Bio-Diesel Fuel and Energy News

A recently exhausted rebate program in California is being credited with helping the state really increase its use of alternative fuels in vehicles.

From its inception in February 2008 to its end this past April, the Fueling Alternatives program handed out $2.6 million to encourage consumers to buy alternative fuel vehicles. And this article from the San Diego (CA) Daily Transcript says 948 rebates for as much as $5,000 were handed out to state residents who bought low- or zero-emission vehicles:

The program was funded by the California Air Resources Board with a portion of Assembly Bill 1811, which dedicated $25 million to promote alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicles. San Diego-based nonprofit, California Center for Sustainable Energies administered the program, which helped offset the cost of purchasing or leasing electric, compressed natural gas and fuel cell technologies.

Purchases of the Global Electric Motorcars' line of neighborhood electric vehicles were awarded the second-largest number of rebates at 116. Other popular vehicles included the Vectrix electric scooter and the high-performance electric Tesla Roadster. Six owners of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car, Honda FCX also received rebates.

If lawmakers in California approve more funds, there could be about $5 million available for low-emission cars and motorcycles.

Some farmers might be eligible for federal grants to cover the cost of putting in a wind energy turbine.

This ZDNet blog entry says farmers and ranchers in rural areas with fewer than 15 employees have until July 31, 2009 to apply for the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants:

The grants can be used to cover 25 percent of the total installed cost of a small wind turbine system, or another renewable energy system for that matter. They can be used in conjunction with the Federal Investment Tax Credit that applies to renewable energy technology investments. Caution, in the information I’m reading about this program, it could take up to two weeks to pull together an application, so you probably don’t want to wait until July 30 to start filling this out.

You can find more information at this USDA Web site.

Coal. Under the surface we seem to have a lot of it. It's fairly inexpensive but this is changing as demand rises to meet increased energy needs especially in countries like China. So we have a lot, its cheap, let's use it, what's the problem? Right? Wrong!

Author Richard Heinberg writes in Blackout: Coal, Climate and the Last Energy Crisis, “In short: two of the defining trends of the emerging century–the development of the Asian economies and climate change–both center on coal. But coal is finite non-renewable resource. Thus, a discussion of the future of coal must also intersect with a third great trend of the new century: resource depletion.”

In the first part of the book, Heinberg takes the reader through a deep analysis of just how much coal is available throughout the world. Keep in mind, forecasts assume that current energy use stays the same, but it is increasing each year, making coal available for a shorter amount of time. Best estimates are that the world will see Peak Coal by 2025 and many believe that the world has already witnessed Peak Oil.

Now, you're just waiting for me to say there is no such thing as clean coal. So there, it's out in the open. In the second section of the book, Heinberg talks about the link between coal and greenhouse gas emissions and discusses the technologies to create “clean coal”. They are all challenged to say the least.

At the end of Blackout, Heinberg details three scenarios that involve coal, climate and energy. They are all very disturbing, but Heinberg has a way of tackling issues head on.

“For strategic purposes, it is important to understand our human tendency to discount future problems. We must assess which threats will come soonest, and make sure that out sometimes frantic efforts to respond to these immediate necessities do not exacerbate problems that will show up later. Peak Oil is clearly the most immediate energy and resource supply threat the policy makers must deal with….”

He continues, “If energy scarcity forces policy changes before climate fears can do so, then perhaps world leaders will find that it makes more sense to ration fuel themselves, rather than the emissions they produce.”

Heinberg continues by warning if we don't get a grip on the real amount of fossil fuels supplies we have left as well as a deeper understanding of the environmental and economic consequences of burning fossil fuels..hello Blackout.

Wow, conservation…what a novel concept…good thing the fuel economy standards (aka CAFE standards) were finally improved.

“…Otherwise, the policies pursued are likely to be ineffective, counterproductive, and inconsistent.” Can you say proposed Climate Bill?

I'm a huge fan of Heinberg and he doesn't disappoint with Blackout. You can buy this book or any book I review by clicking here.

BTW - Richard Heinberg is going to be a guest on the premier of national radio program Pure Energy, hosted by Sean O'Hanlon. The show debuts on July 13, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. EST on 880 The Biz and can also be heard live on www.PureEnergyShow.com.

As the Statue of Liberty's crown reopens to the public this Independence Day for the first time since September 11, 2001, it's a good time to consider what true liberty and independence means. To paraphrase the famous quote from one of our founding fathers, Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty or give me foreign oil.”

Jay Hakes, author of “A Declaration of Energy Independence,” says September 11, 2001 was a preview of America's future — one possible future.

On September 12, 2001 the United States awakened from a nightmare, finding itself standing at a crossroad, facing a choice between two very different futures: One choice would lead the country to increased dependence on foreign oil and a future dominated by terrorism and war. The other choice would lead to American energy independence and a world economy that is no longer desperate for oil.

On the main page of Hakes' website “American Energy Independence,” there are photos of two paintings by artist Michael D’Antuono.

“The first painting titled “Dependence” depicts a burqa-clad Statue of Liberty encircled by vultures in an apocalyptic environment clinging to a barrel of oil instead of a book and a gasoline nozzle raised above her head in place of her torch.

The second piece titled “Independence”, offers an optimistic alternative to the first with our Miss Liberty this time embracing a solar panel and wind turbine as eagles and doves glide through an idyllic blue sky.”

Hakes has a great way of thinking about Energy Independence we should all consider as we fill up our cars and prepare to watch the fireworks bursting in air this holiday:

Energy Independence is a civilization changing idea, like freedom, one that should be thought of much like we think of our national independence—our liberty, which is both an ideal and a physical reality. Energy Independence can and should be pursued with the same patriotic spirit that fought for, won and sustains American democracy and freedom.

The phrase “Energy Independence” is a slogan embodying an idea that resonates with the character of America—it is a call for return to economic balance and protection from vulnerability created by over-dependence on petroleum to fuel our cars, trucks and airplanes—it is a public outcry voiced by citizens demanding government leadership in energy production, distribution, security and fuel choice.

God Bless America!

As Americans celebrate Independence Day this weekend, it is a good time to reflect on our need to increase our energy independence.

The good news is, we are becoming less dependent on foreign sources of oil for our transportation fuel needs. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), ethanol displaced almost 322 million barrels of oil in 2008. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) notes that is the equivalent of eliminating oil imports from Venezuela for 10 months, or looked at another way, it would mean that the U.S. would not have to import ANY oil for 33 days. It also saved American consumers and taxpayers $32 billion, an average of more than $87 million a day.

Despite well-publicized cases of economic troubles in the ethanol industry, the production and use of ethanol continues to increase. The latest EIA figures show that American ethanol facilities produced 640,000 barrels per day in April 2009, up by 78,000 barrels from last year. Ethanol demand, as calculated by the RFA, continued to strengthen heading into the summer driving season, with demand at 673,000, up 29,000 from March.

Jay Hakes, author of “A Declaration of Energy Independence,” says American Energy Independence means energy security, energy abundance and energy self-sufficiency.

Energy Independence is a civilization changing idea, like freedom, one that should be thought of much like we think of our national independence—our liberty, which is both an ideal and a physical reality. Energy Independence can and should be pursued with the same patriotic spirit that fought for, won and sustains American democracy and freedom.

The phrase “Energy Independence” is a slogan embodying an idea that resonates with the character of America—it is a call for return to economic balance and protection from vulnerability created by over-dependence on petroleum to fuel our cars, trucks and airplanes—it is a public outcry voiced by citizens demanding government leadership in energy production, distribution, security and fuel choice.

God Bless America.

South Africa looks to promote biodiesel

GREEN REVOLUTION : The Greenhouse Project is transforming an urban park into a seedbed for sustainable living by integrating green building and design, efficient and renewable energy, recycling and organic farming.

SOUTH African motorists could in the near future drive vehicles that run on cooking oil and peculiarly “smell of fried chips”.

This will be made possible by the use of biofuel, particularly biodiesel, say enthusiasts.

Biofuel is a form of fuel derived from “recently living” organisms, replacing fossil fuels such as those derived from coal.

It is usually produced using crops such as mielies, sugar beet and sunflower seeds, though the recycling of used cooking oil is the favoured option.

I enjoy reading articles like this one which view biodiesel as a totally new concept, as though we never heard of it. That’s OK. Everyone has to start somewhere, and just think how much biodiesel S.Africa can grow.

Northwest biodiesel troubles based on misinformation, according to John Plaza

John Plaza, CEO of Imperium Renewables

The president of Seattle-based refiner Imperium Renewables John Plaza despairs at what he calls rampant “misinformation.”

John Plaza: “There can be issues on both sides whether it's good, whether it's bad. But the facts prove that biofuel significantly reduces greenhouse gases. The facts prove that it is a tremendous economic engine for the state, the region, and the nation.”

Imperium owns the biggest biodiesel refinery in the region.

Small article reminds us once again that the NW area of the U.S. is not part of the rainforest, and here, biodiesel can work without starving anyone or destroying the wonders of nature. Just the opposite.

General Biodiesel buys Seattle Imperium plant

Image from: http://www.generalbiodiesel.com/ 

On June 24, General Biodiesel Seattle, LLC, announced that it has completed the acquisition of the Seattle biodiesel facility from Imperium Renewables. Imperial Renewables is a Seattle-based commercial biodiesel refinery operating a 100mm gallon per year facility in Grays Harbor.

General Biodiesel is converting the facility to produce biodiesel from waste oils such as recycled cooking oil and animal fat.

CEO and founder Yale Wong is primarily focused on making biodiesel oil from waste oils instead of the traditional virgin materials, such as soy or canola oil. Wong advocates using recyclable goods, such as animal fat, instead of using soy or canola, which can be domestically consumed in other ways

That is one great thing about biodiesel—you can switch to many different sources for the basic veggie oil, including, as in this case, a switch to waste oils and fats, something we already need to get rid of.

Florida has a new oil baroness and she is banking on Jatropha

Teri Gevinson, the new oil baroness of Delray Beach, FL

Teri Gevinson thinks money grows on trees.
That's why she's planted 9,500 jatropha trees in Delay Beach, on land where pepper and tomato farmers had long since packed up their hoes and gone home in disgust. The jatropha is the next big thing in agrofuel (switchgrass is so last year), another save-the-planet strategy to help us wean ourselves from fossil fuels. The tree, whose leaves look like a cross between pot and poison ivy, produces an oil-rich seed, and that oil has been used as gas for planes, trains, and automobiles -- some trains in India run just fine on the stuff, even when loaded down with extra passengers and live chickens.

This is the human interest angle of the same story we covered earlier, biodiesel is all about believing in a dream of independence and freedom from the OTHER oil barons.

New biodiesel pipeline is the first of its kind in U.S.

Plantation Pipe Line Company

The first commercial shipment of biodiesel coursed through pipelines operated by the Plantation Pipe Line Company, a joint venture of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners and Exxon Mobil. Plantation’s system of pipelines is shown above.

A commercial shipment of biodiesel has moved through a pipeline in the United States for the first time, according to Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, a pipeline company.

A 5 percent biodiesel blend moved from Mississippi to Georgia, and also from Mississippi to Virginia, via the Plantation Pipe Line Company, which is owned jointly by Kinder Morgan with a 51 percent stake, and Exxon Mobil with 49 percent. Last December, Kinder Morgan announced that the nation’s first ethanol pipeline had begun service.

Interesting story about the first biodiesel pipe line, and the various problems posed by such a concept. Now we’re talking, let’s ship biodiesel via pipe line all over the country. It is a valuable product and growing more valuable by the day.

Greentech Media Inc. this week released quarterly data showing that venture capital investment in green technologies totaled US $1.2 billion in 85 deals in the second quarter of 2009. This is up from $836 million in 59 deals in the first quarter of 2009.

In what's being touted as a first of its kind for the country, a city in Georgia says it will use its wastewater to grow algae to make into biodiesel.

The Daily Citizen of Dalton, Georgia reports Dalton Utilities plans to build a pilot project to use with its land application system along the Conasauga River:

“We are working on the design now,” said Mark Marlowe, Dalton Utilities’ vice president of water and wastewater engineering. “We hope to start construction in the fall or winter of this year, and complete construction in fall or winter. The startup will take several months. But it should be fully operational by the spring of 2010.”

“The target is 2,000 gallons (per acre per year),” Das said.

DU officials say they the algae will eat the phosphorous in the water, removing it from the wastewater… growing fuel while cleaning up the environment!

A Southern Florida biofuel refiner has plans to build a 15 million-gallon-a-year biodiesel plant that will use oil from the jatropha plant and algae as its feedstocks.



This article from the Miami Herald says Ag-Oil, based in Delray Beach, is putting up the $20 million pilot-scale biodiesel production facility thanks to some federal stimulus dollars:

Teri Gevinson, CEO of Ag-Oil, said the company has planted 20 acres of jatropha, a fast-growing plant with seeds that contain oil, to make biodiesel. The biorefinery will use a patented technology to convert jatropha seeds, algae and related by-products into fuel.

Once operational sometime in 2011, the facility and plantation on 103 acres will maintain an estimated 128 direct jobs and 915 indirect jobs, the company said.

Other farmers in South Florida will also be growing jatropha for the plant.

Update your passport and book your ticket for Green Power's 5th Next Generation Biofuels conference being held September 28-30, 2009 in Amsterdam. This event will bring together key players from around the world who are pioneering the development of advanced biofuels. The conference will address the latest developments in creating cost competitive, industrial scale production of next generation biofuels technologies.

In past years more than 720 biofuels professionals from 40 countries have participated in the forum. This year the line-up includes:

• •    Dr. Jos Van Boxtel, Arcadia Biosciences
• •    Prof. Bruce Dale, Office of Biobased Technologies, Michigan State
• •    Michael Dennis, Chairman, Enerkem
• •    Jim Flatt, Developments and Operations, Mascoma
• •    Bill Haywood, LS9
• •    Arnold Klann, Bluefire Ethanol
• •    Joseph Skurla, DuPont Danisco
• •    Dr. Rick Wilson, Cobalt Biofuels

To learn more about the Next Generation Biofuels conference and to register, click here.