Posted by Laina Rose on Fri, Feb 10, 2012 @ 02:47 PM
In the midst of 14,000 trade delegates to the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney Australia held over three days from 31st January (http://www.pacific2012.com.au/), a discriminating group of 100 or so people attended the inaugural Sustainable Maritime Fuels Forum. The presentations are available on the website ((http://ussc.edu.au/events/past/Pacific-2012- International-Maritime-Conference).
President and CEO of Westar Trade Resources, Cindy Thyfault spoke at the confrence. You can view her presentation here.
The Forum was timely because shipping faces increasing pressure to reduce energy and emissions intensities. It aimed to discuss the innovative approaches being taken by international and national policy makers and by the commercial and military maritime sectors, their logistics and supply chains to respond to these challenges and opportunities.
Dr. Susan Pond of the Dow Sustainability Program at the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre offers a full recap of the highlights, including presentations from CAAFI chief Rich Altman, Tom Hicks and Chris Tindal of the US Navy, Andrew Lawson, CEO MBD Energy; Steve Rogers, CEO of Licella; Gevo’s Jack Huttner, and Cindy Thyfault.
"No R&D Company can be
come a start-up; no start-up can become a profitable business without aggregating capital. We talk about reaching a billion tons or biomass or a billion gallons of advanced biofuels. Cindy Thyfault, Westar Trade Resources, is closing in on being the billion dollar woman, having assisted clients to raise nearly $800 million in financing. Her presentation reviewed challenges in obtaining financing for the alternative energy sector, to which banks do not lend, and her successful approaches to putting together successful financing structures nonetheless." says Dr. Susan Pond.
Read the full report of the confrence here.
Posted by Laina Rose on Fri, Feb 10, 2012 @ 02:29 PM
WASHINGTON, (MMD Newswire) February 3, 2012 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of funds for Fiscal Year 2012 for two key programs to encourage the use of renewable biomass and production of advanced biofuels. About $25 million will be made available through each program.
"President Obama has laid out a new era for American energy--an economy fueled by homegrown and alternative energy sources that will be designed and produced by American workers," said Vilsack. "These programs support that vision by helping biorefineries use renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels and supporting advanced biofuel producers as they expand production."
The Repowering Assistance Program provides approximately $25 million in funding to biorefineries that have been in existence on or before June 18, 2008. The purpose of the program is to provide a financial incentive to biorefineries to use renewable biomass in place of fossil fuels used to produce heat or power. By providing this assistance, USDA is helping these facilities install new systems that use renewable biomass.
The amount of the payment will be based on (1) the cost effectiveness of the renewable biomass system; and (2) the percentage reduction in fossil fuels used by that biorefinery. The maximum amount an individual biorefinery can receive under the Notice is 50 percent of total eligible project costs up to a maximum of $10 million.
Eligible costs must be related to construction or repowering improvements, such as engineering design, equipment installation and professional fees. The application deadline for this program to receive funds for Fiscal Year 2012 is June 1, 2012. For additional details, please see pages 5232 through 5234 of the February 2, 2012, Federal Register, or go to http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-02-02/pdf/2012-2244.pdf.
USDA also announced the availability of up to $25 million to make payments to advanced biofuels producers who expect to produce eligible advanced biofuels at any time during Fiscal Year 2012. To be eligible for these funds, an advanced biofuels producers must have enrolled in the program by October 31, 2011, even if the producer has an existing contract with the Agency.
Payments will be made to producers of advanced biofuels derived from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. These include cellulose, sugar and starch, crop residue, vegetative waste material, animal waste, food and yard waste, vegetable oil, animal fat, and biogas.
Contract payments will be made quarterly. For additional details, please see pages 5229 through 5232 of the February 2, 2012, Federal Register, or go to http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-02-02/pdf/2012-2240.pdf.
Both of the programs referenced in the Federal Register are important parts of achieving the Obama Administration goal to increase biofuels production and use.
The Obama Administration is working to promote domestic production of renewable energy to create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, reduce emissions, and build a stronger rural economy. Today, Americans import just over half of our transportation fuels - down from 60 percent when President Obama took office - but we can do more to meet the President's goal of reducing our net fuel imports by one-third by 2025. At Secretary Vilsack's direction, USDA is working to develop the national biofuels industry by producing energy from non-food sources in every region of the country. We are conducting and encouraging research into innovative new energy technologies and processes, helping companies build biorefineries - including the first ever commercial-scale cellulosic biofuel facilities - and supporting farmers, ranchers, and businesses taking risks to pursue new opportunities in biofuels. Along with Federal partners, we're establishing an aviation biofuels economy, and have expedited rules and efforts to promote production and commercialization of biofuels.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $165 billion in affordable loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
Posted by Laina Rose on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 @ 01:48 PM
Chairman reiterates country on track to become largest market in Ex-Im's portfolio
Hyderabad, India - Fred P. Hochberg, the chairman and president of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), led a business-development mission in southern India this week, where he met with local officials and identified new business opportunities for U.S. and Indian companies. Hochberg traveled to Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad and met with representatives from the automotive, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors.
"As the world's two largest democracies, the United States and India have a strong and unique partnership," Hochberg said. "India is making significant infrastructure investments over the next five years. This will allow us to build on our partnership, and it will provide us with additional opportunities to advance the economy and create jobs in both of our countries."
While in India, Hochberg met with leading business organizations, including members from the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Indian Industry, and Indus Entrepreneurs.
Ex-Im was one of the largest financers of renewable energy projects in India in Fiscal Year 2011 (FY'11), authorizing more than $176 million in financing for seven solar transactions in the country. There has been an increased demand for solar power in India due in part to the country's commitment to its National Solar Initiative.
In FY'11, the Bank also authorized $2.9 billion in financing for Indian companies that purchased U.S. goods and services, a more than a 30 percent increase since FY'09. India is expected to soon surpass Mexico as the largest market exposure in Ex-Im's portfolio. Ex-Im financed more than 17 percent of all U.S. goods to India in 2011.
India is one of nine key markets (others are Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria, Indonesia and Vietnam) where Ex-Im Bank is focusing its business-development efforts because of the country's infrastructure and development needs.
About Ex-Im Bank:
Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal agency that helps create and maintain U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing at no cost to American taxpayers. In the past six years, Ex-Im Bank has earned for U.S. taxpayers $3.7 billion above the cost of operations. The Bank provides a variety of financing mechanisms, including working capital guarantees, export-credit insurance and financing to help foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services.
Ex-Im Bank approved $32.7 billion in total authorizations in FY 2011 -- an all-time Ex-Im record. This total includes more than $6 billion directly supporting small-business export sales -- also an Ex-Im record. Ex-Im Bank's total authorizations are supporting an estimated $41 billion in U.S. export sales and approximately 290,000 American jobs in communities across the country. For more information, visit www.exim.gov.
Contact: Jamie Radice or Phil Cogan: 202-565-3200
Posted by Laina Rose on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 @ 12:37 PM
This webinar was co-sponsored by the Minority Business Development Agency and focused on the main SBA Loan Programs, including the 504 and 7(a) Loan and Refinance Programs.
Speaker, Mike Mora, presents the financing structure for the programs, discusses the advantages of the programs for small businesses and lenders, and provides first-hand knowledge of what a business really needs to qualify for and obtain an SBA loan.
Watch the recorded webinar here.
Download the PowerPoint Presentation here.
Posted by Laina Rose on Thu, Jan 05, 2012 @ 06:54 PM
Westar Trade Resources Presents Webinar Series on Financing Challenges and Opportunities
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In today's economic environment it is challenging for businesses to find financing due to a lack of resources, familiarity with available programs and what is necessary for a successful funding package.
To address these challenges, Westar Trade Resources will be hosting a complimentary webinar series throughout January and February 2012 surrounding key issues in business financing including: barriers to obtaining financing, essential knowledge for businesses seeking funding opportunities, and understanding renewable energy finance structures and investments.
Westar invites startups, small and medium businesses, lenders, and investors to participate in the webinar series. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts.
"What does it really take to get an SBA Loan?"
Thursday, January 19th
This webinar is co-sponsored by the Minority Business Development Agency and will focus on the main SBA Loan Programs, including the 504 and 7(a) Loan and Refinance Programs. Speaker, Mike Mora, will present the financing structure for the programs, discuss the advantages of the programs for small businesses and lenders, and provide first-hand knowledge of what a business really needs to qualify for and obtain an SBA loan.
Register by clicking here.
"Strategic Investment Opportunities in Renewable Energy"
Thursday, January 26th
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST
Westar Founder and CEO, Cindy Thyfault, will provide an overview of the renewable energy industry, discuss investment opportunities in specific sectors and introduce Westar's new investor consultation program, which assists investors in identifying key opportunities for investment and ownership worldwide.
Register by clicking here.
"Becoming Bankable"
Thursday, February 2nd
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST
Credit and loan underwriting requirements are the foundation for any financing structure. Yet, many businesses, especially startups, are unfamiliar with the expectations and approval process for loans and other types of financing. In "Becoming Bankable," Ana Hernandez, Vice President of Commercial Banking at BB&T and President of the Dallas / Fort Worth Chapter of the Hispanic Bankers Association, and Rosaline Fletcher, Senior Vice President at BBVA Compass Bank, will discuss the building blocks of a successful business strategy and the steps required to make financing a reality.
Register by clicking here.
"Problems and Opportunities in Capturing the Global Market"
Thursday, February 9th
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST
Global trade is an integral component for driving growth among businesses. This webinar will present strategies and financing programs available under the Export-Import Bank of the United States with a special focus on renewable energy finance.
Register by clicking here.
"How to Recognize, Underwrite and Service Renewable Energy Projects"
Thursday, February 16th
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST
Westar Founder and CEO, Cindy Thyfault, will discuss renewable energy financing opportunities and structures and share her experience in successfully financing a variety of renewable energy projects. Cindy will also be joined by Mark Reidy, a member of Mintz Levin's Energy & Clean Technology Practice, and John May, Managing Director of Stern Brothers' Renewable Energy Practice.
Register by clicking here.
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Posted by Laina Rose on Thu, Jan 05, 2012 @ 05:46 PM
LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Jan. 5, 2012 – ZeaChem Inc., a developer of biorefineries for the conversion of renewable biomass into sustainable fuels and chemicals, today announced it has completed construction of the core facility for its new integrated demonstration biorefinery in Boardman, Oregon. Construction of this core project was completed on schedule, with no lost time or reportable accidents, and significantly under budget. The core facility created 50 construction jobs and will employ 25 full-time operations staff in the region.
The core will produce the intermediate chemicals acetic acid and ethyl acetate, which are high-value products for applications including paints, lacquers and solvents. ZeaChem will sell bio-based chemicals to commercial and industrial customers seeking renewable and cost-competitive alternatives to petroleum-sourced chemicals.
“Beginning operations at the core facility is another indication that ZeaChem continues to successfully execute its strategic roadmap,” said Jim Imbler, president and chief executive officer of ZeaChem. “Our phased development approach minimizes risk by allowing us to produce marketable products as we scale up our biorefining operations. We will continue to build out our biorefinery platform to produce a broad portfolio of sustainable and economical chemicals and fuels derived from cellulosic biomass.”
ZeaChem is further developing its integrated biorefinery through implementation of a second project to add the capability of using cellulosic biomass on the front end and converting ethyl acetate into ethanol on the back end. This separate “bookends” project is currently underway and supported by a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Once operational in 2012, it will result in the production of up to 250,000 gallons per year (GPY) of cellulosic ethanol.
The company is now developing commercial biorefineries for the production of advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals.
About ZeaChem Inc.
ZeaChem Inc. has developed a cellulose-based biorefinery platform capable of producing advanced fuels and intermediate chemicals. ZeaChem's indirect approach leapfrogs the yield and carbon dioxide (CO2) problems associated with traditional and cellulosic based biorefinery processes. In addition, ZeaChem has a significant capital cost advantage compared to other cellulosic technologies. By efficiently extracting the most energy possible from biomass feedstocks, ZeaChem significantly increases output while reducing both production costs and environmental impacts. Incorporated in 2002, ZeaChem is headquartered in Lakewood, Colo. and operates a research and development laboratory facility in Menlo Park, Calif.
Please visit www.zeachem.com for more information.
Posted by Laina Rose on Wed, Dec 14, 2011 @ 01:43 PM
| USDA Announces New Insurance Pilot Program for Biofuel-Friendly Oilseed Crop with Potential to Create Jobs, Stimulate Rural Economies |
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2011—The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced a new pilot program of insurance for camelina beginning with the 2012 crop year. Camelina is an oilseed crop with the potential to create new renewable energy markets in the United States, generate rural jobs here at home, and decrease America's dependence on foreign oil. The new pilot program will be available in selected counties in Montana and North Dakota for the 2012 crop year, with a sales closing date of February 1, 2012.
"The Obama Administration is committed to building new income opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers, and by producing biofuels from a wide range of agricultural products, we can help promote economic opportunity in rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "This pilot program will help our farmers produce biomass which will be converted to renewable fuel and increase America's energy independence, creating jobs and stimulating rural economies across the nation."
The camelina plan of insurance is Actual Production History, which insures a grower's yield. The pilot product for camelina was developed through the 508(h) process and submitted by Great Plains Oil and Exploration, LLC – The Camelina Company and Crop Insurance Systems, Inc.
Only spring-planted camelina grown under contract with a processor will be eligible for coverage. To be eligible, the contract must state: 1) the producer's commitment to plant and grow camelina and to deliver the production to the processor, 2) the processor's commitment to purchase all production stated in the processor contract, and 3) a base contract price not to exceed an amount specified in the Special Provisions. A single basic unit will be offered; multiple basic units or optional units are not available.
Insurable causes of loss will include: adverse weather, fire, wildlife, earthquake, volcanic eruption, and insect and plant disease but not damage due to insufficient or improper application of pest or disease control measures.
Neither written agreements nor prevented planting will be available for camelina. Coverage levels offered will be from the catastrophic level to 65 percent.
Camelina, an oilseed, is a rotation crop for wheat that can be established on marginally productive land. It is an annual, short season plant. Biofuel from camelina is an ideal jet fuel substitute. USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have long-term studies underway to examine ways to use camelina as a bioenergy crop for producing jet fuel for the military and the aviation industry. In addition, earlier this year USDA announced two Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) project areas devoted to developing camelina as biofuel in several states, including Montana. USDA is also part of several partnerships to develop oilseeds and native and perennial grasses as a biofuels, including:
- In 2010, USDA partnered with the Boeing Corporation and the Air Transportation Association on an initiative to bring sustainable and renewable aviation fuels to the marketplace.
- In January, USDA and the Department of the Navy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to encourage development and use of aviation biofuels.
- In August, USDA, Navy and the Department of Energy announced a partnership to invest up to $510 million during the next three years in partnership with the private sector to produce advanced drop-in aviation and marine biofuels to power military and commercial transportation. The initiative responds to a directive from President Obama issued in March 2011 as part of his Blueprint for A Secure Energy Future, the Administration's framework for reducing dependence on foreign oil.
The Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's leadership, has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, implement the Farm Bill, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its best years in decades thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of our producers. Today, net farm income is at record levels while debt has been cut in half since the 1980s. Overall, American agriculture supports 1 in 12 jobs in the United States and provides American consumers with 86 percent of the food we consume, while maintaining affordability and choice. The Obama Administration has aggressively worked to expand export opportunities and reduce barriers to trade, helping to push agricultural exports to record levels in 2011 and beyond. Strong agricultural exports are a positive contribution to the U.S. trade balance, support more than 1 million American jobs and boost economic growth.
| Contact: |
| Michelle Bouchard (202) 720-5846 |
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Posted by Laina Rose on Wed, Dec 14, 2011 @ 12:33 PM
Posted by Laina Rose on Tue, Dec 06, 2011 @ 02:32 PM
Amyris (Nasdaq: AMRS) has inked a deal with French oil giant Total (TOTF.PA) to jointly develop, produce and commercialize biofuels for the aviation industry.
Total, which bought a majority stake in solar leader SunPower earlier this year, also owns a 20% stake in Massachusetts-based Konarka, which makes organic solar cells, as well as 22% of Amyris, as part of its strategy to diversify into solar and biofuels. It is the fifth largest oil and gas company in the world.
Total and Amyris will form a 50-50 joint venture company that will have exclusive rights to produce and market biodiesel and jet fuel worldwide, and non-exclusive rights to other products derived from Biocene, such as drilling fluids, solvents, polymers and specific biolubricants. The venture will begin operations early next year.
They will also expand their ongoing R&D collaboration to accelerate deployment of Biofene® for use as diesel. Total will contribute $105 million to the $180 million program.
About Amyris
Amyris is focused on providing petroleum substitutes for a wide range of projects. Besides jet fuel, its oils can be used as ingredients in cosmetics, flavors and fragrances, polymers, lubricants and consumer products.
Its Biofene process genetically modifies yeast, which through fermentation convert plant sugars into a variety of hydrocarbon molecules which can be used as base oils.
The company has labs and a pilot plant in California and a pilot plant and demonstration facility in Brazil, where it's expanding.
Its Amyris Fuels division has fuel distribution capabilities in the US.
Amyris says its biodiesel delivers the same energy density, engine performance, and storage properties as petroleum diesel, as well as improved lubricity and superior cold weather performance.
"Total aims to become a key supplier in renewable fuels," says Philippe Boisseau, President of Gas & Power at Total. "Renewable fuels produced with Amyris's advanced technology will benefit from the know-how and customer access of Total, which operates in more than 130 countries. It will strengthen Total's position in the global renewable diesel market, which is projected to nearly double in size to 32 million tons in 2020 from 17 million tons in 2010."
SustainableBusiness.com News
Posted by Laina Rose on Mon, Dec 05, 2011 @ 04:47 PM
China International Aviation Fuel Conference & Exhibition
Co-Hosted by: Armbrust Aviation Group (AAG) and
China National Aviation Fuel Group Corporation (CNAF)
Beijing, China, April 1- 3, 2012
Founder and CEO, Cindy Thyfault, will speak at the China International Aviation Fuel Conference & Exhibition in Beijing, China.
Aviation Fuel - Strategic Imperatives for Sustained Profitability
The aviation fuel industry continues through a period of significant challenges, but also opportunities. Aviation has become truly global as Asia assumes a greater role in passenger travel and consequently aviation fuel growth. With over 60% of the world's population, the Asia Pacific region will witness extraordinary growth over the next 20 years. Importantly, Asia Pacific represents 43% of global cargo traffic. In the region - airlines, airports, oil companies, infrastructure providers and governments will be tasked with implementing supply strategies to keep pace with forecasted growth.
A truly global conference, held for the first time in China, the China International Aviation Fuel Conference & Exhibition will feature key leaders from critical sectors of the aviation and jet fuel industry who will identify current industry challenges and provide realistic solutions. Additionally, senior executives from China's aviation and oil industries, as well as, executives from global airlines, airports, oil companies, infrastructure providers, airframe and engine manufacturers and companies associated with trading and distribution of aviation fuel will have the opportunity to network with major industry players and potential customers. The following is an outline of the agenda topics. Specific speakers will be announced shortly.
For more information visit http://www.armbrustaviation.com.
If you are interested in exhibiting download the informational sheet here.