As cellulosic ethanol production facilities have come online, anaerobic digesters have been co-located at the plants to recover biogas from soluble residues inherent in the ethanol production process. These soluble residues contain a source of energy that can be recovered using anaerobic digestion, and the captured biogas can help meet process energy needs. Continue reading »
National Drive Electric Week Kick-off a HUGE Success
September 16, 2015 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Amira Hamdon
National Drive Electric Week, September 12-20th, 2015, was dedicated to educating and celebrating all things electric vehicle (EV)!
This nationwide celebration came on the heels of Nissan announcing the 107 mile EPA fuel economy range of the 2016 Nissan Leaf, and the new Tesla P90D is receiving rave reviews among auto enthusiasts. These EVs are gaining the traction they deserve. Continue reading »
A Win-Win for Electric Vehicles: Zero Emission Charging Challenge
July 27, 2015 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Amira Hamdon
Over 3,000 Minnesotans have begun to experience the benefits of electric vehicles – including lower operating costs, zero tailpipe emissions, and a fun driving experience. Many Minnesotans are also challenging themselves to further lower the carbon footprint of EVs by powering them with 100% renewable power. Continue reading »
Successful biomass-based projects, including biogas projects, require several project pieces to come together and hold, with some adjustments over the operational life of a project. Some of those pieces include project financing, public policy, feedstock supply, logistics, infrastructure, permitting and end-use markets. Continue reading »
2015 Minnesota Legislative Session Recap: Bioeconomy Edition
July 6, 2015 in Transportation & Fuels Authors: Amanda Bilek, Brendan JordanIt took the regular session, plus a one-day special session, but the Minnesota legislature has completed its work for 2015. The legislature convened in early January with a $1.9 billion projected budget surplus and had the task of setting a two-year state budget. Continue reading »
News Release: Great Plains Institute Lauds Passage of New MN Bioenergy Program
June 16, 2015 in News & Press, Transportation & Fuels Author: Amanda Bilek
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Legislature has established a new program aimed at enabling the commercial construction of Minnesota-based facilities that will produce advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, or biomass thermal energy utilizing agriculture and forestry feedstocks.
“We are pleased that a new bioenergy program has been signed into law. The Bioeconomy Production Incentive Program received $2 million in funding for the next two years, providing a strong foundation for future project development,” said Great Plains Institute (GPI) Government Affairs Manager Amanda Bilek. Continue reading »
Update: MN Plug-in Vehicle Rebate Program Advances
May 6, 2015 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan Jordan
A bill to create a new state rebate program for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) continues to advance in the Minnesota legislature. The PEV rebate provision was included in Representative Pat Garofalo’s omnibus energy and jobs bill (HF 843) that passed on the House floor on April 22. The bill would offer up $2,500 for anyone purchasing a new PEV.
Continue reading »
Bioeconomy Bill Prospects as MN Legislature Nears the Finish Line for 2015 Session
May 3, 2015 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Amanda Bilek
There are just a few weeks left in the 2015 Minnesota legislative session and it is shaping up to be an all-out sprint to the finish. The Minnesota legislature is constitutionally required to adjourn May 18th and the big work of this session is finalizing a two-year budget for the State of Minnesota. Continue reading »
The Great Plains Institute leads Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota
April 29, 2015 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Amanda Bilek
There are numerous examples of early and ongoing public investment—matched with private investment—that have led to significant changes in the energy sector. Biobased projects, including biogas, need public-private partnerships to bring the potential resource to scale. Continue reading »
Bills in play would help electrify Minnesota’s transportation system
April 14, 2015 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Brendan JordanGasoline prices may have decreased recently, but what if you could pay less than $1.00 per gallon for fuel? Never change your oil? Improve your fuel efficiency 3 or 4 fold? Have zero tailpipe emissions? And help make it easier for your utility to integrate renewable electricity into the system? Continue reading »
