tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55418337002321285872024-03-13T08:48:04.639-07:00Desert Biofuels InitiativeDesert Biofuels Initiative is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit that promotes the development of a sustainable biofuels infrastructure in the Valley of the Sun. Please visit our site at desertbiofuels.org.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-80666052606423501562011-04-30T18:45:00.000-07:002011-04-30T18:51:33.203-07:00New Scottsdale-based biofuel company<div>The AZ Republic <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2011/05/01/20110501biz-insider0501randazzo.html">describes a new Scottsdale-based biofuel venture</a> in today's paper:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; "></span></div><blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; ">Easy Automation Inc. of Welcome, Minn., is opening a two-person headquarters in Scottsdale where it will launch Easy Energy Systems, with hopes to hire about a dozen executives.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; "><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; ">Founder and Chairman Mark Gaalswyk aims to build a factory in Arizona that will produce modular ethanol distilleries that can turn waste, such as milk whey and corncobs, into ethanol.</p></span></div></blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; "><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "></p><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "></p><blockquote></blockquote></span></div></span></div><div>One of these days we'll get our list of AZ biofuels orgs updated -- the list on the right nav bar is out of date.</div><div><blockquote></blockquote><br /></div>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-84959885324249461092011-04-17T13:54:00.001-07:002012-03-21T21:19:33.254-07:00Intel-ASU algae CO2 capture project<span class="Apple-style-span">Intel Corporation and Arizona State University have completed the initial phase of a project called "(Towards) Zero Emission Fabs." The project, funded by a grant from Intel's Sustainability in Action program, explores two research questions: (1) can algae be grown using the CO2 from Intel factory boiler stack emissions, and (2) if yes, how would this kind of CO2 capture be counted or credited under different regulatory regimes? The video below provides an informal summary of the project results to date. (To be clear: this is not a DBI project; we are just reporting on it here. Brad from DBI is involved with the project wearing his "day job" hat as an Intel employee; Sam West of DBI participated as a member of the project's extended team.) </span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NYtLvY0HTq8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>The team has made other material available as well:</div><div><ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">Some raw video of the proof-of-concept implementation is <a title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pNMLF62EbU%20" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pNMLF62EbU%20">here</a>.<o:p></o:p> </span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">Every video segment shot, showing the proof-of-concept implementation in detail, is cataloged <a title="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.biddle/ZEFRawVideo?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKi4bCLvZmQ5wE" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/brad.biddle/ZEFRawVideo?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKi4bCLvZmQ5wE">here</a>.<o:p></o:p> </span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">Every still photo shot is <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114639637053666156488/ZEFPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCPPa_uzykpm1rgE">here</a> (the collection of still photos is limited; the video segments are more comprehensive).</span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">A 1-pager summarizing the Kyoto Protocol research is <a title="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0ByGLmzoEAT6wNjFjMTUwNTEtNzg3Zi00YTM1LWFkOWEtZjVhNmIwODJiZjY4&hl=en&authkey=CNGJ6rIJ%20" href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0ByGLmzoEAT6wNjFjMTUwNTEtNzg3Zi00YTM1LWFkOWEtZjVhNmIwODJiZjY4&hl=en&authkey=CNGJ6rIJ%20">here</a> (author: <a href="http://apps.law.asu.edu/Apps/Directory/?Letter=B">Chris Baker</a>)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">A 1-pager summarizing the EU Emissions Trading System is <a title="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0ByGLmzoEAT6wMWUwMjU2N2EtZTllYi00NTcyLTlmNGUtMmRiZWJlYmRjYTVk&hl=en&authkey=CO3YntUJ%20" href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0ByGLmzoEAT6wMWUwMjU2N2EtZTllYi00NTcyLTlmNGUtMmRiZWJlYmRjYTVk&hl=en&authkey=CO3YntUJ%20">here</a>. (author: <a href="http://apps.law.asu.edu/Apps/Directory/?Letter=A">Ismail Aliyev</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">A 1-pager summarizing the EPA Greehouse Gas regulations is <a title="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0ByGLmzoEAT6wODE2YjYzNjctYzIwNy00MDA4LTgyMjMtYjI1MjlmMDhlMDI4&hl=en&authkey=CLLZ9vYF" href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0ByGLmzoEAT6wODE2YjYzNjctYzIwNy00MDA4LTgyMjMtYjI1MjlmMDhlMDI4&hl=en&authkey=CLLZ9vYF">here</a> (author: <a href="http://christopherthiele.com/about/">Chris Thiele</a>)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">A 1-pager summarizing volutary carbon trading markets in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> is <a title="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0ByGLmzoEAT6wYWFiNDc1ZDAtNzQzNi00ODg3LTk1NDgtZWUzZThlMzY0NTFk&hl=en&authkey=CPSTmiQ%20" href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0ByGLmzoEAT6wYWFiNDc1ZDAtNzQzNi00ODg3LTk1NDgtZWUzZThlMzY0NTFk&hl=en&authkey=CPSTmiQ%20">here</a> (author: <a href="http://apps.law.asu.edu/Apps/Faculty/Faculty.aspx?individual_id=59207">Adam Neville</a>)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span">The poster the team presented in connection with the Algal Biomass Organization's national conference is <a title="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0ByGLmzoEAT6wNjIxNjhkNDEtMWE3Zi00YzE0LWI0NDctOGVhZGVjNDNlOWJi&hl=en&authkey=CMmg57EN" href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0ByGLmzoEAT6wNjIxNjhkNDEtMWE3Zi00YzE0LWI0NDctOGVhZGVjNDNlOWJi&hl=en&authkey=CMmg57EN">here</a>.<o:p></o:p> </span></li></ul></div><div>The material created to date is fairly raw and informal; more polished material will be made available in due course.</div><div><br /></div><div>For more information about the project, contact <a href="https://webapp4.asu.edu/directory/person/861895">John McGowen</a> or <a href="http://biddle.us/contact.html">Brad Biddle</a>. </div>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-37828890529028321942011-01-25T19:05:00.000-08:002011-01-25T19:56:22.792-08:00Greg Gumbel is an Internet BullyIn 2009 Desert Biofuels Initiative hosted a <a href="http://desertbiofuels.org/workshops.html">workshop</a>. We had a fantastic speaker line-up, made up of virtually every key biofuels stakeholder in Arizona. As noted in <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/francine-hardaway/world-startups-outside-silicon-valley/ten-companies-you-need-know-about">this press account</a>, the workshop advanced our goal of developing a "unique collaborative, open source environment" for sustainable biofuels in Arizona. The workshop was free for all of the 150 participants, consistent with our non-profit mission. After the workshop we posted each speaker's presentation materials (with their permission); see <a href="http://desertbiofuels.org/workshops/16-workshops/63-2ndannualworkshop.html">this page</a>. Among the material we posted was <a href="http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=1cZXhOb0PgY">a video</a> presented by a representative of <a href="http://www.amerecobiofuels.com/Home.html">Amereco</a>, a company that makes biodiesel from waste vegetable oils. In this video CBS television sportscaster <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Gumbel">Greg Gumbel</a> narrates what appears to be a news story about Amereco.<br /><br />Today (January 25, 2011), we received a message from Greg Gumbel's representative stating that we are making an "unauthorized misappropriation of Mr. Gumbel's personal characteristics," which is "an infringement of Mr. Gumbel's legal rights" subjecting us to "serious legal liability." We are "hereby directed to immediately remove the aforementioned video from the Internet." Should we fail to "comply with this demand" Mr. Gumbel will "pursu[e] any and all legal remedies" available to him.<br /><br />As a legal matter, this is complete nonsense. Note that Mr. Gumbel is not asserting that he owns the copyright in the video, but rather that Desert Biofuels Initiative is infringing his <a href="http://ilt.eff.org/index.php/Right_of_Publicity">right of publicity</a> by posting the video. To succeed with this claim, Mr. Gumbel would have to show that we are creating a false and misleading impression that Mr. Gumbel is endorsing some DBI product or service. That is, publicity rights claims involve unauthorized use of a celebrity's name or likeness <span style="font-style: italic;">for a commercial purpose</span>. As should be blindingly obvious, we are not asserting that Mr. Gumbel endorses DBI in any way whatsoever. We sell no products or services. We have simply archived material from an important public forum, with the authorization of the party who provided the video. Any claim that DBI is infringing Mr. Gumbel's publicity rights isn't even remotely plausible.<br /><br />Mr. Gumbel appears to be engaged not in an intellectually honest legal dispute, but rather in overt legal bullying. Mr. Gumbel presumably wants this material off the Internet and out of public discourse because it is deeply embarrassing to him. And he <span style="font-style: italic;">should</span> be ashamed: as extensively reported by <a href="http://www.stinkyjournalism.org/latest-journalism-news-updates-148.php">this watchdog site</a> and summarized by the <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/node/8313">Center for Media and Democracy</a>, Mr. Gumbel was involved in an extraordinary breach of journalistic ethics, under which the subjects of "news" stories paid for favorable coverage. This video appears to be an example of the scandal described by the watchdog group. Mr. Gumbel's shame (or whatever other motive is driving him) is no excuse for using spurious legal claims to try to bully organizations like DBI into taking legitimate, newsworthy material out of public discussion.<br /><br />Indeed, Mr. Gumbel's demand that we take down this material makes the case for keeping it up even stronger. Attendees at our workshop, and researchers, scholars and other stakeholders tracking the development of sustainable biofuels in Arizona need to understand the context of this video -- which we were not aware of prior to Mr. Gumbel's missive. Knowing the context provides insight into the featured company, a key player in the development of an AZ biofuels infrastructure. Separately, it also now provides insight into the tactics of an individual involved in a remarkable journalistic scandal. Taking the video down would be inconsistent with our organization's public interest objectives.<br /><br />We have provided a copy of Mr. Gumbel's message to us for inclusion in the database at the <a href="http://chillingeffects.org/">Chilling Effects Clearinghouse</a>, an organization devoted to stopping attempts to use intellectual property and other laws to silence online users. We've also pasted the full message below.<br /><br />------<br /><br />Text of message received:<blockquote><br /><h3> Unauthorized Use of Greg Gumbel's Name and Likeness </h3> <div class="body"> <span dir="ltr"> January 25, 2011<br /> <br /> Re: Unauthorized Use of Greg Gumbel's Name and Likeness<br /> <br /> Dear desertbiofuels: :<br /> <br /> Please be advised that IMG is the agent and representative of Mr. Greg Gumbel. It has come to our attention that you are currently posting a video on the Internet [Ihttp://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=1cZXhOb0PgY&feature=related] which incorporates the name, likeness and performance of Mr. Gumbel.<br /> <br /> You do not have the right to use the name, likeness, performance or any other characteristic of Mr. Gumbel in this video or otherwise. The unauthorized misappropriation of Mr. Gumbel's personal characteristics is an infringement of Mr. Gumbel's legal rights. Such infringement subjects you to potential serious legal liability.<br /> <br /> Accordingly, you are hereby directed to immediately remove the aforementioned video from the Internet and cease and desist all further use of Mr. Gumbel's personal characteristics. Please provide your prompt written assurance within three (3) business days that you will comply with this demand.<br /> <br /> Should you fail to comply with the terms of this correspondence, we will consider immediately pursuing any and all legal remedies available to Mr. Gumbel.<br /> <br /> <br /> Sincerely yours,<br /> <br /> Peter DeVita<br /> <br /> SVP Business Affairs<br /> IMG <br /> 304 Park Avenue South<br /> New York, NY 10010<br /> Peter.devita@imgworld.com<br /> 212.774.4586<br /> <br /> cc: Greg Gumbel<br /> Lash & Goldberg LLP<br /> </span> </div> <strong><br />Sent to: </strong> <span>desertbiofuels</span><br /></blockquote><br /><br /><span style="color:#888888;"><br /><br /></span>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-83418306008968055002010-05-02T18:32:00.000-07:002010-05-02T18:57:48.369-07:00Sam is back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmcMI0nnfopwQRz4xKMBNQDuCgXZuEfD_VD-c-RXBgRDeE693_rFTBbsAanZ7keLnVOOyA79yqUuvDSawMX3K32Gdg76EZExtUteuH7tbANwhUaC6KCHsXrHnKWoDsSatuOkUNmc5l09o/s1600/P9190433.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmcMI0nnfopwQRz4xKMBNQDuCgXZuEfD_VD-c-RXBgRDeE693_rFTBbsAanZ7keLnVOOyA79yqUuvDSawMX3K32Gdg76EZExtUteuH7tbANwhUaC6KCHsXrHnKWoDsSatuOkUNmc5l09o/s320/P9190433.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466855752645697394" border="0" /></a>We're thrilled that Sam West has rejoined us, stepping back into his role as our part-time executive director. Sam initially joined us in 2008 as a third year law student; after graduation he took on a leadership role for DBI, managing several key projects. As we <a href="http://desertbiofuels.blogspot.com/2008/02/whos-who-post-11-sam-west.html">noted then</a>, Sam brings a unique and valuable set of skills to the table for DBI, drawing from his experiences as a civil engineer, his MBA and law degrees, and his leadership experience associated with his serving on submarines and other roles as an officer in the Navy.<br /><br />For the past year Sam has been serving the United States in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He notes:<br /><blockquote><span id=":cd"></span>Kunar is a busy province in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan on the Pakistan border. I was the executive officer of a Provincial Reconstruction Team. <span id=":cd"></span>Our three major lines of effort were governance, reconstruction and security for the Afghan people. I saw much progress while I was there. We were able to help bring infrastructure to a war-torn province where only several years ago there were no paved roads or power. From our assistance, we were able to see private business and markets within the province almost double over the year. The great news is we were able to start programs that encouraged sustainable development. This included agricultural programs, hydro-electric plants, wind and solar power. We also invested in the future of Afghan children by building over 50 schools in the province. While there is still much more to be done, we had a successful year and we were able to meet and help a great group of people. Although I enjoyed hiking through the mountains of Afghanistan, I think I am easily going to get used to the car again. I am looking forward to reconnecting with everyone and moving forward with our biofuel projects. </blockquote>We're extraordinarily proud of Sam for his selfless service, very pleased that he is home safe and sound, and excited to continue working with him on our DBI projects. Sam can be contacted at sam@desertbiofuels.org.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-17309868631972478372010-02-28T13:48:00.000-08:002010-02-28T14:23:10.280-08:00Homebrewer fire in MaineI came across an article about a <a href="http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100226/GJNEWS_01/702269874/-1/FosNEWS">fire associated with biodiesel homebrewing</a> in Brunswick, Maine. This is just the second such incident that I'm aware of, based on monitoring relevant news articles, although a quote from a NFPA official in the article implies that there have been others. The article prompted me to review <a href="http://desertbiofuels.blogspot.com/2008/08/unfortunate-opportunity.html">the blog post Eric wrote a year ago</a> in response to a similar incident here in Arizona; Eric's thoughts, and the insightful comments on the post by Hans Huth, remain quite relevant. It also got me thinking about <a href="http://desertbiofuels.blogspot.com/2009/01/meeting-phoenix-biodiesel-task-force.html">our meeting the City of Phoenix Biodiesel Task Force</a>. The <a href="http://desertbiofuels.blogspot.com/2008/11/phoenix-reportedly-creates-biodiesel.html">task force</a> went silent as far as I know -- perhaps for the best, given the heavy-handed approach they appeared to be to adopting. I also was reminded of the <a href="http://desertbiofuels.blogspot.com/2008/09/us-fire-administration-on-homemade.html">quote from the US Fire Administration</a> concerning homebrew biodiesel -- "The overall process is legal and relatively safe when properly performed" -- a useful point for regulators and policymakers to keep in mind.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-15947453159020520832010-02-19T07:40:00.000-08:002010-02-19T08:01:40.501-08:00Waste-based biofuels efforts in AZThis issue warrants a more expansive post, but the addition of Tuscon-based <a href="http://www.edgroup.us/edg_fuels.htm">EDG</a> to the mix (see Biofuels Digest's Feb. 19th article "<a href="http://biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2010/02/19/edg-to-launch-1-5-mgy-waste-based-biodiesel-plant-in-arizona/">EDG to launch 1.5 Mgy waste based biodiesel plant in Arizona</a>") makes a total of at least four companies in AZ focused on waste grease-based biofuel production. The others include <a href="http://azbiodiesel.com/">AZ Biodiesel</a>, <a href="http://amereco.biz/">Amereco</a> and <a href="http://www.greendiningnet.com/">AZ Green Dining Network</a>. (The website of <a href="http://www.mountainbiofuel.com/mbf/">Mountain Biofuel</a> in Flagstaff reports that it is currently not operating.)<br /><br />Additionally, the member-driven <a href="http://www.dynamite.coop/">Dynamite Biofuels Co-op</a> in Cave Creek is going strong.<br /><br />Waste oil-based biofuels just make sense. We applaud the efforts of all of these organizations. Please give them your support!Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-6540908415874213672010-01-25T09:34:00.000-08:002010-01-25T09:50:50.553-08:00Vaclav Smil: 9 billion people + 1 Planet = ?<div>From the 'Quantum to Cosmos' festival held in Waterloo, Ontario, October 2009:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Do we want 100 kilos of meat per year and Hummers or 40 kilos of meat per year and Hondas?"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.q2cfestival.com/play.php?lecture_id=8251">http://www.q2cfestival.com/play.php?lecture_id=8251</a></div>Eric Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186640033872233303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-17834131181508603682010-01-25T07:16:00.000-08:002010-01-25T08:57:09.504-08:00Bill Gates blogs about 'alternative energy'In addition to his significant philanthropic efforts, Bill Gates has been interested in 'alternative energy' for some time. Very glad to see <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10439785-54.html">he is now divested from ethanol investment and is on-board with algae</a>.<div><br /></div><div>On his recently launched '<a href="http://www.gatesnotes.com/">Gates Notes</a>' website he has a series of podcasts (in .wma and .mp3 formats) he talks about the need for 'carbon-free energy sources' and makes the call for increased government funding of 'basic research in energy':</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.gatesnotes.com/Thinking/article.aspx?ID=104">http://www.gatesnotes.com/Thinking/article.aspx?ID=104</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Going to spend the morning listening!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also glad to see he is giving <a href="http://desertbiofuels.blogspot.com/2008/01/100bbl-is-great_23.html">Vaclav Smil</a> page-space...</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, it's an hour and a half later...</div><div><br /></div><div>Mentioned in the Gates podcast:</div><div><br /></div><div>David MacKay - <a href="http://www.withouthotair.com/">http://www.withouthotair.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Vaclav Smil - <a href="http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~vsmil/index.html">http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~vsmil/index.html</a></div><div>and some follow-up here - <a href="http://www.gatesnotes.com/Learning/article.aspx?ID=25">http://www.gatesnotes.com/Learning/article.aspx?ID=25</a></div><div><br /></div><div>A couple recommendations from the 'Dummies' series - </div><div><a href="http://www.dummies.com/store/product/Organic-Chemistry-I-For-Dummies.productCd-0764569023.html">http://www.dummies.com/store/product/Organic-Chemistry-I-For-Dummies.productCd-0764569023.html</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>and</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.dummies.com/store/product/Weather-For-Dummies.productCd-0764552430.html">http://www.dummies.com/store/product/Weather-For-Dummies.productCd-0764552430.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>And he mentions some online courseware that he's been studying on physics, but does not give many specifics on the podcast. Found this page for followup - </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.gatesnotes.com/Learning/article.aspx?ID=24">http://www.gatesnotes.com/Learning/article.aspx?ID=24</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Not included there is a reference to Lewin, whom he mentions in the podcast - </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Lewin_Lectures_on_Physics">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Lewin_Lectures_on_Physics</a></div><div><br /></div>Eric Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186640033872233303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-13493528457788719742010-01-22T20:07:00.000-08:002010-01-22T20:48:51.997-08:00Dan Rees (AZ Biodiesel) on the Biodiesel Tax IncentiveDan Rees of AZ Biodiesel sent us the following note about the dire situation facing biodiesel producers due to the unexpected non-renewal of the biodiesel tax credit. While there are criticisms that can be levied against the credit program (e.g. at DBI we're unenthusiastic about the virgin soy-based biofuel that can benefit from the credit), the fact is that elimination of the credit will be devastating to local businesses like AZ Biodiesel, Amereco and AZ Green Dining Network that use waste vegetable oils (restaurant grease) to create clean-burning biodiesel. This local waste grease model precisely embodies our vision of <span style="font-style: italic;">sustainable regional biofuels</span>, and a setback for a company like AZ Biodiesel would be a major blow to the development of a sustainable biofuels infrastructure in Arizona. Please give Dan's message careful consideration, and note his call to action near the bottom of his message.<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Your Help Is Needed to Reinstate the Biodiesel Tax Incentive</span><br /><br />Hi Everyone,<br /><br />Az BioDiesel is still alive and producing for now without the $1 a gallon federal biodiesel tax credit.<br /><br />It will hopefully be passed by Feb/March and be retroactive to Jan 1st but there are no guarantees.<br /><br />For now, we (AZ BioDiesel) can afford to "weather the storm" and wait until the end of January to see if the tax credit will come back anytime soon.<br /><br />Most plants around the country unfortunately, have closed or severely reduced production as they can't weather a long wait to get the tax credit dollars.<br /><br />The word is that if congress doesn't get around to it before Feb, most of the industry will close and many may not be able to reopen. 29,000+ jobs will be lost very soon. Congress came back Jan 20th from their holiday break. Health care was still taking priority to anything else when they started.<br /><br />Our industry is the victim of congress' focus on health care and not having time to pass the biodiesel tax credit extension which helps biodiesel to be competitively priced to the already subsidized petroleum fuels.<br /><br />Several senators (Dem & Rep) have sent letters to President Obama to get the extension passed quickly but, no answer yet.<br /><br />Some are saying that Big Oil is behind this. The EPA was going to pass (this Feb) it's new alt fuel standards which, for the first time, would include a national minimum requirement for 1 billion gallons of biodiesel to get the industry on its feet and growing. The EPA now is saying they may just give the 1 billion gallons to the ethanol industry to add to the minimum requirement they already have since they don't believe the biodiesel industry can now live up to the new requirement.<br /><br />Another win for Big Oil and their support of ethanol! The alternative fuel (ethanol) that isn't a threat to the future of replacing petroleum oil.<br /><br />It really concerns me that President Obama had the nerve recently to tout the $2.3 billion he gave out to create new forms of energy and add 17,000 jobs while he knows that the biodiesel industry is about to lose 29,000+ jobs and already can produce new energy but no one in congress or the white house seems to care. You'll notice very little press about the loss of the biodiesel tax credit and it's potential to bankrupt this industry even if they get around to passing an extension later in the year.<br /><br />Please help save the biodiesel industry by going to this link and sending emails to our congressmen:<br /><br />Your Help Is Needed to Reinstate the Biodiesel Tax Incentive<br /><a href="http://www.biodiesel.org/news/taxcredit/default.shtm">http://www.biodiesel.org/news/taxcredit/default.shtm<br /></a><br />With your help, this industry can survive!!!<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Dan Rees, AZ BioDiesel<br /><br /></blockquote>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-56713216515856666082010-01-15T07:33:00.000-08:002010-01-15T07:40:54.675-08:00Biodiesel Science Cafe TONIGHTApologies for the last minute post, but today at 5:30 I'll be joining Dr. Milt Sommerfeld and Dr. Mark Edwards for the January Science Cafe at the AZ Science Center. I'm also planning to ride and display my 150mpg biodiesel chopper. The event is free and open to the public. More info is available here: <a href="http://cnsasu.info/cafe/jan10cafe.pdf">http://cnsasu.info/cafe/jan10cafe.pdf</a>Dave Conz, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03146713153512453142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-85317654295229985562010-01-12T11:48:00.000-08:002010-04-23T12:13:21.978-07:00Arizona: not on the algae biofuels map?In December Biofuels Digest published an article "<a href="http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/blog2/2009/12/18/the-hottest-50-companies-in-bioenergy-and-the-doe-integrated-bioenergy-grants-in-pictures/">The Hottest 50 Companies in Bioenergy and the DOE Integrated Bioenergy Grants, in maps</a>." They produced maps that represent:<br /><br />1. Locations of the companies in their list of the "50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy."<br />2. Locations of pilot-scale projects of these companies.<br />3. Locations of demonstration-scale and commercial-scale projects for these companies.<br />4. Locations of pilot and demonstration-scale projects that received support in the $564 million Department of Energy IBR grants, announced in December 2009.<br /><br />Observe Arizona's status in each of these maps (I realize that the keys aren't legible in these thumbnails, but here's all you need to know: blank = zero).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/Hot50HQs.gif"><img style="width: 200px; height: 148px;" alt="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/Hot50HQs.gif" src="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/Hot50HQs.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/Hot50pilots.gif"><img style="width: 200px; height: 148px;" alt="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/Hot50pilots.gif" src="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/Hot50pilots.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/Hot50demos.gif"><img style="width: 200px; height: 149px;" alt="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/Hot50demos.gif" src="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/Hot50demos.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/DOEgrants.gif"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/DOEgrants.gif" src="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/DOEgrants.gif" /></a><br /><br />Granted, Biofuels Digest focused on bioenergy broadly, not just on algae. Nonetheless, in my view these maps demonstrate a problem: Arizona is not on the map (literally and figuratively) when it comes to algae biofuels -- <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">and we absolutely should be!</span><br /><br />Arizona should have owned solar: that is, we should be the leading region for solar in the way that Silicon Valley is the leader in information technology. For reasons I won't try to diagnose or analyze here, we aren't. We have a second chance, however, with "green solar" (to borrow <a href="http://greenindependence.org/">Mark Edwards</a>' term for algae). I believe that algae is a fundamentally transformational technology, akin to the semiconductor in its potential impact. Arizona has an extraordinary opportunity to lead in connection with algae biofuels and related products and services (nutraceuticals, bioplastics, wastewater remediation, carbon capture, etc.).<br /><img src="file:///Users/brad/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///Users/brad/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><br />Consider the assets we have available to us:<br /><br />1. Unbeatable natural assets: (a) sun, (b) heat, (c) abundant cheap, flat land, and (d) plentiful briny aquifers (not useful for much else given their salinity) and wastewater.<br /><br />2. Incredible world-class research efforts, including the highly acclaimed <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1852747_1854195_1854150,00.html">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.oilgae.com/blog/2009/11/asu-scientists-receive-innovator-of.html">[2]</a> work by Drs. Sommerfeld and Hu at <a href="http://asunews.asu.edu/20080125_algae">ASU Polytechnic</a> and the impressive work at <a href="http://www.biodesign.asu.edu/research/projects/better-biofuel">ASU BioDesign</a>. [4/23/10 update: the University of Arizona is also <a href="http://uanews.org/node/29470">emerging as a research leader</a>.]<br /><br />3. Leading algae entrepreneurs, including <a href="http://desertbiofuels.blogspot.com/2009/05/visit-to-xl-renewables.html">XL Renewables</a> (one of the few companies in the world to be currently producing algae for commercial sale, not just engaged in demo projects or research), <a href="http://www.diversified-energy.com/">Diversified Energy</a>, <a href="http://www.desertsweetbiofuels.com/">Desert Sweet Biofuels</a>, Energy Derived (<a href="http://desertbiofuels.org/attachments/063_08-EnergyDerived-Collier.pdf">.pdf</a>), <a href="http://petrosuninc.com/alternative-energy.html">PetroSun</a> (featured in the film <a href="http://thefuelfilm.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fuel</span></a>), <a href="http://www.heliae.com/">Heliae</a>, <a href="http://www.byeenergy.com/pages/">Bye Energy</a> and <a href="http://www.algaebio.com/Algaebio/Home.html">Algae Biosciences</a>.<br /><br />4. World-class policy analysts and thought-leaders, such as Mark Edwards (author of the award-winning and bestselling <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Green-Algae-Strategy-Engineer-Sustainable/dp/1440421846"><span style="font-style: italic;">Green Algae Strategy</span></a>), Colleen Crowninshield at the <a href="http://www.pagnet.org/Committees/EnvironmentEPAC/CleanCitiesCoalition/tabid/320/Default.aspx">Tucson Clean Cities Coalition</a>, Dave Conz and the team at ASU's <a href="http://www.cspo.org/consortium/">Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes</a> (CSPO), and Sandy Askland and the team at ASU's <a href="http://www.law.asu.edu/lst">Center for the Study of Law, Science and Innovation</a>.<br /><br />5. Increasingly strong support from trade groups and NGOs such as the <a href="http://www.azbio.org/">Arizona Bioindustry Association</a>, <a href="http://www.sfaz.org/">Science Foundation Arizona</a> and the <a href="http://www.flinn.org/">Flinn Foundation</a>.<br /><br />[4/23/10 addition: a commenter correctly noted that I neglected to mention two key pioneering efforts by APS: (1) the <a href="http://www.aps.com/main/news/releases/release_358.html">2006 project at RedHawk</a>, and (2) the $70M <a href="http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/09/14/daily36.html">carbon sequestration project</a> at Cholla Generation Station.]<br /><br />To date, despite these strong assets, Arizona has lagged behind as other regions have taken the lead in connection with algae. I'm hopeful that this is beginning to change, for several reasons:<br /><br />1. The establishment of <a href="http://asulightworks.com/">ASU Lightworks</a> under Gary Dirks can provide a focal point of leadership for the Arizona algae community.<br /><br />2. The Algal Biomass Organization's <a href="http://www.algalbiomass.org/events/">Algal Biomass Summit</a>, an important national conference, will be held in Phoenix in September. This provides a unique opportunity to showcase Arizona as a leading region for algae technology.<br /><br />3. Government stakeholders are beginning to engage. Progressive government entities such as the City of Phoenix and the Town of Gilbert have provided demonstrable/tangible support, and other local and state government entities appear increasingly interested in engaging in the fashion we've seen in other states.<br /><br />Algae presents an extraordinary opportunity for Arizona. I hope that we can capitalize on it.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-23793680023624056962009-12-18T20:22:00.000-08:002009-12-18T21:06:44.941-08:00Biodiesel may be gone, sooner than you think...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The tax credit for biodiesel / petroleum diesel blends (1</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">¢ </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">for each percent biodiesel, per gallon) </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">is set to expire Dec 31, 2009 unless extended by Congress. Locally, Dan Rees of </span></span><a href="http://azbiodiesel.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">AZ Biodiesel</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is looking for a community response to motivate Congress to extend the 'blenders credit' for another year, which allows AZ Biodiesel and other vendors to price biodiesel at (or below!) petroleum diesel prices.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Without the blenders credit -- which on the 99.9% biodiesel that AZ Biodiesel sells is effectively $1/gallon -- biodiesel prices will rise to levels significantly higher than petrol diesel. The end result: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">there may not be enough demand for biodiesel to keep it available here in the Valley.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Congress has less than two weeks to extend the blenders credit: if they don't, even a retroactive extension may not be enough to keep pioneers like Dan in business.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Time to make some noise!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's a link for more info: </span></span><a href="http://www.biodiesel.org/news/taxcredit/default.shtm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://www.biodiesel.org/news/taxcredit/default.shtm</span></span></a></div>Eric Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186640033872233303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-36103902357608916532009-11-21T11:16:00.000-08:002009-11-21T14:09:04.906-08:00Your turkey grease can clean our air and save taxpayer money<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Desert Biofuels Initiative applauds the grease recycling efforts in the Valley (by the Town of Gilbert and AZ Biodiesel, and by the Dynamite Biofuels Co-op) and in Tucson.</span><br /><br />At DBI we're not fans of the "Big Agriculture" model of growing corn or soy for conversion to ethanol or biodiesel. This model can can provide some air quality benefits, but otherwise has some serious flaws (e.g. excessive fertilizer runoff, displacing food crops). We're excited about the future potential of next-generation biofuels feedstocks (inputs), such as algae. However, there is another feedstock option that is widely available <span style="font-style: italic;">right now</span> but that is currently being significantly underused as a biofuel input: so-called "yellow grease" or "WVO" -- waste vegetable oil and other similar waste grease, such as from restaurant deep fryers. WVO can be converted into clean-burning biodiesel (that can run in any diesel engine) easily and cheaply.<br /><br />Did you know that:<br /><ul><li>There are about 10 million gallons of WVO produced annually in the Phoenix metropolitan area, but most of this currently is used as animal feed or simply "disappears" -- often down the drain.</li></ul><ul><li>If all of the WVO in the region were turned into biofuel that was used locally in place of petroleum diesel, this would take 100,000 tons of CO2 out of Valley air each year -- roughly the equivalent of taking 20,000 cars off the road.</li></ul><ul><li>We would also reduce the significant taxpayer expense associated with municipalities addressing the hundreds of grease-caused sewer blockages and overflows that occur in the Valley every year.</li></ul>This Thanksgiving, we all have the opportunity to make a small contribution towards cleaner air and a cleaner wastewater infrastructure: we can recycle our turkey grease and other used cooking oils as biofuel. There are two WVO collection efforts here in the Valley: one in Gilbert, the other in Cave Creek. There is also a notable collection effort in Tucson.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Town of Gilbert and AZ Biodiesel</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /></span>The Town of Gilbert continues to impress with their ability to demonstrate results when it comes to clean energy. For Thanksgiving they have partnered with Gilbert-based <a href="http://azbiodiesel.com/">AZ Biodiesel</a> and are collecting household grease at eight of the nine Gilbert fire stations. AZ Biodiesel will convert the grease to fuel, all of which will be used locally -- displacing petroleum diesel and reducing air pollution. Click <a href="http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/headlinenews/shownews.cfm?recordID=477">here</a> for details and a map to the various collection points. We applaud Gilbert's leadership in this area, and deeply appreciate AZ Biodiesel's commitment to the project and to sustainable biofuels in Arizona more generally.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dynamite Biofuels Co-op.</span><br /><br />The Dynamite Biofuels Co-op, a membership-driven grassroots biofuels effort based in Cave Creek, is also providing a grease recycling opportunity. The Co-op will have a grease collection bin at <a href="http://www.bigearlsgreasyeats.com/">Big Earl's Greasy Eats</a> restaurant, 6135 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. The team at the Co-op are longtime leaders in the Valley on biofuels issues, and we applaud their efforts to make this recycling opportunity available to the community. Check their <a href="http://dynamite.coop/">website</a> for additional details.<br /><br />[Note: we understand that the Co-op would be willing to provide collection bins and pick up services at other locations in the Valley as well. Restaurant owners or others, please <a href="http://dynamite.coop/index.jsp?pagename=contact.jsp">let them know</a> if you would like to participate.]<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tucson</span><br /><br />To their great credit, the Tucson Clean Cities Coalition, Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, and Grecycle have put on a day-after-Thanksgiving grease drive for several years. This year the drive will run from 9am - 1pm at three locations in Tucson: O'Reilly Chevrolet (6160 E. Broadway), the Pima County Industrial Wastewater Control plant (5025 W. Ina Rd.) and the City of Tucson Water Plan #2 (1102 W. Irvington Rd.). The <a href="http://www.pagnet.org/Default.aspx?tabid=180">Clean Cities website</a> will have more detail.<br /><br /><br />So: this Thanksgiving <span style="font-weight: bold;">RECYCLE YOUR GREASE! </span>And while you're doing so, consider the opportunity for cleaner air and wastewater treatment cost savings that we're missing by under- utilizing this local resource as a biofuel feedstock.<br /><br /><br />[To our friends in the press: we'd love for you to tell this story! Here are some contacts if you'd like more info:<br /><br />Beth Lucas, Town of Gilbert, (480) 503-6766, beth.lucas@ci.gilbert.az.us<br />Dan Rees, AZ Biodiesel, <a href="http://azbiodiesel.com/contact.htm">contact info</a><br />Gene Leach or Jay Nance, Dynamite Biofuels, <a href="http://dynamite.coop/index.jsp?pagename=contact.jsp">contact info</a> <br />Kathryn Van Kirk, Tucson Clean Cities, (520) 792-1093, kvankirk@pagnet.org<br />Eric Johnson, Desert Biofuels Initiative, (602) 996-9682, eric@desertbiofuels.org]Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-79755159043273390972009-11-17T10:57:00.000-08:002009-11-17T15:24:09.576-08:00AZ Biofuels Grant Program: A Missed OpportunityIf you had nearly $1 million to spend on advancing biofuels in Arizona, what would you do?<br /><br />Here's my list:<br /><ul><li>Fund a program to incentivize restaurants to convert their waste vegetable oil into biodiesel. There are over 10 million gallons of WVO produced annually in the Phoenix area alone. The vast majority of this WVO goes into animal feed or is "missing" (presumably frequently going into the sewer system). Converting this WVO to biodiesel would have dramatic air quality and other benefits -- and would likely reduce the substantial costs to taxpayers associated with the hundreds of annual grease-caused sewer blockages in AZ. Prices in the WVO collection market don't reflect these air quality benefits or avoided municipal costs, however. Fixing this market flaw with a state-funded incentive program would yield us cleaner air and save real money for local governments.</li></ul><ul><li>Support the algae biofuels industry. Algae-derived biofuels ("green solar," to borrow Mark Edwards' nomenclature) are an incredibly promising, potentially transformational technology. Arizona should be a leader in this space: we have the necessary natural resources (sun, heat, wastewater, cheap flat land), leading-edge world-class university research (ASU Poly, ASU Biodesign), unrivaled pilot implementations by APS, and an array of entrepreneurs doing amazing work. Yet other regions such as San Diego, New Mexico, and even St. Louis are seen as algae leaders; Arizona isn't even on the map. The state could fund demonstration projects that enable researchers and entrepreneurs to connect, and that showcase Arizona's strengths in this area.</li></ul><ul><li>Explore innovative agricultural feedstock options that work in our climate. For example, researchers in AZ have suggested that former open pit mines in the state could be seeded with low-water-need crops that could be used as biofuels inputs. The state could support pilot projects that focus on agricultural approaches to biofuels that fit our unique circumstances, with a goal of not displacing food crops.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Support biodiesel co-ops. The biodiesel "homebrew" community -- individuals who collect WVO and convert it to biodiesel at home -- has been far in front of the commercial community in terms of getting clean-burning biofuels in tanks and on the road in Arizona. The independence, innovation and initiative of the homebrewers is admirable, yet there are some safety and other challenges associated with homebrewing. Co-ops can serve to balance interests, enabling the do-it-yourself ethos within a more manageable environment. Biofuels co-ops in Arizona have struggled for funding and regulator support, however. The state could fund a pilot project that demonstrates the value of co-ops for reducing homebrew-related risks and enabling grassroots-based innovation. </li></ul>All of the ideas above focus on what DBI calls "sustainable regional biofuels" -- that is, creating biofuel locally, in a sustainable manner, and using it locally. The benefits of this approach are (1) environmental (cleaner air), (2) economic (keep more of the $4 BILLION that Arizonans spend on fuel in the state), and (3) security-related (e.g., make ourselves less vulnerable to a pipeline disruption).<br /><br />The state of Arizona is currently spending $900,000 on the "<a href="http://www.azcommerce.com/energy/biofuels.htm">Arizona Biofuels Conversion Program</a>." The program focuses on subsidizing fueling-station owners or other businesses (e.g. fleet owners) who convert their fuel infrastructure to handle biofuels -- either E85 (ethanol) or biodiesel. The program provides up to 40% matching funds for a conversion project, up to a maximum of $30K. Another aspect of the program provides similar support for municipalities.<br /><br />My reaction: eh. Given the big opportunities with biofuels, this program seems to be targeted at a narrow problem. Further, the benefits to Arizona appear modest: if this program leads to more stations carrying ethanol, for example, and more people start using it, that could help our local air quality problems. But, given that corn ethanol and soy biodiesel -- the primary types of biofuels that would be sold via the subsidized infrastructure for the foreseeable future -- are produced out of state, using processes that (arguably) cause some environmental and economic problems (e.g., excessive fertilizer run-off, displacement of food crops), it's not obvious that the net benefits of the program are that high.<br /><br />I would have liked to see the program focus on fostering <span style="font-style: italic;">local</span> production of <span style="font-style: italic;">sustainable</span> biofuels. I believe that if we had a robust local supply, demand would follow. And if we had supply and demand, I think the infrastructure issues that are the focus of the program would potentially be unnecessary.<br /><br /><br />What would <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> do with $1 million?Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-2827773765321983622009-11-05T07:48:00.000-08:002009-11-05T07:55:11.598-08:00Updated "Biodiesel 101" availableAn updated version of Han Huth's amazingly comprehensive "Biodiesel 101: An Introductory Guide to Brewing and Using Biodiesel in Arizona" is available at <a href="http://biod101.com">http://biod101.com</a>. This is an incredible free resource for the AZ homebrew community. You can support Hans' efforts by purchasing a "Grease for Peace" bumper sticker via his site.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-51290746637015477962009-11-04T13:59:00.000-08:002009-11-05T07:43:15.182-08:00Some upcoming eventsThere are several events coming up that might be of interest:<br /><br />1. On Sunday, November 8th, <a href="http://sustainabil.com/">SustainaBIL</a>, an "unconference" modeled on the <a href="http://bilconference.com/">BIL Conference</a>, will be held at ASU Skysong beginning at 11am. I had a chance to talk with with conference co-organizer Brian Shaler today, and it sounds like the day will be quite interesting and fun. The organizers describe the event as "an unconference for people changing the world in big ways. It's a place for passionate people to come together to energize, brainstorm, and take action." Show up and listen, or show up and plan to talk about your passions. Send email to <span title="processed" class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">speakers@sustainabil.com if you have a topic you'd like to speak about.</span></span><br /><br />2. The <a href="http://azentrepreneurship.com/">4th Annual Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference</a> is coming up on November 12. DBI advisor Francine Hardaway is a principal organizer of this event. I attended last year and was extremely impressed with the energy in the rooms and the quality of the speakers, presentations and discussions. Highly recommended.<br /><br />[SEE UPDATE BELOW] 3. ASU Technopolis is hosting an <a href="http://www.asutechnopolis.org/courses/view/98">all-day workshop</a> on November 13 "targets early-stage, first-time, writers of SBIR/STTR Program Phase I proposals, and is created for energy companies looking for grant funding. All government agencies will be covered, but special emphasis will be given to the Department of Energy. A review and discussion of various appropriate technology roadmaps will be included in the workshop." I suspect that this could be extremely valuable for some local biofuels companies. Details by phone 480-884-1804 or e-mail contactus@asutechnopolis.org.<br /><br />[UPDATE: The Technopolis event has been postponed until after the 1st of the year.]Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-90856332089035238112009-08-05T16:20:00.001-07:002009-08-05T16:22:17.079-07:00The Fuel Film to open Nationwide!I never followed up with my review of Tickell's feature-length documentary, "Fuel." Let me cut to the chase: it's a must-see, and based on a press release at his website, it's opening nationwide this fall. More details here: <a href="http://thefuelfilm.com/">http://thefuelfilm.com</a>Dave Conz, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03146713153512453142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-19604143407007583462009-06-20T23:48:00.000-07:002009-06-21T00:10:55.703-07:00Regarding "Cash-for-Clunkers"I'm pretty much on extended hiatus from Desert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Biofuels</span> stuff, although I've been making my weekly trek down to AZ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Biodiesel</span> to top off and fill a couple 5 gallon jugs. As long as B99 is $2.19/gal it's hard to get motivated to go through the hassle of making <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">biodiesel</span> at home. So thanks Dan!<br /><br />What I have been doing (besides my two jobs, and life in general) is trading a lot of emails with two of my brothers-in-law, one of whom is conservative, one of whom is liberal. I'm the token <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">independent</span>.<br /><br />Some of the "conversations" get pretty far afield, but just the other day I forwarded a quote from a great motorcycle blog called <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://thekneeslider.com/">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kneeslider</span></a> (subtitle: <span style="font-style: italic;">Motorcycle News for Positive People</span> -- how cool is that?!). It's regarding <a href="http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1008/senate-passes-cash-for-clunkers-program/">the recently passed "Cash-for-Clunkers" bill</a> and it that pretty much <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sums</span> up my views on the insanity coming out of Washington D.C.:<br /><blockquote><blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;" class="gmail_quote"><p>Frederic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bastiat</span> once said, “<strong>Government is the great fiction through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else</strong>.” Unfortunately, we are now living in this fictitious world, or at least, many people are trying to make it come true.</p> <p><strong>Note to politicians giving away our money:</strong> You look more foolish and cynical every day by constantly adding people and businesses to your list of political beneficiaries, trying to buy votes with our money. Stop it.</p><p><strong>Note to people and businesses taking the money</strong>: When you tell everyone how beneficial these programs are, you sound greedy and shallow and you think people believe you. Stop it.</p><p>I have a simple idea, let’s all buy our own cars, trucks, motorcycles or anything else we want within the limits of what we can afford. Then companies can build products that people want to buy. There’s no government bureaucracy involved either so we can start immediately. Let’s try that.<br /></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;" class="gmail_quote"><p></p></blockquote><a href="http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/06/18/motorcycle-vouchers-proposed-in-addition-to-cash-for-clunkers-a-bad-idea-gets-worse/">Motorcycle Vouchers Proposed in Addition to Cash for Clunkers - A Bad Idea Gets Worse</a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2009/06/18/motorcycle-vouchers-proposed-in-addition-to-cash-for-clunkers-a-bad-idea-gets-worse/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to Motorcycle Vouchers Proposed in Addition to Cash for Clunkers - A Bad Idea Gets Worse"></a></h2>Eric Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186640033872233303noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-73883311701267100322009-05-14T10:28:00.000-07:002009-05-14T10:30:53.236-07:00Solar charged electric motorcycle in Apache Junction<a href="http://gas2.org/2009/05/14/man-builds-worlds-first-fully-solar-powered-motorcycle/">Just saw this on Gas 2.0</a>: a (supposedly) fully electric, solar charged motorcycle. 50 mile range and 90 mph top speed. Right here in Apache Junction!Eric Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186640033872233303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-68953250956335394342009-05-14T07:54:00.000-07:002009-05-14T08:12:36.400-07:00GreenFuel Technologies goes down...<a href="http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Arizona+Public+Service+and+GreenFuel+Technologies+Corp.+Successfully...-a0155253146">The company that partnered with APS at the "Redhawk" facility</a> to capture carbon dioxide from the power plant's emissions is going out of business.<br /><br />We've often wondered what happened to the GreenFuel/APS algae pilot: <a href="http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/greenfuel-technologies-closing-down-4670/">now we know</a>.<br /><br /><blockquote>Getting the whole thing to run smoothly [...] was tougher than expected. GreenFuel could grow algae. The problem was controlling it. In 2007, a project to grow algae in an Arizona greenhouse went awry when the algae grew faster than they could be harvested and died off. The company also found its system would cost more than twice its target.<br /></blockquote><br />The closed photobioreactor model used by GreenFuel (and others) appears especially challenging in terms of up-front expense.<br /><br />I recently posted a link to a paper by Jeff Hassania which <a href="http://desertbiofuels.blogspot.com/2009/04/economic-viability-of-algae-based.html">discusses the sobering economics of algae</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://biofuelsdigest.com/blog2/2009/05/14/algae-pioneer-greenfuel-closes-doors-according-to-reports-closed-system-approach-led-to-several-pilots-no-commercial-scale-developments-before-group-ran-out-of-money/">A GreenFuel Technologies timeline is available at BiofuelsDigest</a>.Eric Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186640033872233303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-44716400224066709182009-05-13T18:30:00.000-07:002009-05-13T19:02:19.535-07:00Visit to XL Renewables<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ynmjxXpzteziJAWx7Fsq4RHz5P5wpew7LndMGeWuqVLufsKxKk2LX1jITrG6x5tJ-wwudvHpeh0TqxTEqJ9qoWGgzXbszJoQwmkOBEfMQ1r6btrt02wvnIcfBOdgv7BMwc-OvBSZ93bX/s1600-h/IMG00202.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ynmjxXpzteziJAWx7Fsq4RHz5P5wpew7LndMGeWuqVLufsKxKk2LX1jITrG6x5tJ-wwudvHpeh0TqxTEqJ9qoWGgzXbszJoQwmkOBEfMQ1r6btrt02wvnIcfBOdgv7BMwc-OvBSZ93bX/s320/IMG00202.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335492784315772050" border="0" /></a><br />On Monday I had the opportunity to visit the <a href="http://www.xlrenewables.com/">XL Renewables</a> algae production facility in Casa Grande, AZ and was deeply impressed by the progress they are making: among other things, I was able to leave with some sample algae that was a HUGE hit with the 7th grade class I spoke to about biofuels on Tuesday.<br /><br />I particularly like the trench-based, farm-like model that XL pursues, as their low-cost approach seems like a promising way to address the difficult economic challenges that algae producers face. It was also great to speak with Mike Bellefuille and George McNeely of XL and hear about the hard-won lessons they are learning about growing algae at production scale -- they've had to navigate through a host of practical difficulties and now have invaluable experience (and lots of algae!) to show for it.<br /><br />It's fantastic to see algae moving beyond just lab experiments and PowerPoint slides. Kudos to XL for meeting the <a href="http://desertbiofuels.blogspot.com/2008/01/rough-consensus-and-running-code.html">"running code" test</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZp2hFXbHIhhgExGgC1tVGyOIspb1Lk9gdj2yyKBVWLB_9cOKzUXrQSbO-frHnq_JG4kLoxQ1HZ0FB7weEXzns4hnBRwrLKz6KVtJxCY_kA1tRjr7BbPMvCqXIUf6isKRzW-jeCBHc7ut/s1600-h/IMG00197.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZp2hFXbHIhhgExGgC1tVGyOIspb1Lk9gdj2yyKBVWLB_9cOKzUXrQSbO-frHnq_JG4kLoxQ1HZ0FB7weEXzns4hnBRwrLKz6KVtJxCY_kA1tRjr7BbPMvCqXIUf6isKRzW-jeCBHc7ut/s320/IMG00197.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335491835848564770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mike Bellefuille and George McNeely</span>Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-2911562247611145872009-05-08T13:17:00.000-07:002009-05-08T13:29:11.498-07:00Nice review for Green Algae StrategyCongratulations to Mark Edwards, whose book <span style="font-style: italic;">Green Algae Strategy: End Oil Imports and Engineer Sustainable Food and Fuel</span> continues to receive some great reviews; see, e.g., <a href="http://www.celsias.com/article/green-algae-strategy-end-oil-imports-and-engineer/">this review</a> at Celsias. Green Algae Strategy is available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Green-Algae-Strategy-Engineer-Sustainable/dp/1440421846/">Amazon.com</a> and via free download on the GreenIndependence.org <a href="http://greenindependence.org/downloads.html">downloads page</a> (scroll down).Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-69994810724074659262009-05-07T17:18:00.000-07:002009-05-07T19:11:56.378-07:00Desert Sweet Biofuels forum at ASU SkySongAt our recent workshop Professor Mark Edwards announced a forum that he is coordinating with Gary Woods and the team from Desert Sweet Biofuels, a commercial algae venture. The forum is planned for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, May 22</span> (not May 15, as initially announced) from 9am to noon, at ASU SkySong; the flyer for the event can be downloaded <a href="http://desertbiofuels.org/downloads/20-downloads/64-desert-sweet-biofuels-forum-flyer.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Mark is planning to facilitate additional forums where different companies and organizations can do a "deep dive" on their particular technologies or vision (i.e., not constrained by the 5 minute format we insisted on for the Workshop). Please <a href="http://greenindependence.org/contact-us.html" target="_blank">contact Mark</a> if you'd be interested in presenting at such a forum. We're envisioning a monthly speakers series, picking up in the Fall.Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08564663512109360856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-60727328782821781452009-05-04T10:37:00.000-07:002009-05-04T10:45:00.924-07:00More DPF/biodiesel newsPopular Mechanics <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4311498.html">has posted an article</a> by Dave Hubbard explaining the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) / biodiesel incompatibility issue, and Jason Burroughs of <a href="http://dieselgreenfuels.com/">DieselGreen Fuels</a> has <a href="http://biodieselsmarter.com/archives/2008/12/the_saga_of_the_09_tdi_and_its.php">written up his experience with a 2009 VW TDI</a> on <a href="http://biodieselsmarter.com/">biodieselSMARTER</a>.Eric Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186640033872233303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5541833700232128587.post-36168907611142959892009-04-28T10:20:00.000-07:002009-04-28T10:34:56.325-07:00Economic viability of algae-based biofuelsJeff Hassania of <a href="http://www.diversified-energy.com/">Diversified Energy Corporation</a> in Gilbert, who recently presented some of this information at the <a href="http://desertbiofuels.org/workshops/16-workshops/63-2ndannualworkshop.html">2nd Desert Biofuels Workshop</a>, has published an editorial on the commercial viability of algae-based biofuels.<br /><br />PDF format: <a href="http://www.ascension-publishing.com/BIZ/AlgaeHassania.pdf">Algae Biofuels Economic Viability: A Project-Based Perspective</a>Eric Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05186640033872233303noreply@blogger.com0