RNG NEWS
How Loci Controls Partners with Landfill Gas Project Operators like Aria Energy to Automate Methane Gas Collection
Loci Controls monitors collection wells remotely, measuring for pressure, temperature and gas composition, among metrics.
By Arlene Karidis, Waste 360.
Aria Energy, the Michigan-based designers and operators of landfill gas projects, has 110 gas collection wells and, until recently, a plant technician was required to walk around with a handheld device tuning them to optimize production while reducing emissions.
“That took a lot of time. Plus when there’s a problem, you’re more reactive than proactive because you aren’t typically aware of it until later—sometime weeks later, “says Peter Britton, corporate gas processing manager at Aria Energy.
Today, the company leverages a system called Loci Controls that monitors collection wells remotely, measuring for pressure, temperature and gas composition, among metrics. The valve automatically adjusts to help maximize methane gas collection, and the system sends alerts when there are system problems. An online map displays the wells and pinpoints where and what the problem is.
Onboard Dynamics Announces Launch of Mobile Natural Gas Compressor and Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Linamar Corporation
Volume commercial production of new GoFlo™ CNG-80 compressor planned for 2018
BEND, Ore. – January 11, 2018 – Onboard Dynamics (ObDI), an innovator in alternative refueling technologies, today announced the launch of its GoFloTM CNG-80 mobile natural gas compressor for commercial use. To meet the anticipated worldwide demand, ObDI has formed a strategic business relationship with Linamar Corporation, a diversified global manufacturing company, to provide expanded capabilities as the exclusive manufacturer of the GoFlo product.
Volume commercial production of new GoFlo™ CNG-80 compressor planned for 2018
BEND, Ore. – January 11, 2018 – Onboard Dynamics (ObDI), an innovator in alternative refueling technologies, today announced the launch of its GoFloTM CNG-80 mobile natural gas compressor for commercial use. To meet the anticipated worldwide demand, ObDI has formed a strategic business relationship with Linamar Corporation, a diversified global manufacturing company, to provide expanded capabilities as the exclusive manufacturer of the GoFlo product.
“We believe the lower cost and flexibility of our mobile natural gas compressor will greatly increase the attractiveness of operating vehicles, especially trucks and buses, on clean, abundant, inexpensive domestic natural gas,” said Rita Hansen, CEO of Onboard Dynamics. “Because it is self-powered, the GoFlo compressor provides cost saving and new capabilities to the CNG industry.”
The compression capacity of the GoFlo CNG-80 compressor makes it cost-effective for smaller fleets of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, as well as for the initial deployment of CNG vehicles in larger fleets. Because of the compressor’s modular design, fleet operators can expand their CNG vehicle inventory by adding GoFlo units as demand increases, without needing costly electrical power upgrades. The GoFlo compressor is also easy to relocate in the event that a CNG fleet needs to be redeployed, and the unit can serve as a backup to dedicated CNG refueling stations. In addition, freedom from electricity strengthens the operating reliability of CNG fleets in the event of a natural disaster.
With the support of the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E program, the technology on which the GoFlo CNG-80 system is based has been under development for nearly four years. A limited number of GoFlo CNG-80 systems will be available for delivery the second quarter of 2018 before production ramps up the second half of the year.
“Linamar’s manufacturing capabilities, commercialization expertise, and customer relationships are invaluable to our efforts at Onboard Dynamics,” said Hansen. “With its technical know-how rooted in the expertise of McLaren Engineering, the Linamar team has already sped up the timeline for achieving necessary volume capability.”
About Onboard Dynamics, Inc.
Onboard Dynamics, Inc. seeks to lower fuel costs and carbon emissions by removing barriers to driving natural gas-powered vehicles. Its product line integrates natural gas compression into automotive engines, allowing cost-effective compression of natural gas from any low pressure supply line or renewable natural gas source. Founded in 2013, Onboard Dynamics is based in Bend, Oregon. Several patents covering the company’s innovative technologies are being pursued.
About Linamar Corporation
Linamar Corporation (TSX:LNR) is a diversified global manufacturing company of highly engineered products powering vehicles, motion, work and lives. The Company is made up of 2 operating segments – the Powertrain/Driveline segment and the Industrial segment, which are further divided into 5 operating groups – Machining & Assembly, Light Metal Casting, Forging, Skyjack and Agriculture, all world leaders in the design, development and production of highly engineered products. The Company’s Machining & Assembly, Light Metal Casting and Forging operating groups focus on precision metallic components, modules and systems for powertrain, driveline and body systems designed for global electrified and traditionally powered vehicle and industrial markets. The Company’s Skyjack and Agriculture operating groups are noted for their innovative, high quality mobile industrial equipment, notably its class-leading aerial work platforms, telehandlers and agricultural equipment. With more than 25,700 employees in 59 manufacturing locations, 6 R&D centers and 21 sales offices in 17 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia, Linamar generated sales of $6.0 billion in 2016. For more information about Linamar Corporation and its industry leading products and services, visit www.linamar.com or follow the company on Twitter at @LinamarCorp.
Nevada's NV Energy Seeks New Renewable Energy Projects, Biogas Technologies Eligible
Nevada’s NV Energy issued a request for proposals (RFP) to potentially add up to 330-MW of new renewable energy projects in Nevada. The RFP seeks solar, geothermal, wind, biomass and biogas technology projects that are compliant with Nevada's existing renewable portfolio standards.
Nevada’s NV Energy issued a request for proposals (RFP) to potentially add up to 330-MW of new renewable energy projects in Nevada. The RFP seeks solar, geothermal, wind, biomass and biogas technology projects that are compliant with Nevada's existing renewable portfolio standards.
This additional commitment to renewable energy will provide enough carbon-free electricity to power approximately 200,000 Nevada homes.
Bids are due February 2, 2018.
Oregon Lawmakers unveil Cap-and-Invest bills to put a price on carbon
By Ted Sickinger, OregonLive.
Lawmakers will raise the curtain Wednesday on the main feature of the Oregon Legislature's 2018 short session, offering the first public review of a pair of bills designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the state and its residents adapt to climate change.
The "cap and invest" bills, currently labeled as Legislative Concepts 44 (Senate version) and 176 (House version), would establish limits on greenhouse gas emissions in the state and require the largest emitters to purchase allowances to cover their output.
California OKs more than half a billion dollars to clean up freight trucks, trains, buses
By Mark Stevenson, Green Car Reports.
California is using the growing sums of money it receives from its emission cap-and-trade auction for good, including to tackle up some of the state's most egregious transportation polluters.
By Mark Stevenson, Green Car Reports.
California is using the growing sums of money it receives from its emission cap-and-trade auction for good, including to tackle up some of the state's most egregious transportation polluters.
In mid-December, California announced it would invest $663 million in a plan to clean up particularly dirty fleets, especially those operating in low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods.
“This investment will continue to drive the market for new vehicle technologies," said California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols, "and put more ultra-clean and zero-emission trucks, buses and cars into the communities across California that need them the most."
Renewable Energy Project will Include Hog Waste-derived RNG Injected into North Carolina Pipeline in 2018
The Winter 2017 edition of NC Pork Report, the official magazine of the North Carolina Pork Council, features the new RNG project in Duplin County that will capture methane gas from hogs and inject it into the natural gas pipeline.
The Winter 2017 edition of NC Pork Report, the official magazine of the North Carolina Pork Council, features the new RNG project in Duplin County that will capture methane gas from hogs and inject it into the natural gas pipeline.
The "Optima KV" project will be the first to do so in the state. The project is a collaboration between Smithfield Foods, two local farmers, investors, and Cavanaugh Associates LLC. They expect the project to be injecting into the pipeline in early 2018.
RNG Coalition member Duke Energy will buy the swine waste-derived RNG, which will help the company meet goals mandated under the state's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard law.
Download the full article HERE.
Texas A&M Study indicates that biochar could significantly improve anaerobic digester performance
By Bioenergy Insight.
In a paper by Texas A&M scientists, biochar shows potential for increasing efficiency of the anaerobic digestion of animal manure.
By Bioenergy Insight.
In a paper by Texas A&M scientists, biochar shows potential for increasing efficiency of the anaerobic digestion of animal manure.
Biochar is a charcoal material composed of agricultural by-products, including manure, crop residues and grasses. The substance can be used as a fertiliser and as a filter to remove contaminants from water and wastewater, including antibiotics, pesticides and hormones; in the process, biochar captures CO2 and ammonia.
Why Some Greenhouses are Sourcing Landfill Gas for Heat and Electricity
By Arlene Karidis, Waste 360.
British Columbia is mandated to have 75 percent landfill gas collection efficiency, and to comply with this mandate, landfills are partnering with greenhouses.
By Arlene Karidis, Waste 360.
British Columbia is mandated to have 75 percent landfill gas collection efficiency, and to comply with this mandate, landfills are partnering with greenhouses.
One of these landfills, Vancouver Landfill, has formed a relationship with Village Farms International, designers and operators of greenhouses in North America that also sell produce. Vancouver Landfill sells about 55 percent of its gas to Village Farms, which uses it to heat one of its greenhouses while generating electricity for Canadian electric utility BC Hydro.
Heating is among these plant growers’ highest expenses, and they require a lot of energy for a relatively small footprint. Further, they typically prioritize reducing their carbon footprint, so a cheaper, cleaner alternative to natural gas appeals to them.
Colorado calls for applications for possible Anaerobic Digester, RNG projects
On January 3, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a Request for Application (RFA) for Recycling Grants entitled "Building Opportunities to Maximize Waste Diversion and Create Jobs in Colorado."
The purpose of this RFA is to fund implementation projects that lead to new opportunities to increase waste diversion as well as to create jobs. Projects may focus on recycling, composting, waste minimization, anaerobic digestion, repurposing, or reuse for a wide variety of materials.
On January 3, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a Request for Application (RFA) for Recycling Grants entitled "Building Opportunities to Maximize Waste Diversion and Create Jobs in Colorado."
The purpose of this RFA is to fund implementation projects that lead to new opportunities to increase waste diversion as well as to create jobs. Projects may focus on recycling, composting, waste minimization, anaerobic digestion, repurposing, or reuse for a wide variety of materials.
In an effort to work toward achieving the goals stated above, the department has developed a tiered system to prioritize the types of projects that will best help the state improve its waste diversion rate and create economic opportunities. Projects that meet the criteria in the first tier will be prioritized over those that meet the criteria in the second and third tiers. The tiers are outlined below.
Interested companies and prospective applicants should submit any initial inquiries in writing by January 17 (3 pm MST). The application submittal deadline is March 2.
How Smithfield Foods partnered with Roeslein Alternative Energy to save one of the largest hog farms in the U.S.
By Betsy Freese, Successful Farming at Agriculture.com.
The history of the former Premium Standard Farms (PSF) hog operation in northern Missouri is as tortured as any in the modern swine industry. (See the 30-year time line at the bottom of this story for details.)
When Smithfield Foods bought the formerly bankrupt 221,000-sow complex in 2006, PSF was the second-largest pork producer in the U.S. (behind Smithfield). It was bogged down in nuisance lawsuits, the barns were in disrepair, and pig performance was poor.
By Betsy Freese, Successful Farming at Agriculture.com.
The history of the former Premium Standard Farms (PSF) hog operation in northern Missouri is as tortured as any in the modern swine industry. (See the 30-year time line at the bottom of this story for details.)
When Smithfield Foods bought the formerly bankrupt 221,000-sow complex in 2006, PSF was the second-largest pork producer in the U.S. (behind Smithfield). It was bogged down in nuisance lawsuits, the barns were in disrepair, and pig performance was poor.
Keeping the operation running was a struggle for several years after the purchase. One industry analyst told Successful Farming magazine in 2011, “I advised them to get a bunch of bulldozers and push it in a hole and walk away. That would be cheaper than feeding it.”
Smithfield stuck with the business, now called Smithfield Hog Production - Missouri, bringing in a new general manager, Michael Rainwater, more than six years ago and infusing substantial capital to turn the operation around.