Casella to Sell Maine Energy Recovery Facility - Renewable Energy from Waste

Casella to Sell Maine Energy Recovery Facility - Renewable Energy from Waste

Ethanol Quota Debated by Corn Farmers and Meat Industry

The following is an excerpt from an article in 

The New York Times
Friday, August 17, 2012

Ethanol Quota Debated by Corn Farmers and Meat Industry

By JOHN H. CUSHMAN Jr.

WASHINGTON — Three big intertwined but rival agribusinesses — corn farmers, meat and poultry producers, and biofuel refineries — are in a political fight to protect their interests as a drought ravages corn producers and industrial consumers alike.

At issue is whether to suspend a five-year-old federal mandate requiring more ethanol in gasoline each year, a policy that has diverted almost half of the domestic corn supply from animal feedlots to ethanol refineries, driven up corn prices and plantings and created a desperate competition for corn as drought grips the nation’s farm belt.

Meat producers are demanding that the Obama administration waive the ethanol quota to ease rising feed prices. But ethanol producers worry that the loss of the quota will undermine the ethanol industry and do little for corn farmers but drive down the price of their stunted harvest.

The meat industry, backed by several governors, lawmakers and even international food agencies, argues that the quota has distorted grain markets by sucking up corn when ranchers can least afford it.

But the ethanol industry says that its corn consumption is down 12 percent since the start of the summer and that weekly ethanol production is at a two-year low. As corn prices have risen, refineries have scaled back production, idled dozens of plants and sold ethanol inventories. As a result, the industry may consume 10 percent less of this summer’s crop than last year’s, government and industry officials said.

“The market is already responding to the reality of this drought,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a former Iowa governor who supports the quota, citing the recent decline in ethanol production.

Meat and poultry producers countered that the government was still “picking winners and losers,” and urged the Obama administration to “let the market work and embrace free market principles,” as J. D. Alexander, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, put it when he announced a petition to waive the quota two weeks ago.

For more, visit www.nytimes.com.

GE Gas Engine Hits Milestone: More than 50,000 Hours of Turning Biogas into Power for German Brewery

Press release:

16 August 2012

GE Gas Engine Hits Milestone: More than 50,000 Hours of Turning Biogas into Power for German Brewery

 

• Bitburger Project Illustrates Growth of Combined Heat and Power in Europe
• Efficient Operation Leads to 10 Percent Primary Energy Savings
• Reinforcing GE Commitment to ecomagination, J312 Gas Engine Provides Fuel Flexibility, Reliable Performance

BITBURG, GERMANY—August 16, 2012—Powered by GE (NYSE: GE) gas engine technology, a combined heat and power (CHP) plant at Germany’s Bitburger Brauerei (brewery) has surpassed 50,000 hours of successful operation. Based on an ecomagination-qualified Jenbacher J312 gas engine, the plant converts biogas (gas produced by biological breakdown of organic matter) into electricity, steam and hot water to meet the brewery’s process requirements.

Since it began operating in 2005, the CHP facility has improved electricity supply for the brewery, reduced carbon dioxide emissions by an equivalent of 10,000 tons and demonstrated higher efficiency and economy compared to the site’s previous steam boiler technology by using biogas.

Biogas, created as by-product during the wastewater treatment process following beer production, is burned by the Jenbacher engine to produce electricity and heat. This efficient operation has enabled the brewery to realize prime energy savings of about 10 percent. The project is an example of GE’s ecomagination commitment to provide innovative solutions that maximize resources, drive efficiencies and help make the world work better.

“The use of GE’s Jenbacher CHP technology enables us to meet our energy and environmental goals while also reducing costs. The project builds on a strong relationship between our companies that has included the purchase of several Jenbacher engines during the past 20 years,” said Dr. Johannes Hankes, head of central engineering of the Bitburger Brewery. “For example, two of GE’s Jenbacher engines are installed near the Jenbacher J312 gas engine, operating in mechanical drive applications.”

The Bitburger Brewery is located in Bitburg, Germany, near Trier and the Luxembourg border. Founded in 1817, today it ranks among Germany’s best selling breweries. The Bitburger Group operates five breweries in Germany and produced 7.5 Mio. Hectolitres of beer in 2011.

“Working with Bitburger allowed us to develop a customized technology solution that met their specific needs,” said Rafael Santana, president and CEO of Gas Engines for GE Energy. “Our gas engine technology provides a high degree of fuel flexibility with the capability to operate on a wide range of gases such as biogas or natural gas for the Bitburger brewery. Its proven reliability and availability are keys to achieving the successful 50,000-hour operating milestone.”

The Jenbacher J312 gas engine at the brewery produces 624 kilowatts of electricity and 700 kilowatts of thermal power, including 330 kilowatts of steam. The option to run the engine either on biogas resulting as a by-product of the production process or natural gas allows the brewery to run independently and operate smoothly in case the grid fails.

Like the other members of GE’s type-3 gas engine group, the J312 offers low fuel consumption, ensuring maximum efficiency of up to 90 percent, along with a high degree of technical maturity and reliability.

In all, GE has supplied about 2,200 Jenbacher engines for on-site power projects in Germany, representing more than 18 percent of GE’s globally installed Jenbacher fleet. Combined, these units generate electricity equivalent to the amount used by about 3 million average E.U. homes.

The successful collaboration at the Bitburger Brauerei (brewery) is an example of GE’s focus on the global food and beverage sector by bringing energy management, CHP and other waste-to-value solutions to the industry, benefitting the companies involved in addition to their surrounding communities. The Bitburger Brewery project also illustrates how GE’s comprehensive suite of distributed power solutions—ranging in size from 100 kilowatts to 100 megawatts—is helping customers worldwide to generate more reliable, on-site electricity and heat.

Breweries are a traditional segment for distributed power generation to meet on-site power needs. In general, CHP applications are growing in Germany specifically to support the country’s energy turnaround efforts, as well as throughout Europe, based on the CHP incentives that are a key part of the European Union’s 20-20-20 initiative.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

Follow GE Power & Water on Twitter @GE_PowerWater.

Northrop Grumman Receives Highest Assurance for Accuracy of Its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

Press release:

News Releases

Northrop Grumman Receives Highest Assurance for Accuracy of Its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug. 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) received the rating of Reasonable Assurance from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, a third-party verification body, of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory for calendar years 2010 and 2011. Reasonable Assurance is the highest assurance level currently issued by third-party verifiers for GHG data management and reporting accuracy. Third-party verification is an important element of assuring accuracy of a GHG emissions inventory. According to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an independent not-for-profit organization working to drive greenhouse gas emissions reduction by businesses and cities, "The climate change debate has moved past the stage of simply stating claims. Third party assurance of publicly reported declarations can boost credibility with external stakeholders." "Northrop Grumman is committed to providing solutions that advance environmental security and reduce the impact of our own business operations on the environment. We are on track to achieve our goal of a 25 percent reduction of GHG emissions, relative to sales, by year-end 2014," said Gloria Flach, corporate vice president and president, Enterprise Shared Services. "The third-party verification of our GHG inventory is a reflection of our commitment to transparency and accountability." Northrop Grumman publicly discloses its annual GHG emissions reductions and related environmental performance through CDP and the company's Corporate Responsibility Report. Northrop Grumman's GHG inventory was prepared according to the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14064-3:2006 standard. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Hawaiian company recognized for first-of-its-kind achievement in protecting the environment

Press release:

For Immediate Release: August 14, 2012

Contact:  Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, higuchi.dean@epa.gov                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

U.S. EPA recognizes Kuehnle AgroSystems for innovative algae biofuel work

Hawaiian company recognized for first-of-its-kind achievement in protecting the environment

HONOLULU-- U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld recognized Kuehnle AgroSystems today for the company’s innovative work in producing algae for use in biofuels as part of the Pacific Southwest region’s environmental awards program.

“EPA is pleased to recognize Kuehnle AgroSystems for its innovative techniques that can turn a tank of algae into a tank of gas,” Blumenfeld said. “This clean-tech company’s work on renewable biofuels will help make Hawaii energy self-sufficient, and it protects the quality of our air, water and land.”

 

The EPA Pacific Southwest region’s Environmental Awards program acknowledges commitment and significant contributions to the environment in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Pacific Islands and tribal lands. Groups and individuals were selected from nominees received this year from businesses, local, government officials, tribes, media, environmental organizations and community activists.

 

Most biofuels used as replacements for oil are grown on large tracts of agricultural land, but algae has the potential to produce a high density, efficient biofuel feedstock on industrial land. Kuehnle AgroSystems, a Hawaii-based company, has built a system to continuously produce algae for biofuel.

 

Their system pipes carbon dioxide and wastewater from an oil refinery into tanks that accelerate algae growth, and demonstrate emission reductions. In November 2011 their project, constructed at Chevron’s Hawaii oil refinery, successfully achieved the nation’s first connection of industrial CO2 from an oil refinery with a working algae production site.

 

In addition, to demonstrating its technology in partnership with Chevron, the company also has done significant work with the U.S. military to grow algae for biofuels. Kuehnle also works on overseas biofuels operations, aquaculture farms for shrimp and fish, and companies such as General Atomics, which operates a large algae production facility on the island of Kauai using algae sourced from Kuehnle. 

Urban Green Energy and GE Announce First Sanya Skypump Installation

Press release:

14 August 2012

Urban Green Energy and GE Announce First Sanya Skypump Installation

 

World’s First Integrated Wind-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installed in Barcelona

BARCELONA, SPAIN — August 14, 2012 — Urban Green Energy (UGE) and GE (NYSE: GE) have unveiled the world’s first integrated wind-powered electric vehicle charging station. The innovative Sanya Skypump pairs UGE’s cutting-edge vertical wind turbines with GE’s electric vehicle (EV) charging technology to offer completely clean energy to power electric vehicles.

Installed by UGE Iberia, the Spanish branch of New York-based Urban Green Energy, the first wind-powered EV charging station is located at Cespa’s global headquarters near Barcelona. Cespa is the environmental services subsidiary of Ferrovial Servicios, the world’s largest private transportation infrastructure investor.

More Sanya Skypumps will be installed later this year in the U.S. and Australia at shopping malls, universities and other locations.

The integrated system incorporates both the energy production capacity of UGE’s 4K wind turbine and the EV charging capability of the GE Durastation in a single unit, with all required electrical systems located within the tower.

Designed for commercial and government customers, the Sanya Skypump combines environmental benefits with a strong statement to customers and the public.

“Since launching the Sanya Skypump, we have received inquiries from companies around the world that are looking to embrace sustainability,” said Nick Blitterswyk, CEO of UGE. “The Sanya Skypump is one of those rare products that enable institutions to demonstrate their commitment to the environment while providing a really useful service as well.”

The Sanya Skypump delivers power through a GE DuraStation EV charger, which enables faster charging using higher voltages.

Charles Elazar, marketing director of GE Energy Management’s Industrial Solutions business in Europe, says, “GE is launching a family of electric vehicle charging systems in Europe offering domestic and commercial users a range of easy-to-use, flexible systems to help make electric vehicles a practical, everyday reality."

GE is a keen supporter of electric vehicles and has announced plans to purchase 25,000 electric vehicles by 2015 for use as company cars and to lease to corporate customers through its Fleet Services business.

About Urban Green Energy

With installations in over 65 countries, including installations for several government agencies and Fortune 100 companies, UGE is changing the face of distributed renewable energy. UGE puts users in control of their energy source by designing and manufacturing more versatile wind turbines and hybrid wind/solar systems for use in applications ranging from residential to commercial, from suburban US homeowners to off-grid telecoms towers in rural Africa. Visit www.urbangreenenergy.com today to learn how together we can create a greener tomorrow.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

GE Energy works connecting people and ideas everywhere to create advanced technologies for powering a cleaner, more productive world. With more than 100,000 employees in over 100 countries, our diverse portfolio of product and service solutions and deep industry expertise help our customers solve their challenges locally. We serve the energy sector with technologies in such areas as natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy; wind, solar, biogas and water processing; energy management; and grid modernization. We also offer integrated solutions to serve energy- and water-intensive industries such as mining, metals, marine, petrochemical, food & beverage and unconventional fuels.

Follow GE’s Industrial Solutions business on Twitter @GEindustrial and@GE_WattStation.

Energy Department Investments to Develop Lighter, Stronger Materials for Greater Vehicle Fuel Economy

Press release from the U.S. Dept. of Energy:

Energy Department Investments to Develop Lighter, Stronger Materials for Greater Vehicle Fuel Economy

August 13, 2012 - 9:14am

WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign oil and save drivers money at the pump, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today seven new projects to accelerate the development and deployment of stronger and lighter materials for the next generation of American-made cars and trucks. These projects include the development and validation of modeling tools to deliver higher performing carbon fiber composites and advanced steels, as well as research into new lightweight, high-strength alloys for energy-efficient vehicle and truck engines.

“With strong, lightweight materials we have an opportunity to dramatically increase vehicle fuel economy, while helping America maintain its competitive edge in automotive design and manufacturing,” said Secretary Chu. “Today’s investment in new lightweight materials builds on the Obama Administration’s historic fuel economy standards that are already helping drivers save money at the pump.”

The Obama Administration has taken unprecedented steps to improve the fuel efficiency of American vehicles, reaching historic agreements to improve fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks through Model Year 2025. These standards are expected to save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump, or about $8,200 in costs over the lifetime of each vehicle. In fact, the initial set of standards for Model Years 2011 to 2016 is already having an impact for American families and businesses. The Energy Information Administration estimates model year 2011 cars achieved record average fuel economy at 34.4 miles per gallon, representing a 2 percent increase over 2010 model year cars.

Achieving the goals of this historic agreement will rely on innovative technologies and manufacturing that will spur economic growth and create high-quality domestic jobs in cutting edge industries across America. The projects announced today will help provide additional technologies and innovations that will enable manufacturers to continue to improve vehicle fuel efficiency beyond the regulated levels. Advanced materials are essential for boosting the fuel economy of cars and trucks while maintaining and improving safety and performance. Replacing cast iron and traditional steel components with lightweight materials – including advanced high-strength steel, magnesium, aluminum, and carbon fiber composites – allows vehicle manufacturers to include additional safety devices, integrated electronic systems and emissions control equipment on vehicles without increasing their weight. Using lighter materials also reduces a vehicle’s fuel consumption. Reducing a vehicle’s weight by just 10 percent can improve the fuel economy by 6 to 8 percent.

The new investments announced today support materials innovation in two critical areas:
Improving Carbon Fiber Composites and Advanced Steel through Computational Design
The Energy Department will award two projects to validate existing modeling tools to optimize the performance and cost-effectiveness of carbon fiber and other specialized composite materials for vehicle body, chassis and interior uses. For example, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, based in Richland, Washington, is receiving a $1 million investment to validate carbon fiber composite models.

Additionally, the Department is investing $6 million to develop new modeling tools to advance third-generation high-strength steels. Through this project, Detroit-based United States Automotive Materials Partnership will leverage an additional $2.5 million in private investment to help create modeling tools for deploying high-strength steels for lighter passenger vehicles.

Advanced Alloy Development for Automotive and Heavy-Duty Engines
Today’s investment also includes four project that will develop lightweight, high-strength alloys for automotive and heavy duty engine blocks and cylinder heads. For instance, Caterpillar Inc, based near Peoria, Illinois, is leveraging a $3.4 million Energy Department award, as well as $1.5 million in private investment, to develop high-strength iron-based alloys to allow for higher cylinder pressures and increased engine efficiency.

Read the full list of awards HERE.

The Energy Department will provide $8 million this year for these awards, and has requested an additional $13.75 million next year, subject to congressional appropriations, to support the completion of these projects over the next two to four years.  The Department’s investments are leveraging an additional $11 million from the private sector. These projects support the Materials Genome Initiative, an ambitious effort announced by President Obama to double the speed and cut the cost of discovering, developing, and deploying new high-tech materials in the United States.

From developing stronger, safer and lighter materials for today’s automobiles, to lowering the costs of electric vehicle batteries and better combustion engines, the Energy Department has supported a range of technological advances in vehicle efficiency that has helped maintain America’s competitive edge in this global industry. More information on these investments is available HERE.