildwoods has hosted over a million visitors since it first opened in 2002 and is within a day’s drive of one-third of America’s population.Their project provides 24 percent of the convention center’s electricity and reduces the facility’s CO2 emissions by 179 tons annually, equating to 387,500 vehicle miles not traveled.

“We want to give people the opportunity to do good and do well at the same time,” said Mosaic CEO and Founder Dan Rosen. “Investing in real, tangible, solar projects, that generate electricity, is a great way to do that.”

In January, Mosaic launched its first return on investment solar projects to the public, selling out all three in less than 24 hours with over $300,000 invested. Since then, Mosaic has partnered with Standard & Poor’s, DuPont and Distributed Sun, among others, as part of the truSolar working group to standardize risk assessment and develop a score — similar to a credit rating — for each solar project.

According to a story from Radio Iowa, Jay Parikh, vice president of infrastructure engineering for Facebook, was in Altoona, Iowa earlier this week to officially announce they will be constructing a 476,000 square-foot data center. One of the reasons cited for the social media giant to choose Iowa: it’s commitment to renewable energy including wind energy. Parikh said the company is committed to achieving a 25 percent renewable energy mix by 2015 for its data center footprint.

“The site has ample access to power and water. It is also very close to great network connectivity, which will allow us to connect to all of the billions of people out there,” Parikh said. “Most importantly, we’re very excited about the talent pool in the surrounding area.”

The data center is expected to create approximately 31 full-time operations jobs and Parikh said Facebook plans to build up to two more data centers in Altoona over the next few years.