Biodiesel - say goodbye to big oil

U.S. will have largest biodiesel market by 2012, research group says

2008-10-03T13:28:00.000-04:00

The U.S. is positioned to become the single largest biodiesel market, with 19 percent of consumption by 2012, according to a new report.

Menlo Park, Calif.-based SRI Consulting says the industry grew 50 percent from 2002 to 2007 -- the highest growth in the chemical industry -- and is poised to grow at 30 percent between 2007 and 2012.

SRI projects a slower pace of growth for the global biodiesel industry due to market uncertainties such as the ongoing fuels versus food debate, rising raw material costs, changing regulatory environment, a slowing global economy and the current financial crisis.

"An important development over the last several years has been the shift in global biodiesel patterns. Only five years ago Europe was a dominant player, with 83 percent of capacity. By 2007 the European share had declined to about 46 percent as North America and Asia grew to 23 percent and 19 percent respectively," SRI says.

SRI is a business research service for the global chemical industry.

Biodiesel gains foothold: Partners plan to sell to local fleets

2008-09-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

A side project between two Guam businessmen could reduce Guam's use of fossil fuels in some of the areas they're used most. Their endeavor not only protects the environment, it can cut companies' fuel costs.

Richard Kempski, general manager of Lucky One Pumping Service, and Allen Turner, senior associate with Taniguchi Ruth Makio Architects, have been perfecting the process of manufacturing biodiesel fuel from regular used cooking oil since 2001.

Kempski said Lucky One's fleet of diesel-fueled trucks uses the alternative fuel, which means the company can save on buying regular diesel. As efforts have begun to ramp up, the outfit is planning to approach bulk fuel users, such as tour operators and construction companies, to become potential customers next year.

The duo said they've been certified to handle and process the oil waste so it can safely be used in a way that meets industry standards.

Turner said the duo currently produces about 40 gallons of the fuel daily. They hope to increase output to around 60 gallons per day, and finally 120 gallons daily before marketing the fuel.

"I just want to make sure there aren't any bugs in the 60 gallons first," Turner said. "We don't want to create demand and then be unable to meet it."

Biodiesel, when used in a vehicle, burns cleaner, emitting fewer toxins in the environment. It also provides better lubrication than other popular alternative fuels, Turner said.

Biodiesel fuel also acts as a solvent, cleaning much of the substances left in a vehicle's fuel system after regular diesel use. Turner said using a 20-to-80 ratio mix of biodiesel and regular diesel will bring a vehicle's emissions within federal Environmental Protection Agency standards.

"I didn't get into this because I'm a big environmentalist," Turner said. "I'm interested in it, it's a challenge. We're just solving a problem."

Green idea

The effort began as Kempski wished to expand Lucky One's services to accommodate used cooking oil they collect from their customers. Not knowing what to do with the excess material, he was contemplating sending it off island.

He said Turner -- a friend of his -- came up with the idea of using the oil waste through some research he was doing.

"It was a must, actually," Kempski said. "I wanted to get more customers by adding additional services."

He said his largest customer for used oil pickup are the KFC restaurants.

Lucky One currently charges customers for used oil pickup and uses those fees to further fund research on how to more efficiently process the fuel. Turner said he hopes to bring down the pick-up fee as the conversion process becomes more efficient.

He said the more cooking oil available to convert to biodiesel, the cheaper the process, though he doubts there is enough used oil on island to allow for the fuel to be much cheaper than current diesel prices. He said the most costly facets of the operation are labor and the purchase of methanol, the price of which has doubled since the endeavor began.

The process puts the oil waste through a series of "washes" after which it is mixed with both sodium hydroxide and later methanol oxide. The process yields biodiesel fuel and glycerol as a byproduct, which the men said they can use to make soap.

Travis Kloppenburg, general manager for Turtle Tours, said his company would surely consider any viable alternative to diesel fuel in running its fleet of tour buses throughout the island.

"Anything alternative is an interest with gasoline prices where they are right now," he said with the understanding that switching to biodiesel fuel may require the vehicle's engine to adjust to the foreign material. "It takes some time for your engine to acquire the taste for it."

Turner said those adopting the use of biodiesel will have to change the vehicle's fuel filter more often -- due to its cleansing properties that free much of the residue from the fuel tank walls and release it into the fuel system.

"You can basically burn a cleaner fuel, which is better for your engine at no extra cost," Turner said.

University to showcase cutting edge environmental research

2008-09-25T14:04:00.000-04:00

The global problem of climate change will hit the spotlight on Wednesday 17 September as researchers from across the region meet for a showcase on environmental sustainability. Experts in engineering, chemistry, architecture, physics and economics will join forces at the University of Bath to discuss the climate change challenge. They will also host an exhibition of some of the region's cutting edge research in the fields of sustainable energy and the environment.

The global problem of climate change will hit the spotlight on Wednesday 17 September as researchers from across the region meet for a showcase on environmental sustainability.
Experts in engineering, chemistry, architecture, physics and economics will join forces at the University of Bath to discuss the climate change challenge. They will also host an exhibition of some of the region’s cutting edge research in the fields of sustainable energy and the environment.
Wednesday's event will see the launch of the new Institute for Sustainable Energy & the Environment ( I-SEE ) by David Willetts MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities & Skills.
Mitigating the effects of climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing science today due to the complex nature of the problem. The University of Bath based I-SEE will combine the expertise of world-class researchers from diverse disciplines of science, engineering, economics, management and social science to address the problem.
It will also study the socio-economic impacts of climate change, inform policy and provide technological solutions to mitigate the effects of global warming, helping the UK to achieve its target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.
Some of the institute’s ground-breaking research will feature at the showcase.
Key research areas of the exhibition include:
Future sources of energy including improved energyEnergy efficiency and demand reduction including low carbon building materials such as hemp and straw, biodiesel from microalgae, and low carbon transportation.The economics of climate change including green taxes, subsidies for renewable energy and environmental sustainability.Social psychology of environmental issues, environmental ethics and promoting behavioural change.The showcase will be opened by David Willetts MP and will be attended by industrialists, research councils, local and national government representatives and other key stakeholders from across the South West.
The research showcase exhibition will take place in the Founders Hall at the University.
Professor Jane Millar AcSS OBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University, said: “We are delighted the University is hosting such an important event which draws together some of the leading experts on environmental sustainability from across the region.
“Climate change is something that affects us all and so developing sustainable energy sources is a key research challenge.”

Willie blends in Dallas

2006-04-05T17:25:00.000-04:00

Tanker trucks can now load biodiesel fully blended with petrodiesel at the Motiva Enterprises terminal in Dallas, which will reduce transportation costs normally associated with the distribution of biodiesel blends. As fuel tank trucks fill at the loading rack, the specialized blending equipment reliably blends pure (B100) biodiesel with petrodiesel supplied from Motiva's diesel storage tanks. Motiva is believed to be the first major terminal operator to provide such a service.

2 for willie

2006-03-29T18:33:00.000-05:00

Willie Nelson's Earth Biofuels, Inc. announced the opening of its own biodiesel truck stop/service station located in Grenada, Miss. The opening follows the company's initial biodiesel station near Jackson, Miss., opened over one year ago.

The opening was marked by the attendance of Mississippi state senator, Cindy Hyde-Smith, who stated, "I cannot think of anything better we can do for the agricultural and farming community than what we are doing here today."

South Africa takes a look at biodiesel

2006-03-21T18:58:00.000-05:00

An interesting article at http://www.businessinafrica.net/features/oil/983255.htm showing how South Africa is looking at biodiesel fuel to ease global warming.

"Biodiesel is a clean-burning, biodegradable and renewable fuel that can be produced from oil seed crops such as sunflower, soy and groundnut. Seed bearing trees such as Jatropha are also good sources.

Jatropha is favoured because it is tough, drought resistant and frost hardy. Although it is not indigenous to southern Africa, it grows well in Zimbabwe and Zambia, and is already being used for biodiesel production in West African countries such as Mali, Ghana and Nigeria."

Michigan State House passes bill

2006-03-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

''The Fuels of the Future Commission will make Michigan a leader in the development of alternative fuels,'' Mayes, D-Bangor Township, said in a news release.

''Developing renewable fuels like biodiesel and ethanol right here in our state will help boost our agricultural economy and help break our dependence on foreign oil.''

you can get more than fuel

2006-03-13T20:33:00.000-05:00

an amazing story http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2006/03/13/news/latest_news/dbd291588698cbbd862571300069ace5.txt
about the gycerin byproduct that is produced when biodiesel fuel is made. A great use for the product would be in the manufacture of non toxic antifreeze.

world’s largest biodiesel plant

2006-03-08T19:28:00.000-05:00

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has announced that the Louis Dreyfus Agriculture Industries LLC plans to build the world’s largest biodiesel plant near Claypool, Indiana. With this facility, two other biodiesel and six ethanol plants currently under construction, Indiana will become a leading producer in the biofuels industry.

Get in on the biodiesel gold

2006-03-05T21:06:00.000-05:00

The time is now for farmers:

Biodiesel opportunities may be limited
By MATTHEW WILDE

IOWA FALLS --- Biodiesel is like black gold, and industry experts say the time to cash in is now.

In Iowa Falls, the world's largest biodiesel plant is only months away from production. Many others are planned in the state. Officials say that is a good indication profitability exists in the industry, but they warn farmers not to wait too long get a piece of the action.

"The window of opportunity is now. I'm not sure if that will be the case later as large corporations come in and just build," said Mark Muench, an Ogden farmer and biodiesel consultant specializing in producer-owned plants. "In two or three years I think growth will ... level off."

Iowa produced 28.5 million gallons of biodiesel last year. About 75 million gallons was consumed nationally.

According to the Iowa Soybean Association, the state has four biodiesel plants, two under construction and 10 to 15 in the organization or feasibility study phase. If most of these plants are built, the state's production capacity will top 400 million gallons by 2010. States like Minnesota are also embracing the environmentally friendly fuel.

"Every corner of the state is looking at plants. ... If Iowa has 20 plants and nothing changes, it would certainly be possible to be over capacity," said Karen Andersen, ISA director of marketing.

Muench --- supplying expertise and capital --- helps biodiesel plants get off the ground. He's involved in projects at Wall Lake, Farley, Washington and Newton. It takes a minimum of 18 months to raise money and build a biodiesel plant if everything works out perfect, he said.

Biodiesel doesn't have the acceptance of its cousin, ethanol --- 4.3 billion gallons of the corn-based fuel was blended with gasoline last year. Future demand will dictate the profitability of biodiesel, Muench said. That's why it's important to start producing as soon as possible.

Experts believe established plants with a stable of buyers will be more successful.

"It's important Iowans own plants first. That's what value-added is all about," Muench said.

There are several reasons biodiesel production isn't booming in Northeast Iowa like ethanol. Four ethanol plants are either producing fuel, in the planning stages, under construction or expanding.

Ethanol has enjoyed more tax breaks, giving it a cost advantage at both the production and retail level. The infrastructure to get ethanol from plants into vehicles is more advanced. Ethanol has been on the market for more than two decades, compared to less than one for biodiesel.

And, refined products like soybean oil are needed to make biodiesel. Ethanol turns raw material like corn into ethanol. Plants aren't dependent on other companies. Soybean oil prices may be up even if soybean prices are down, which will cut into biodiesel profits. Ethanol producers don't have to worry about that, making the industry attractive to investors.

It wasn't until last year that biodiesel became competitive with ethanol and petroleum-based diesel. A $1 per gallon federal blenders credit was approved along with a federal tax credit of $1.5 million a year for investors in plants up to 30 million gallons. A state income tax credit of 5 percent to 10 percent is also available for biodiesel investors.

"This created an explosion of interest," Muench said.

Cargill is building a 37.5-million-gallon biodiesel plant and a 30-million-pound glycerin refinery next to its soybean crush facility in Iowa Falls. Company officials hope to turn the 35 million bushels of soybeans it crushes at the plant into fuel by the beginning of May.

Jim Sutter, vice president of Cargill's grain and oilseeds supply chain, believes the company is expanding its biodiesel production just in time. The $33 million Iowa Falls facility will be Cargill's first in the United States, though it has plants in Europe.

"We viewed being one of the first a good thing. We hope demand will be there," Sutter.

The ethanol industry went through the same growing pains 20 years ago, Sutter said. Today its thriving, he said.

Renewable fuels experts currently peg the return on investment for ethanol plants at 20 percent to 30 percent a year.

Farmers Cooperative, based in Marble Rock, is considering building a new 30-million-gallon biodiesel facility. The co-op used a $100,000 federal grant to do a feasibility study. The results were positive --- an equity drive is expected to begin later this month.

Steve Bodensteiner, co-op general manager, wouldn't reveal profit projections for potential investors, but he said it's similar to ethanol. Timing has a lot do with it, he said.

"Presently, it's a very viable industry. Let's put is this way, it's (profit potential) good," Bodensteiner said.

The 7.5-billion-gallon federal renewable fuels standard passed last year will boost demand. The soybean association projects biodiesel consumption nationwide will increase from 30 million gallons in 2004 to more than 700 million gallons by 2012.

However, the soybean association said more biodiesel retail outlets are needed in the state to give it mainstream acceptance. Last year there were only 52. Until that time comes and biodiesel is convenient for all drivers and retailers to get, investing in the industry is not a sure thing.

"We encourage people to look into the business aspect and not the emotional one," Andersen said. "We all like fuel made in America, but there is such a sting as the industry growing too fast. We don't want plants to fail."

Biodiesel makes the grade for New Jersey Schools

2006-03-02T19:54:00.000-05:00

New Jersey's Medford School District plainly shows the advantages of using biodiesel in it's school buses. In a four-year test which began in 1997, the district had run half of its 44 buses on B20 biodiesel fuel and the other half on petroleum diesel.

In basic performance, says district operations director Joe Biluck, no differences were detected between the two groups of buses. Fuel economy and start-up ability were identical even in colder weather. Biluck says the B20-fueled buses seemed to idle more smoothly, perhaps because of biodiesel's greater oxygen content.

"From a fleet manager's point of view the integration was completely seamless," he says. Importantly, the biodiesel fuel emitted noticeably cleaner exhaust. With students gathering around buses every day, the heavy black smoke from petroleum diesel is a constant health hazard.

The Medford district is not covered by EPA act. Its biodiesel test was funded by a Heavy Duty Vehicle grant from DOE to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Division of Energy Department of Environmental Protection, which will largely dictate the future direction of biodiesel in the district. "If I had my way, we'd start using it in all of our buses," says Biluck.

Willie's road to a cleaner world.

2006-02-28T20:10:00.000-05:00

Willie Nelson is on the road with businessman Peter Bell, truck stop owner Carl Cornelius and financier Monk White, who have all come together to promote the use of their own brand of farmer-supported, earth-friendly biodiesel fuel. The Willie Nelson Biodiesel Co. is target marketing BioWillie diesel—its own B20 blend—to truckers, the largest group of diesel consumers in the country.

For 20 years, Willie Nelson has been one of the most recognizable advocates in support of the American farmers. As founder and president of Farm Aid, Nelson has been involved in spotlighting the plight of the increasingly marginalized family farm, holding benefit concerts and raising funds to help sustain a quickly changing way of life. Now, the legendary singer has a whole new approach to promoting American farm life, marketing “farm fresh” BioWillie biodiesel fuel to truck stops, where the potential for high-volume sales to diesel-rig driving truckers is complimented with expanded markets for farmers, cleaner burning fuel for truckers, and solace for both environmentalists and proponents of U.S. energy independence.

Biodiesel on Staten Island

2006-02-27T20:47:00.000-05:00

UMR Energy Systems
14 Van Street
Staten Island, NY 10310
Daniel France
718-720-6646
B20-B100

Morgan Freeman uses oil for more than french fries!

2006-02-26T11:49:00.000-05:00

Mr. Morgan Freeman said, “I am pleased to accept the invitation to serve on the Earth Biofuels Board of Directors. I firmly believe that alternative fuel supplies need to be developed to allow the United States to wean itself off of its significant dependence on foreign oil. Moreover, I feel that our development of alternative sources such as biodiesel fuel will help the environment, farmers, and the economy in general. I look forward to participating in the growth of this company as well as the alternative fuels industry.”

Oregon State University working on chemical reactor for biodiesel

2006-02-22T22:26:00.000-05:00

"If we're successful with this, nobody will ever make biodiesel any other way," said Goran Jovanovic, the OSU professor who developed the biodiesel microreactor.

Trucker love Biodiesel

2006-02-21T20:14:00.000-05:00

Seems truckers all around the country are loving biodiesel in thier rigs. Biodiesel produces less smoke. Less smoke is not only better for the trucker, it's better for everyone else too. Biodiesel smells better. Some people say it smells like popcorn. Biodiesel puts American farmer to work and cuts down on forgien oil dependancy. Biodiesel cleans out thier engines, many trucker say they run better on Biodiesel. Biodiesel has less harmful effects on people than petroleum dielel. One of the most amazing things about Biodiesel is people are making it themselves for far less than petroleum diesel costs to buy.

Sweden aims to be oil-free by 2020

2006-02-20T21:37:00.000-05:00

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/354/C6563/
Sweden has set a goal – completely oil-free by 2020. This includes not just cars and trucks, but everything from power to heat. Under the plan, oil and gas for vehicles will be replaced by ethanol and biodiesel. The government is working with Saab and Volvo to develop vehicles that will help to meet this goal. They are the first Western country to make this move, though Iceland and Brazil have made similar goals on their own timeframes.

Sweden has a good start on this goal already. Only 32% of their energy comes from oil, which is down from 77% in 1970. Most of their electricity is nuclear or hydroelectric, while their heat is largely through geothermal energy or waste heat.

Sweden’s ambitious move will have a strong impact throughout the world. Volvo and Saab will work on the challenge in Sweden, but can then export their technological advances to their markets throughout the world.

Rising prices spark interest in Biodiesel

2006-02-19T13:58:00.000-05:00

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7549534/
Environmental Alternatives, a Staten Island based company, produces biodiesel, an environmentally friendly fuel manufactured from various vegetable oils that can be used in any diesel engine or generator.
In a small building in an industrial section of Staten Island, N.Y., in the shadow of New Jersey’s massive complex of oil refineries, Marty Baruso is working on the frontier of helping motorists cope with relentlessly rising fuel prices.

Baruso, an industrial chemist, originally got into the energy business setting up off-the-grid generators for businesses looking to beat New York city power prices of as much as 20 cents a kilowatt hour, among highest in the nation. To run those generators, he set up a few vats to brew biodiesel, a renewable fuel made from vegetable oil. Aside from being renewable, biodiesel has other things going for it: it produces no sulfur or soot when burned.

A year ago, his biodiesel plant was running at less than its 15,000-gallon-a-day capacity, largely due to distribution roadblocks. To sell his fuel to customers, he had to first find an oil dealer who would blend his product with conventional diesel.

But with the price of oil approaching $70 a barrel, Baruso’s fortunes have changed. He’s selling all the biodiesel he can make. He's about to close on a new facility in Brooklyn that will produce 8 million gallons of fuel a month. Now, the oil dealers are coming to him.

“We made our first sale this past two week to heating oil companies that are using it to blend with (oil-based heating oil),” he said. “We’re cheaper than petroleum.”
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With oil refineries running at 95 percent capacity and pump prices soaring, businesses and consumers alike are scrambling for alternatives. Today, biofuels -- gasoline and diesel made from a variety of crops -- are the only non-petroleum energy source ready to pump into the empty tanks of the hundreds of millions of cars and light trucks on the road worldwide.

As old as fire
Biomass, a wide energy category that includes everything from wood to garbage to fuels brewed from plants, is often touted as an energy source of the future. But plant-based energy sources have been used for millennia -- ever since man first figured out how to start a fire to keep warm and cook dinner. In the U.S., wood was the primary energy source until after the Civil War, when coal became an '"alternative" fuel for heating and transportation.

When the first diesel engines came along at the end of the 19th century, they were originally designed to run on vegetable oil. But as petroleum (the alternative fuel at the time) began replacing increasingly scarce whale oil for lighting, oil soon proved to be too cheap, too convenient and too plentiful for other transportation fuels to compete with.

Now, the relentless rise in oil prices has sparked new demand for biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. But it’s not clear how big a role biofuels will play in replacing petroleum oil over the long-term.

Proponents of biofuels argue that they are the best, readily-available, renewable substitute for gasoline and conventional diesel. By increasing demand for feedstocks like corn and soybeans, biofuel production also helps create new markets for American farmers.

One of biofuel's strongest proponents is Amory Lovins, chief executive officer of Rocky Mountain Institute, a think tank that has assembled a detailed plan, Winning the Oil Endgame, to wean the U.S. from oil. Combined with increased efficiency — in everything from vehicles to power plants — Lovins' roadmap for energy independence includes a boost in ethanol production to cover 25 percent of fuel consumption, relying on wood and other waste cellulose to expand output of biofuels.

‘You would get the country completely off oil, revitalize the industrial and agricultural economies and save about $70 billion a year net.’

— Amory Lovins
CEO, Rocky Mountain Institute
“You would get the country completely off oil, revitalize the industrial and agricultural economies and save about $70 billion a year net,” said Lovins.

But opponents argue that ethanol and biodiesel can now compete with gasoline and diesel at the pump only because they are heavily subsidized with tax dollars. Federal subsidies and tax breaks amount to as much as $1 a gallon for biodiesel and 51 cents a gallon for ethanol. Some states provide additional incentives.

“We’re a ripple on an ocean of oil,” Baruso said of biofuel makers.

But in a few countries, aggressive promotion of biofuels have begun to pay dividends. In Brazil, the world's leading producer of ethanol, about a third of the fuel used by cars and trucks is ethanol made form sugar cane. The government continues to promote expansion of production, and now exports 500 million gallons a year to a dozen countries, including the U.S.

The advantages of biofuels are fairly straightforward: As a renewable resource, fuel produced from crops like soybeans could help ease the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. With the largest output of oil-producing crops in the world, the U.S. is well suited to make fuels from biomass.

Biofuel is also the only renewable out there that’s ready to go as a substitute for the liquid fuels that power the vast majority of internal combustion engines on the road today. One of the reasons gasoline and diesel have proven so difficult to replace is that they are hard to beat as transportation fuels. They're extremely energy-dense liquids, stable at normal temperature and pressure, and relatively safe to transport and dispense at filling stations.
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That’s why, proponents argue, biofuel could potentially have the biggest and most immediate impact on U.S. reliance on foreign oil. Other energy alternatives — like wind, solar, nuclear, or even cleaner-burning coal — are primarily used to make electricity. Until electric drive train vehicles become commonplace, these power sources will replace little of the oil consumed in the U.S.

Like making moonshine
The biggest source of biofuel by far is ethanol — a liquid distilled from corn or other starchy crops. While various feedstocks and methods are used, the basic process relies on fermentation to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide — not unlike the making of moonshine. (Biodiesel uses a somewhat different process: Vegetable oil or animal fat is combined in large vats with a catalyst such as methanol; the mixture is then heated and a glycerin byproduct is removed, leaving behind the fuel.)

Demand for ethanol got a big boost over the past five years as an additive for so-called reformulated gasoline blends used to cut air pollution in the summer months. Much of that demand comes as refiners have phased out MTBE, a widely-used additive that has been banned in many states after it was found to have contaminated water supplies.

Though most ethanol and biodiesel is blended with gasoline and diesel, some newer-model vehicles can burn pure biofuel with only minor modifications. But pure biodiesel does have some performance drawbacks, according to a Department of Energy Report published last year, including lower fuel economy than conventional diesel, operating problems in cold weather, and increased emissions of nitrous oxide. Pure biodiesel can also break down some engine parts, like rubber tubes and gaskets. (That's one reason it's mixed with conventional diesel.)

The most contentious issue surrounding biofuels is whether they, in fact, save oil. One of the leading critics of government subsidies for biofuels, Cornell University professor David Pimentel, recently published research showing that it takes 29 percent more fossil fuel energy to produce ethanol from corn than the energy it replaces. Biodiesel made from soybeans didn't do much better -- requiring 27 percent more fossil energy than the resulting fuel produced.

Critics of Pimentel's work point to other studies showing biofuel's energy benefits. Pimentel counters that those studies don't take into account all the fossil fuel energy needed to make biofuels.

Nonetheless, biofuels have enjoyed widespread support in Congress, owing to the wide-ranging political clout of the farm states that benefit from increased demand for corn and soybeans. Though most of the tax breaks and subsidies in the $14.5 billion Energy Policy Act of 2005 went to oil and gas producers, farmers and biofuel makers won support for generous biofuel subsidies, tax breaks, grants and loans.

The law also calls for more than doubling ethanol production by 2012 from last year's level of 3.4 billion gallons, which was more than double 2000 levels. To help boost production, the government expanded tax breaks for smaller ethanol producers, set aside grants to research new production techniques and provided grants and loan guarantees to expand production of ethanol from sugar cane in Hawaii, Florida, Louisiana and Texas.

All of which will generate an estimated $70 billion in spending on goods and services required to produce ethanol over the next decade, along with $6 billion in new investment for expanded production capacity. Sales of corn, soybeans, and other crops for biofuels will total $43 billion over the next decade, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, an ethanol industry trade group.

That's been good news for big U.S. agricultural companies, who lobbied heavily for the extension of biofuel subsides and tax breaks in this year's Energy Policy Act.

"Across the world and across the country, (with) a variety of different vegetable oils, these high energy costs of petroleum prices are driving a lot of interest in biodiesel as well as in ethanol," Archer Daniels Midland CEO Wayne Andreas told Wall Street analysts last month on a conference call to announce that profits had more than doubled to $1 billion in the latest fiscal year.

Bio-diesel is America's fastest growing alternative fuel

2006-02-16T19:52:00.000-05:00

According to the US Department of Energy. US sales of bio-diesel tripled last year to 284 million litres but account for less than 1 per cent of the diesel fuel sold nationwide, said Jenna Higgins, a spokeswoman for the National Bio-diesel Board, which is hosting a conference on bio-diesel in San Diego.

More than 600 service stations in America sell bio-diesel to the public.

Willie Nelson first learned about bio-diesel three years ago when his wife, Annie, bought a bio-diesel-burning car in Hawaii. The bio-diesel that powered her Volkswagen Jetta was made from grease collected from restaurants.

More people using Biodiesel

2006-02-15T18:02:00.000-05:00

The oil that cooked yesterday’s onion rings could be the same oil being used to fuel diesel trucks that haul the onions to the burger joint.

About five years ago people said Bill Webster was crazy for suggesting that soybean oil could be a viable alternative to diesel fuel.

Webster, co-manager of Earth Biofuels’ Meridian plant, said: “It’s not that way anymore. Now, every drop we produce is sold. Our production is up to about 3,000 gallons a day.”

Longtime alternative fuels advocate and country music artist Willie Nelson has been appointed to the board of directors of Earth Biofuels Inc. of Jackson. Webster said native Mississippian and actor Morgan Freeman is also on the board.

“I am excited about getting involved with Earth Biofuels. We share the same goals in advancing the biodiesel industry,” Nelson said in a news release.

A year-and-a-half ago, Webster, the area’s biodiesel pioneer, couldn’t give the fuel away. But the former auto mechanic knew it was only a matter of time.

“You wait two years until crude oil goes above $40 a barrel,” he told naysayers. “Then I’ll be able to compete.”

The price of crude oil surpassed the $40 mark in January; by early July it weighed in at more that $61 per barrel.

The company collects used cooking oil from area restaurants at the rate of 1,200 gallons to 1,500 gallons per month. Restaurants that would normally pay a rendering company to haul discarded oil away are saving that money when Webster includes them in his process.

“I collect oil from places like Backyard Burgers, Catfish Plus and Seafood & Chicken Express,” Webster said. “We get one gallon of biodiesel for every gallon of discarded cooking oil we collect.”

The Mississippi Development Authority’s Energy Division provided a grant to the Lauderdale County School District in 2003. Susan McKee, purchasing agent for the county schools, said West Lauderdale Elementary school buses are being used in a pilot program.

“For every dollar we spend on biodiesel, we get a dollar from the grant agreement,” McKee said. “So far the fuel is working fine. We haven’t had any problems.”

Roger Wright, transportation director for the Lauderdale County School District, said West Lauderdale Elementary School has a fleet of nine buses, all of which use the soy-based biodiesel.

“This is the third year we’ve used the fuel,” he said. “We use a 10 percent blend with regular diesel. For every 3,000 gallons of regular diesel, we add 300 gallons of biodiesel.”

Wright said there has been no reduction in power, and the buses’ fuel filters are showing no problems whatsoever.

“As the prices go down on regular diesel, the cost of biodiesel could become prohibitive,” Wright said. “But widespread usage would be a real boon for the soybean farmers.”

Webster said soybean farmers from the Delta are some of the company’s best clients.

“The same soybeans they produce are now fueling the tractors they use to plant and harvest the crop,” he said.

Webster said the federal government gives rebates to oil distributors who use the biodiesel.

“They get a dollar back for every gallon they buy,” he said. “Anyone can buy the biodiesel, but you have to be a distributor to qualify for the rebates.”

Willie gone bio

2006-02-13T17:32:00.000-05:00

On the road again singer Willie Nelson unvieled "BioWillie," his brand of clean-burning fuel made from soybean oil.

BioWillie went on sale at an alternative fuel station in San Diego where the 72-year-old Texan drew a crowd as he filled his tour bus from a pump emblazoned with a picture of himself strumming a guitar.

Biodiesel is also enjoying a kind of folk movement. People all across the world are making the stuff themselves at home.

"It is the future," Nelson said. "Through biodiesel, we can reduce dependency on foreign oil and adopt an energy source that's clean renewable and helps family farmers find new uses for their products."

Actress Darryl Hannah, who drives a biodiesel-powered black Chevrolet El Camino, joined the singer at Pearson Ford Fuel Depot, where drivers can also fill 'em up on propane, ethanol and natural gas.

Biodiesel is America's fastest growing alternative fuel, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. U.S. sales of biodiesel tripled last year to 75 million gallons, but account for less than 1 percent of the diesel fuel sold nationwide, said Jenna Higgins, a spokeswoman for the National Biodiesel Board, which is hosting a conference on biodiesel in San Diego. More than 600 filling stations sell biodiesel to the public.

Nelson first learned about biodiesel three years ago when his wife, Annie, purchased a biodiesel-burning car in Hawaii, where the star has a home. The biodiesel that powered her Volkswagen Jetta was made from grease collected from restaurants. He bought a diesel Mercedes and then began filling his tour buses with biodiesel.

After filling up the singer's bus in Dallas in December 2004, biodiesel supplier Peter Bell convinced Nelson to go into business and lend his name and image to help the little known fuel gain wider acceptance. But Bell said he has been surprised to see the singer devoting much of his time to the cause.

"He shows up at a gas station," Bell said, glancing at the crowd surrounding the singer. "He believes in it 100 percent."

The BioWillie brand, known as B20 is a blend of 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel, made from soybean oil, which Nelson stressed was produced by American farmers. Nelson organized Farm Aid two decades ago to draw attention to the plight of the family farm.

In addition to California, BioWillie is now sold in Texas, South Carolina and Georgia and is distributed through Oklahoma City-based Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores. The partnership Nelson formed with Bell and three others, Biodiesel Venture GP, LLC, was acquired in November by Texas-based Earth Biofuels.

Earth Biofuels is a publicly traded company OTCBB:EBOF

Apple Computer Power Mac G5 Quad 2.5GHz Desktop Computer, Model M9592LLA

2006-01-22T19:39:00.000-05:00

Choose a Apple Computer Power Mac G5 Dual or Power Mac G5 Quad and prepare to be blown away. Featuring dual-core PowerPC processors, a modern PCI Express architecture and wicked-fast workstation graphics.

Workstation graphics arrive
The new lineup of advanced PCI Express graphics cards from NVIDIA delivers cutting-edge capabilities and support for up to two displays, including the 30-inch Apple Cinema HD. Need more horsepower? Then upgrade to NVIDIA's Quadro FX 4500 workstation graphics for industrial-strength animation, stereo 3D visualization and much more. It can even power two 30-inch Cinema HD displays.
Dual-core, quad-core
Introducing the dual-core PowerPC G5 processor: one silicon chip with two independent processor cores. Take two of those dual-core chips and you have the groundbreaking Power Mac G5 Quad. You can manipulate mountains of images or miles of footage, crunch enormous data sets, encode video or music and more — all at speeds you never imagined possible.
Up to 69% faster for creative applications
Quad-core processing means more 64-bit resources for enormous performance gains. See how the Power Mac G5 Quad compares to our fastest dual-processor model in both creative and technical applications.
Up to 16GB of memory
Easily customize your Power Mac G5 for your professional workflow. Enjoy up to 16GB of 533MHz DDR2 memory, two Serial ATA hard drive bays for up to 1 terabyte of storage, plus all the FireWire, USB 2.0 and audio ports you need. And with the integrated dual Gigabit Ethernet, you can join an Xsan media network while connecting simultaneously to the Internet.
PCI Express expansion
An all-new PCI Express architecture opens up a world of high-performance peripherals to the Mac platform. Two four-lane slots and one eight-lane slot support the latest video I/O, audio DSP and Fibre Channel expansion cards — so you'll have tremendous power and productivity in a single system.

A Touch of Elegance

2006-01-18T15:17:00.000-05:00

As bold and rich as fine wine, velvet tablecloths give any table a regal touch of Elegance and festive air.

casual pants

2006-01-05T18:46:00.000-05:00

man casual pants are what every guy needs. Easy to wear, easy to care for, and not too expensive. Some men want a strech waist for comfort. When looking for casual pants others prefer to shop brand names like lee and carhartt.

Flowers say everything

2006-01-02T21:07:00.000-05:00

Do you need to tell someone you love them? Could a friend's spirits be uplifted? Flowers say everything. Freshest flowers make very occasion truly memorable, even if you can't be there to celebrate. Send congratulations! Give an unforgettable gift. Special deliver a unique surprise. A beautiful way to express your warmest wishes.

Diamonds are forever

2005-12-25T09:25:00.000-05:00

Diamonds Are Forever

Diamonds are forever
They are all I need to please me
They can stimulate and tease me
They won't leave in the night
I've no fear that they might desert me.

Diamonds are forever
Hold one up and then caress it
Touch it, stroke it and undress it
I can see every part
Nothing hides in the heart to hurt me

I don't need love
For what good will love do me?
Diamonds never lie to me
For when love's gone
They'll luster on

Diamonds are forever
Sparkling 'round my little finger
Unlike men, the diamonds linger
Men are mere mortals who are not
Worth going to your grave for

I don't need love
For what good will love do me?
Diamonds never lie to me
For when love's gone
They'll luster on

Diamonds are forever, forever, forever
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever
Forever and ever

My dog is cuter than your dog.

2005-11-30T22:45:00.000-05:00

I just had to upload this pic. His name is Ringo Starr, but i call him Snippy. He is about 3 months old and 7 lbs. He is a Maltese. I'm sure this is the cutest puppy in the world.

Drum Silencers

2005-11-04T16:50:00.000-05:00

Do you live with a drummer and the practicing is out of control? If you live with a drummer you know that the noise can be overwhelming. That's where Drum Silencers can help. low volume practice aids for cymbals and toms and bass drums will save you and your neighbors.

BOUCHERON Fragrances

2005-10-31T17:23:00.000-05:00

All Boucheron Perfumes, Colognes and other products we sell are name brand originals, produced and bottled by the original manufacturers. These are the exact fragrances you will find at your local department store. Low prices and shipping drive sales, coupons available! Boucheron perfumes at up to 70% off!

Ibanez IJV50 Jumpstart Acoustic Guitar Package

2005-10-28T18:15:00.000-04:00

Ibanez IJV50 Jumpstart Acoustic Guitar Package
* Guitar packages are always HUGE during the holidays
* Ibanez is a highly respected brand name.
* Includes everything a guitarist needs to get started
* Ibanez Jumpstart Acoustic, Ibanez Acoustic Guitar
Package, Ibanez IJV50
The Ibanez V50 acoustic guitar in the package features a spruce top for excellent tone. The package also includes an electronic tuner for fast and accurate tuning, a gig bag, a guitar strap and a pouch for your accessories.

Yamaha S03

2005-10-23T23:40:00.000-04:00

a hot little keyboard you're bound to love the Yamaha S03. Over 700 hot sounds, many from the top of the line Yamaha family.

China Cymbals

2005-09-26T20:45:00.000-04:00

What makes a China cymbal a China cymbal? the sound of course. Trashy china cymbals from Paiste, Zildjian and more. Lowest prices, free shipping, the best possible deal for you. 150,000 happy customers can't be wrong.

Spring is here!!!

2005-05-31T22:45:00.000-04:00

Spring is here!!!
great post about spring, go read it!

Google AdSense site hijacked

2005-05-28T20:45:00.000-04:00

What comes around, goes around. As reported at http://www.jensense.com/archives/2005/05/google_adsense_4.html Google adsense site has been hijacked in Google's own results pages.

Campaign Negative Sites

2005-05-15T12:19:00.000-04:00

Great new feature from Google, block spammy sites in your adwords account. Get the details here

Yamaha RH1C Headphones

2005-05-13T21:51:00.000-04:00

Perfect for when you are on the go, the Yamaha RH1C Portable Stereo Headphones are lightweight with foam ear cushions, providing fantastic comfort. The RH1 model delivers deep bass and clear treble quality for a truly remarkable acoustic presence and includes a 6-foot cord with 1/8 in. plug and 1/4 in. adaptor.

Page Hijack: The 302 Exploit, Redirects and Google

2005-04-03T21:30:00.000-04:00

It seems there's a new twist in the search engines, the 302 redirect as explained here

Teen's Bras

2005-03-23T21:30:00.000-05:00

Just like every woman needs a bra, every teenager needs a good bra. Your teen can select a bra from top name merchants.

bass guitars

2005-02-27T17:39:00.000-05:00

The thing about guitarists is they are always looking to improve thier axe. A bass guitarist is no different, always searching for the combination of looks, tone, and comfort in his Bass Guitar. Great bass guitars are offered for the beginner and professional alike.

We're in the money, "clip that is".

2005-02-16T18:58:00.000-05:00

Golf Two Toned Sterling Silver Money Clip, a perfect gift for the golfer in him. Two golf clubs and ball lay on top of an etched gold plated clip. Money Clip measures 3/4" in width and 2" in length

Keyboard Players do it sitting down

2005-02-07T22:53:00.001-05:00

What do keyboard players do sitting down? They play their keyboards of course. A comfortable bench is essensial for any keyboard player. One of the best I've found is this Studio Seat with 5-Wheel Locking Caster Base and Backrest. It's great for home or studio use, and so comfortable.

Let me see that Thong

2005-02-01T13:59:00.000-05:00

Thongs, women love them, men love them on women, and some women love them on men. Some Thongs look like you don't even have anything on. Lightweight Thongs can make you feel as if you don't have anything on. Great brand name Thongs for you offered by Cossabella, OnGossamer, Carnival, and more

Small guitars

2005-01-27T21:49:00.000-05:00

Kids have small hands, smaller hands need small guitars. A great choice of guitar for a child is the Squier Affinity Mini Electric Guitar, with a 22.75" scale neck and classic Fender styling this guitar is hard to beat. Not just for kids, anyone who likes a smaller scale would enjoy this guitar.

Giorgio Armani cosmetics

2005-01-23T20:05:00.000-05:00

everyone loves cosmetics from Giorgio Armani. Fantastic products are available like Emporio Armani Shower Gel, and Emporio Armani Eau De Toilette Spray - 50ml/1.7oz - perfume / fragrance for men. Free shipping worldwide is available, and super low prices, check out this site today.

Pet supplies, dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and pet care products

2005-01-18T21:21:00.000-05:00

People love thier pets as much as anything. There's nothing I wouldn't do for my dog Jimmie Boy. He's a maltese, and requires lots of grooming. Our online Pet Store has everything you could need for your pet from grooming supplies to toys and treats.

Ohio State University Buckeyes Fan gear / logo merchandise

2005-01-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

Buckeye fans love to show their team spirit with hats, car accessories, sweatshirts, and other great officially licensed logo merchandise. Fans especially love the luxurious Ohio State University Buckeyes wristwatch offered. Enjoy shopping with great selection, low low prices, and fast shipping.

full figured women need bras

2005-01-13T18:03:00.000-05:00

Every woman needs a bra right, a full figured woman need a good full figure bra. Our shoppers enjoy a large selection of full figure bras at low discount prices. Brand names like Warners, Goddess, Lilyette, Olga, Bali, and more!

Thermal Underwear warms you up

2005-01-11T18:58:00.000-05:00

It's january and it's cold outside. Our customers are buying thermal underwear. We've got great brand names like SmartWool, Hot Chilly's, Duofold and more. Free shipping offers alway help, and prices are super low.

Phone cards

2005-01-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

Phone cards, or calling cards are always a popular item with our customers because it saves them money. Saving money is something most people like to do these days. Our phone cards offer our customers great rates and world class customer service. If you need to check rates or other features, we provide a calling card calculator to show the best product for you.

Cognigen Cellular

2005-01-08T16:44:00.000-05:00

So many options, plans, phones to choose from, Cognigen Cellular has it all. Free phone plans, pay as you go plans, it's no wonder these cell phones are selling. Also offered are cellular accessories like belt clips, antennas, cases, batteries, everything you need for a cell phone. Our customer today ordered one of those hot camera phones, it's so cool having a camera with you all the time isn't it?

Opex Long Distance Service

2005-01-07T18:01:00.000-05:00

a very smart customer purchased Opex long distance telephone service from us today. Opex offers great rates , superior customer service, Account codes for business, calling cards and more.

Fossil Watches

2005-01-06T16:59:00.000-05:00

Fossil watches - Buy Fossil watches online for men and women - discounts on large selection of Fossil watch models ... Illinois. Iowa. Maryland. Miami. Michigan ... extensive line of fashion watches sold under the FOSSIL and RELIC brands, as well as complementary lines of small leather goods, belts, handbags, jewelry and sunglasses and FOSSIL brand apparel. Free shipping on Fossil products .