NBB Highlights Biodiesel's Environmental Benefits

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.– The National Biodiesel Board today reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable biofuels production and highlighted the numerous environmental and energy benefits of increased production and use of biodiesel.

“The facts are clear - America’s biodiesel industry is producing a sustainable fuel that is good for the environment,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. “The NBB opposes the use of non-sustainable agriculture practices worldwide. Our recently established Sustainability Task Force is working to ensure that the U.S. biodiesel industry continues to protect the environment, while producing jobs and reducing dependence on foreign oil.”

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Energy (DOE) study has already shown soy-based biodiesel has a 78 percent carbon dioxide reduction. This study takes into account everything from planting the soybeans to delivering biodiesel to the pump. A 2007 update to the study found that for every unit of fossil energy it takes to make biodiesel, 3.5 units of energy are gained.

Further, the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), which was recently expanded under the 2007 Energy Bill, includes a requirement that biomass-based diesel, which includes biodiesel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to petroleum diesel fuel in order to qualify as an advanced biofuel under the program. Based on the USDA/DOE’s previous analysis, NBB fully expects biodiesel to exceed this threshold.

In addition, NBB noted the following:

• In the United States, more than 80% of estimated 2007 biodiesel production came from domestic soybean oil. The rest was divided among other feedstocks such as recycled cooking oil, fats, and vegetable oils from other oilseed crops.
• The USDA reports that U.S. acreage for crop production has not increased since 1959. Major land use changes in the United States that would endanger environmentally sensitive lands are not expected due to biofuels.
• The United States is the largest exporter of soybeans in the world, making the importation of soybeans from countries with non-sustainable agricultural practices less likely. Other nations have already been increasing soybean production for decades.
• According to U.S. Census data, the country currently has the equivalent of more than 400 million gallons of soybean oil sitting in inventory. The 2009 RFS goal is the use of 500 million gallons of biomass-based diesel, which includes biodiesel. Soybean oil only represents half of the domestic raw materials available for biodiesel production in the United States.

The NBB is the national trade association of the biodiesel industry and is the coordinating body for biodiesel research and development in the U.S. Its membership is comprised of state, national, and international feedstock and feedstock processor organizations, biodiesel suppliers, fuel marketers and distributors, and technology providers.

House approves Energy Tax Bill

as reported by National Biodiesel Board

On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, the House passed H.R. 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008, by a 236 to 182 margin. Among its provisions, the bill:

• Extends the biodiesel tax incentive for 2 years through December 31, 2010.


• Properly classifies the tax treatment of co-processed renewable diesel.


• Retroactively denies the biodiesel tax incentive on "splash and dash" transactions.


• Limits the biodiesel tax credit to fuels produced in the U.S. for use in the U.S.

The fate of H.R. 5351 in the Senate remains uncertain. In addition, the Administration has signaled opposition to the measure based on provisions in the bill unrelated to biodiesel. Read the Administration’s SAP on H.R. 5351.

You may also read these documents relevant to NBB's interest in H.R. 5351:

NBB CEO Joe Jobe’s letter to U.S. Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY), the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, regarding H.R. 5351.

Joint Committee on Taxation’s (JCT) description of H.R. 5351

JCT’s revenue estimate for the bill.

Study Shows Strong Farm Bill Energy Programs Would Help Curb Global Warming

"Congress Must Invest at Least $1 Billion a Year in Energy Title to Benefit Environment, National Security and Rural America."

from FarmEnergy.org

CHICAGO, IL - A new study shows that farm-based renewable energy and energy efficiency programs in the U.S. Farm Bill could reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 57 million metric tons a year - the equivalent of eliminating the pollution from over 11 million cars.

The study, "Mitigating Global Warming through the Farm Bill," is the first to examine the potential greenhouse gas savings of the Farm Bill Energy Title. The study assumes funding of at least $1 billion a year, or $5 billion over the five-year life of the legislation, which is less than 2% of the total Farm Bill Budget. The programs in the Energy Title encourage development of farm-based and rural renewable power generation, biofuels facilities, and energy efficiency projects that provide low-carbon energy alternatives.

"Now is the time for Congress to fight global warming through innovative farm policy," said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC), which conducted the study. "In a time of rising concern over the causes and consequences of global warming, these programs can put our nation on the right track."

Read more>>

Iowa State, REG join effort to turn plastic into biodiesel

from The Hawk Eye

AMES -- Iowa State University researchers and biodiesel producers are participating in a federal project to turn plastic trash from military bases into fuel.

The project, funded this year with $1.65 million in federal money, could save $12 million annually in military waste disposal costs, said Rep. Tom Latham, the Iowa Republican who helped secure the funds.

"We have the greatest opportunity I've seen in my lifetime, today in Iowa, to be part of a solution, and that is to reduce our need for importing oil from overseas," Latham said. "There are huge concerns we all have about plastics going into our waste sites."

The research can change the way plastic is disposed, said Balaji Narasimhan, an Iowa State University associate dean of research and economic development.

General Atomics, based in San Diego, is the project's lead contractor. Renewable Energy Group Inc., a biodiesel producer and marketer in Ames, and ISU researchers will contribute to the project.

Mitch Zafer of General Atomics said temporary military bases -- where the technology will most likely first appear -- produce 3,200 pounds of garbage every five days. About 330 pounds of that is plastic.The technology would use the plastic trash to help make diesel fuel to be used at camp, Zafer said.

Arkansas SoyEnergy Opens Crush/Biodiesel Facility

from Arkansas Business

Arkansas SoyEnergy Group LLC on Tuesday marked the opening of what it says is the "first and only" biodiesel facility in Arkansas with an on-site crusher, making it capable of taking locally-grown soybeans "from the field to the fuel tank" at one location.

The facility, at Arkansas SoyEnergy's DeWitt plant on 2780 Highway 165 South, began operating in mid-2007, and fuel production will begin in April.

Arkansas SoyEnergy said its fuel production facility has the capacity to make 3.5 million gallons of biodiesel now, and can be expanded up to 10 million gallons. The facility is designed to produce cost-competitive biodiesel and other byproducts, and be a "significant contributor to the economy of Arkansas County and southeast Arkansas."

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NBB Expresses Support for "Sustainable Biodiesel"

from a Press Release issued by National Biodiesel Board (NBB)
(originally posted on February 4, 2008 - see update)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.– The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) supports efforts to ensure that biodiesel produced and sold in the U.S. comes from sustainable resources. On Monday, Feb. 3, at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, NBB Chairman Ed Hegland announced the appointment of a Sustainability Taskforce. The taskforce will look at ways that NBB can support efforts to ensure the world’s resources are used responsibly for biodiesel production. The NBB opposes the use of non-sustainable agriculture practices worldwide in biodiesel production.

The Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), recently expanded under the 2007 Energy Bill, includes a requirement that specifies fuels must meet a threshold of 50% carbon reduction to be eligible. NBB is committed to working with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that this is developed in a meaningful way, and enforced.

Read more>>

UPDATE! NBB Appoints Members to Sustainability Task Force
Click here for details

60mmgy biodiesel plant placed on hold in Quincy

Building costs; Commodity prices cited as reason for "reluctance to step forward now."
from the Quincy Herald-Whig
By RODNEY HART Herald-Whig Staff Writer


Plans for a 60-million gallon biodiesel plant in Quincy have been put on hold.
America's Renewable Energy LLC, a division of Iowa-based Ewing Land Development and Services, announced plans 13 months ago to build a $77 million biodiesel plant in the south Quincy bottoms. It received a permit in July from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to proceed.

But Jim Mentesti, president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, said America's Renewable Energy is reluctant to step forward on the project right now.

Mentesti said construction costs, high corn prices and fluctuations in the agricultural market contributed to the decision. America's Renewable Energy continues to study the project and decide what to do and when to do it, Mentesti said.

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Video: Renewable Diesel Derived from Algae

Solazyme video shows algae production process to make renewable, alternative fuels and alternative petrochemicals.

Boeing explores using biofuel to power jets

from The Wichita Eagle
BY TRACY ALLOWAY
Bloomberg News Service

LONDON - Boeing Co. said its planes may fly on a mix of biofuel and jet kerosene within five years.

The company has been examining the use of alternative fuels for two years, environment director Billy Glover said. A Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 747 is scheduled to make the first biofuel-powered test flight for a commercial plane later this month.

Boeing is focusing on so-called second-generation biofuels, which would be more environmentally friendly, Glover said. Algae has the "highest yield potential," he said. Oil from Babassu nuts -- grown in South America -- and the hardy Jatropha bush also are being considered.

"It can't be much more expensive, if any. How it's going to be price-competitive will depend on the processes selected, it'll depend on policy elements around biofuel, whether or not there's any assistance."

First-generation fuels such as vegetable oil may use up scarce water resources and compete with subsistence food crops in poorer countries.

"I think we're going to have a commercial product within about five or six years," Glover said. The percentage of biofuel in the blend will initially be "fairly low" because of the difficulty in producing it, he said.

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S.D. Tax Break Would Be Provided For Biodiesel

from the Press and Dakotan (Yankton)

PIERRE (AP) -- It may be a few years before biodiesel production in South Dakota reaches the point that would trigger a tax break at the pump for motorists.

That's what legislators were told Friday during review of a bill to reduce the state motor fuel tax on biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a blend of soybean oil and diesel fuel.

SB148 would cut the 22-cent tax on diesel fuel to 20 cents if it contains at least a 5 percent blend of plant oil.

The bill cleared the House State Affairs Committee 11-0, sending it to the House floor. The tax break would not start until biodiesel production capacity in the state reaches 20 million gallons a year.

Call for Paper: Algae Biofuel Summit 2008

Peering into the future seldom produces a clear picture. But this is not the case with biodiesel. Its long-term impacts on the global economy appear to be pretty clear. The future of biodiesel is secure. The question is what feedstock for biodiesel is sustainable and profitable in the long term. As sustainable alternatives are sought in a bid to enhance energy security as well as reduce carbon emissions, the focus of researchers has shifted to "second- generation" Biodiesel – those not made from food crops such as soy or palm. It has been conclusively established that, in terms of per hectare oil yield, algae could be the most efficient source of feedstock for Biodiesel industry.

Growdiesel Climate Care Council is pleased to invite you to the inaugural International Summit on Algae Biofuels to be held on 18th & 19th September 2008 at New Delhi, India. The conference is focused on next generation of Biofuels using Algae as main feedstock. The summit offers an excellent opportunity to Renewable fuel Sector, their associates and academia to share their valuable experiences and knowledge.

OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the Summit is to provide an improved up-to-date understanding of the next generation feedstocks and technologies in Algae Biofuel Industry. The Summit will be an excellent platform to disseminate information regarding recent research and development activities in the field of Algae, mass production systems, Photobioreactor technologies and other important areas of Algae Biofuel Industry. In view of Biofuels emerging as a trillion dollar futuristic industry, the summit shall bring out many value added consulting opportunities for the speakers as well as industry experts. The technical & financial topics of summit will cover the whole Algae Biofuel Industry.


ORGANIZER
Growdiesel Climate Care Council a non-profit, non-commercial organization is dedicated to the cause of climate care through prevention of Global Warming. Growdiesel is an Alliance Member of NATIONAL BIODIESEL BOARD, USA and Member of CANADIAN BIOMASS INNOVATION NETWORK. Growdiesel is also the consultant to MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS, Govt. of India. Growdiesel has organized more than 500 seminars, workshops & training programs for the benefit of industry, farmers & society as a whole, till date.

On behalf of Growdiesel Climate Care Council, I invite your participation in technical deliberations by contributing a paper. A comprehensive list of proposed topics is enclosed herewith. However you are free to suggest some other topics in the field of Algae Biofuels. The consent form to submit the abstract/s may please be submitted by 28th February 2008 through email at gc@growdiesel.com or growdiesel@gmail.com.

Atul Saxena
Founder & Managing Trustee
Growdiesel Climate Care Council,
B-196, Surajmal Vihar, Delhi-110092. India.
Ph :-+91 11 32904064, +91 11 65803335, Fax : +91 11 42404335.
Email :- gc@growdiesel.com , growdiesel@gmail.com

House Scheduled to Consider Energy Tax Legislation

On February 12, 2008, U.S. Representative Charlie Rangel (D-NY), the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, unveiled H.R. 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008. The package, which is very similar to the energy tax package approved by the House in August, 2007, contains a host of tax incentives designed to promote renewable energy technologies. The cost of the measure is offset with revenue raising measures that impact the oil and gas industry. View the summary of H.R. 5351 provided by the Ways and Means Committee.

Biodiesel Provisions:

H.R. 5351 provides the following changes to the biodiesel tax incentive:

• Extends the biodiesel tax incentive through December 31, 2010. Under current law, the incentive expires after December 31, 2008.
• Extends the renewable diesel credit and the alternative fuels credit through December 31, 2010.
• The provision also modifies Renewable Diesel Credit to provide “uniform treatment of diesel produced from biomass” without regard to feedstock in the following way:

1. Removes requirement that thermal depolymerization process be used.
2. Strikes D396 (home heating oil) as a fuel eligible to receive the renewable diesel credit.
3. Fuel must hit D975 and Section 211 of Clean Air Act.

• Denies $1.00 per gallon renewable diesel credit to fuel derived from petroleum co-processing. This is consistent with the provisions of H.R. 2361, the Doggett/Hulshof bill endorsed by NBB.
• Provides that biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol or fuels eligible for the alternative fuels credit must be produced in the U.S. for use as a fuel in the U.S. This would preclude exported biodiesel from claiming the $1.00 per gallon excise tax credit effective December 31, 2008. To address so-called "splash and dash" transactions, the bill retroactively denies the credits to fuels produced outside the U.S. for use as a fuel outside the U.S. For biodiesel, this would deny credits claimed for "splash and dash" transactions retroactive to the creation of the biodiesel tax incentive in the JOBS Act, which was enacted in October, 2004.

Outlook:

The full U.S. House of Representatives is expected to consider H.R. 5351 during the week of February 25, 2008, and the bill is expected to pass in the House. The prospects for the measure in the U.S. Senate remain uncertain. Previous attempts to approve energy tax packages in the Senate have failed to achieve the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture and move to passage due primarily to objections associated with oil and gas revenue raisers. In addition, the Administration has on multiple occasions threatened to veto legislation pending before Congress based on objections to similar tax revenue raisers. NBB DC staff will continue to closely monitor this issue and work with biodiesel supporters in Congress to get an extension of the biodiesel tax incentive enacted into law.

Farm Bill Negotiations Continue

Last year, both the House and Senate approved separate versions of legislation to reauthorize the federal Farm Bill. Efforts in Congress to reconcile the two bills and to craft a package that meets with the approval of the Administration continue. Authorization for the current Farm Bill expires on March 15. The main stumbling block to completion of the Farm Bill continues to be a lack of funding sources that are acceptable to all parties that would make the bill comply with Congress' PAYGO budget requirements.

As part of the process, Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN), the Chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, has engaged in discussions with both the Administration and Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the senior Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, on crafting the outline of a package that would garner the President's approval. Read a summary of the Peterson compromise Farm Bill proposal. You can also read the following:

Peterson/Goodlatte letter to the U.S. Senate

Peterson/Goodlatte open letter to the parties interested in the Farm Bill.

NBB's top priority for the Farm Bill remains the reauthorization of a CCC Bioenergy Program that provides payments to producers for all gallons produced. NBB will continue to work through the process to advocate for a Bioenergy Program that provides maximum benefit and equity for biodiesel producers.

Penn State B100 exploration "Effective"

University finds "no sign of degraded performance or power" in tests of B100 in New Holland tractors
from The Daily Collegian (Penn State)
By Elizabeth Murphy Collegian Staff Writer

Penn State's exploration into the effects of using 100 percent biodiesel fuel in farm tractors is now showing promise that could turn the grass greener and make the sky bluer.

The tractors, fueled by biodiesel, have shown no negative effects in two years, Glen Cauffman, Penn State manager of farm operations and facilities, announced Jan. 28. There has been no sign of degraded performance or power, he said.

"[Using biodiesel] is the right thing to do because it is contributing to the greening of Penn State," Cauffman said.

Read More>>

Railroad to make its own biodiesel

By Kris Bevill

A steady supply of affordable biodiesel is hard to come by in the Pacific Northwest. That’s why Green Diesel Inc. has decided to make its own. The subsidiary of Tri-City & Olympia Railroad Co. (railroad code TCRY) in Richland, Wash., will produce biodiesel for TCRY locomotives, making it the first known railroad company to produce its own biodiesel.

TCRY currently handles approximately 100 cars on its 127-mile short line and uses 500 gallons of fuel each week.

Dave Samples, director of business development for TCRY, said Green Diesel has built a small research plant in Richland, capable of producing 1 MMgy. Samples said the facility could begin operating as soon as mid-April. Green Diesel General Manager Jack Farrell said the plant is designed to produce fuel in small batches. “Part of the problem that plants are having is that the industry right now is not economically feasible to handle huge, continuous-flow plants,” he said. “We’re not convinced that bigger is better. [We] can run 50 gallons or 50,000 gallons, it doesn’t matter. I can do it once today or 10 times this week. We took a conservative approach to this. We wanted to be able to keep our expenses and up-front costs low and not gamble on the industry until our research is complete.”

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REG offers truck stops a biodiesel network

from eTrucker.com

Renewable Energy Group, a biodiesel producer and marketer based in Ames, Iowa, announced a new service Jan. 29 designed to make biodiesel more available at truck stops nationwide.

REG's Retail Biodiesel Blending Program, announced at the NATSO Show in Orlando, Fla., offers truck-stop operators both biodiesel injection equipment and a regular supply of high-quality biodiesel.

Because REG can remotely monitor fuel levels in its biodiesel tanks, truck-stop operators can enjoy an automated reorder process to ensure they don't run out, REG said. Truck stops also will be able to remotely adjust biodiesel blends daily, the company said.

Read More>>

Environmentalists Debate the Promise of Biofuels

Click on the logo to visit the NPR webpage for an overview of the discussion on the net carbon efficiency of biofuel production. The webpage also includes an audio link to the entire program.

NPR Program "Talk of the Nation: Science Friday" included an informative discussion with researchers who recently published a report in Science Magazine questioning the environmental impacts of biofuels production. (See the NRDC report that expresses the need to adopt a federal low-carbon fuel standard.)

This study took carbon efficiency accounting past the obvious concerns about clearing old growth forests or rainforests to produce corn, soy, palm, or other feedstocks for biofuels. This research expresses additional concern - and quantifies some of the net carbon detriment - relative to converting present food crop acreage or undisturbed prairie grasslands for fuel crop production.

Governor Schwarzenegger in California has promoted a carbon efficiency accounting system that will be applied to all biofuels offered for sale in California. Environmental groups are promoting the same such accountability nationwide to assure we gain maximum effect from renewable biofuels in our effort to combat global climate change. This latest research reinforces a need to maintain a "cradle to grave" assessment of all biofuels to assure effectiveness and to award efficiencies in the marketplace.

The "Science Friday" discussion also included a visit with two companies (Solazyme and Coskata) that are producing the "next generation" of biofuels, including those made from algae and from organic waste. Ultimately, they present a roadmap for the way in which biodiesel and other renewable fuels can continue to improve their net carbon efficiencies while creating "Home Grown Fuel for a Better Wisconsin."

Also see the NRDC discussion of their advocacy for a federal low carbon fuel standard. It presents an informative look at sustainability of biofuels.

WTN: Conservation, biofuels, and alternative energy are state's sweet spot

From Wisconsin Technology Network

by Tom Still

Madison, Wis. - Translating the aspirations of political leaders into real policies and action isn't always easy, especially when the goal is changing how our economy uses energy and from what sources it is generated.

In Wisconsin, however, a combination of researchers, private-sector leaders and policymakers are taking seriously the challenge of building a brighter energy future - and finding no shortage of ways to come together to talk about it.

Read More>>

(Including legitimate blog concerns written in response about sustainability issues that are presently being addressed by the biofuels industry.)

Sustainability; Feedstock Development take center stage at NBB Convention

Sustainability and feedstock development were the buzzwords at the fifth annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Orlando, Fla. this week. A diverse cross section of biodiesel stakeholders from around the world attended the event Feb. 3 – 6. Industry leaders predicted that biodiesel will grow to a billion gallons a year in this country in the next few years and turned their attention to sustainability issues and developing the next generation of biodiesel. About 3,600 people attended the conference.

As always, the conference served as a platform for plenty of biodiesel news. Check out the Biodiesel Blog! You can read a daily account of the conference, view and download photos, watch videos and listen to audio interviews.

Energy Balance for Biodiesel has improved by 10%

NREL & USDA announce new findings that biodiesel provides 3.5 units of energy per unit of input - ranking biodiesel among most efficient sources of alternative energy. Improvements in biodiesel processing cited as reason for inceased efficiencies.

The National Renewable Energy Lab and the USDA announced in Orlando the findings which show that the energy balance of biodiesel has inceased from 3.2:1 to 3.5:1. These findings are a result of the first efficiency study of biodiesel performed since the calculation was last updated in 1998.

By point of reference, petroleum diesel is calculated at an energy balance of 0.83:1.

Below are the calculations made on other fuel sources (renewable and otherwise) as reported by EnergyBulletin.net reports EROEI (Energy Return on Energy Invested):

Coal- 1:1 to 10:1
Ethanol- 1.2:1
Natural Gas- 1:1 to 10:1
Hydropower- 10:1
Hydrogen- 0.5:1
Nuclear- 4:1
Oil- 1:1 to 100:1
Oil Sands- 2:1
Solar PV - 1:1 to 10:1
Wind - 3:1 to 20:1

You can read the NBB Press Release announcing this study by clicking here.

Click here for an NBB Conference Report, including an informative audio report from University of Idaho Department Head of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Jon Van Gerpen. Van Gerpen was one of the lead researchers who worked on the NREL/USDA study.

As chicken fat prices soar, Georgia biodiesel industry heads for slowdown, shutdown

from Biofuels Digest

In Georgia, chicken fat prices have soared to 34 cents per pound, causing production slowdowns at several biodiesel facilities in the state that had switched to fats after an earlier run up in soy oil prices. Companies such as Middle Georgia Biofuels and US Biofuels had switched to all-fat production and Alterra Energy had been forced to delay operations at two new plants under construction at Plains and Gordon.

In recent months, researchers at the University of Arkansas developed a new, fast process for biodiesel that has recorded yields of more than 90 percent using chicken fat and converted tall oil fatty acids. The latter is a by-product of the wood-pulping industry.

Use of the low-cost feedstocks had been previously limited by long reaction times, and the amount of methanol required by conventional processes. Companies such as Tyson Foods have established partnerships, in Tyson’s case with ConocoPhillips, to develop chicken-fat based (renewable diesel).

US, Brazil, EU agree on Roadmap to common biofuels certification standards

from Biofuels Digest

The United States, Brazil and the European Union (EU) released their “White Paper on Internationally Compatible Biofuels Standards” that will pave the way towards a unified international standard for biodiesel and ethanol. An international committee found that 9 of 16 standards were “in alignment” while 6 could be be aligned in the short term. Only 6 biodiesel standards were found to be aligned, and the committee found recommended that the remainder could be aligned through blending biodiesel varieties.

In Washington, the Government Accountability Office said last week that biofuels trade would decline and energy prices would climb unless global standards for biofuels are developed. The GAO said that “the array of incompatible gasoline and diesel blending stocks, and final blended products that cannot be interchanged at the retail level” are reducing opportunities for trade. The GAO recommended that the Departments of Transportation and Energy “encourage uniform biofuel and petroleum product blending practices.”

The Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC), which met in Washington in November, is expected to propose definitive standards for biofuels trade.

Read More>>

Wisconsin start-up company responds to needs in biodiesel industry

Biodiesel industry sparks Marquette research that is spun off into establishing Paradigm Sensors, LLC as new Start-up in Milwaukee
from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (JSOnline):
By KATHLEEN GALLAGHER
kgallagher@journalsentinel.com

(NOTE: Paradigm Sensors is a member of Wisconsin Biodiesel Association, and CEO Robert Young serves on the WBA Board of Directors)

(Milwaukee) A small Milwaukee start-up that's attracted strong interest from local angel investing groups is launching its first product, a biodiesel analyzer, at a national industry conference.

A year after spinning its proprietary technology out of Marquette University's engineering school, Paradigm Sensors LLC has five full-time and two contracted employees, and is bringing to market a hand-held sensor that judges the quality of biodiesel fuel.

The $5,000 device is about the size of a cordless phone. It tests for total glycerin, methanol, acid number and the percentage of biodiesel fuel in a blend, said Robert Young, Paradigm's president and chief executive officer.

The sensor emits electric frequencies to measure the electrochemical responses of liquids using a technology called impedance spectroscopy. The device was to make its debut Sunday at the National Biodiesel Board Expo in Orlando, Fla.

"It really is a potential paradigm-shift technology," said Herb Zien, senior vice president of Trigen Cos. in Boston, chairman of Paradigm's board and an investor in the company. "This device can perform onsite, in real time, as compared to having measurements on these oils that go to the lab and take some time to get results back."

The only other way to get the information that Paradigm's device delivers in minutes is to send fuel to a lab, which is expensive and can take several days, said investor George Mosher.

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Colorado Springs biodiesel fleet rated No. 1 in U.S.

Western City leads by example in promoting renewable energy


from The Denver Post
Colorado Springs was ranked as having the top municipal biodiesel fleet in the nation last week by Government Fleet Magazine. The city beat out San Francisco and Austin, Texas, for the award.

Golden-based Blue Sun provides the city, along with Fort Collins, Denver and Boulder, with a mixture of 20 percent oilseed-based bio diesel and 80 percent petroleum-based diesel.

Since 2003, more than 2,400 city vehicles and pieces of equipment have run on Blue Sun's fuel. To date, Colorado Springs has used nearly 1.6 million gallons of the fuel.

Should America invest in Biodiesel?

from Helium.com
by Barnaby Meins

Americans have long wondered what the future of the energy industry holds for their country. There are many renewable alternative energy sources to petroleum, of which, biomass is fast becoming a major opportunity for investors. In the biomass energy segment, biodiesel is a key area which many are starting to focus on. For one to answer whether America should invest in bio diesel in a big way, we need to explore the benefits and drawbacks before coming to a conclusion.

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Algae production passes Montana Winter testing

from Green Star Products (GSPI) press release

SAN DIEGO — January 31, 2008 — Green Star Products, Inc. (OTC: GSPI) today announced that it has successfully completed Phase III for winter environmental testing of its hybrid algae production facility in Montana.

The GSPI hybrid algae production system is designed to provide a controlled algae growing environment at an affordable capital and maintenance cost, which has eluded engineers for more than three decades.

The GSPI system endured severe Montana winter conditions, which included many nighttime temperatures below -18º Celsius (0º Fahrenheit) and snowfalls of up to 355 mm (14 inches).
The 40,000 liter demonstration facility is located outdoors and had successfully completed Phase I and II of the project in mid-2007.

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The Oil Price Paradox

from Newsweek
By David G. Victor Special Guest Columnist

Last week brought fresh evidence that the U.S. economy is slowing and may have slipped into recession. The news has not only dimmed expectations for world economic growth, but it has also hammered oil prices, which lost $15 from the $100 high just a month earlier. A year ago, more bullish thoughts lifted oil prices from the $50 level in January 2007. The question on policymakers' lips is whether a worldwide slowdown will bring an end to the boom in demand for oil and drive prices significantly lower. Although oil prices will eventually drop as new sources come online and biofuels and other alternatives take hold, crude price are likely to remain high and volatile for a while.

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