Sunday, July 30, 2006
Julia Roberts to promote ethanol, biodiesel
Eco Stock Edge � Blog Archive � Julia Roberts Joins Earth Biofuels, Inc. as Spokesperson and Advisory Board Member: "DALLAS, July 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ � Earth Biofuels, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: EBOF) today announced that actress Julia Roberts will become a spokesperson for the company and will chair the company�s newly formed Advisory Board. Ms. Roberts joins fellow Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman and country music legend Willie Nelson in promoting the use of renewable fuels such as Earth Biofuels� biodiesel and ethanol."
History of Farm Ethanol
This very good history of ethanol fuel includes some excellent old illustrations. -- Jeffrey Goettemoeller
Renewable Fuels:
Renewable Energy History Project
"In the years before electricity was widely available, common appliances included alcohol irons, coffee roasters, hot water heaters and stoves -- along with alcohol fueled cars. "
Renewable Fuels:
Renewable Energy History Project
"In the years before electricity was widely available, common appliances included alcohol irons, coffee roasters, hot water heaters and stoves -- along with alcohol fueled cars. "
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Texas CO plans to mass-produce cellulosic ethanol refineries
The Austin Chronicle News: Ethanol Usage, Production Heat Up in Texas:
by Daniel Mottola -- June 9, 2006
"'It is our goal that the U.S. be fuel-independent in five to eight years from our efforts, along with that of others in the field,' said George Oerther, president of BioFuels Energy Corporation, located in the Rio Grande Valley town of Raymondville. His company is developing a 12-million-gallon-per-year plant and capabilities to mass-produce smaller cellulosic ethanol distilleries."
by Daniel Mottola -- June 9, 2006
"'It is our goal that the U.S. be fuel-independent in five to eight years from our efforts, along with that of others in the field,' said George Oerther, president of BioFuels Energy Corporation, located in the Rio Grande Valley town of Raymondville. His company is developing a 12-million-gallon-per-year plant and capabilities to mass-produce smaller cellulosic ethanol distilleries."
Friday, July 28, 2006
SunOpta in race to build cellulosic ethanol plant
TheStar.com - SunOpta in race to build ethanol plant:
by Tyler Hamilton -- July 27, 2006
"the company has an ambitious plan to become a major producer of 'cellulosic' ethanol made from wheat straw and wood waste, starting with a five-million litre a year commercial demonstration plant near Salamanca, Spain, that's expected to be up and running by the year's end."
by Tyler Hamilton -- July 27, 2006
"the company has an ambitious plan to become a major producer of 'cellulosic' ethanol made from wheat straw and wood waste, starting with a five-million litre a year commercial demonstration plant near Salamanca, Spain, that's expected to be up and running by the year's end."
Tell Ford you want Flexible Fueled, Plug-in Hybrids
This article is on a Ford Motor company web site where they explore possible directions for new vehicles. Posting a comment after this article is a good way to make your opinions known to Ford. My own reaction is that an plug-in ethanol-gasoline-electric "tribrid" would be awsome if the engine is optomized for better fuel economy on E85. This can be done with variable turbo boosting as with the Saab 9-5 biofuel on roads in Europe. -- Jeffrey Goettemoeller
Bold Moves : Homepage:
by David Morris
"When Ford introduces its flexible fueled Escape hybrid, two-thirds of the technological foundation for an oil free future will be in place. The final piece? Enabling the grid system to recharge the hybrid's batteries. "
Bold Moves : Homepage:
by David Morris
"When Ford introduces its flexible fueled Escape hybrid, two-thirds of the technological foundation for an oil free future will be in place. The final piece? Enabling the grid system to recharge the hybrid's batteries. "
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
A Rooftop Windmill Of Your Very Own
The usual advice I've read is to keep wind generators away from buidings, but this is an entirely new type of wind generator designed for rooftop instalation. Noise and vibration are low enough for this application. They produce a fraction of the output of larger units, but there are many locations they could be installed. They could supply a great deal of our power needs. A 5 year payback is quite favorable compared to other renewable energy investments. We need to get this rolling in the United States. At a wind power conference I attended last year, this wasn't even on the radar of the experts or attendees. -- Jeffrey Goettemoeller
A Rooftop Windmill Of Your Very Own - Newsweek: International Editions - MSNBC.com:
by Benjamin Sutherland, Newsweek -- April 24, 2006 issue
"Most rooftop turbines are designed to pay for themselves after about five years of moderately favorable wind conditions common in temperate climates like those of Europe, the United States and Japan."
A Rooftop Windmill Of Your Very Own - Newsweek: International Editions - MSNBC.com:
by Benjamin Sutherland, Newsweek -- April 24, 2006 issue
"Most rooftop turbines are designed to pay for themselves after about five years of moderately favorable wind conditions common in temperate climates like those of Europe, the United States and Japan."
Biodiversity key to sustainable biofuel according to University of Minn. researcher's findings
This scientific evedence supports the wisdom of producing biofuels such as ethanol from prairie grasses, showing that such a system can be truly sustainable over the long run. -- Jeffrey Goettemoeller
Biodiversity key to sustainable biofuel according to University of Minn. researcher's findings (press release):
July 17, 2006
"High diversity allows us to produce biofuels with low inputs, and this means that we can get more energy from an acre of land, year after year, with high certainty. Because they are perennials, you can plant prairie grass once and mow it for biomass every fall essentially forever"
Biodiversity key to sustainable biofuel according to University of Minn. researcher's findings (press release):
July 17, 2006
"High diversity allows us to produce biofuels with low inputs, and this means that we can get more energy from an acre of land, year after year, with high certainty. Because they are perennials, you can plant prairie grass once and mow it for biomass every fall essentially forever"
Application Filed for First U.S. Commercial Wave Energy Project
RenewableEnergyAccess.com | Application Filed for First U.S. Commercial Wave Energy Project:
july 25, 2006
"Pennington, New Jersey [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Ocean Power Technologies (OPT), known for its PowerBuoy wave energy device, filed an application for construction permission to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a 50-megawatt (MW) wave power generation project in Oregon, the first request in the U.S. for such a power project on a utility-scale level. "
july 25, 2006
"Pennington, New Jersey [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Ocean Power Technologies (OPT), known for its PowerBuoy wave energy device, filed an application for construction permission to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a 50-megawatt (MW) wave power generation project in Oregon, the first request in the U.S. for such a power project on a utility-scale level. "
Monday, July 24, 2006
Manure powered ethanol refinery planned in northern Kansas
This would be the second ethanol refinery/feedlot combination built be E3 Biofuels. The First was in Meade, Nebraska. More are planned. -- Jeffrey Goettemoeller
The Prairie Star: Local And Regional News:
by Tery Anderson -- June 7, 2006
"In the closed-loop system, the cattle facility supplies the manure needed to operate the solid waste management component. Biogas will be created from the cattle and bio-refinery waste through the anaerobic digesters. The process produces a virtually odorless and pathogen-free fertilizer, to be sold to farmers and consumers."
The Prairie Star: Local And Regional News:
by Tery Anderson -- June 7, 2006
"In the closed-loop system, the cattle facility supplies the manure needed to operate the solid waste management component. Biogas will be created from the cattle and bio-refinery waste through the anaerobic digesters. The process produces a virtually odorless and pathogen-free fertilizer, to be sold to farmers and consumers."
Some ethanol refineries could be converted to manure power
The Power Marketing Association OnLine:
by Nancy Gaarder -- October 27, 2005
"Hallberg said there are about a half-dozen livestock facilities in Nebraska that could be adapted to fuel an ethanol plant. "
by Nancy Gaarder -- October 27, 2005
"Hallberg said there are about a half-dozen livestock facilities in Nebraska that could be adapted to fuel an ethanol plant. "
Lotus to develop high efficiency ethanol engine
SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society Guardian | Fast forward:
by Pete Warren -- July 12, 2006
"We are developing a demonstrator vehicle based on a super-charged Lotus Exige that is more powerful and more efficient than a petrol version"
by Pete Warren -- July 12, 2006
"We are developing a demonstrator vehicle based on a super-charged Lotus Exige that is more powerful and more efficient than a petrol version"
Ethanol yields more power than petrol in high performance engines, say Lotus engineers - Hybridcarnews
Ethanol yields more power than petrol, say Lotus engineers - Hybridcarnews:
July 13, 2006
"We have found efficiency increases which, while not enormous, are still the sort of increases that people are spending billions of dollars trying to achieve in the automotive sector"
July 13, 2006
"We have found efficiency increases which, while not enormous, are still the sort of increases that people are spending billions of dollars trying to achieve in the automotive sector"
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Nebraska cowpies power ethanol production
Daily Nebraskan:
by Mark Karpf -- June 19, 2006
"Dan Kenney, project and policy development manager of E3 BioFuels, said they hope their first ethanol plant - currently under construction near Mead - comes online in October of this year."
by Mark Karpf -- June 19, 2006
"Dan Kenney, project and policy development manager of E3 BioFuels, said they hope their first ethanol plant - currently under construction near Mead - comes online in October of this year."
Cow manure to power ethanol plant | IndyStar.com
Cow manure to power ethanol plant | IndyStar.com:
Associated Press
"Under the plant's design, waste from every 1,000 dairy cows would be able to provide enough energy to produce 1 million gallons of ethanol.
The process would create ethanol at only three-quarters of the normal cost, while eliminating 20 percent of operating costs, said David Mager, Bion's vice president of public policy."
Associated Press
"Under the plant's design, waste from every 1,000 dairy cows would be able to provide enough energy to produce 1 million gallons of ethanol.
The process would create ethanol at only three-quarters of the normal cost, while eliminating 20 percent of operating costs, said David Mager, Bion's vice president of public policy."
Fuels from biomass may feed energy cravings
Fuels from biomass may feed energy cravings:
by Hembree Brandon -- Farm Press -- July 19, 2006
"Three systems utilizing anerobic digesters are being constructed in the state to use dairy, poultry, and swine manure for energy. �We call it �poop to power,�� he laughs.
�We have the first system in the country that uses poultry waste to produce methane gas. It�s a highly computerized system, and is very efficient.� It will cost about $60,000, he said."
by Hembree Brandon -- Farm Press -- July 19, 2006
"Three systems utilizing anerobic digesters are being constructed in the state to use dairy, poultry, and swine manure for energy. �We call it �poop to power,�� he laughs.
�We have the first system in the country that uses poultry waste to produce methane gas. It�s a highly computerized system, and is very efficient.� It will cost about $60,000, he said."
Farm based methane generators expected to pay off in seven years
Journal Gazette | 07/16/2006 | Don�t pooh-pooh dairy�s electricity business:
by David Gram, AP -- July 16, 2006
"In addition, the utility charges customers willing to pay it a 4-cents-per-kilowatt-hour premium for renewable energy and then turns the money over to the Audets. So far, more than 3,000 CVPS customers have signed up to pay the premium to support the renewable energy effort.
The bottom line is more than $120,000 a year from electricity sales. When they add in other energy savings enabled by the project, the Audets expect their $1.2 million investment in project equipment to pay for itself in about seven years."
by David Gram, AP -- July 16, 2006
"In addition, the utility charges customers willing to pay it a 4-cents-per-kilowatt-hour premium for renewable energy and then turns the money over to the Audets. So far, more than 3,000 CVPS customers have signed up to pay the premium to support the renewable energy effort.
The bottom line is more than $120,000 a year from electricity sales. When they add in other energy savings enabled by the project, the Audets expect their $1.2 million investment in project equipment to pay for itself in about seven years."
Utility Plans on Using Cows' "Other" Product for Power
Utility Plans on Using Cows' "Other" Product for Power:
by C. Johnson, News10
"The logic is, there are about two million cows in the state and if the electricity and natural gas supplier taps into just a fraction of what the cows produce, it figures it can supply between 5 and 10 percent of its customers natural gas needs in the next 12 to 15 years."
by C. Johnson, News10
"The logic is, there are about two million cows in the state and if the electricity and natural gas supplier taps into just a fraction of what the cows produce, it figures it can supply between 5 and 10 percent of its customers natural gas needs in the next 12 to 15 years."
Idaho ramping up energy from waste
Business - The Idaho Statesman - Always Idaho:
by Melissa McGrath -- July 19, 2006
"The Ada County landfill's new gas-to-energy system is the first of its kind in Idaho, but it might not be the only one for long."
by Melissa McGrath -- July 19, 2006
"The Ada County landfill's new gas-to-energy system is the first of its kind in Idaho, but it might not be the only one for long."
Vermont program helps farmers make electricity from cow manure methane
Times Argus: Vermont News & Information:
by Louis Porter
"The state's nearly half-million dollars will help pay for the cost of extending high-power three-phase lines to the farms so they can sell their power into the grid.
The farms are part of the so-called 'Cow Power' project run by Central Vermont Public Service, in which customers can buy farm-produced power through the utility to help encourage the development of renewable methane electricity generation."
by Louis Porter
"The state's nearly half-million dollars will help pay for the cost of extending high-power three-phase lines to the farms so they can sell their power into the grid.
The farms are part of the so-called 'Cow Power' project run by Central Vermont Public Service, in which customers can buy farm-produced power through the utility to help encourage the development of renewable methane electricity generation."
Friday, July 21, 2006
Biobutanol and Ethanol Could Work Well Together
The Dupont Web site has some promising things to say about biobutanol. It could be made from the same feedstock as ethanol and it can be mixed with ethanol and gasoline. Most importantly, a 10% ethanol blend generally needs additives to lower vapor pressure in some seasons. Apparently, mixing in biobutanol might be a way to do this while adding to the renewable biofuel component of the fuel. Biobutanol, they say, can also be shipped in gasoline pipelines, decreasing transportation costs. It also has a higher energy density than ethanol, so the cut in fuel economy should be less. Looks promising.-- Jeffrey Goettemoeller
BP DuPont BioFuels: Biobutanol Fact Sheet:
"Biobutanol is produced from the same agricultural feedstocks as ethanol (i.e. corn, wheat, sugar beet, sorghum, cassava and sugarcane).
Existing ethanol capacity can be cost-effectively retrofitted to biobutanol production (minor changes in fermentation and distillation).
There is a vapor pressure co-blend synergy with biobutanol and gasoline containing ethanol, which facilitates ethanol blending."
BP DuPont BioFuels: Biobutanol Fact Sheet:
"Biobutanol is produced from the same agricultural feedstocks as ethanol (i.e. corn, wheat, sugar beet, sorghum, cassava and sugarcane).
Existing ethanol capacity can be cost-effectively retrofitted to biobutanol production (minor changes in fermentation and distillation).
There is a vapor pressure co-blend synergy with biobutanol and gasoline containing ethanol, which facilitates ethanol blending."
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Toyota plans to offer a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid
The 100 mpg car is coming - MSN Money:
by Christopher Solomon
"Toyota said Tuesday said it would offer a gasoline-electric hybrid with bigger batteries that could be recharged at any outlet, further stretching the gasoline the car uses. Though production is years away, experimental models built by independent mechanics have already demonstrated 100 mpg results."
by Christopher Solomon
"Toyota said Tuesday said it would offer a gasoline-electric hybrid with bigger batteries that could be recharged at any outlet, further stretching the gasoline the car uses. Though production is years away, experimental models built by independent mechanics have already demonstrated 100 mpg results."
MN study finds positive energy balance for biofuels
RenewableEnergyAccess.com | Biodiesel Edges Out Ethanol:
July 18, 2006
"And alternative crops such as switchgrass or mixed prairie grasses, which can grow on marginal land with minimal input of fossil fuel derived fertilizers and pesticides, offer the best hope for the future, according to the researchers."
July 18, 2006
"And alternative crops such as switchgrass or mixed prairie grasses, which can grow on marginal land with minimal input of fossil fuel derived fertilizers and pesticides, offer the best hope for the future, according to the researchers."
Monday, July 17, 2006
SAAB Flex-Fuel Hybrid Electric Concept
GM - GMability Advanced Technology: Saab Hybrid:
"Stockholm (Mar. 30, 2006) The innovative Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, making its world premiere at the Stockholm Motor Show (March 30 - April 9, 2006), delivers zero fossil CO2 emissions, enhanced performance and a range of energy-saving features by combining the use of pure bioethanol fuel and electric power generation for the first time."
"Stockholm (Mar. 30, 2006) The innovative Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, making its world premiere at the Stockholm Motor Show (March 30 - April 9, 2006), delivers zero fossil CO2 emissions, enhanced performance and a range of energy-saving features by combining the use of pure bioethanol fuel and electric power generation for the first time."
Friday, July 14, 2006
DOE Publishes Research on Cellulosic Ethanol's Potential
RenewableEnergyAccess.com | DOE Publishes Research on Cellulosic Ethanol's Potential:
July 12, 2006
"The 200-page scientific roadmap cites recent advances in biotechnology that have made cost-effective production of ethanol from cellulose, or inedible plant fiber, an attainable goal."
July 12, 2006
"The 200-page scientific roadmap cites recent advances in biotechnology that have made cost-effective production of ethanol from cellulose, or inedible plant fiber, an attainable goal."
Ethanol from Jerusalem Artichokes?
RenewableEnergyAccess.com | Ethanol from Corn, Sure. But from Artichokes?:
July 12, 2006
"In the November 2004 paper, ' A Shortcut to the Production of High Ethanol Concentration from Jerusalem Artichoke Tubers' by Xiang-Yang Ge and Wei-Guo Zhang, of the The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, China, states the Jerusalem artichoke contains nearly 20 % of carbohydrates, and after fermentation yields can be up to 21 percent ethanol."
July 12, 2006
"In the November 2004 paper, ' A Shortcut to the Production of High Ethanol Concentration from Jerusalem Artichoke Tubers' by Xiang-Yang Ge and Wei-Guo Zhang, of the The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, China, states the Jerusalem artichoke contains nearly 20 % of carbohydrates, and after fermentation yields can be up to 21 percent ethanol."
Thursday, July 13, 2006
An Early Retirement For The Hydrogen Fuel Cell | EnergyBulletin.net | Peak Oil News Clearinghouse
An Early Retirement For The Hydrogen Fuel Cell | EnergyBulletin.net | Peak Oil News Clearinghouse:
by Ulf Bossel -- July 13, 2006
"At last weekends Lucerne Fuel Cell Conference, which is a highly respected technical conference, Ulf Bossel, the organizer, made a pretty signinficant announcement: the European PEMFC Forum series will not be continued because hydrogen fuel will never contribute to a sustainable world. Instead they will focus on phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells "
by Ulf Bossel -- July 13, 2006
"At last weekends Lucerne Fuel Cell Conference, which is a highly respected technical conference, Ulf Bossel, the organizer, made a pretty signinficant announcement: the European PEMFC Forum series will not be continued because hydrogen fuel will never contribute to a sustainable world. Instead they will focus on phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells "
Pentagon and Peak Oil: A Military Literature Review
Pentagon and Peak Oil: A Military Literature Review | EnergyBulletin.net | Peak Oil News Clearinghouse:
by Sohbet Karbuz -- July 13, 2006
"Until the recent oil price hikes and world wide discussions on the future of oil, Peak Oil was nearly absent in military publications. Now, things have changed. This article attempts at providing a US military literature review on Peak Oil and related issues. "
by Sohbet Karbuz -- July 13, 2006
"Until the recent oil price hikes and world wide discussions on the future of oil, Peak Oil was nearly absent in military publications. Now, things have changed. This article attempts at providing a US military literature review on Peak Oil and related issues. "
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Grid-Connected Cars and Renewables: Understanding the Potential
RenewableEnergyAccess.com | Grid-Connected Cars and Renewables: Understanding the Potential:
by Steve Letendre -- July 9, 2006
"It is generally understood that PHEVs would charge during the evening and early morning hours when electricity demand is low and there is significant excess capacity available on the network. In some areas, wind resources are strongest at night, thus allowing wind power to serve as an energy source for vehicles."
by Steve Letendre -- July 9, 2006
"It is generally understood that PHEVs would charge during the evening and early morning hours when electricity demand is low and there is significant excess capacity available on the network. In some areas, wind resources are strongest at night, thus allowing wind power to serve as an energy source for vehicles."
Monday, July 10, 2006
DOE Publishes Roadmap for Developing Cleaner Fuels
Department of Energy - DOE Publishes Roadmap for Developing Cleaner Fuels:
DOE press release -- July 7, 2006
"Research Aimed at Making Cellulosic Ethanol a Practical Alternative to Gasoline "
DOE press release -- July 7, 2006
"Research Aimed at Making Cellulosic Ethanol a Practical Alternative to Gasoline "
DOE Publishes Roadmap for Developing Cleaner Fuels
Department of Energy - DOE Publishes Roadmap for Developing Cleaner Fuels:
DOE Press Release -- July 7, 2006
"WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released an ambitious new research agenda for the development of cellulosic ethanol as an alternative to gasoline. The 200-page scientific roadmap cites recent advances in biotechnology that have made cost-effective production of ethanol from cellulose, or inedible plant fiber, an attainable goal. The report outlines a detailed research plan for developing new technologies to transform cellulosic ethanol�a renewable, cleaner-burning, and carbon-neutral alternative to gasoline�into an economically viable transportation fuel.
�Cellulosic ethanol has the potential to be a major source for transportation fuel for America's energy future, Under Secretary for Science Raymond L. Orbach said. Low production cost and high efficiency require transformational changes in processing cellulose to ethanol. DOE's Genomics: GTL program is poised to help do just that.
The roadmap responds directly to the goal recently announced by Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman of displacing 30 percent of 2004 transportation fuel consumption with biofuels by 2030. This goal was set in response to the President's Advanced Energy Initiative. "
DOE Press Release -- July 7, 2006
"WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released an ambitious new research agenda for the development of cellulosic ethanol as an alternative to gasoline. The 200-page scientific roadmap cites recent advances in biotechnology that have made cost-effective production of ethanol from cellulose, or inedible plant fiber, an attainable goal. The report outlines a detailed research plan for developing new technologies to transform cellulosic ethanol�a renewable, cleaner-burning, and carbon-neutral alternative to gasoline�into an economically viable transportation fuel.
�Cellulosic ethanol has the potential to be a major source for transportation fuel for America's energy future, Under Secretary for Science Raymond L. Orbach said. Low production cost and high efficiency require transformational changes in processing cellulose to ethanol. DOE's Genomics: GTL program is poised to help do just that.
The roadmap responds directly to the goal recently announced by Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman of displacing 30 percent of 2004 transportation fuel consumption with biofuels by 2030. This goal was set in response to the President's Advanced Energy Initiative. "
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Algae BioFuels Forms to Develop Algae-Based fuels
RenewableEnergyAccess.com | Algae BioFuels Forms to Develop Algae-Based Biodiesel:
June 30, 2006
"Extensive research is currently being conducted to determine the utilization of microalgae as an energy source, with applications being developed for biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, methane and even hydrogen."
June 30, 2006
"Extensive research is currently being conducted to determine the utilization of microalgae as an energy source, with applications being developed for biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, methane and even hydrogen."
Eight Corn-Ethanol Plants to be Identical, Modular and Green
RenewableEnergyAccess.com | Eight Corn-Ethanol Plants to be Identical, Modular and Green:
July 5, 2006
"'Our technology and years of experience will allow our plants to have an energy balance advantage that is 2X that of gasoline. In addition we expect a greater than 90% reduction in petroleum use,' said Kevin Kruse, Western Milling president."
July 5, 2006
"'Our technology and years of experience will allow our plants to have an energy balance advantage that is 2X that of gasoline. In addition we expect a greater than 90% reduction in petroleum use,' said Kevin Kruse, Western Milling president."
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