GoodFuels

Algae for ethanol in Texas

According to the Detroit News, Dow Chemical announced yesterday plans to build a biorefinery that would use algae to convert carbon dioxide into ethanol fuel.

The company hopes to replace carbon dioxide in common plastic products like milk jugs if the technology is successful.

Through a partnership with Algenol Biofuels — a startup in Bonita Springs, Fla. — Dow hopes to create a breakthrough process to produce ethanol, a building block for other chemicals. Ethanol is a key ingredient in polyethylene, the most widely used of all plastics, which is found in everyday products, from food packaging to pipes. The chemical also is used in runway deicers, polyester for textiles, and paints.

The move could have significant implications for Detroit’s automakers, according to Algenol Chief Executive Paul Woods. Woods said he already has met with representatives from Ford Motor Co. to discuss manufacturing more vehicles that would use ethanol. The algae-generated ethanol is compatible with technology in use.

The article goes on to mention that the algae-based fuel’s price would be more consistent, selling for $1 per gallon.

Speaking about ethanol, Algenol Chief Executive Paul Woods said “if we can produce a gallon cheaper than any foreign producer, it’s enough to eliminate OPEC producers. We want a low, long-term, stable price that the consumer can rely on.”

Sounds like a job for ethanol.

Ethanol not worst thing train could have been carrying when derailed

While Rockford, Illinois’s train derailment on Friday was indeed tragic, could have been a lot worse, ethanol safety experts said today in an interview with the Rockford Register Star.

“It’s probably the least of a lot of evils we could have from a train derailment,” said David White, founder of firefighter education group Industrial Fire World. “If you’d had acid on the train, it would have been much worse. If it had been chlorine, it would have been much worse. Ethanol’s not nearly the worst thing that could have been on that train.”

Ethanol burns relatively cleanly compared with other liquids, such as chlorine or even diesel fuel, he said. In most circumstances, the best thing to do in an event like Friday’s derailment and fire is let the ethanol burn itself out.

So it seems that ethanol’s environmentally friendlier, cleaner burning reputation can be beneficial in more ways than one.

While accidents and fires of any kind can and do occur and can’t be avoided, safe handling of all flammable substances must be a top priority for those that come in contact with such material.

The Renewable Fuels Association has a great resource on their website for safety information, including training manuals for first responders, and instructional videos. Another great resource is the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) website.

The ethanol industry is deeply invested in the safe transport and delivery of their product, that’s for sure. Safety measures are taken at every opportunity.

And while the precise dynamics of the crash remain under investigation, the tanker cars that transport ethanol and other flammable liquids have safety measures in place specifically to reduce the chance of a leak or ignition, said Tom White, spokesman for the Association of American Railroads, of which Canadian National Railways, which operated the train and owns the tracks involved in Friday’s crash, is a member.

Tragic accidents can’t be prevented, of course, but the likelihood of an accident occurring can be diminished. Be careful out there.

Photo not from actual incident. Image provided by foreversouls.

Sacramento new ethanol “epicenter”?

Some exciting news out of the California capital earlier this week- 25 new E85 pumps have opened in the area in recent weeks, prompting air quality officials to dub Sacramento the “nation’s ethanol epicenter, at least west of the Mississippi.”

“This is a test market for the state,” (Mary) Nichols (California Air Resources Board Chairwoman) said. “We’re in the early stages of the revolution. Consumers will see a lot of new fuels coming onto the market.”

In addition to being cleaner burning and better for the environment, ethanol is cheaper (by more than 60 cents per gallon!) than gasoline. Who couldn’t use a price break is today’s economic environment?

Tuesday, at the Valero station on Madison Avenue, high-octane E85 was going for $2.26 a gallon, while regular unleaded gas was $2.92, unleaded plus $3.04, and super unleaded $3.14.

Expanding renewable fuel outside of the traditional “corn belt” is key in developing the industry even further than it’s come today. That a city in California is leading this movement is certainly encouraging. Congratulations Sacramento!

If you’d like to know more about E85, where to find E85 in your area, or how to tell if you car is an FFV (flexible fuel vehicle), visit the Renewable Fuels Association’s comprehensive website here.