Awake at the Wheel

Next generation biorefinery breaks ground in Boardman, OR

Posted on June 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

With production expected to begin next year, Colorado-based ZeaChem has broke ground on a cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in Boardman, OR. The plant will use ZeaChem’s core technology, to produce ethyl acetate, a salable chemical intermediate that can turn poplar tree waste into cellulosic ethanol. The biorefinery is expected to produce up to 250,000 gallons per year.

“Breaking ground on ZeaChem’s biorefinery in Boardman is a significant milestone,” said Jim Imbler, president and chief executive officer of ZeaChem. “As a leader in this industry, ZeaChem is committed to producing economical and sustainable advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals, creating jobs, and being a good neighbor in the community.”

ZeaChem is receiving $25 million in stimulus money for the plant that will create 300 direct and indirect jobs.

Read Press Release.

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Posted in Climate Change, Emissions, Energy Balance, Ethanol Research, Feedstocks, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Next Generation Feedstock, Vehicles

Advanced fuel test crops flourish in California

Posted on June 1, 2010 | 1 Comment

UC Davis test plot yields for advanced biofuel crops prove fruitful.

Findings from a three year switchgrass trial have shown increasing yields, from twelve to eighteen tons per acre depending on the site. Several switchgrass varieties were tested at facilities in El Centro & at UC Davis. Switchgrass has the potential to be a whole-plant cellulosic ethanol feedstock and is considered an important crop for the future of renewable fuels. The hardy grass begins its annual growth in the spring and can grow 4-7 feet tall. Leaves measure 30-90 centimeters in length.

Switchgrass uses C4 carbon fixation which means it is fairly efficient in the photosynthesis process and tolerates drought and high temperatures. The grass has low fertilizer requirements and grows well on marginal land.

Many of these hearty crops can grow on marginal lands and have the potential to produce biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol, and provide a new revenue source for American framers.

Read more about advanced feedstock research from Western Farm Press.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Research, Ethanol Research, Feedstocks, Green Business, News Links, Next Generation Feedstock, Uncategorized

Tagged advanced biofuel, alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, biofuel feedstock, ethanol, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, next generation, next generation fuel

Biodiesel + Electricity wins EcoCar Challenge

Posted on May 28, 2010 | 1 Comment

Mississippi State tops GM’s EcoCar Challenge this year with a GM/Saturn Vue-based biodiesel hybrid. The Vue is estimated to have a 60-mile electric range, to get you to class and back, before the B20 powered 1.3-liter turbodiesel engine spins up. The biodiesel hybrid system can achieve an equivalent of 118 mpg. That’s about 100 mpgs better than the standard Vue. You can understand why they won.
“Each team experimented with technologies and made great strides towards optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing emissions. With critical and successful testing under their belts, we’re excited to see the teams refine and improve their vehicles in the last leg of the EcoCAR competition,” said Karl Stracke, GM vice president, Global Vehicle Engineering.

More at motortrend.com. Click below to Vue gallery

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Posted in Biodiesel

Diesel and ethanol from algae, Texas pilot program begins

Posted on May 21, 2010 | 1 Comment

The goal is to use sunlight and waste CO₂to produce renewable diesel and ethanol from algae. Joule Unlimited, a Massachusetts-based company, believes they have the key to reaching this goal. In June, Joule will launch a pilot plant near Austin, Texas growing algae in large glass panels.

The company has developed single-cell organisms expressly for the purpose of creating fuel. Joule’s algae plants soak up sunlight and secrete oils, which are flushed out of the panel system using water. From there, the oils are separated from water to eventually refine into diesel and ethanol fuel.

The pilot production plant is slated to reach full commercial production by 2012–and Joule estimates 25,000 gallons of ethanol a year form each acre in production.

Eventually, such fuel production facilities will be located near power plants or ethanol production plants, capturing and using carbon dioxide emissions to feed the algae.

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Posted in Biodiesel

Biodiesel Bulletin: Biodiesel delivers sweet treats

Posted on May 14, 2010 | 2 Comments

Propel customer, Essential Baking Company, is highlighted in the latest edition of the National Biodiesel Board’s monthly bulletin.

“The Web site for The Essential Baking Company in Seattle says it all: “We’re fussy. Fussy about taste, the texture of our bread, the flakiness of our pastry, the richness of our desserts, and preserving the time-honored techniques of baking. And don’t even get us started about the importance of the pureness of what we put into our bodies or our impact on the environment.”

That commitment to the environment is fulfilled in part by using 99 percent biodiesel . . .” Read more from the National Biodiesel board.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, blog, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Green Business, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel, domestic fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer

Buick Regal joins 2011 Flex Fuel Vehicle lineup

Posted on May 6, 2010 | 4 Comments

Add another flex fuel capable model to the list. All 2011 Buick Regals will be flex fuel ready starting this fall. The retooled 2.0-liter direct injected turbo engine is designed with alternative fuel in mind. The new design will increase fuel efficiency while using Flex Fuel E85.

As technology continues to improve, future engines will maintain the same level of fuel efficiency whether using flex fuel or petroleum gasoline.

GM invests in E85 compatible, fuel-efficient vehicles and American jobs

Posted on April 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

GM recently announced that it will invest more than $890 million to renovate five North American plants, creating or retaining more than 1,600 jobs and producing a new generation of fuel efficient, E85 compatible engines.

Mark Reuss, president of GM North America, stated, “these latest investments show our commitment to improving fuel economy for buyers of every GM car, truck and crossover and giving them the best possible driving and ownership experience.”

The new small block engine family will gain fuel efficiency through direct injection, a redesigned combustion system, and lighter aluminum engine blocks. GM says, “in addition to being E85 ethanol capable, these engines are being designed with the capability to meet increasingly stringent criteria emissions standards expected throughout this decade.”

Amtrak runs biodiesel in America’s heartland

Posted on April 23, 2010 | 1 Comment

Earlier this week, Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer train made its first journey powered by B20 biodiesel.

The Heartland Flyer will run on tallow-based B20 biodiesel for the next year with plans to potentially expand the program to the entire system. The Heartland Flyer uses over 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel every year on its 400-mile route between Fort Worth, TX and Oklahoma City, OK.

The biodiesel test program is funded by a federal government grant. Amtrak will monitor and track train performance and emission reductions from the use of biodiesel.

The majority of Amtrak’s passenger trains burn petroleum diesel. In one year, Amtrak trains use over 62 million gallons of fuel. Switching to B20 biodiesel would significantly reduce consumption of petroleum diesel and has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by almost 200 million pounds.

More about the Heartland Flyer’s biodiesel test.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, Climate Change, Emissions, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Uncategorized

Tagged alternative fuel, amtrak biodiesel, Biodiesel, biofuel, diesel, domestic fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, waste feedstock

Celebrate Earth Day with Propel

Posted on April 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

Come celebrate Earth Day with Propel in Sacramento on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 9am – 2pm at Cesar Chavez Park at 10th and I Streets. Propel will be giving away FREE FUEL CARDS to lucky flex fuel and biodiesel drivers.

Enjoy free entertainment, interactive learning and celebrate the earth! For more information please call the Earth Day HOTLINE (916) 808-6525.

Find Propel Events on Facebook

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Posted in Biodiesel, blog, Climate Change, Flex Fuel E85, Pricing, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged Biodiesel, earth day, Flex Fuel, Free Fuel, Propel Event, Sacramento

Just in time for BBQ season . . . grill with ethanol

Posted on April 16, 2010 | 1 Comment

Trade in your charcoal barbaque for a cleaner burning alternative–grill with ethanol using FlameDisk®. Sologear, a Wisconsin-based company, developed FlameDisk® technology to create a new, more ecofriendly heat source for existing grills. The grilling technology uses solidified ethanol, it lights quickly and is ready to cook right away.

Sologear describes FlameDisk® as ”much more eco-friendly than charcoal and lighter fluid because it features renewable ethanol. Ethanol is extremely clean burning and generates 90% fewer pollutants than charcoal. The FlameDisk®’s aluminum casing is also recyclable.”

More about FlameDisk®.

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Posted in Climate Change, Emissions, Ethanol Research, Green Business, News Links, Uncategorized

Tagged alternative fuel, ethanol, ethanol grill, Green Business, solidified ethanol

Changing how America fuels, one tank at a time

Posted on April 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

In January, American drivers displaced 784,000 barrels of foreign oil every day by using American-made ethanol fuel, the most renewable fuel ever used in America’s history. A big thanks to all Propel customers who contributed by choosing to fill their vehicles with renewable, homegrown Flex Fuel E85.

Together, we can change what we put in our tanks, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and support domestically-produced, cleaner burning fuel.

Mazda unveils 43 mpg SKY-D diesel

Posted on April 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

Mazda recently announced that it plans to bring a mid-sized diesel vehicle to the United States by 2012. This will be Mazda’s first diesel sold in the U.S.–the vehicle will use the new SKY-D engine and have a 43 mpg highway rating.

Compared to the current diesel engine design, the diesel SKY-D will be 20 percent more fuel-efficient, have more torque, and have a ceramic diesel particulate filter which will meet American emission regulations.

More about Mazda’s upcoming diesel.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Emissions, Green Business, Uncategorized, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel vehicle, domestic fuel, fuel efficiency, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, mazda diesel

Why Wait? New Lamborghini is E85 compatible

Posted on March 31, 2010 | Leave a comment

No news on the price tag, but Lamborghini aims to make its new generation more efficient, meet a 35 percent CO2 reduction goal and add E85 fuel compatibility.

A post from Car and Driver reports that Lamborghini is working on “stop/start capability to thrift fuel in urban settings, cylinder deactivation—so that both the V-10 and the V-12 can operate on half as many cylinders—E85 compatibility, and possibly even a mild-hybrid solution.”

Lamborghini will also utilize carbon fiber to reduce the weight of the vehicle and offset any weight-gain from incorporating a hybrid system. Lamborghini collaborated with the University of Washington and Boeing to create the Automobili Lamborghini Composite Structures Laboratory (ACSL). Look for further developments in this field as carbon fiber costs are predicted to decline by 2012 – 2014.

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Posted in Emissions, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Uncategorized, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 compatibility, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, Lamborghini, lamborghini E85, low-carbon fuel

Chrysler focuses on fuel efficiency, E85 compatibility

Posted on March 26, 2010 | Leave a comment

Chrysler’s new flex fuel-ready, V-6 engine goes into production this week, as part of an overhaul to Chrysler’s powertrain lineup. Not only will engines be fully flex fuel compatible, fuel efficiency will also increase by 25 percent over the next four years.

The new Pentastar V-6 engine will be available in Chrysler, Ram Truck, Jeep and Dodge models. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be the first model to debut the revamped engine, which boasts a 38 percent increase in horsepower, 11 percent increase in torque and 11 percent fuel economy improvement. Read more from Motor Authority.

Is your current vehicle compatible with Flex Fuel E85? Find out now.

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Posted in Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Uncategorized, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, Chrysler, Chrysler flex fuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, fuel efficiency, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, V6 Flex Fuel

New Interceptor Replaces Crown Vic, Remains E85 Compatible

Posted on March 15, 2010 | Leave a comment

Ford Motor Company recently announced that the new 2011 Police Interceptor, based on the redesigned Taurus, will replace the ubiquitous Crown Victoria. The new Interceptor design meets tough new federal rollover requirements, while the Crown Vic did not.

The power train features a V-6 engine that matches or exceeds V-8 performance in two options: a highly efficient 3.5-liter E8- compatible V-6 engine delivering at least 263 horsepower, and an all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection.

The vehicle is to be built in Ford’s Torrence Ave plant on Chicago’s South side. Read more.

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Posted in Biodiesel

Propel’s 85 cent E85 event a great success

Posted on March 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

Last Wednesday’s event brought drivers across Sacramento to Propel stations to fill with E85 Flex Fuel for $0.85/gallon. New and returning customers were happy to brave the morning’s stormy weather to fill their tanks with low-carbon, domestically produced E85.

Drivers across the region joined together to reduce approximately 30,000 lbs of CO2 and save over $10,000 at the pump–in just one day!

Propel team members enjoyed meeting new customers at the pumps on Wednesday, as well as catching up with many loyal Propel users. We appreciate all your comments and suggestions on ways to improve customer experience at the pumps.

See more pictures from the event on our Facebook page.

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Posted in At the Pump, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Pricing, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Event, Flex Fuel, flex fuel tahoe, ford ffv, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer

Propel offers 85 cent E85 on Feb. 24th

Posted on February 23, 2010 | Leave a comment

On Wednesday, February 24th, Propel will offer E85 Ethanol for $.85/gallon at all Sacramento locations. The goal of the program, in partnership with CALSTART, is to help inform the 25,000 Flex Fuel drivers in Sacramento of the economic savings and environmental benefits of fueling with domestically produced, low carbon fuel. Join us at the pump on Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm!

Promotion Details

Where: All Propel Sacramento area locations – see map
When: Wednesday, February 24, 9 am – 6 pm
More Info: Email info@propelfuels.com or call 1.800.871.0773

Not sure if you have a Flex Fuel Vehicle?

E85 capable Flex Fuel vehicles can be identified by the manufacturer’s vehicle badge, yellow gas cap, or by checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) online. Find out if your vehicle is E85 compatible by checking online at www.propelfuels.com/driveE85.

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Posted in At the Pump, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Pricing, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer

Engine maker increases fuel economy for E85

Posted on February 19, 2010 | 1 Comment

Engine technology is beginning to catch up with alternative fuels. How an engine is designed can directly improve fuel economy for alternative fuels like E85, and Ricardo is making great strides in this direction with their Ethanol Boosted Direct Injection (EBDI) technology. Ricardo estimates that an E85 fuel economy improvement of up to 30 percent is possible with no loss of power or performance, using their EBDI engine in place of currently available gasoline power train. That makes E85 more efficient then gasoline.

So the testing begins. Two demonstrator vehicles are to be produced incorporating Ricardo’s EBDI engine technology showing that extreme optimization of ethanol combustion can enable engine downsizing of the order of 50 percent and still deliver substantial fuel economy and CO2 emission improvements from a cost-effective, high performance, inherently low emission power train. The project will use Ricardo’s EBDI flex fuel engine, developed from a production V6 gasoline engine, to repower two GMC Sierra 3500 HD pickup trucks, each with a curb weight of 6,000 pounds. Ricardo and partner Growth Energy have announced the project aims to show the market-readiness of Ricardo’s EBDI technology, which optimizes flex-fuel vehicles to burn ethanol with consumer value, horsepower and fuel economy comparable to gasoline. All that and independence from foreign oil. We wish them luck!

Enterprise’s shuttle fleet to run biodiesel

Posted on February 10, 2010 | Leave a comment

Enterprise, the largest vehicle rental company in North America, announced plans to fuel their entire airport shuttle fleet of more than 600 buses on biodiesel. Most shuttle buses will begin by using a B5 biodiesel blend, while in nine regions, buses will use a B20 blend with the intention of converting the entire bus fleet to B20 in the next five years.

By switching to biodiesel, the Enterprise fleet will reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of retiring 40 shuttle buses and will reduce petroleum use by 420,000 gallons–in the first year alone.

In California, Propel Fuels and Enterprise have formed a partnership aimed to educate Enterprise customers on the availability and benefits of alternative fuels, and to fuel Enterprise’s rental cars with renewable E85.

GM & Ford announce B20 biodiesel compatibility for 2011 models

Posted on February 10, 2010 | 2 Comments

General Motors and Ford both recently announced support for use of B20 biodiesel in their 2011 diesel models. The 2011 GM line-up of heavy duty diesel pickups equipped with the Duramax 6.6L engine and Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine will both be B20 biodiesel compatible.

The new Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine will power the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, as well as the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. Chevrolet will display the 2011 Silverado heavy-duty trucks at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 10.

Ford plans to identify B20 compatible vehicles with a B20 road & leaf badge–similar to the badge used to identify Ford E85 Flex Fuel compatible vehicles.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Emissions, Flex Fuel, Green Business, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel, domestic fuel, ford diesel, GM diesel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel

Waste into power, POET teams up with the city of Sioux Falls

Posted on January 26, 2010 | Leave a comment

The joint project by leading ethanol producer, POET, and the city of Sioux Falls uses landfill gas to help power POET’s Chancellor, South Dakota ethanol production facility. Methane gas created by the Sioux Falls Regional Sanitary Landfill is transported down an 11-mile pipeline to POET’s biorefinery, helping to power ethanol production.

Methane, a major factor in global warming, is captured, converted and put to use producing process steam for ethanol production–using methane offsets 15 percent of the facility’s energy needs, reducing overall CO2 emissions by more than 26,000 tons per year.

Revenue from selling methane to POET and subsequent carbon credits, earns an additional 1 million dollars per year for the city of Sioux Falls.

Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency recognized the innovative work of the POET-Sioux Falls project in an award ceremony for programs that “employed unique project structures and took creative approaches to utilize (landfill gas) from municipal solid waste landfills.” The project will continue to grow as the supply of landfill gases increase, doubling capacity by 2025.

VW Diesels take 1-2-3 spots at 2010 Dakar Rally

Posted on January 19, 2010 | Leave a comment

Volkswagen TDIs, including the Race Touareg prototype, celebrated a one-two-three podium lockout at the finish of the toughest challenge worldwide in motorsport.

Read full article from AutoBlog.com.

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Posted in Biodiesel, blog, News Links, Uncategorized, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, dakar rally, diesel, Volkswagen TDI, VW, vw tdi wins dakar rally

Study affirms health benefits of biodiesel for America’s miners

Posted on January 8, 2010 | Leave a comment

The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) has published a new report that updates the mining community on biodiesel’s continued positive effects underground. After testing multiple biodiesel blends MSHA concluded that biodiesel reduces emissions, especially when combined with the use of after-treatment devices on diesel engines. “The result is a cleaner and healthier working environment for miners,” MSHA states.

Hutchinson Salt Company in Kansas was the first mine of any kind to use B99 biodiesel (a 99 percent biodiesel fuel mix). Since 2003, the company has used up to 30,000 gallons of B99 a year.

Their employees noted cleaner air in the mines within days after the switch to biodiesel. B99 powers all their underground diesel equipment, ranging from loaders to diesel pickups to tractors. Max Liby, vice president of manufacturing, says they have seen no reduction in performance even when machines run 20 consecutive hours.

Read Report

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, Uncategorized

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Research, biofuel, domestic fuel, low-carbon fuel

At the Pump . . .

Posted on December 18, 2009 | Leave a comment

Propel community members share their stories.

Elk Grove, CA – Elk Grove Clean Fuel Point - December 2009

We met Jennifer fueling her C230 Mercedes-Benz with Flex Fuel at the Elk Grove Clean Fuel Point. She has been filling with Propel ever since the service department at her vehicle dealership told her that her C230 was flex fuel capable.

Mercedes does not badge flex fuel models, making it difficult to figure out which vehicle are flex fuel capable.

Flex Fuel Capable Mercedes Models:

C230 Sedan 2.5L, model year 2007

C240 Luxury Sedan & Wagon 2.6L, model year 2005

C300 Luxury & Sport 3.0L, model years 2008 – 2009

C320 Sedan, Sport Sedan & Wagon 3.2L, model years 2003 – 2005

See a full list of Flex Fuel Vehicles.

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Posted in Driver Testimonials, Flex Fuel, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, low-carbon fuel, Mercedes, propel, Propel customer

Clean Diesel Wins Again for Green Car of the Year

Posted on December 16, 2009 | Leave a comment

For the second year in a row, clean diesel technology earns the top award from Green Car Journal. The Audi A3 TDI was announced as the 2010 Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Car Show earlier this month.

The diesel hatchback station wagon was select from among an impressive group of fuel-efficient vehicles, including the Honda Insight hybrid, Mercury Milan hybrid, Toyota Prius, and the Volkswagen Golf TDI.

The Audi A3 TDI touts a 42 miles per gallon highway fuel economy, “a 50 percent improvement over the gasoline A3 variant that makes the car very economical to operate with low relative CO2 emissions.” And, to top off the improved efficiency, Audi has approved the use of B5 Biodiesel in the A3 TDI.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Vehicles

Tagged Biodiesel, biofuel, diesel, VW, audi, biodiesel driver, alternative fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, domestic fuel, Volkswagen TDI, audi tdi, green car of the year, 2010 green car of the year, audi a3 tdi

500,000 jobs created by U.S. ethanol industry

Posted on December 10, 2009 | Leave a comment

The 2010 U.S. Ethanol Industry Salary study estimates nearly a half-million direct and indirect jobs generated by the ethanol industry nationally.

Jobs tied to the ethanol industry are heavily concentrated in rural America, and makeup a significant portion of the economic impact of the industry. As Mike Bryan states in his editorial for the January issue of Ethanol Producer Magazine, “the importance of the domestic ethanol industry to the vibrancy of the U.S. economy, especially the rural economy, cannot be overstated.”

On a local level, Propel Fuels has teamed up with the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps to provide life and skills training for at-risk youth in the area. Involvement in the program provides corps members training in critical skills such as job responsibility, timeliness and teamwork, while exposing them to the promising industry of renewable energy.

As the domestic economy struggles back to its feet, the burgeoning alternative energy industry provides a bit of hope for new jobs and economic growth.

Read full article about Propel and SRCC.

More on the 2010 U.S. Ethanol Industry Salary survey.

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Posted in Biodiesel Production, Flex Fuel, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Uncategorized

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, domestic fuel, E85, ethanol, ethanol production, Flex Fuel, Green Business, green jobs, low-carbon fuel, propel

2011 Chevy Cruze hits 40 mpg, adds E85 capability

Posted on December 2, 2009 | 3 Comments

Replacing Cobalt in 2011, Chevy Cruze will be available with two engine options, an E85-capable 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 140 hp, or a 138 hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder. The Cruze high-efficiency version will hit 40-mpgs highway, aided by variable valve timing, electric, speed-sensitive steering. The typical automatic transmission Cruze, should hit 37 mpg. The Cruze is an important model to GM, as it competes directly with Civic and Corolla models.

UC Davis research shows sustainable biomass energy potential for California

Posted on November 30, 2009 | Leave a comment

A recent article published in California Agriculture illustrates the potential for sustainable biomass energy crops in California. California Agriculture is a peer-reviewed journal reporting research, reviews and news from the University of California and its Agriculture and Natural Resources division.

Article Abstract
Biomass constitutes a major renewable energy resource for California, with more than 30 million tons per year of in-state production estimated to be available on a sustainable basis for electricity generation, biofuels production and other industrial processing. Annually, biofuel production from these resources could exceed 2 billion gallons of gasoline equivalent, while providing opportunities for agricultural and rural economic development. Continuing research and large-scale demonstrations now under way will test alternative technologies and provide much-needed information regarding costs and environmental performance. Biomass can help meet state goals for increasing the amounts of electricity and fuels from renewable resources under the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), and can similarly help meet national biofuel targets under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Internationally consistent sustainability standards and practices are needed to inform policy and provide direction and guidance to industry.

>> Read More

Article Authors
Bryan M. Jenkins, UC Davis
Robert B. Williams, UC Davis
Nathan Parker, UC Davis
Peter Tittmann, UC Davis
Quinn Hart, UC Davis
Martha C. Gildart, UC Davis
Steve Kaffka, UC Davis
Bruce R. Hartsough, UC Davis
Peter Dempster, UC Davis

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Research, blog, Climate Change, Emissions, Energy Balance, Feedstocks, Flex Fuel, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Introduction, Next Generation Feedstock, Nox, Particulates, Personal Carbon Credits, Politics, Pricing

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, biofuels, domestic fuel, energy production, ethanol, fleet, Flex Fuel, low-carbon fuel

Production advances create fuel from forest waste

Posted on November 19, 2009 | Leave a comment

Fuel sourced from waste derived feedstock is the gold-standard in sustainable energy production. And the pine forest waste left over from Georgia’s paper industry will soon be turned into fuel.

Range Fuels’ cellulosic ethanol production facility aims to utilize the limbs, needles and tops of timber typically left out in the woods as an entirely new source of fuel. A technology that is a perfect fit for the State of Georgia that has an abundance of forest-derived feedstocks.

“This is zero carbon footprint fuel” says David Aldous, Range Fuels’ CEO.

The Soperton, Georgia-based plant held ground breaking ceremonies in 2007 and is scheduled to be producing this fuel in 2010. The project is permitted to produce 100 million gallons of fuel per year. In addition to vehicle fuel, the plant will generate renewable power from energy recovered during the process of converting biomass into fuel.

Watch Video from WSBTV.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Biodiesel Production, Energy Balance, Feedstocks, Flex Fuel, Green Business, Next Generation Feedstock, Vehicles

Tagged advanced fuel, alternative fuel, biofuel, cellulosic, domestic fuel, E85, ethanol, Flex Fuel, low-carbon fuel, next generation, next generation fuel, Range Fuels, waste feedstock

Cellulosic Plant takes a big step towards converting Corn Cobs into Fuel

Posted on November 4, 2009 | Leave a comment

South Dakota based POET is pioneering commercial-scale next generation ethanol Poet_Liberty production with their Project Liberty plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. The 25 million-gallon-per-year plant reached a significant benchmark yesterday receiving a 20 million dollar commitment from Lt Governor Patty Judge. Former four-star General Wesley Clark spoke to attendees about the important role they would play in providing more homegrown fuel for the nation.

“We are involved in something that is historic,” Clark said. “We are going to significantly reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources, and we will strengthen America’s national security.”

POET currently operates a pilot-scale cellulosic plant in Scotland, S.D. currently producing 20,000 gallons per year of cellulosic ethanol. The newly funded Iowa plant will commercialize the process creating hundreds of new green jobs.

Watch coverage by KTIV News 4

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Posted in Energy Balance, Feedstocks, Flex Fuel, Green Business, News Links, Next Generation Feedstock

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, cellulosic ethanol, cellulosic fuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, next generation, next generation fuel, POET, propel, waste feedstock

Awake at the Wheel

Next generation biorefinery breaks ground in Boardman, OR

Advanced fuel test crops flourish in California

Biodiesel + Electricity wins EcoCar Challenge

Diesel and ethanol from algae, Texas pilot program begins

Biodiesel Bulletin: Biodiesel delivers sweet treats

Buick Regal joins 2011 Flex Fuel Vehicle lineup

GM invests in E85 compatible, fuel-efficient vehicles and American jobs

Amtrak runs biodiesel in America’s heartland

Celebrate Earth Day with Propel

Just in time for BBQ season . . . grill with ethanol

Changing how America fuels, one tank at a time

Mazda unveils 43 mpg SKY-D diesel

Why Wait? New Lamborghini is E85 compatible

Chrysler focuses on fuel efficiency, E85 compatibility

New Interceptor Replaces Crown Vic, Remains E85 Compatible

Propel’s 85 cent E85 event a great success

Propel offers 85 cent E85 on Feb. 24th

Engine maker increases fuel economy for E85

Enterprise’s shuttle fleet to run biodiesel

GM & Ford announce B20 biodiesel compatibility for 2011 models

Waste into power, POET teams up with the city of Sioux Falls

VW Diesels take 1-2-3 spots at 2010 Dakar Rally

Study affirms health benefits of biodiesel for America’s miners

At the Pump . . .

Clean Diesel Wins Again for Green Car of the Year

500,000 jobs created by U.S. ethanol industry

2011 Chevy Cruze hits 40 mpg, adds E85 capability

UC Davis research shows sustainable biomass energy potential for California

Production advances create fuel from forest waste

Cellulosic Plant takes a big step towards converting Corn Cobs into Fuel

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