Working with farmers, ranchers and rural communities to produce clean energy

May 2004 – Issues #4 | Archive

Federal Update

Section 9006 Funding Announced
USDA Rural Development has announced $22.8 million will be available in competitive grant funds for fiscal 2004 to buy renewable energy systems and make energy improvements for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Grants are limited to no more than 25% of the total eligible project costs. Funds will be split equally between energy efficiency requests and renewable energy projects. Applications are due to state Rural Development offices by July 19th. Awards will be announced September 30th. Excellent overviews of the program are available from EESI and ELPC.

Senate Passes Tax Provisions of Energy Bill
The Senate has overwhelmingly passed Senate Bill 1637, Jumpstart Our Business Strength (JOBS), containing the renewable energy tax package originally included in the comprehensive energy bill. The bill extends the wind energy tax credit for three years, provides an income tax credit and excise credit for biodiesel, provides a tax credit for biomass power production, expands the definition of biomass to include saw dust, tree trimmings and agricultural products, and extends ethanol tax benefits to cooperatives.

Final Rule for Value Added Producer Grants and Agriculture Innovation Centers
USDA has released a final rule for the VAPG Program and Agriculture Innovation Centers. One highlight is the inclusion of wind and hydropower produced on farmland. A request for applications for 2004 VAPG funds is expected this month. Some $15 million in competitive grants will be available, significantly less than the $40 million included in the 2002 Farm Bill.

GAO Urges Improvements in USDA Biobased Product Purchasing
USDA has been slow to implement the Federal Procurement of Biobased Products program, Section 9002 of the Energy Title of the 2002 Farm Bill, says a recent U.S. General Accounting Office report. USDA says the timeframe mandated for full implementation was "not realistic."

Biofuels

...Biodiesel...

Retail Biodiesel Outlets Expand
While efforts continue to bring commercial-scale biodiesel production to the Northwest, consumers are finding it easier to pump soy-based biodiesel at retail outlets around the region. In recent months, two Cenex stores in Missoula began offering B20. Both B20 and B100 have also become available in Olympia at Acme Fuel's Fast Fuel station. To see if retail biodiesel is available near your community, visit the National Biodiesel Board's website.

New Oilseed Crop Production Info Available
A recent WSU Spokane County Extension workshop explored growing canola and mustard as a renewable energy source with farmers and grain cooperatives. WSU Farm Management Program's report on the "Cost of Producing Canola and Mustard Oilseed in Eastern Washington and North Central Idaho" has been the most popular download ever on their website. Additional information on growing brassicas for biodiesel production can be found at the University of Idaho.

Mustard Growers Form Coops to Fuel Colorado Biodiesel
More than 50 farmers have joined two new coops to grow mustard in rotation with winter wheat, without increasing irrigation loads. Blue Sun Biodiesel of Ft. Collins is contracting for the mustard seed, and will construct a 2.8 mgy production facility. A variety of federal programs are supporting the project.

Michigan School District Reports B20 Saves Money
Transit fleet managers are excited by a recent report from the first Michigan school district to switch its entire bus fleet to B20. After logging one million miles, maintenance records reveal the district saved money "with no challenges and no modifications."

OSU Explores Biodiesel-Hydrogen Vehicle
Researchers at OSU's College of Engineering are exploring conversion of vegetable oil to biodiesel, then to hydrogen via a specialized microprocessor, potentially housed directly in an automobile. A grant proposal to US Department of Energy to further the effort has been selected as a finalist in a national competition.

BC Biodiesel Feasibility Report
A new report produced by Eco-Literacy Canada and Wise Energy Co-op outlines the significant market potential for biodiesel in BC. The Canadian biodiesel industry celebrated opening of the first retail pump in the country in Toronto in March.

Biodiesel Utilization Workshop Planned for Boise, Sept 9-10
An outgrowth of the national biodiesel education program grant received by the university, this workshop will provide up-to-date information about biodiesel production, availability and use to state departments of transportation employees, and have them identify barriers to increased use of biodiesel by their fleets.

...Ethanol...

Montana Ethanol Conference Set for Helena, June 13-15
"Energy, Parks & Clean Cities: Gemstones in the Treasure State" is the theme of the 14th Montana Ethanol Conference to be held at the Great Northern Best Western in Helena, June 13-15. A biodiesel session will take the afternoon of June 14.

Advances in Cellulosic Ethanol Announced
After more than 20 years and $110 million worth of research, Iogen Corporation of Ottawa reports they've developed enzymes to break down waste straw and wood chips into ethanol on a commercial scale. Iogen plans to build a full-scale commercial plant next year. Also of note, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed a pre-treatment process for corn wastes at allows Novozymes' enzyme technology to dramatically decrease the cost of bioethanol production.

Ethanol Fuel Incentives Report Released
A new report on "Ethanol Fuel Incentives Applied in the US," prepared by the California Energy Commission, describes measures employed by state governments and the federal government to advance production and use of ethanol fuel.

Biopower

Capital Press Commentary: Biomass Energy Can Help Farms, Rural Areas
David Garman, assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy for US Department of Energy, discusses the 2005 federal budget request and results of nearly $1 billion investment in for renewable technology research, development and deployment over the past three years. His conclusion, "That investment is paying off."

"Organic Reclamation Project" Funding Available in Washington
WA Dept of Ecology's Solid Waste and Financial Assistance Program's new Organic Reclamation Project has $100,000 for public entities trying to complete biomass-to-energy facilities. At least half of the design process must already be complete, with construction wrapped up by next June. Proposals also need to demonstrate energy recovery and viable processing system by-products, and are due June 15.

Energy Northwest Biomass Program Report
A new electronic version of EN's Biomass Program newsletter profiles construction of their research and development facility at Five D Farms, completed in mid-December 2003, and discusses their plans for the future. Drop a note to Stan Davison if you'd like to be on the distribution list.

Washington Project Looks at Straw Gasification
A Spokane County grass seed farm will host a federally funded demonstration project that will feed a 375 kW diesel generator donated by BPA. Scheduled to start by fall 2004, the venture will examine technical, operational and economic issues involved in adapting the technology to a farm-scale operation.

...Idaho Digester Roundup...

Magic Valley Renewable Gas Field Underway
A $40 million, three-phase, five-year plan to process methane from some 100,000 cows on 20 to 30 dairies west of Wendell, Idaho is now underway. Intrepid Technology's digester at Whitesides Dairy north of Rupert is under construction, and a second is planned for a dairy nearby. Unpurified methane will be processed at a new 32-acre "green energy" industrial park due to be constructed by 2006. The facility could spur construction of other "green energy" production plants in the future, including ethanol and biodiesel facilities.

Environ Proposes "Green Energy" Plant for Magic Valley
Three other locations in Idaho's Magic Valley are being considered for a facility that would produce power from cow manure, sewage sludge and municipal waste. Environ says their plant, which promises improved efficiency through proprietary technology, could be operational within six to eight months.

Biomass Plant Proposed for Emmett
Renewable Energy of Idaho has proposed a 17.5 MW digester facility at the old Boise Cascade plant near Emmett. The plant would generate methane from wood waste, manure and other organic matter. Idaho Public Utilities Commission recently approved of a 20-year contract for Idaho Power to purchase the power.

UI Launches Model Dairy Digester
Desert View Dairy near Twin Farms is host to a new student-designed digester intended to demonstrate the new technology to interested dairy producers and refine design parameters for large-scale installations. Intended to be portable, the digester can be relocated to other farms or research sites in the future.

...Biomass Heating for Public Facilities...

Darby Schools
The first pilot project under the "Fuels for Schools" program is up and running in Darby, Montana. The US Forest Service, Bitter Root RC&D, and Montana Dept of Natural Resources & Conservation all contributed. Visit their website for a variety of photos and PowerPoint shows detailing the groundbreaking work.

First Idaho District to Receive Biomass Heating
Thanks to funding from the US Forest Service's "Fuel for Schools" initiative, Council School District in Adams County will be the first in Idaho to be heated by biomass. Fueled by wood chips, the facility is expected to cut the district's heating bill in half.

Second Montana District Considers Biomass Heating
Faced with increasing diesel fuel costs, Thompson Falls school administrators are considering using "hog fuel" from lumber and reforestation projects. Burning the waste wood could save the school district $300,000 a year in heating expenses.

Wind

Con.WEB Conference Finds Dramatic Advances in Regional Wind Power
A March 23rd audio conference, entitled "Northwest Wind Power: A Look Ahead," explored reasons behind the rapid regional growth in wind power, the challenges it faces today, and what influences will affect it in the future. The region already has some 2 gW of generating capacity already installed or under active development.

"Our Wind Cooperative" Installs Fifth Turbine
A regional effort to support small-scale, distributed wind power now has three turbines operating in Montana, two in Washington with a third on the way, and additional turbines on the way. Project developers recently presented their work at the American Wind Energy Association's annual conference.

Community Wind Conference in Minneapolis, June 23-24
A national conference on new models of wind energy development is scheduled for June 23-24 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Come discuss the local and regional economic benefits of wind development, opportunities to create environmentally sound and cost-effective energy, and options for participating in innovative wind projects.

NWPPC Wind Energy Workshop Proceedings
Dr. Eric Hirst, a consultant in electric industry restructuring, prepared a useful summary of the Northwest Power & Conservation Council's December workshop he moderated on "Wind Energy and Electric Power Systems." Included are suggestions on improving the viability of the region's wind power industry.

New Survey Looks at Community Wind Power Development
"A Survey of State Support for Community Wind Power Development" is the latest in the excellent "Case Studies of State Support for Renewable Energy" series from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Clean Energy States Alliance. The new study describes various policies and incentives states are using to support community wind power development and the influences of state and federal support.

New Industry Partnerships to Expand Low Wind Speed Technology
Global Energy Concepts of Kirkland, WA, and Chinook Power Technologies of Wilsonville, OR, have been selected to negotiate for funds from the US Department of Energy. The monies will help support conceptual design studies aimed at improving the cost-effectiveness of low wind speed technology.

Energy Independence Profiled in "Wheat Life"
The April edition of Washington Wheat Commission's "Wheat Life" publication explores on-farm renewable energy production in Palouse country.

...Montana...

First Utility-Scale Wind Farm Approved
County commissioners have unanimously approved a 9 MW, six-turbine wind project outside Great Falls to be built by United Materials and the Exergy Development Group. State regulators recently approved a 20-year sales agreement for Idaho Power to purchase the power. Horseshoe Bend Wind Park is scheduled to start operating by year's end, but progress is likely contingent upon reinstatement of the federal production tax credit.

NorthWestern Announces Power Purchase Plan
NorthWestern Energy has announced plans to purchase 125 MW of power from two proposed wind projects by mid-year. WindPark Solutions would provide 75 MW generated by their 180 MW capacity farm planned for the Judith Gap area. Navitas would provide 50 MW from a proposed facility near Whitehall, some 50 miles east of Butte.

Montana Wind Workshops Draw Crowds
The Montana Wind Working Group recently hosted four workshops to explain pertinent elements of the Farm Bill and wind energy options for rural communities. More than 230 folks participated in a gathering in Havre. Montana Secretary of State Bob Brown predicted wind energy would help boost the state's economy.

...Idaho...

Proposed Economic Incentives Derailed
Despite being ranked the 13th best state in the nation for wind power, Idaho has struggled to assemble the economic incentives seen as necessary to foster wind industry development. Two tax credit bills passed by the legislature were vetoed by Gov. Kempthorne because of the state's tight budget.

Lemhi River Valley Ranchers Explore Wind Power
More than 30 ranchers have tentatively agreed to install turbines if a plan by Capital Enterprises succeeds. Anemometers have been installed at a number of sites to assess the area's wind potential.

...Washington...

Maiden Wind Farm Shakes Up Benton County
Benton County officials have rejected the planned 494 MW Maiden Wind Farm, primarily due to concerns that turbine vibrations could affect research at nearby scientific facilities. Project developer Washington Winds is considering an appeal to the county commission.

Kittitas Wind Developer Seeks State Pre-Emption
Zilkha Renewable Energy has asked the Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to pre-empt Kittitas County's wind farm regulations for its 182 MW Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project northwest of Ellensburg, claiming the process is duplicative. EFSEC recently toured the Kittitas Valley site, as well as Zilkha's nearby Wild Horse project site.

Third Kittitas Proposal Faces Local Opposition
Another proposed Kittitas County wind farm, the 180 MW Desert Claim project north of Ellensburg, has raised concerns about visual effects and diminished property values. enXco recently released draft EIS listing several options for reducing impacts.

...Oregon...

First Wind-Powered Municipality Envisioned in Oregon
Only reauthorization of the federal PTC stands in the way of energy independence for the community of Arlington. Oregon's Department of Energy has provided Columbia Energy Partners with a loan guarantee needed to finance the three-turbine, 4.95 MW Mar-Lu Wind Farm. CEP has obtained permits and is working with PacifiCorp on interconnection. Power from the project will be used directly by the Gilliam County community.

South Coast Energy Fair and Wind Forum
Southwest Oregon RC&D Council is facilitating an Energy Fair and Wind Energy Forum in Port Orford on May 22th. A number of excellent speakers will present information on the pros and cons of developing wind energy in area.

Geothermal

Firms Consider Geothermal Electrical Plants in Idaho
Idatherm and US Geothermal are investigating sites in southern Idaho for generating plants, 100 MW and 10 MW respectively, powered by geothermal hot springs. Idatherm is set to begin drilling this month along the Bingham and Bonneville county lines. US Geothermal is beginning flow tests on its five production wells at the Raft River Geothermal Project.

Geo-Heat Center Bulletin Explores New Case Studies
A variety of geothermal applications, including greenhouses, fish breeding and wood processing, are profiled in the March 2004 issue. Each study features a detailed system diagram and description of the resources and regulatory environment.

Geothermal & Renewable Portfolio Standards
The National Geothermal Collaborative released a publication last fall entitled "Evaluating State Renewable Portfolio Standards: A Focus on Geothermal Energy." The report looks at how state-level RPS requirements impact geothermal energy development.

Geothermal Website Revised
US Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Program website has been redesigned to provide current information on program organization, the GeoPowering the West initiative, and a geothermal resource map. It also provides helpful information for consumers, students, and educators, and links to program review and presentation material from the last five years.

New Financing Tool for Small Geothermal Businesses
Once a business and financing plan are written (perhaps with the help of the Geothermal Small Business Workbook), the recently released Geothermal Money Book can help small geothermal businesses locate and obtain financing. The guide explains criteria used to evaluate a proposal for debt financing, SBA lending programs, government incentives and more.

Resources

WSU Launches Climate Friendly Farming Website
Follow researchers from WSU's Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources and the US Department of Agriculture as they explore new technologies and farming practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestrating carbon. The Climate Friendly Farming Research & Demonstration Project focuses on dairy, irrigated and dryland farming.

UC Berkeley Report Highlights Investment in Renewables
A new report by UC Berkeley researchers has found that, "Investing in renewable energy such as solar, wind and the use of municipal and agricultural waste for fuel would produce more American jobs than a comparable investment in the fossil fuel energy sources in place today."

Agriculture and Energy Gathering in Virginia, June 24-25
A conference sponsored by Farm Foundation and USDA's Office of Energy Policy and New Uses is scheduled for June 24-25 in Arlington, Virginia. The gathering will collect baseline information, and develop a roadmap to guide private and public policies that will influence future energy consumption and production in agriculture.

National Solar Energy Conference in Portland, July 9-14
SOLAR 2004 will feature over 1000 attendees, hundreds of presentations, a renewable energy products and services exhibit, and the annual meetings of 10 different participating organizations. This year's theme, "A Solar Harvest - Growing Opportunities."