Waste Management, Inc., Valero Energy Join Forces

Well, it might not be for the squeamish, but Waste Management, Inc. and Valero Energy have joined forces with Terrabon to produce MixAlco. MixAlco is a new technology that takes a wide variety of biomass sources and converts the mixture into gasoline.

So, what's the squeamish part all about? Part of the biomass this technology uses includes such piquant substances as sewage sludge and municipal solid waste (MSW).

When you stop and think about it, gasoline has come full circle. In the beginning of the 20th century, gasoline was a waste product that had to disposed of in order to obtain the kerosene that consumers needed to light their homes. Now, an age-old waste (sewage) is being used to produce what used to be a waste product but is now in high demand.

So, how is this "green"? The carbon in biomass (including sewage sludge) comes from the biosphere. Carbon from petroleum gasoline is brought from below the surface of the earth and into the biosphere, increasing the environment's carbon content.

Another beautiful thing about using sewage sludge is that there is a ready supply where ever the population is the most dense and the need for energy is greatest. Perhaps most poetic is the fact that as long as Congress exists, there will be an inexhaustible supply of the required raw material.

You can read more about this non-governmental project at http://www.terrabon.com/mixalco_overview.html.

How's that biofuel thingy workin' for ya?

It's great to be able to say that you are burning biofuel in the freight industry. It's another thing to prove a reduction in pollutants and greenhouse gases.

This is especially critical in shipping. According to a March 26, 2010 Coast Guard Compass article, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced a 200-mile Emission Control Area (ECA) around all U.S. coastlines. This new standard sets limits of particulates, nitros oxides, and sulfur oxides.

The problem for ships entering this zone is how to prove compliance. It's great that you have algae fuel in your tanks when inspected, but that still doesn't answer the question of what you were pumping into the atmosphere when you were in the ECA.

WR Systems developed a successful answer, Emsys. This system continuously monitors stack gases records the levels and time/location using GPS. Reports can be submitted in standard or custom formats electronically. At the same time, Maersk Line Limited has been contracted by the U.S. Navy to conduct at-sea tests of marine-grade biofuel. The shipping line has turned to WR Systems to install Emsys for timely and accurate monitoring.

You can learn more about this system at http://www.wrsystems.com/emsys.aspx.

No Room on the Roof? How About a Community Solar Garden?

There is a growing trend among those frustrated homeowners who don't have adequate roof space or their roof is facing the wrong direction to take advantage of solar power. It's called a community solar garden.

Home Power Magazine published an article in their June - July 2011 issue that discusses this interesting option. In those states where the laws are favorable, people in the same community can form their own LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) and build a solar array that can provide energy for sale back to the local power company. Members receive credit towards their utility bill in proportion to their investment.

One thing that is very attractive is there is no need to modify any wiring or metering in any of the members' homes. When a member decides to move and sell his or her house, the membership can be sold simultaneously. The new buyer may be able to roll that investment into the mortgage as a part of the value of the home.

You can read the entire article at Home Power Magazine's web site: http://www.mygenerationenergy.com/2011/06/home-power-magazine-community-energy-solar-gardens-a-growing-trend/

Changing Critters in Biofuel

Fox News recently reported on a Massachusetts firm that shows great promise in delivering high-quality and high-volume diesel fuel using water and carbon dioxide. So what's different between this process and algae fuel? The difference is which "critter" is chosen to produce the fuel. Joule Unlimited is using genetically engineered bacteria instead of the more traditional algae to produce bio-diesel.

The company claims that it's process has an annual capacity of up to 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel per acre, per year. Joule also claims that the cost of production amounts to $20 per barrel, once government subsidies are factored in. At the time of this post, light sweet crude oil was being traded at a price of $89 per barrel.

Here is the link to the Fox News Story: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/02/energy-in-america-new-diesel-biofuel-faster-more-efficient-to-produce-says/

Joule Unlimited's web site can be found at: http://www.jouleunlimited.com/

TCC ENE-110 Students Build Solar Array

Tidewater Community College's Alternative Energy Program doesn't just teach theoretical concepts about solar energy. There's plenty of classroom learning, reading from text books and traditional testing, of course. Students also gain practical work experience in building solar arrays.

Some students plan on starting their own businesses in the future. Instructors also provided information about writing a business plans, incorporation basics, planning, estimating,and performing a SWOT analysis.

Wind-power Win Fall For the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes

Our nation’s history with the Indian tribes who were here before most of our ancestors has left much to be desired. Manifest Destiny had many manifestations of evil: callous indifference, intolerance, and bureaucratic incompetence have been the norm. Prime real estate was taken from tribes such as the Lakota, Pawnee, Shoshone, and Paiute and their people were driven to desolate areas that the government considered unfit for cultivation or hunting. However, the same wind that bears down on the inhabitants of the reservation system can now provide a new kind of currency… energy.

The Shoshone-Paiute tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation have lent their support to the new China Mountain wind project that will provide renewable energy (400MW), new jobs, and economic development to the area. Perhaps other tribes of the wind-swept plains can soon benefit from the same thing.

Follow this link to PR Newswire's article on this new development.