Saab News | Saab showcases 9-5 Aero BioPower at Detroit Auto Show:
12/29/2005 -- easier.com
"Following the overwhelmingly successful launch of the Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower flex fuel car in Sweden, Saab will this week unveil a concept version of the 9-5 Aero BioPower, capable of producing 310bhp and 440 Nm torque, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
Powered by E85 bioethanol, a renewable and sustainable fuel, the 2.3-litre high-output turbocharged engine of the 9-5 Aero Estate show car delivers almost 20 per cent more power (310 bhp vs. 260 bhp) and 25 per cent more torque (440 Nm/325 lb.ft vs. 350 Nm/258 lb.ft) than its regular petrol equivalent, proving that it is possible for drivers to enjoy the benefits of increased power and performance while having a greater regard for the environment."
Friday, December 30, 2005
How efficient is ethanol? It depends on who is asked
How efficient is ethanol? It depends on who is asked:
by Nat Williams -- Agrinews -- 12/30/2005
"'Why hasn't anybody pointed out that gasoline is only at 0.8 and is never going to get any better than that?' Brown said.
He also pointed out the production efficiency of ethanol and biodiesel is likely to improve as technology improves."
by Nat Williams -- Agrinews -- 12/30/2005
"'Why hasn't anybody pointed out that gasoline is only at 0.8 and is never going to get any better than that?' Brown said.
He also pointed out the production efficiency of ethanol and biodiesel is likely to improve as technology improves."
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Ethanol crops option for canker-ravaged citrus farm
Bradenton Herald | 12/29/2005 | Ethanol crops option for canker-ravaged land:
by Richard Dymond
"MANATEE - Ever since Byron and Betty Hodgin lost their 80-acre New Garden Grove near Buckeye Road to citrus canker recently, they have considered selling the land.They also might plant food crops or let it lie fallow.But a fourth option also exists - to grow corn or sorghum and sell it to Tampa-based U.S. EnviroFuels, which hopes to build the state's first 40-million-gallon-per-year corn-ethanol-production facility in the next two years at Port Manatee."
by Richard Dymond
"MANATEE - Ever since Byron and Betty Hodgin lost their 80-acre New Garden Grove near Buckeye Road to citrus canker recently, they have considered selling the land.They also might plant food crops or let it lie fallow.But a fourth option also exists - to grow corn or sorghum and sell it to Tampa-based U.S. EnviroFuels, which hopes to build the state's first 40-million-gallon-per-year corn-ethanol-production facility in the next two years at Port Manatee."
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Can biodiesel production take off in the state of Washington?
The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Homegrown fuel: a waste of energy?:
by Warren Cornwall -- 12/28/2005
"Though getting fuel from plants isn't new, the industry has been mostly confined to the Midwest, where corn is turned into ethanol and soybean oil is made into biodiesel. Biodiesel can be mixed with regular diesel or, in some engines, used alone.
But recent high gas prices and global warming, joined with farmers' hunger for a new lucrative crop, have people in Washington talking seriously about homegrown fuel.
While most of the biodiesel today comes from soybeans, the oil can also come from canola and mustard seeds that grow well in Washington."
by Warren Cornwall -- 12/28/2005
"Though getting fuel from plants isn't new, the industry has been mostly confined to the Midwest, where corn is turned into ethanol and soybean oil is made into biodiesel. Biodiesel can be mixed with regular diesel or, in some engines, used alone.
But recent high gas prices and global warming, joined with farmers' hunger for a new lucrative crop, have people in Washington talking seriously about homegrown fuel.
While most of the biodiesel today comes from soybeans, the oil can also come from canola and mustard seeds that grow well in Washington."
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
New highway signs will help guide motorists to Minnesota's 190 E-85 fueling stations
New highway signs will help guide motorists to Minnesota?s 190 E-85 fueling stations:
12/23/05 -- HometownSource.com
"NEWS RELEASE -- Santa Claus made a pre-Christmas visit to the State Capitol today, arriving with Mrs. Claus in a red sleigh pulled by an E-85 powered vehicle."
12/23/05 -- HometownSource.com
"NEWS RELEASE -- Santa Claus made a pre-Christmas visit to the State Capitol today, arriving with Mrs. Claus in a red sleigh pulled by an E-85 powered vehicle."
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Agriculture could play major role in U.S. energy picture
Southeast Farm Press:
by Paul Hollis -- 12/15/2005
"It's not unrealistic to assume that by 2025, agriculture will be supplying as much as 35 percent of the U.S. energy supply, says David Bransby, an Auburn University professor of agronomy and soils and a nationally recognized authority on biofuel alternatives."
by Paul Hollis -- 12/15/2005
"It's not unrealistic to assume that by 2025, agriculture will be supplying as much as 35 percent of the U.S. energy supply, says David Bransby, an Auburn University professor of agronomy and soils and a nationally recognized authority on biofuel alternatives."
Wisconsin assembly passes ethanol fuel mandate
JS Online: Assembly passes ethanol fuel measure:
by Stacy Forster & Steven Walters -- 12/15/2005
"Madison - The state Assembly Thursday passed a bill that would require ethanol to make up 10% of regular-grade gasoline, but the measure faces an uncertain future in the Senate."
by Stacy Forster & Steven Walters -- 12/15/2005
"Madison - The state Assembly Thursday passed a bill that would require ethanol to make up 10% of regular-grade gasoline, but the measure faces an uncertain future in the Senate."
Notre Dame's New Center to Research Renewable Energy
RenewableEnergyAccess.com | Notre Dame's New Center to Research Renewable Energy:
12/21/2005
"Notre Dame, Indiana [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] The Notre Dame Energy Center, designed to unite researchers working on new energy technologies to meet the compelling global challenge, was established by the University to play a key role in energy education, literacy, policy, and exploration of the ethical implications associated with energy, according to Joan F. Brennecke, director, Keating-Crawford Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. "
12/21/2005
"Notre Dame, Indiana [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] The Notre Dame Energy Center, designed to unite researchers working on new energy technologies to meet the compelling global challenge, was established by the University to play a key role in energy education, literacy, policy, and exploration of the ethical implications associated with energy, according to Joan F. Brennecke, director, Keating-Crawford Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. "
State's consultant says nation is primed for using Alaska gas
State's consultant says nation is primed for using Alaska gas | EnergyBulletin.net | Peak Oil News Clearinghouse:
by Bill White, Anchorage Daily News -- 12/18/2005
"Doug Reynolds' career choice of 20 years ago has finally gotten red hot.
Reynolds is one of a small handful of energy economists working in Alaska. And increasingly he's being asked to share his insights and research on the biggest development issue before the state: the proposed $20 billion project to move the North Slope's natural gas bounty to Lower 48 consumers."
by Bill White, Anchorage Daily News -- 12/18/2005
"Doug Reynolds' career choice of 20 years ago has finally gotten red hot.
Reynolds is one of a small handful of energy economists working in Alaska. And increasingly he's being asked to share his insights and research on the biggest development issue before the state: the proposed $20 billion project to move the North Slope's natural gas bounty to Lower 48 consumers."
Groups announce plan to boost ethanol use
WHO TV - Des Moines: Groups announce plan to boost ethanol use:
2005
"DES MOINES, Iowa Two groups that support ethanol are pushing for greater use of renewables fuels in Iowa.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers Association say they'll asked the Legislature to replace 25 percent of all gasoline sold in the state with renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel."
2005
"DES MOINES, Iowa Two groups that support ethanol are pushing for greater use of renewables fuels in Iowa.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers Association say they'll asked the Legislature to replace 25 percent of all gasoline sold in the state with renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel."
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Too cool for school ... literally
Too cool for school ... literally - Oil & Energy - MSNBC.com:
12/16/2005
"WASHINGTON - Bundle up, kids. It's getting cold inside.
As oil and natural gas prices soar, public schools are having to make some tough decisions: turning down the thermostat, finding alternative sources of fuel, even cutting back on the school week."
12/16/2005
"WASHINGTON - Bundle up, kids. It's getting cold inside.
As oil and natural gas prices soar, public schools are having to make some tough decisions: turning down the thermostat, finding alternative sources of fuel, even cutting back on the school week."
Goldman's Murti Says 'Peak Oil' Risks Sending Prices Above $105
Bloomberg.com: News & Commentary:
"Dec. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analyst Arjun Murti, who roiled oil markets in March by saying crude may reach $105 a barrel, now says that may be conservative if the ``peak oil'' theory is right and world supplies are running out.
The belief that the world's oil supply is close to an irreversible drop is no longer ``on the fringes'' of the market, said a research report by New York-based Murti, who forecasts oil of $50 to $105 a barrel until 2009. UBS AG analyst James Hubbard, a former oil engineer at Schlumberger Ltd., said an inevitable decline in supply will start sooner and be worse than expected unless investment increases for many years. "
"Dec. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analyst Arjun Murti, who roiled oil markets in March by saying crude may reach $105 a barrel, now says that may be conservative if the ``peak oil'' theory is right and world supplies are running out.
The belief that the world's oil supply is close to an irreversible drop is no longer ``on the fringes'' of the market, said a research report by New York-based Murti, who forecasts oil of $50 to $105 a barrel until 2009. UBS AG analyst James Hubbard, a former oil engineer at Schlumberger Ltd., said an inevitable decline in supply will start sooner and be worse than expected unless investment increases for many years. "
Friday, December 16, 2005
Minnesota requiring 20 percent ethanol in gasoline by 2013
The Fergus Falls Daily Journal.:
by Kelley Gorman -- 12/15/2005
"So-called E20 legislation passed and signed into law this year requires a 20 percent ethanol content in gasoline sold in Minnesota by 2013, according to information provided by state representatives. However, they also provided that we may be seeing a case where the market will out-pace a legislative mandate.
The E20 legislation states the 20 percent ethanol mandate will be waived if 20 percent of total gasoline sales in Minnesota is ethanol. Basically that means if enough E85 is sold, regular unleaded gas can remain at a 10 percent ethanol level."
by Kelley Gorman -- 12/15/2005
"So-called E20 legislation passed and signed into law this year requires a 20 percent ethanol content in gasoline sold in Minnesota by 2013, according to information provided by state representatives. However, they also provided that we may be seeing a case where the market will out-pace a legislative mandate.
The E20 legislation states the 20 percent ethanol mandate will be waived if 20 percent of total gasoline sales in Minnesota is ethanol. Basically that means if enough E85 is sold, regular unleaded gas can remain at a 10 percent ethanol level."
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Ag Waste Tested for Making Electricity
DesMoinesRegister.com:
by Frank Vinluan -- 12/14/2005
"Studies also show that burning biomass produces less carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide - which affect the environment - compared with burning coal.
If Cedar Falls Utilities is able to convert the turbine's fuel source from coal to biomass, the renewable fuel would replace up to 25 percent of the utility's coal-fired power generation. Most of the utility's power comes from coal-fired generating stations in Council Bluffs and Sioux City.
Others are exploring biomass. Alliant Energy is a partner with Chariton Valley Resource Conservation and Development and the U.S. Department of Energy on a biomass project in Chillicothe, near Ottumwa. That project burns switchgrass."
by Frank Vinluan -- 12/14/2005
"Studies also show that burning biomass produces less carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide - which affect the environment - compared with burning coal.
If Cedar Falls Utilities is able to convert the turbine's fuel source from coal to biomass, the renewable fuel would replace up to 25 percent of the utility's coal-fired power generation. Most of the utility's power comes from coal-fired generating stations in Council Bluffs and Sioux City.
Others are exploring biomass. Alliant Energy is a partner with Chariton Valley Resource Conservation and Development and the U.S. Department of Energy on a biomass project in Chillicothe, near Ottumwa. That project burns switchgrass."
In support of a biofuel mandate
The Capital Times:
editorial -- 12/13/2005
"Last winter, when a bill was introduced in the state Legislature that would require a 10 percent ethanol blend be sold at all Wisconsin gas stations, we expressed reservations. Proponents claim E-10 would reduce fossil fuel use but, in fact, manufacturing ethanol from corn is a very energy-intensive process.
Today, however, promising advances in research and a willingness on the part of state officials, particularly Gov. Jim Doyle, to endorse the broader field of biofuels have changed our view.
We now support Assembly Bill 15, with a caveat: Don't stop with corn. We endorse this bill as a step toward the eventual manufacture of ethanol from a variety of non-corn sources, including switch grass, municipal waste and wood waste. Researchers here in Madison and elsewhere are developing the enzymes needed to produce ethanol from these sources. The next challenge is to make that process cost-effective.
An ethanol mandate would help spur such efforts and encourage Wisconsin to become a leader in the emerging and economically promising biofuels field.
Already, researchers at Badger State Ethanol in Monroe are looking at techniques to power the plant with corn fiber instead of natural gas. In addition to manufacturing ethanol, which it sells for about a dollar less a gallon than regular gasoline, the plant also markets the fuel's byproducts of carbon dioxide and distillers grains."
editorial -- 12/13/2005
"Last winter, when a bill was introduced in the state Legislature that would require a 10 percent ethanol blend be sold at all Wisconsin gas stations, we expressed reservations. Proponents claim E-10 would reduce fossil fuel use but, in fact, manufacturing ethanol from corn is a very energy-intensive process.
Today, however, promising advances in research and a willingness on the part of state officials, particularly Gov. Jim Doyle, to endorse the broader field of biofuels have changed our view.
We now support Assembly Bill 15, with a caveat: Don't stop with corn. We endorse this bill as a step toward the eventual manufacture of ethanol from a variety of non-corn sources, including switch grass, municipal waste and wood waste. Researchers here in Madison and elsewhere are developing the enzymes needed to produce ethanol from these sources. The next challenge is to make that process cost-effective.
An ethanol mandate would help spur such efforts and encourage Wisconsin to become a leader in the emerging and economically promising biofuels field.
Already, researchers at Badger State Ethanol in Monroe are looking at techniques to power the plant with corn fiber instead of natural gas. In addition to manufacturing ethanol, which it sells for about a dollar less a gallon than regular gasoline, the plant also markets the fuel's byproducts of carbon dioxide and distillers grains."
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Cow power can fuel ethanol innovations
Wisconsin State Journal:
12/13/2005
"The goal is to create a largely self-sufficient operation. For example, cattle manure would be used to produce methane to power the operations, including the ethanol plant, which would produce a by-product called distillers grain, which would be fed to the cattle.
The process turns manure from a pollution problem into an alternative energy solution. And it makes ethanol, an alcohol fuel made from renewable sources, into a more cost-effective competitor to gasoline made from depleting oil supplies.
Overall, the Belmont operation would produce beef, ethanol, distillers grain, carbon dioxide, electricity, ammonia products, fertilizer, bedding and potted plants, all of which would be used on site or sold for cash."
12/13/2005
"The goal is to create a largely self-sufficient operation. For example, cattle manure would be used to produce methane to power the operations, including the ethanol plant, which would produce a by-product called distillers grain, which would be fed to the cattle.
The process turns manure from a pollution problem into an alternative energy solution. And it makes ethanol, an alcohol fuel made from renewable sources, into a more cost-effective competitor to gasoline made from depleting oil supplies.
Overall, the Belmont operation would produce beef, ethanol, distillers grain, carbon dioxide, electricity, ammonia products, fertilizer, bedding and potted plants, all of which would be used on site or sold for cash."
Monday, December 12, 2005
Time to attack energy insecurity
St. Paul Pioneer Press | 11/27/2005 | Time to attack energy insecurity:
by Norm Coleman -- 11/27/2005
"The Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act will help make fueling America from our farms a reality by making a commitment to producing ethanol from sugar, investing heavily in our E-85 infrastructure, and setting goals for the use of flex fuel vehicles.
The bill calls for increasing the ethanol tax credit to 50 percent, authorizes loan guarantees through the Agriculture Department to assist farmer-owned ethanol producers to develop and build infrastructure for E-85, and sets requirements for manufacturers to produce flexible fuel vehicles to meet a 50 percent requirement by year 2016"
by Norm Coleman -- 11/27/2005
"The Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act will help make fueling America from our farms a reality by making a commitment to producing ethanol from sugar, investing heavily in our E-85 infrastructure, and setting goals for the use of flex fuel vehicles.
The bill calls for increasing the ethanol tax credit to 50 percent, authorizes loan guarantees through the Agriculture Department to assist farmer-owned ethanol producers to develop and build infrastructure for E-85, and sets requirements for manufacturers to produce flexible fuel vehicles to meet a 50 percent requirement by year 2016"
Going green with insulating "honeycomb" glass & ground source heat pump
TheStar.com - Going green with glass:
by Tyler Hamilton -- 12/5/2005
"The entire arena-civic centre complex is also heated and cooled using a ground source heat pump or 'geothermal' system. A unique part of the system is the use of waste heat that results from ice making, which can usually be seen as steam coming out the back of arenas. The waste heat is captured and used to provide radiant heating in the arena through ethanol-filled loops that line the floors and bleachers in the building, even extending to the sidewalks outside to prevent ice build-up during colder months."
by Tyler Hamilton -- 12/5/2005
"The entire arena-civic centre complex is also heated and cooled using a ground source heat pump or 'geothermal' system. A unique part of the system is the use of waste heat that results from ice making, which can usually be seen as steam coming out the back of arenas. The waste heat is captured and used to provide radiant heating in the arena through ethanol-filled loops that line the floors and bleachers in the building, even extending to the sidewalks outside to prevent ice build-up during colder months."
A Mushrooming Approach for Ethanol
RenewableEnergyAccess.com | A Mushrooming Approach for Biofuels:
12/6/2005
"Albany, California [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Fallen logs on the forest floor make a perfect home for Shiitake mushrooms. These fungi -- sold as a delicacy in the produce sections of local supermarkets -- thrive on the downed wood, turning it into sugars that they use for food. The mushrooms could also offer a new approach to the efficient production of biofuels like ethanol, according to the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency."
12/6/2005
"Albany, California [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Fallen logs on the forest floor make a perfect home for Shiitake mushrooms. These fungi -- sold as a delicacy in the produce sections of local supermarkets -- thrive on the downed wood, turning it into sugars that they use for food. The mushrooms could also offer a new approach to the efficient production of biofuels like ethanol, according to the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency."
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Ethanol and Fuel Cells
Abengoa Bioenergy [Bioethanol Utilization]:
"Fuel Cell: One of the newest markets being looked at for bioethanol uses is fuel cells. Electrochemical fuel cells convert the chemical energy of bioethanol directly into electrical energy to provide a clean and highly efficient energy source. Fuel cells work similarly to batteries except they can run continuously as long as fuel is supplied, and they can obtain 40 to 50% efficiency in conversion of the fuel energy into useable power, compared with approximately 18% efficiency for the average internal combustion engine. Besides high efficiency, other benefits of fuel cell use in the transportation sector include a tremendous decrease in emissions, less vehicle maintenance and the ability to achieve up to 80 mpg. Fuel cell's could eventually be used to supply power to homes, vehicles, and small electronic devices."
"Fuel Cell: One of the newest markets being looked at for bioethanol uses is fuel cells. Electrochemical fuel cells convert the chemical energy of bioethanol directly into electrical energy to provide a clean and highly efficient energy source. Fuel cells work similarly to batteries except they can run continuously as long as fuel is supplied, and they can obtain 40 to 50% efficiency in conversion of the fuel energy into useable power, compared with approximately 18% efficiency for the average internal combustion engine. Besides high efficiency, other benefits of fuel cell use in the transportation sector include a tremendous decrease in emissions, less vehicle maintenance and the ability to achieve up to 80 mpg. Fuel cell's could eventually be used to supply power to homes, vehicles, and small electronic devices."
Advanced biorefining of distillers grain & corn stover blends increases ethanol production efficiency
Abengoa Bioenergy [DOE Project]:
"Abengoa Bioenergy R&D, in collaboration with Novozymes North America, Inc., the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Stake Technology, will lead the research team to develop novel biomass-derived process technology that utilizes advanced bio-refined Distiller's Grain and Corn Stover blends to achieve significantly higher bioethanol yields while maintaining the protein feed value. This technology will enable a more economical, sustainable industry, reduce petroleum use per bioethanol gallon produced, and increase the availability of bioethanol."
"Abengoa Bioenergy R&D, in collaboration with Novozymes North America, Inc., the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Stake Technology, will lead the research team to develop novel biomass-derived process technology that utilizes advanced bio-refined Distiller's Grain and Corn Stover blends to achieve significantly higher bioethanol yields while maintaining the protein feed value. This technology will enable a more economical, sustainable industry, reduce petroleum use per bioethanol gallon produced, and increase the availability of bioethanol."
A New Sweetener from Ethanol Waste
A New Sweetener from Ethanol Waste / July 3, 2000 / News from the USDA Agricultural Research Service:
by Ben Hardin -- 7/3/2000
"Corn fiber that's left over from ethanol production could be turned into a high-value, low- calorie sweetener for niche markets, based on a process being developed by Agricultural Research Service scientists."
by Ben Hardin -- 7/3/2000
"Corn fiber that's left over from ethanol production could be turned into a high-value, low- calorie sweetener for niche markets, based on a process being developed by Agricultural Research Service scientists."
Earth-friendly farming could lower costs, energy use
Earth-friendly farming:
by Ben Ready -- The daily Times-Call -- 11/22/2005
"'This will save me on (planting) costs, easily,' said Elmquist pointing to a till. 'And if you consider wear and tear on equipment and driving time, I'll save even more than that.'
Strip tillage cuts precise furrows for planting and leaves organic trash such as dried corn stalks lying undisturbed on fields year-round. In traditional tillage, every inch of farmland is plowed and organic trash is buried underground.
Conventionally, the ground is then disked to break up clods of dirt, mulched several times to prevent erosion and control weeds, and then repacked into a seed bed before planting can occur.
Pete Dillan, a strip till distributor from Nebraska, says a strip till farmer in his state spends only $360 per acre to produce corn compared to the $420-per-acre cost for a farmer using traditional methods."
by Ben Ready -- The daily Times-Call -- 11/22/2005
"'This will save me on (planting) costs, easily,' said Elmquist pointing to a till. 'And if you consider wear and tear on equipment and driving time, I'll save even more than that.'
Strip tillage cuts precise furrows for planting and leaves organic trash such as dried corn stalks lying undisturbed on fields year-round. In traditional tillage, every inch of farmland is plowed and organic trash is buried underground.
Conventionally, the ground is then disked to break up clods of dirt, mulched several times to prevent erosion and control weeds, and then repacked into a seed bed before planting can occur.
Pete Dillan, a strip till distributor from Nebraska, says a strip till farmer in his state spends only $360 per acre to produce corn compared to the $420-per-acre cost for a farmer using traditional methods."
Xethanol Corporation to extract ethanol and xylitol from waste biomass
Xethanol Corporation and USDA Forest Products Laboratory Finalize Cooperative Research and Development Agreement: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance:
12/5/2005 -- Press Release
"Xethanol Corporation's goal is to be the leader in the emerging biomass-to-ethanol industry. Xethanol's mission is to optimize the use of biomass in the renewable energy field and convert biomass that is currently being abandoned or land filled into ethanol and other valuable co-products, especially xylitol. Xethanol's strategy is to deploy proprietary biotechnologies that will extract and ferment the sugars trapped in these biomass waste concentrations. Xethanol's strategic value proposition is to produce ethanol and valuable co-products cost effectively with ethanol plants located closer to biomass sources. In Iowa, Xethanol owns two ethanol production facilities, where it is deploying these technologies. For more information about Xethanol, please visit its website at http://www.xethanol.com."
12/5/2005 -- Press Release
"Xethanol Corporation's goal is to be the leader in the emerging biomass-to-ethanol industry. Xethanol's mission is to optimize the use of biomass in the renewable energy field and convert biomass that is currently being abandoned or land filled into ethanol and other valuable co-products, especially xylitol. Xethanol's strategy is to deploy proprietary biotechnologies that will extract and ferment the sugars trapped in these biomass waste concentrations. Xethanol's strategic value proposition is to produce ethanol and valuable co-products cost effectively with ethanol plants located closer to biomass sources. In Iowa, Xethanol owns two ethanol production facilities, where it is deploying these technologies. For more information about Xethanol, please visit its website at http://www.xethanol.com."
Once just a kernel of innovation, ethanol industry now popping
McClatchy Newspapers:
by Greg Gordon -- 12/9/2005
"WASHINGTON - A Midwestern farmers cooperative is spending $8 million so it can make ethanol by burning scrap wood instead of more expensive natural gas.
Agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland Co. is building a plant that will make five times as much of the gasoline additive as a typical operation.
And in Canada and Louisiana, cornstalks, trees and leaves are being tested to see whether ethanol might someday come from a variety of sources instead of the corn that is now its mainstay.
After years of struggle in which some wondered whether the industry that converts corn kernels to auto fuel would ever be viable, it appears that ethanol is coming of age."
by Greg Gordon -- 12/9/2005
"WASHINGTON - A Midwestern farmers cooperative is spending $8 million so it can make ethanol by burning scrap wood instead of more expensive natural gas.
Agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland Co. is building a plant that will make five times as much of the gasoline additive as a typical operation.
And in Canada and Louisiana, cornstalks, trees and leaves are being tested to see whether ethanol might someday come from a variety of sources instead of the corn that is now its mainstay.
After years of struggle in which some wondered whether the industry that converts corn kernels to auto fuel would ever be viable, it appears that ethanol is coming of age."
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Hydraulic Heat Engine Inventor Brings Dream to Marketplace
Engine inventor AZ Republic 10-07-2005:
by Max Jarman
"At a small warehouse in Phoenix, the self-styled engineer is perfecting an engine that promises to reduce the cost of pumping oil, generating electricity and desalinating water, among many other applications.
In the Kansas oil fields, for example, a prototype is pumping oil for substantially less than a conventional electric 'grasshopper' pump.
Hageman's Natural Energy Engine? uses hot and cold water to drive a piston that can be used to pump liquids or turn a wheel.
The hot and cold water expands and contracts pressurized carbon dioxide to push and pull the piston."
by Max Jarman
"At a small warehouse in Phoenix, the self-styled engineer is perfecting an engine that promises to reduce the cost of pumping oil, generating electricity and desalinating water, among many other applications.
In the Kansas oil fields, for example, a prototype is pumping oil for substantially less than a conventional electric 'grasshopper' pump.
Hageman's Natural Energy Engine? uses hot and cold water to drive a piston that can be used to pump liquids or turn a wheel.
The hot and cold water expands and contracts pressurized carbon dioxide to push and pull the piston."
Low Grade Heat Energy Engine Could Revolutionize Energy Industry
FLC Press Release:
Phoenix -- 9/21/2005
"The FLC, a national network of hundreds of federal laboratories and research centers, honored Deluge and the Department of Energy's Rocky Mountain Oil Testing Center (RMOTC) for their collaborative work pumping oil from a well at the Naval Petroleum Reserve near Casper, Wyoming, using geothermal water as the sole source of fuel. The testing, which was completed in 2004, demonstrated that the Natural Energy Engine (NE Engine) is capable of pumping oil from wells at depths ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet with power to spare."
Phoenix -- 9/21/2005
"The FLC, a national network of hundreds of federal laboratories and research centers, honored Deluge and the Department of Energy's Rocky Mountain Oil Testing Center (RMOTC) for their collaborative work pumping oil from a well at the Naval Petroleum Reserve near Casper, Wyoming, using geothermal water as the sole source of fuel. The testing, which was completed in 2004, demonstrated that the Natural Energy Engine (NE Engine) is capable of pumping oil from wells at depths ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet with power to spare."
USDA Announces Energy Strategy to Help Farmers and Ranchers with High Energy Costs
Release No. 0534.05:
USDA Press Release -- Contact Kristin Scuderi
"WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2005--Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today unveiled a comprehensive energy strategy to help farmers and ranchers mitigate the impact of high energy costs and develop long-term solutions."
USDA Press Release -- Contact Kristin Scuderi
"WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2005--Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today unveiled a comprehensive energy strategy to help farmers and ranchers mitigate the impact of high energy costs and develop long-term solutions."
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Nanoscientists and biologists copying, co-opting nature for solar fuels
Inside Bay Area - San Mateo County Times - Local News:
by Ian Hoffman -- 11/27/2005
"Plant photosynthesis works one molecule at a time, and generally 4 percent or less of incoming solar energy ends up as plant fuel. Sunlight is plentiful enough that plants haven't been under evolutionary pressure to convert more, but what they do already may be enough.
Midwest farmers now produce enough corn for digestion and fermentation into 4 billion gallons of ethanol. But a recent study by the Energy Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, titled the 'Billion Ton Vision,' found enough available farmland and forestland to produce tens of billions of gallons of biofuels, supplying a third or more of U.S. transportation fuel needs, without sacrificing food production.
'We're at the stage with this biomass technology that we have something that works. Can we make it work twice as efficiently? I think we could,' said Chris Somerville, a Stanford biochemist who leads the Carnegie Institution Department of Plant Biology. "
by Ian Hoffman -- 11/27/2005
"Plant photosynthesis works one molecule at a time, and generally 4 percent or less of incoming solar energy ends up as plant fuel. Sunlight is plentiful enough that plants haven't been under evolutionary pressure to convert more, but what they do already may be enough.
Midwest farmers now produce enough corn for digestion and fermentation into 4 billion gallons of ethanol. But a recent study by the Energy Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, titled the 'Billion Ton Vision,' found enough available farmland and forestland to produce tens of billions of gallons of biofuels, supplying a third or more of U.S. transportation fuel needs, without sacrificing food production.
'We're at the stage with this biomass technology that we have something that works. Can we make it work twice as efficiently? I think we could,' said Chris Somerville, a Stanford biochemist who leads the Carnegie Institution Department of Plant Biology. "
Missouri could enact 10 percent ethanol Mandate
Mo. gas could have 10 percent ethanol - Columbia Missourian:
by Katie Peterson -- 12/6/2005
"JEFFERSON CITY -- All Missouri drivers would have corn in their gas tank if a bill filed for the next legislation session that addresses a key Missouri agriculture issue passes.
The bill would require all gasoline sold after Jan. 1, 2007, to be blended with at least 10 percent ethanol. Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from fermented agricultural products, such as corn.
The sponsor of the bill, Sen. John Cauthorn, R-Mexico, said he filed the bill to provide a safe, clean renewable fuel that would create less dependency on foreign fuels."
by Katie Peterson -- 12/6/2005
"JEFFERSON CITY -- All Missouri drivers would have corn in their gas tank if a bill filed for the next legislation session that addresses a key Missouri agriculture issue passes.
The bill would require all gasoline sold after Jan. 1, 2007, to be blended with at least 10 percent ethanol. Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from fermented agricultural products, such as corn.
The sponsor of the bill, Sen. John Cauthorn, R-Mexico, said he filed the bill to provide a safe, clean renewable fuel that would create less dependency on foreign fuels."
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Saab Biopower 9-5 for Germany too
Trollhattan Saab: Biopower 9-5 for Germany too:
11/29/2005
"The Saab 9-5 Biopower's initial sales in Sweden have been encouraging. It's coming to the UK soon. It's coming to the United States as a concept in 2006 for possible sale in the future.
I didn't know this, but it's coming up for release in Germany as well."
11/29/2005
"The Saab 9-5 Biopower's initial sales in Sweden have been encouraging. It's coming to the UK soon. It's coming to the United States as a concept in 2006 for possible sale in the future.
I didn't know this, but it's coming up for release in Germany as well."
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