ISU researchers transform pennycress into a crop

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Though farmers consider pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) nothing more than a weed, Illinois State Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook is working to change their perspective—and the plant itself. Sedbrook and his student researchers in the School of Biological Sciences are genetically modifying pennycress as part of a multistate, multi-institutional effort funded by a five-year, $10 million USDA grant and a $13 million Department of Energy grant.

The researchers are attempting to transform the plant into a commercially grown cover crop that would be a boon to farmers and the environment. The harvested plant would be processed into biofuel, jet fuel, animal feed, and other products.

Piedmont Natural Gas Now Offering RNG at Nashville Fueling Station

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Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, says renewable natural gas (RNG) is now available at its compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station in Nashville, Tenn.

RNG is pipeline-quality biomethane produced from biomass that is fully interchangeable with conventional natural gas and can be used in natural gas vehicles. By fueling with RNG at Piedmont’s Nashville station, fleets and organizations can further reduce their emissions footprint – helping decarbonize transportation in Tennessee.

Generating renewable hydrogen fuel from the sea

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The power of the sun, wind and sea may soon combine to produce clean-burning hydrogen fuel, according to a team of Penn State researchers. The team integrated water purification technology into a new proof-of-concept design for a sea water electrolyzer, which uses an electric current to split apart the hydrogen and oxygen in water molecules.

This new method for “sea water splitting” could make it easier to turn wind and solar energy into a storable and portable fuel, according to Bruce Logan, Kappe Professor of Environmental Engineering and Evan Pugh University Professor.

“Hydrogen is a great fuel, but you have to make it,” Logan said. “The only sustainable way to do that is to use renewable energy and produce it from water. You also need to use water that people do not want to use for other things, and that would be sea water. So, the holy grail of producing hydrogen would be to combine the sea water and the wind and solar energy found in coastal and offshore environments.”

Shell inks deal with Neste to boost aviation biofuels supply

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Shell last week announced a deal with oil refining and biofuels manufacturer Neste, which the two companies claim will significantly increase the supply and availability of sustainable jet fuel for the aviation industry.

The agreement, which comes into effect from next month, brings together Neste’s expertise in the production and supply of so-called “renewable diesel” made from a range of raw materials — such as animal fats, vegetable oils, rapeseed oil and palm oil — with Shell’s aviation arm, which supplies jet fuel around the world.

Anna Mascolo, president of Shell Aviation, said the deal reflects the oil giant’s aim to “reduce the carbon intensity of the fuels we sell which includes selling more lower-carbon fuels like sustainable aviation fuel.”

“Today’s agreement with Neste will help Shell Aviation customers to lower their emissions and demonstrates the kind of progress we can deliver by working in collaboration with others,” Mascolo added.

Hyundai plans to introduce HD hydrogen truck to U.S. by 2022

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Hyundai Motor Co., which is currently testing heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) in Switzerland, plans on commercializing the hydrogen-powered vehicles in the U.S. starting in 2022. A pilot program could begin in 2021 in California.

The first fleet customers are expected to have 3,000 to 5,000 trucks. That allows Hyundai to gradually build out the much-needed and virtually non-existent infrastructure. As of Sept. 1, 2020, there were 42 hydrogen stations open in California for light-duty FCEVs, according to the California Fuel Cell Partnership.

Hyundai shipped 10 of its XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks, “the world’s first mass-produced” FCET, according to the company, to Switzerland in July. Forty more should arrive by the end of the year. By 2025, Hyundai expects 1,600 XCIENTs on the road.

WPGA: Propane to Play Major Role in California’s Green Energy Future

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The Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA), a trade and membership service organization that represents propane marketers throughout California, says renewable propane is on track to play a major role in the state’s green energy future, with the industry targeting 2030 for supplying the state with a 100% sustainable energy source.

The news, along with the unveiling of WPGA’s sustainability statement, comes during Climate Week 2020 and on the heels of Governor Newsom’s announced agenda to accelerate California’s climate change goals.

“Renewable propane’s benefits are amplified when coupled with ultra-low NOx engines that are 90% cleaner than the EPA’s most stringent standard or combined with innovative appliance technologies that can reduce NOx emissions by up to 80%,” says Joy Alafia, president of WPGA. “Our industry is excited to serve as an integral part of California’s effort to fight climate change. We look forward to working with customers who seek to reduce their carbon footprint and policy makers as they navigate a path to achieve California’s environmental goals.”

It’s Official — Consumer Reports Confirms EV Owners Spend Half As Much On Maintenance

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Data is king, and when it comes to information on the frequency of repairs on automobiles, Consumer Reports has more data than anyone. For its latest report, it did a deep dive into the data from its 2019 and 2020 reliability surveys of electric and gasoline powered vehicles. After crunching all the numbers, Consumer Reports says “drivers of electric vehicles are saving an average of 50% on maintenance and repair over the life of a vehicle compared to owners of gas-powered vehicles.”

Chris Harto, CR’s senior transportation policy analyst, says: “Electric vehicle owners don’t need a coupon to get half-off typical maintenance and repair costs from their dealer, it comes standard! These savings are going a long way to offset the upfront costs for consumers.”

Why fleet managers at Anheuser-Busch, KeHE Distributors are fueling up with renewable natural gas

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Companies of all sectors and sizes seek ways to reduce emissions across the board and increasingly are taking a far closer look at the kind of fuel powering their vehicles. While much attention has shifted to the potential for battery-electric or hydrogen vehicles, another technology with a vast infrastructure — renewable natural gas — is gaining traction among fleet managers.

“I’ve personally worked on energy issues for 10 years, and I’ve been extremely excited about the progress that’s been made in renewable natural gas,” said Sam Wade, director of state regulatory affairs with the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, during a recent GreenBiz webcast exploring this trend. The discussion focused on the growth of renewable natural gas for fleets of different sizes, the production of it and how it may continue to gain popularity.

Renewable natural gas (RNG) is natural gas made from methane, often from methane gas produced at landfills but also from farms. Methane that otherwise might be released into the air and produce more greenhouse gases is either stored or sent through a pipeline to be refined and made into fuel for vehicles. And it has an environmental aspect to it because the world still produces plenty of organic waste.

Propane Autogas School Bus Success Translates to Commercial Fleets

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The school bus industry is undeniably one of the most scrutinized transportation sectors. Between ensuring student health and safety and trying to balance a budget during cutbacks, difficult challenges abound for school transportation officials.

One way school districts across the country have met these challenges head on is by transitioning their school bus fleet to propane autogas, a safe and reliable energy source that has reduced harmful emissions and operational costs.

This has been especially important during the pandemic, where budgets and student health are under more careful watch than ever before. While this school year looks different than any that have come before it, propane autogas is still providing the low emissions and cost-effective benefits districts need. Even districts that have gone remote and are using propane autogas buses to deliver meals to students are realizing these benefits.

Generation Z drivers push for schools to teach with eco-conscious cars

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Christian Hughes did not just want to learn to drive – he wanted to do so in a Tesla. So, when it came to getting his license, the high school student found a driving school that specialised in the sought-after electric cars. Driving school will help you learn the techniques for driving safely.

As well as being a fan of the vehicles and their technology, he was attracted by their green credentials. “Every second you spend driving a gasoline car contributes to climate change,” says the 17-year-old from St Augustine, Florida, who passed his test this summer. He has since bought a Tesla with his father.

Hughes, in his journey of learning to drive at the Tesla Driving School, launched by All Florida Safety Institute in January, immersed himself in lessons tailored for eco-conscious Generation Z drivers. This driving school, part of a growing trend, specializes in instructing on hybrid or electric cars. Even in situations involving low-impact fender-benders, these lessons emphasize safety, sustainability, and responsible driving practices.