Clean Diesel Technology on Display at Super Bowl in January and at Chicago Auto Show February 6-17
from AutoBlogGreen:
by Sam Abuelsamid
Posted Sep 26th 2007
(Click on photo for enlarged view and photo gallery)
New VWoA CEO Stefan Jacoby unveiled the 53 ft long, expandable DIESELUTION trailer which is filled with interactive exhibits extolling the virtues of diesel and alternative fuels. The primary focus is explaining the efficiency benefits and CO2 reductions that come from the clean diesel technology that debuts on the Jetta sedan and SportWagen.
Displays inside the trailer will highlight emissions technology, the racing successes of Volkswagen's Touareg TDI in off-road competition and the amount of money drivers can save on fuel. There are also exhibits on fuels including current biodiesel fuels and Sunfuel. Sunfuel is a next generation biofuel that VW is working on with a German University that involves biomass-to-gas conversion. The gas can then be converted to diesel fuel. Accompanying the trailer will be a group of diesel VWs including the oldest Rabbit diesel that was recently found, a Polo Bluemotion, Touareg and the new Jetta.
Read More>>
Monday, December 31, 2007
VW "Dieselution Tour" to Visit Chicago in February
Popular Mechanics: "Hybrids Beware!" - The Case for Diesel
The dark horse of fossil fuels has cleaned up its act, allowing automakers to create cars for the U.S. that are ultraefficient and high-performance. Here comes the 75-mpg revolution.
By Ben Hewitt
Published in the January 2008 issue.
Merging with northbound traffic on Interstate 75 just outside Auburn Hills, Mich., I punch the accelerator, quickly swing left into the passing lane and pull forcefully ahead of the cars around me. In any other ride, on any other gray morning, it’d be just another Interstate moment. But this rush hour, I’m behind the wheel of a preproduction 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-charged, direct-injected diesel engine that, even as I leave the speed limit in tatters, is averaging nearly 50 mpg. Equally important, what’s coming out of the tailpipe is no dirtier than the emissions from the 35-mpg econoboxes I can now see in my rearview mirror. Speed, fuel efficiency and minimal emissions? These aren’t characteristics usually associated with diesel-powered vehicles. But they will be.
Read More>>
Monday, December 24, 2007
Oil Prices May Go Down in 2008
from Christian Science Monitor:
By Ron Scherer Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
New York - Many energy experts are predicting that the price of oil will fall in 2008 from its current level of about $93 a barrel.
Behind the predictions: a slowing US economy and stronger production from both OPEC and non-OPEC sources. In addition, tensions with Iran seem to have eased somewhat, and the supply of oil from northern Iraq appears to be better. Increased production of ethanol and biodiesel will also help.
"Next year, we will probably be in a range of $80 to $85 a barrel," says Rick Mueller, an analyst with Energy Security Analysis of Wakefield, Mass. "And if the US goes into a recession, the price forecast will be lower."
If the price does stay in the $80 to $85 range, it will still be higher than the average price for 2007, which was closer to $71 a barrel.
Read more>>
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Clouds Over Nigeria's Oil Industry
LAGOS (AFP) — Despite being the world's eighth petroleum exporter and sitting on huge gas reserves, Nigeria will not have it easy over the next two years, between peristent unrest in the Niger Delta and strained relations with the major oil companies.
"In view of the current problems, their goal of 4.0 million barrels per day in 2010 seems inaccessible in the current situation," said the head of one multinational company operating in the delta, the oil region where violence and insecurity are endemic.
This absence of security means that Nigeria, which ranks fifth among suppliers of crude oil to the United States, lost one quarter of its production in 2006 and 2007. Production is currently estimated at 2.1 million barrels per day...
For Shell, oil-producing zones are one of three colours, depending on the level of risk: red, yellow or green.
Most of the Middle East is "red." Nigeria, despite all the difficulties, is still "green". But for how long?
Read more>>
Oliphant: America's Energy Future
from The Boston Globe online:
By Thomas Oliphant
December 23, 2007
IN A RUSH of events - from Indonesia to California to the Bush-Congress wars here to the presidential campaign trail - the country got a serious glimpse of its energy future last week.
The news was mostly good. However much of it was disguised by half-steps and partial setbacks, not to mention a road ahead filled with major obstacles. In a charged, partisan atmosphere, the news (about everything from fuel economy to global warming to state antipollution programs) posed several tough political questions.
For the Democrats, including the three leading presidential candidates deep into their endgame maneuvers in Iowa and New Hampshire, the classic dilemna was posed: Do you want a big issue for the upcoming campaign or will you take a few policy steps forward now and try for the rest later?
The answer, with surprisingly little dissent, was the latter. Congress's embattled leaders showed up with an equally embattled President Bush at a signing ceremony for legislation that breaks a generation-long stalemate over fuel efficiency even as it kowtows to Big Coal and Corporate Electricity. And neither Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, nor John Edwards yielded to the temptation to condemn the judgment of Congress.
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Friday, December 21, 2007
D-Max Dragster sets 167 mph record in high 7's
You may already be aware that diesel engines have the inherent capability to make a great deal of power. This fact has once again been proven by Gale Banks and his crew. In addition to owning the World Record for the fastest diesel pickup truck ever at 217.306 miles per hour in the standing mile, Banks now can claim the fastest time ever down the quarter mile drag strip. The new record, 7.96 seconds at 167.34 miles per hour was set in Banks' Sidewinder S-10 pickup using a 2006 Duramax diesel engine which has been modified to produce over 1000 horsepower.WI Company Pioneers Hand-Held Biodiesel Analyzer
from Paradigm Sensors (press release):
December 18, 2007--( Milwaukee, Wisconsin)--Paradigm Sensors’ CEO, Robert Young, announced today that they will be launching their proprietary handheld biodiesel analyzer 
that tests in the field for total glycerin, acid number, blend percent, and methanol at the 2008 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. Young says: "Our handheld provides a means to overcome a market barrier to alternative fuels: Poor quality biofuels that clog up engines."
Paradigm’s i-Spec™ Q-100 handheld analyzer tests the quality as well as the blend percent of the biodiesel to help assure that the biodiesel blend being used is in spec. “Our analyzer’s Impedance Spectroscopy (IS) technology correlates well with standard reference methods,” says Dr. Charles Koehler, a full-time engineer with Paradigm Sensors. “Our research indicates that our handheld analyzer will be the only field instrument to be able to measure methanol and blend percent in minutes and it is the only handheld analyzer that can test for total glycerin, acid number, blend percent, and methanol within minutes with readings that are consistent and reliable.”
Read more>>
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Algae Proposed as Solution to CO2 Emissions
SAN DIEGO, Dec 20, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Green Star Products, Inc. (OTC:GSPI) announced today that its Algae-to-Biodiesel program has attracted companies that need less expensive CO2 sequestration. Algae growth needs only sunlight, non-potable water (salt, briny or wastewater) and CO2, which is the major global warming gas.One tank full of gasoline in your car emits over 200 pounds of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Algae eat CO2; convert it to oil, proteins, carbohydrates and other useful products; and, emit only oxygen to our atmosphere.
Several major companies have contacted GSPI in hope of converting their stack emissions into usable products.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
ADM Statement Regarding Expanded RFS
DECATUR, Ill., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Archer Daniels Midland Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Patricia Woertz issued the following statement regarding the Energy Bill:
"This legislation is an important step towards a stronger, more diverse energy future for our nation and our world. The expansion of the Renewable Fuel Standard recognizes that the promise of tomorrow's biofuels can only be fully realized by supporting the here-and-now solutions provided by today's ethanol and biodiesel. ADM is dedicated to continued leadership in the development of renewable biofuels, and is optimistic about the expanded role they will play in improving energy security, strengthening rural economies and helping to improve our environment."
About ADM
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is the world leader in BioEnergy and has a premier position in the agricultural processing value chain. ADM is one of the world's largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa. ADM is a leading manufacturer of biodiesel, ethanol, soybean oil and meal, corn sweeteners, flour and other value-added food and feed ingredients. Headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, ADM has over 27,000 employees, more than 240 processing plants and net sales for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007 of $44 billion. Additional information can be found on ADM's web site.
Congress Passes Energy Bill; Includes Expanded RFS
If new bill is signed into law by President Bush, it will be the first increase in fuel economy in 32 years.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress by a wide margin approved the first increase in automobile fuel economy in 32 years Tuesday, and President Bush has signaled he will accept the mandates on the auto industry.
The energy bill, boosting mileage by 40 percent to 35 miles per gallon, passed the House 314-100 and now goes to the White House, following the Senate's approval last week.
Read more>>
Also, read press release from National Biodiesel Board to learn about biofuels/biodiesel provisions in the Energy Bill.
UPDATE!
Bush Signs Landmark Energy Bill
By Richard Simon and Johanna Neuman
Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
8:42 AM PST, December 19, 2007
WASHINGTON -- President Bush today signed a landmark energy bill designed to cut U.S. dependence on overseas oil by imposing the greatest fuel efficiency standards in more than three decades and mandating a fivefold increase in the use of biofuels.
Read more>>
Biodiesel: Future or Fad?
While we wait for hydrogen, here's the fuel for eco-conscious drivers.
from AOL AUTOS
by Rex Roy
Right now, industry divining rods are coming together over the next most probable big thing: bio-diesel, a vegetable-based fuel that can power any diesel engine with little or no modification.
First things first: forget most everything you know about diesel engines ... and the fact that they used to be noisy, clattering, dirty, smelly and black-cloud belching. Today, diesels are as quiet as gasoline engines, smooth running, powerful, and nearly soot-less in terms of exhaust emissions. Simply put, modern diesels are not dirty anymore. Even that objectionable "eau d'diesel" that makes diesels so unpleasant to tail in traffic is pure history. However, if you recall that diesel engines are efficient, do keep that in mind because today's modern oil burners are exceptionally fuel-efficient. This efficiency is why over half of all vehicles in western Europe are diesel powered.
Now imagine the benefits of being able to run a modern diesel engine on a non-petroleum diesel fuel. Wouldn't that be fantastic?
Read more>>
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
China diesel imports, now rivaling U.S., may persist
By Felicia Loo - Analysis
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - A surge in China's diesel imports to new records, which has put additional strain on global markets toward the peak of winter demand, could last through next summer unless idled "teapot" refiners rev up again.Monday, December 17, 2007
Road Test: 2007 BMW 535d - Yes, it's a diesel!
from AutoBlogGreen
by Sam Abuelsamid
At the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, BMW was prominently displaying their diesel engine technology, particularly the latest 3.0L twin turbocharged in-line six cylinder. At the time, BMW spokesman Daniel Kammerer told us that BMW would be introducing that diesel engine to the U.S. market later in 2008. BMW still hasn't said which vehicles would get the diesel although it's expected that that the first installations will be in the X5 SUV and 5 series sedans and possibly the new X6 crossover.
Here at the AutoblogGreen Garage we just couldn't wait another whole year to try out a diesel BMW and when we found out that Bosch had one the pestering began. As a supplier of diesel engine fuel and emission control systems, Bosch has a vested interest in the success of diesel engines. To that end, they have brought over a fleet of European diesel vehicles, many of which are expected to be on sale in the US over the next couple of years. Earlier this year we sampled the Chrysler 300 and Smart ForTwo diesels. The Chrysler in particular was very impressive, but this BMW was in a whole different class.
Read more>>
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Friedman on Bali: It's Too Late for Later
"If there is one change in global consciousness that seems to have settled in over just the past couple of years, it is the notion that later is over."
Op/Ed by Thomas L. Friedman
Bali, Indonesia
The negotiators at the United Nations climate conference here in Bali came from almost 200 countries and spoke almost as many languages, but driving them all to find a better way to address climate change was one widely shared, if unspoken, sentiment: that “later” is over for our generation.
“Later” was a luxury for previous generations and civilizations. It meant that you could paint the same landscape, see the same animals, eat the same fruit, climb the same trees, fish the same rivers, enjoy the same weather or rescue the same endangered species that you did when you were a kid — but just do it later, whenever you got around to it.
If there is one change in global consciousness that seems to have settled in over just the past couple of years, it is the notion that later is over. Later is no longer when you get to do all those same things — just on your time schedule. Later is now when they’re gone — when you won’t get to do any of them ever again, unless there is some radical collective action to mitigate climate change, and maybe even if there is.
Read more>>
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Renewable energy stocks rise on Farm Bill news
from Houston Chronicle online
NEW YORK — Renewable energy stocks rose Friday after the Senate passed a revised energy bill, and solar-power companies reported new contracts.
The bill _ passed by a vote of 86 to eight _ raised sixfold the amount of renewable fuels that must be used for blending of products like gasoline, to 36 billion gallons a year by 2022. The legislation boosted ethanol stocks Friday...
Pacific Ethanol Inc. led gains in ethanol stocks, rising 65 cents, or 10.8 percent, to $6.69 in midday trading. Aventine Renewable Energy Holdings Inc. rose $1.10, or 10.7 percent, to $11.39, while BioFuel Energy Corp. rose 46 cents, or 8.1 percent, to $6.12, and Verasun Energy Corp. rose $1, or 7.1 percent, to $15.
Read more>>
Ethanol's Issue: Getting Acquainted with Drivers
By CHRISTOPHER MAAG - Published: Dec. 15, 2007 as part of NYT The Energy Challenge series
LIMA, Ohio — If America’s great ethanol fuel experiment is ever going to work, Bill Timmermeister will be among the first to know.
Mr. Timmermeister invested in a local ethanol plant that will ferment corn to produce 54 million gallons of ethanol a year beginning in January. He also owns the Lima Auto Mall, which sells more ethanol-burning cars than any dealership in town.
But by his account and that of others in the Midwest, ethanol remains a mystery to the motoring public, even in states that have pushed it hardest. The number of stations in the country selling E85, a fuel consisting mostly of ethanol, has jumped fivefold in the last three years, but it is still unavailable to the vast majority of motorists.
Americans drive millions of cars able to burn E85, but many do not even know it. Those who do are not always aware they must do some math every time they pull into a station to figure out which is cheaper, E85 or gasoline.
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Bali: Nations agree on steps to revive Climate Treaty
By THOMAS FULLER and ANDREW C. REVKIN - Published: December 16, 2007
NUSA DUA, Indonesia — Delegates from nearly 190 countries wrapped up two weeks of intense and at times emotional talks here on Saturday with a two-year timetable for reviving an ailing, aging climate treaty.
The deal came after the United States, facing sharp verbal attacks in a final open-door negotiating session, reversed its opposition to a last-minute amendment by India...
The differences in philosophy at the meeting were striking and fundamental. European Union negotiators said they favored specific government-imposed caps on emissions and wanted industrial countries to lead the way.
The United States favored relying on "aspirational" goals, research to advance nonpolluting energy technologies and a mix of measures, including mandatory steps like efficiency standards for vehicles and appliances — but all set by individual nations, not mandated by a global pact.
The agreement notes the need for "urgency" in addressing climate change and recognizes that "deep cuts in global emissions will be required."
Read More>>
Friday, December 14, 2007
US Senate passes Farm Bill
On Friday, December 14, 2007, the U.S. Senate approved its version of the 2007 Farm Bill by a 79 to 14 margin. In addition to reauthorizing farm income protection, conservation, nutrition and rural development programs, the legislation reauthorizes USDA programs that directly impact the U.S. biodiesel industry.Trucking study examines biodiesel efficiency
from AgricultureOnline:
A new study underway examines the benefits of a 20% biodiesel blend (B20) in an over-the-road trucking company. First-year results of the study have shown that biodiesel performs similarly to diesel fuel in trucks.
"The trucking industry is by far the single largest consumer of diesel fuel, using 38 billion gallons annually. This study demonstrates in a real-world environment that biodiesel can be used successfully year-round," says Grant Kimberley, director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association, a partner in the study.
The two-year study, called the "2 Million Mile Haul," is believed to be the first comprehensive, publicly documented demonstration of B20 in over-the-road trucks.
Read more>>
Biofuel bonanza could create specialty chemical fountainhead
Glycerin, other co-products targeted for R&D
from purchasing.com:
There's a heated debate going on in the chemicals industry centering on whether or not the biofuels boom will produce a dramatic increase in the supply of some specialty chemicals. The processes that transform biomass into ethanol or biodiesel can produce byproducts used to develop specialty chemicals—chemicals that now are only derived through the use of petroleum.
Read more>>
Alliant Energy in partnership to raise efficiency of biofuel production
Co-patented technology reduces natural gas consumption by 50%
from Alliant Energy press release:
It’s full steam ahead for four industry-leading companies who have partnered to market, design, install and arrange financing for an innovative, biomass-fueled, steam production technology that significantly reduces the cost to produce ethanol.
The patented process involves the way steam is produced for the ethanol manufacturing process. Using AE&E-Von Roll’s fluidized bed reactor technology, residue and byproducts of making ethanol are used as fuel to generate steam used in the plant. This process reduces the amount of natural gas needed by the whole plant by more than 50 percent while reducing emissions at the plant. This means lower operating costs and a better environmental impact. As ethanol production has more than doubled in the past eight years, energy balance is a key issue. This technology will help producers reduce energy consumption while increasing the efficiencies of ethanol production.
Energy costs for a typical 50-million-gallon-per-year ethanol plant represent approximately 20 percent of the plants total annual operating costs. For every gallon of ethanol produced, 29 cents is spent on natural gas and four cents is spent on electricity.
The patented steam production process was first implemented in the United States in Winnebago, Minn., at Corn Plus Cooperative and is yielding impressive results. The AE&EVon Roll fluidized bed boiler system satisfies up to 100 percent of the plant’s need for process steam and has resulted in the reduction of total plant natural gas consumption of greater than 52 percent. Other ethanol plants are currently considering the technology.
Read more>>
US Senate includes biodiesel provisions in Energy Bill
As reported by the National Biodiesel Board
On Thursday, December 13, 2007, the U.S. Senate approved H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, by a bipartisan 86-8 margin. The creation of a specific renewable requirement in the nation’s 60 billion gallon pool of diesel fuel has been a top priority for the U.S. biodiesel industry. H.R. 6 as approved by the Senate establishes this renewable requirement that will increase the domestic use of "biomass-based diesel" – including biodiesel – from 500 million gallons in 2009 to 1 billion gallons in 2012. View a summary of the expanded RFS proposal included in H.R. 6.
H.R. 6 will now be forwarded to the U.S. House for further consideration. In a statement issued on December 13, 2007, the White House Press Secretary indicated that if H.R. 6 as passed by the Senate is approved by the House and sent to the President, he will sign it into law. Read the White House statement. There is a high likelihood that the House will consider the measure during the week of December 17, 2007.
UPDATE!
Senate Passes Weaker Energy Bill
By JOHN M. BRODER
Published: December 14, 2007
WASHINGTON — Pared-down energy legislation cleared the Senate on Thursday by a wide margin after the oil industry and utilities succeeded in stripping out provisions that would have cost them billions of dollars.
The legislation still contains a landmark increase in fuel-economy standards for vehicles and a huge boost for alternative fuels. But a $13 billion tax increase on oil companies and a requirement that utilities nationwide produce 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources were left on the floor to secure Republican votes for the package.
Read More>>
Thursday, December 13, 2007
EU and U.S. trade charges of blocking Bali talks
By Gerard Wynn and David Fogarty
"If we would have a failure in Bali it would be meaningless to have a major economies' meeting" in the United States, Humberto Rosa, Portugal's Secretary of State for Environment, said on the penultimate day of the two-week talks.
Sudan rebels 'attack oil field'
A Darfur rebel group says it has attacked and taken over a Chinese-run oil field in central Sudan.
A Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) leader said it had defeated 1,200 government troops in Kordofan state.
The Chinese embassy in Khartoum has confirmed there was fighting but denied a Chinese-run facility had been taken.
Jem wants China to end its huge investment in Sudan, which the rebels say is giving the government the funds to buy weapons.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Pacific Ethanol, Inc. Suspends Construction Of CA Ethanol Project
from Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (Press Release)
Sacramento, CA, December 10, 2007—Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ GM: PEIX), the largest West Coast-based marketer and producer of ethanol, today announced that it has suspended construction of its Imperial Valley project near Calipatria, California until market conditions improve.
Neil Koehler CEO observed, “We remain committed to completing our ethanol project in Imperial Valley. However, given current ethanol market conditions we feel it is prudent and strategic to suspend construction until the market improves.
Read more>>
Also, read coverage of this story as reported in AutoBlogGreen
Calvert Portfolio Manager Sees Strong Year for Alternative Energy Opportunities Abroad
Predicts strength in foreign markets because "Europe, Asia and other regions are further along than the U.S in addressing climate change and oil dependency by embracing alternative energy technologies."
BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- With rising oil prices, increasing regulatory/legislative constraints on carbon, and growing consumer demand for action, alternative energy companies are likely to experience strong growth in 2008. However, much of the benefit may flow to non-U.S. companies, according to Jens Peers, the Dublin-based portfolio manager of the Calvert Global Alternative Energy Fund (CGAEX). The Fund was launched on May 31, 2007 and is advised by Calvert Asset Management Company, Inc., investment advisor for Calvert, the first family and broadest array of socially and environmentally responsible mutual funds.
In highlighting the prospects of specific non-U.S. and U.S. companies, Jens Peers, head of ECO Investing at Dublin-based KBC Asset Management International Ltd. and lead portfolio manager of the Calvert Global Alternative Energy Fund, said: "Non-U.S. companies and markets will benefit from the improving prospects for alternative energy in 2008 because Europe, Asia and other regions are further along than the U.S in addressing climate change and oil dependency by embracing alternative energy technologies."
Bennett Freeman, Senior Vice President for Social Research and Policy, Calvert, said: "Calvert believes that companies--in all industries--must acknowledge and act now to address the climate change crisis. Global warming is at the forefront of Calvert's company analysis and environmental advocacy. With the Calvert Global Alternative Energy Fund, we are aligning our investment strategies and policy goals by offering our shareowners the opportunity to invest directly in climate change solutions. We are particularly proud that we have been able to do this with a truly global approach to focusing on the best solutions around the world."
Read More>>
PA Senate approves $650 Million Alternative Energy Bill
from Wilkes-Barre (PA) timesleader.com
On its last day of business for 2007, the state Senate approved a compromise energy bill to spend $650 million on alternative energy and conservation.
The vote was 44-5.
Included in the bill is rebates, grants, loans and tax credits for everything from the installation of energy efficient windows to the construction of wind turbines and power plants that burn waste fuels.
The bill increases rebates for buyers of hybrid gas-electric vehicles and assistance for poor families who need help paying their utility bills.
It still needs approval from the House of Representatives. Gov. Ed Rendell says it's not enough money to make Pennsylvania competitive with other states that are trying to attract the booming alternative energy industry.
Diesels aren't dirty anymore
Mercedes E320 BLUETEC was named the "2007 World Green Car" at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.
from CNN.com
(AOL Autos) -- Not too long ago, uttering the phrase "diesel engine" was enough to elicit a wince from car buyers whose memories of previous-generation diesels often consisted of knocking engine noise, that distinctly-diesel fragrance, and plumes of blue smoke curling from the tailpipe.
No more, however. Most of the new generation of diesel engines are being touted, and rightly so, as "clean diesel" power plants. They run on the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel that became available in the United States in October of 2006. Experts predict that diesel sales will increase by about 300 percent over the next 10 years. That's partly because diesel engines generally deliver anywhere from 20 to 40 percent better fuel economy than gasoline-powered engines, depending on the vehicle and engine size.
So, these days, diesel engines are one of the contenders in the so-called green-driving sweepstakes: the efforts of automakers to find the best solution to the problems of high-carbon fuel emissions. As more and more consumers become more environmentally conscious, the decision to go with greener fuel sources isn't just altruism, it's also good business.
Read more>>
Shell bets on algae to make biodiesel
Royal Dutch Shell hopes to build a commercial plant producing biodiesel from algae in two years' time
from Financial Times (ft.com)
By Ed Crooks
Published: December 12 2007 02:00
The joint venture, with Hawaii-based HR Biopetroleum, will initially build a small research plant but hopes to move to a full-scale commercial plant of 20,000 hectares. Shell said it expected yields of about 60 tonnes of oil per hectare a year, meaning a full-scale plant would produce 1.2m tonnes of oil a year.
The two companies did not reveal the size of the investment, but Shell will have a majority stake in the company, called Cellana.
Shell has held back from production of first-generation biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel from vegetable oil, focusing on second-generation fuels that can be produced from non-food plants or plant waste. It has argued that government support for biofuels ought to give greater incentives to second-generation products on the grounds they are likely to have much better environmental performance, particularly in cutting carbon dioxide emissions.
Read more>>
WI biodiesel plant says equipment was deadly
Midwest Biofuel of Clinton sues process technology provider for dangerous non-compliance with State industrial codes
from Janesville GazetteXtra
By ANN MARIE AMES ( Contact ) Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007
CLINTON — The owners of a new biodiesel plant are suing a manufacturer for equipment they say was deadly.
Midwest Biofuel, 125 Industrial Drive, Clinton, has filed a complaint against ECR Biodiesel Atlanta...
Midwest Biofuel said ECR’s services and designs did not comply with Wisconsin requirements for ventilation and other safety factors, and ECR’s start up instructions “would have resulted in a plant that would have killed everyone in the building within hours of starting operations.”
ECR employees tried to start the new equipment four times, according to court documents.
The plant has been out of production for four months, said Midwest Biofuel President Mirza Ahmed, who practices medicine in Macon, Ga. He is in the process of reverting the innovative “electro-chemical” process designed by ECR into a more traditional method of producing biodiesel.
Read more>>
EIA Issues 2008 Annual Energy Outlook Report
Government agency raises estimated oil price path in early release of adjusted forecast for 2008. Also projects greater use of renewable energy than anticipated in previous AEO Reports.
from US DOE-Energy Information Agency (EIA) press release
EIA has raised the world oil price path in the AEO2008 (Figure 1). In the last few years, global economic growth has been strong, despite high oil prices. While current oil prices are above
As result of higher energy prices and slower U.S. economic growth (gross domestic product grows at 2.6 percent per year between 2006 and 2030 in AEO2008 compared to 2.9 percent per year in AEO2007), total primary energy consumption in the AEO2008 reference case grows more slowly then in previous AEOs, increasing at an average rate of 0.9 percent per year, from 100.0 quadrillion Btu in 2006 to 123.8 quadrillion Btu in 2030—7.4 quadrillion Btu less than in the AEO2007 reference case (Figure 2).
Read more>>
Monday, December 10, 2007
Bush "Misled" US on Climate Change
Congressional report says "the White House had over the years suppressed scientific views that conflicted with administration policy and extensively edited government reports 'to minimise the significance of climate change.' "
from Aljazeera.com:
The White House has systematically manipulated climate science for years to play down the dangers of global warming, a US congressional report says.
Monday's report, prepared by Democrats after a 16-month investigation, came as the Bush administration pressed a UN climate meeting to drop targets for big cuts in greenhouse gases by rich nations.
The report said that the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) exerted "unusual control" over what federal scientists could say publicly about climate change, and that it was standard practice for the council to decide whether or not US scientists could give interviews to the media.
It said the White House had over the years suppressed scientific views that conflicted with administration policy and extensively edited government reports "to minimise the significance of climate change".
Read More>>
Press Briefing: US Position on Climate Change for Bali Conference
"...the President would like to see a mandatory replacement of 20 percent of our gasoline use with alternative fuels and fuel efficiency."
James L. Connaughton, Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs
from United States Department of State transcript of press briefing
Foreign Press Center Briefing
Washington, DC
December 6, 2007
"Clearly countries such as Indonesia and Brazil, their main focus is going to be forestry, the issue of deforestation. And that's what they should be focused on. Countries like China and America should be focused very solidly on trying to come up with low carbon coal, to produce power from coal with low carbon emissions. And how to deal with our roadway transportation-related issues. China's going to have as many cars as America by 2020, it's been estimated. It's a huge challenge for both of us. In Europe, too. A lot of vehicles on the road in Europe. So this is where you're going to see some new configurations of countries focused on specific areas of priority and that's where we need common action.
"So we expect a mix. We can be much more flexible, we can be much more adaptable, we must be complete in our effort because the facts are fairly straightforward. In order to make a sizeable reduction in greenhouse gases it requires action by all of the major emerging economies. These actions may be different, but action is necessary. Otherwise it will not affect temperature trajectory over the long term."
Click here for a transcript of the entire press briefing convened in advance of the UN Climate Change Summit in Bali
Friday, December 7, 2007
NYT: Trucks Power China’s Economy, at a Suffocating Cost
Trucks here burn diesel fuel contaminated with more than 130 times the pollution-causing sulfur that the United States allows in most diesel.
from the "Choking on Growth" series published in the Asia Pacific edition of
GUANGZHOU, China — Every night, columns of hulking blue and red freight trucks invade China’s major cities with a reverberating roar of engines and dark clouds of diesel exhaust so thick it dims headlights.After Mary Leung opens her tiny open-air shop along a major road soon after dawn, she must wipe the soot off her countertops and tables; the tiny yellow-and-olive bird that has kept her company is harder to clean.
Audi: Diesels More Important To Us Than Hybrids
New Spec for B20 Passes ASTM Subcommittee
B20 final approval could come as early as June
As reported by the National Biodiesel Board:
After nearly six years of collaboration, ASTM has taken a leap forward in the process of creating a new specification that will cover blends of six-to-20 percent biodiesel (B6 – B20). The biodiesel blend specification passed out of ASTM International’s D02 Subcommittee E at the semi-annual ASTM meetings held in Phoenix this week and will clear the way for greater automaker approval of B20.
Read the NBB news release, for more.
"Revolution Green" Biodiesel Documentary Available on DVD
from Revolution Green:
View trailer here
Revolution Green is an American story about the responsibility that comes with freedom of choice. It follows one man’s vision to manufacture biodiesel and one man’s determination to spread the word; one man’s quest to use it in his big rig, and one man’s desire to farm his soybeans into biodiesel. Their unique perspectives on living a sustainable way of life offer audiences a chance to become empowered to make a difference in simple everyday choices.
This is their story.
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You can view movie trailer by clicking on the graphic above
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Biodiesel Included in Energy Bill Passed by House
as reported by The National Biodiesel Board:
On Thursday, December 6, 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, by a 235 to 181 margin. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) strongly supported passage of this comprehensive energy bill. Read NBB CEO Joe Jobe's letter to the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi on this legislation.
Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS):
The creation of a specific renewable requirement in the nation's 60 billion gallon pool of diesel fuel has been a priority for the U.S. biodiesel industry. H.R. 6 as approved by the House establishes this renewable requirement that will increase the domestic use of "biomass-based diesel" – including biodiesel – from 500 million gallons in 2009 to 1 billion gallons in 2012. View a summary of the expanded RFS proposal included in H.R. 6.
Biodiesel Tax Incentives:
The House-passed energy bill addresses the U.S. biodiesel industry’s tax priorities.Extension of Biodiesel Tax Incentive:Under current law, the biodiesel tax incentive, including the income tax credit and the excise tax credit, expires on December 31, 2008. Given the important role the credit plays in helping biodiesel compete in the marketplace with conventional diesel fuel, extension of the biodiesel tax incentive is a top NBB priority. H.R. 6 extends the credit through December 31, 2010.
Renewable Diesel and Co-Processed Renewable Diesel:
Co-processed renewable diesel – renewable diesel that is produced when an oil company adds small amounts of vegetable oils or animal fats to the traditional petroleum refining process when producing diesel fuel, qualifies under current law for the $1 per gallon renewable diesel tax credit. Under the House energy bill, the co-processed renewable diesel would no longer qualify for the $1 renewable diesel tax credit. Diverting scarce resources to subsidize the existing operations of oil refineries at the expense of free-standing biodiesel and biomass-based diesel production facilities that are adding new fuel and new refining capacity to the nation’s energy supply is not sound energy or tax policy. The provision in H.R. 6 that properly defines renewable diesel as excluding co-processed renewable diesel is consistent with H.R. 2361, NBB-endorsed legislation introduced by Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX).
Tax Incentives for Exported Fuel:
Under H.R. 6, U.S. produced biodiesel that is exported would continue to qualify for the biodiesel tax incentive, as would biodiesel imported into the U.S. for consumption.However, fuel that is produced outside the U.S. for use as fuel outside the U.S. would not qualify for the biodiesel tax incentive. This provision, which would be retroactive to enactment of the biodiesel tax incentive in October of 2004, would effectively deny the biodiesel tax incentive for so-called "splash and dash" transactions where foreign produced biodiesel is transshipped through the U.S. for the sole purpose of claiming the U.S. biodiesel tax incentive.
Outlook:
The House-approved energy bill will now be sent to the Senate, where the legislation's ultimate fate is uncertain. In addition, the Bush Administration has issued a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) that threatens a Presidential veto of H.R. 6 as approved by the House. Read the Administration’s SAP on H.R. 6.
BEST Energies, Sanimax join forces in Cashton
By Patricia Simms State Journal
Wisconsin's two largest biodiesel producers will share ownership of a 10-million-gallon biodiesel plant in Cashton as it begins production this year, the companies announced Wednesday.
Neil Young, president and chief executive officer of Best Energies in Madison, said Sanimax Energy, which owns a 20-million-gallon biodiesel plant in DeForest, has invested in the Cashton facility, which Best Energies built about 30 miles east of La Crosse.Young said Best Energies' patented technology, which uses crude corn oil byproducts of ethanol production, will be able to produce biofuel more cheaply than companies that use refined, bleached and degummed soybean oil (RBD), which is more typical of the industry.
Earlier this month construction of the North Prairie Productions biodiesel plant in Evansville was halted because of rising soybean oil prices.Young said he believes Best Energies is the first in the nation to start processing crude corn oil.
Best Energies will operate the Cashton plant while Sanimax markets the products, Young said.
Best Energies paid Mid-Atlantic Technology Research and Innovation Center (MATRIC) in West Virgina to develop the technology. The intellectual property is owned by Best Energies, Young said.
OEI 2008 WI Energy Report sets Roadmap for Achieving "25 X 25"
The complete 2007 Wisconsin Energy Statistics report from the
Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence is available here
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
US Dems Reveal Package to Reduce Big-Oil Tax Breaks
Reduces subsidies to Big Oil to support Renewable Alternatives
By Ian Talley Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- U.S. House and Senate Democrats on Wednesday unveiled a $21 billion energy tax package that in large part repeals tax breaks for the biggest oil and gas companies to fund long-term extension of renewable-energy tax credits and encourages biofuels and energy efficiency.Inclusion of the controversial tax provision into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's broad energy bill, along with another embattled provision that would mandate utilities to produce more renewable energy, may delay passage of the comprehensive legislation. The House is expected to vote on the energy bill this week, possibly as soon as later Wednesday.
"This legislation will help America to use more carefully the resources we have today, and to balance our energy incentives toward the fuels of tomorrow," said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mt.
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