Our weekly compendium of renewable energy news and information from around the Web.
Trony Solar IPO
Chinese PV manufacturer Trony Solar is looking to raise $241 million in its planned initial public offering. J.P. Morgan and Credit Suisse are said to be the lead underwriters in the offering.
Atlanta Foodservice Runs on Biodiesel
The Atlanta division of U.S. Foodservice is now running on biodiesel. The Atlanta division’s 185 tractors began using biodiesel fuel early in November following the first 7,500-gallon delivery of B5. In addition to using biodiesel blends in the tractors, the fuel will power the four-cylinder, Thermo King Engines in its 210 refrigerated trailers.
Atlanta joins the U.S. Foodservice division in Plymouth, Minn., which uses B5, and the Streator, Ill., division which uses B11 in all but the winter months. The Minnesota facility has used biodiesel blends for years, the company stated, starting with B3 and switching to the state-mandated B5. “The division has had no performance or engine longevity issues,” a company spokesman said. U.S. Foodservice Minnesota is exploring a switch to B10 ahead of a state-mandate increase that takes effect in 2012.
U.S. Foodservice-Atlanta is active with and has a leadership role in several local, regional and state efforts to promote and protect the environment including the Georgia DNR Project, Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia and the Atlanta Zero Waste Zone.
Danish Ethanol
Inbicon unveiled a 1.4 MGY cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant in Denmark, using wheatstraw as its initial feedstock. Inbicon has been working in partnership with Danish governmental energy authorities and the unveiling was timed to coincide with the climate change conference in Copenhagen.
Portable Solar
The BBC ran a lengthy article on applications for portable solar power. Portable solar can be an efficient solution for devices that would ordinarily run on batteries or that would require new powers lines to connect to the grid, including street lights and signs.
Push for Extension of Biofuel Tax Credit
The National Biodiesel Board voiced its support for two bills pending in Congress that would extend the biofuel tax credit program that expires at the end of 2009. (H.R. 4070 and S.B. 1589). During visits with lawmakers, biodiesel industry leaders expressed strong support for S. 1589, the Biodiesel Tax Incentive Reform and Extension of Act, introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Charles Grassley (R-IA), and H.R. 4070, companion legislation introduced yesterday by Representatives Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) and John Shimkus (R-IL). This legislation would reform the biodiesel tax incentive by changing the current blenders excise tax credit to a production excise tax credit. This will improve administration of the incentive, eliminate potential abuses and improve tax compliance. The proposals would also extend the biodiesel tax incentive for five years, providing the certainty entrepreneurs need to create jobs and expand the use of biodiesel.
Comings Events in Renewable Energy
The Renewable Fuels Association is hosting its 15th Annual Ethanol Conference in Orland, Fla. on February 15-17, 2010. Panels will cover the indirect land use charges debate and the path forward for commercialization of biofuels. Registration before January 22 will get members a discounted entrace for $550 ($750 for non-members).
Registration is still open for the Canadian Biofuels Summit to be held in Vancouver, BC November 30 to December 2, 2009.
50 Hottest Companies in Bioenergy
Ballots are due today for the Biofuels Digest “50 Hottest Companies” competition.
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