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Biomass To Biofuels
www.BiomassToBiofuels.com

Biomass to Biofuels

What is Biomass to Biofuels?

Biomass to Biofuels is the process of converting biomass into renewable fuels, that include;

• B100 Biodiesel

• Biomethane

• E100 Ethanol

• Synthesis Gas 

• Synthetic Diesel

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What is Advanced Gasification?

In the biomass gasification sector, there are a large number of companies that offer a wide range of biomass gasification technologies. Some of these biomass gasification technologies are very old and highly inefficient at converting biomass to synthesis gas, in the waste to energy or waste to fuel equation. Some of these are operating as low as 27% efficiency. As a result, a large percentage of biomass is "wasted" and the

Advanced gasification seeks to increase the use of biomass gasification installations, which demonstrate improved biomass to synthesis gas efficiencies, that in turn, increases the return on investment resulting in more biomass gasification plants.

Advanced gasification technologies ultimately reduces plant capital and operational costs through increases in biomass gasification technologies.

What is Biochemical Conversion?

Biochemical conversion is the process of converting biomass to biofuel.  This process includes the following three basic steps:

1. Converting biomass to sugar (or other fermentation feedstock) involves:

   • Pretreatment

   • Conditioning and enzymatic hydrolysis

   • Enzyme development.
     

2. Fermenting these biomass-derived feedstocks using:

   • Microorganisms for fermentation.
     

3. Processing the fermentation product to produce fuel-grade ethanol and other fuels, chemicals, heat, and electricity by:

   • Integrating the bioprocess

Pretreatment of Biomass

In plants, cellulose is protected by a sheath of lignin and hemicellulose. 

Pretreatment of biomass is required in order to hydrolyze the hemicellulosic sugars and open up the structure of biomass to allow further enzyme hydrolysis of the cellulose to glucose. 

One process that NREL researchers are working on involves dilute acid hydrolysis of hemicellulose to xylose and other sugars.

Conditioning and Enzymatic Hydrolysis

Following the dilute acid pretreatment of the biomass, the biomass material must be made less acidic for enzymes and organisms to function optimally in the hydrolyzate environment.  "Conditioning" or the process of pH adjustment, minimizes sugar losses and promotes low hydrolyzate toxicity by removing toxic byproducts that inhibit enzyme and fermentation microorganism activity. This process is referred to as enzymatic hydrolysis. 

Enzyme Development

A new generation of enzymes and enzyme production technology is needed to cost-effectively hydrolyze cellulose and hemicellulose to free the sugars needed for fermentation. 

Research on enzyme development is now ongoing which focuses on decreasing the cost of the enzyme unit operation in the biomass saccharification process—a key factor for developing cost-competitive cellulosic ethanol. 

Researchers at NREL have expertise in the basic science underlying enzymatic hydrolysis. They are working closely with major industrial enzyme producers to apply recombinant DNA technology to bacteria and fungi to develop improved cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes and to determine the most efficient method for producing these enzymes.

What is Enzymatic Hydrolysis?

Enzymatic Hydrolysis is the process of producing fuel grade ethanol (E100 Ethanol) from biomass (cellulose) materials and broken down to its glucose' "building blocks."

The Enzymatic Hydrolysis process starts by converting cellulose to glucose using enzymes to break down the lignin contained in the cellulose.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis is a process by which cellulose can be decomposed into its glucose building blocks. The purer and more refined the cellulose, the easier it is for the cellulose to decompose, which requires less enzymes are required, thereby reducing the cost of the Enzymatic Hydrolysis process.

What is Hydrous Pyrolysis?

Hydrous Pyrolysis is the process of thermal decomposition which takes place when organic compounds are heated to high temperatures in the presence of water. It is thought that fossil fuels were created via the natural process of Hydrous Pyrolysis.

Hydrous Pyrolysis is now a leading technology for producing biofuels which are truly - renewable fuels.

What is "Plasma Gasification?"

Plasma Gasification - is the thermal disintegration of carbonaceous materials into their elemental compounds in an oxygen-starved environment using a "plasma."

Plasma Gasification renders most waste streams, including medical/hospital waste, chemical waste, hazardous waste, and even low-level radioactive waste, completely safe and inert.  Plasma Gasification is the "ultimate" solution for handling most every waste stream that is now going into landfills. In fact, Plasma Gasification plants will soon be built next to landfills, and take the waste that would have gone into the landfill, and be processed by Plasma Gasification.  Eventually, the waste and contents of landfills will be recovered and processed with Plasma Gasification plants.

There are Multiple Environmental and Economic Benefits for 
Installing Plasma Gasification Plants:

Plasma Gasification plants generate numerous economic and environmental dividends:

• Generation of "Carbon Free Energy" and "Pollution Free Power" from your city/county's MSW.

• A very beneficial and economic byproduct of the Plasma Gasification process is the production of Synthesis Gas - a fuel which can then be used in a cogeneration or trigeneration power plant.

• The production of "green energy" via Plasma Gasification qualifies your facility for additional revenue streams in the form of a Renewable Energy Credit, Carbon Dioxide Credits and/or other Greenhouse Gas Emissions credits. 

• CLOSE YOUR LANDFILL!  A Plasma Gasification plant takes ALL MSW that is presently going to a landfill, and forever removes the need for landfills!  We even have a "Landfill Reclamation" program wherein we will remove the contents of existing landfills and process the contents through Plasma Gasification.  

• Face it, all landfills will fail at some point in the future - but you don't know when this will happen.  You can remove the liability of your landfill through Plasma Gasification. 

• Plasma Gasification eliminates air pollution as well as surface waters, groundwater and nutrient runoff from your existing landfill.

• Better neighbors.... Plasma Gasification plants are much better neighbors than a landfill due to the elimination (or significant elimination) of air and water pollution caused by typical landfills.
  

Your Company (or City) Should Consider us if You are Considering 
Biochemical Conversion as we are:

• vendor neutral in terms of equipment selection.

• our lead engineer has over 28 years experience in "Waste to Energy" technologies such as; Anaerobic Digesters, Biomass Gasification, Wastewater Treatment Plants, Landfills, and Landfill Gas to Energy engineering, project development and engineering feasibility studies.

• We know and understand the "Waste to Energy" process.  This includes Anaerobic Digesters, Biogas Plants, Biogas-to-Biomethane, Biomethane Optimization, Cogeneration, Synthesis Gas and Trigeneration power plants.

• Our knowledge and expertise will insure maximum efficiency of your new Plasma Gasification plant for many years to come. 

• Our team can provide the turnkey solutions for your Plasma Gasification plant, including; design, engineering/feasibility studies, finance, legal, operations, maintenance and through our strategic partner, EPC services for the new Plasma Gasification plant.

• We are affiliated with several large EPC firms that bring the "big guns" if and when needed to insure that your new Plasma Gasification receives the requisite approvals and permits.   

Plasma Gasification:  The Ultimate Solution for Multiple Waste Streams now Going into our Landfills

A Plasma Gasification plant ends the need for landfills - and their problems by converting the free "fuel" that would have been placed in the landfill, in the form of municipal sold waste, and hazardous waste. The Plasma Gasification plant "converts" carbonaceous (carbon-containing) materials such as municipal solid waste and even hazardous waste such as biowaste from hospitals, into two useful and beneficial byproducts; 

1. an energy-rich fuel called Synthesis Gas, which is used to generate "green electricity" from a sustainable and renewable resource.

2. a commercially useful, inert solid, referred to as “slag”. The slag can be used for road aggregate and building materials.

Plasma Gasification provides for a sustainable waste solution for all types of waste streams, including MSW , hazardous wastes, and even low-level radioactive waste, which delivers tangible economic and environmental benefits.

• Plasma Gasification does not produce hazardous bottom ash and fly ash.

• Plasma Gasification is "fueled" by the "free" waste, and is "powered" by electricity, and can be turned off with the flip of a switch.

• Plasma Gasification unit does not need to be brought up to temperature over 24/36 hours burning expensive fuel oil as does mass burn incineration.

• Plasma Gasification systems require very little maintenance and unlike traditional power plants, do not need to be shut down for weeks at a time for cleaning and maintenance while waste-streams back-up.

• Plasma Gasification is just as efficient in smaller-scale systems (25 and 50 TPD units) as large-scale systems.

• Plasma Gasification can provide a high degree of flexibility over the longer term and it can operate at less than 100% of capacity so there is flexibility when waste-stream decline.

Plasma Gasification: Two Approaches
Plasma Arc and Plasma Torch

Plasma Gasification produces green power and energy from waste-streams such as municipal solid waste (MSW) and even hazardous and toxic wastes, without the need to bury these wastes in a landfill.

There are two methods used in plasma gasification - the first one is a "plasma arc" and second is called a "plasma torch."

A "plasma arc" type Plasma Gasification plant operates on principles similar to an arc-welding machine, where an electrical arc is struck between two electrodes. The high-energy arc creates a high temperature, highly ionized gas. The plasma arc is enclosed in a chamber. Waste material is fed into the chamber and the intense heat of the plasma breaks down organic molecules (such as oil, solvents, and paint) into their elemental atoms. In a carefully controlled process, these atoms recombine into harmless gases such as carbon dioxide. Solids such as glass and metals are melted to form materials, similar to hardened lava, in which toxic metals are encapsulated. With plasma arc technology there is no burning or incineration and no formation of ash. 

"Plasma arc" type Plasma Gasification plants have a very high destruction efficiency. They are very robust; they can treat any waste with minimal or no pretreatment; and they produce a stable waste form. The arc melter uses carbon electrodes to strike an arc in a bath of molten slag. The consumable carbon electrodes are continuously inserted into the chamber, eliminating the need to shut down for electrode replacement or maintenance. The high temperatures produced by the arc convert the organic waste into light organics and primary elements. 

Combustible gas is cleaned in the off-gas system and oxidized to CO2 and H2O in ceramic bed oxidizers. The potential for air pollution is low due to the use of electrical heating in the absence of free oxygen. The inorganic portion of the waste is retained in a stable, leach-resistant slag. 

In "plasma torch" systems, an arc is struck between a copper electrode and either a bath of molten slag or another electrode of opposite polarity. As with "plasma arc" systems, plasma torch systems have very high destruction efficiency; they are very robust; and they can treat any waste or medium with minimal or no pre-treatment. The inorganic portion of the waste is retained in a stable, leach-resistant slag. The air pollution control system is larger than for the plasma arc system, due to the need to stabilize torch gas.

Limitations and Concerns about Plasma Arc Technology

A chief concern about plasma arc technology is ensuring that gaseous emissions are kept to a minimum and cleaned before being released to the atmosphere. 

Limitations and Concerns about Plasma Torch Technology 

Concerns have been raised regarding the reliability of "plasma torch" technology as the water-cooled, copper, "plasma torch" must be replaced periodically to prevent burn-through at the attachment point of the arc and a subsequent steam explosion due to rapid heating of the released cooling water.

Applicability of Plasma Arc Technology

The plasma arc can be used for organic and inorganic wastes. It is being studied for mixed radioactive waste treatment, because it separates the organic from the inorganic portion of the waste. It is also being studied to reduce explosive compounds and unexploded ordnance in place of traditional technologies, such as open burning and open detonation, that produced toxic emissions and hazardous ash.

Technology Development Status

Both plasma arc systems are developed and commercial applications exist for both hazardous and radioactive waste.

We Provide Waste to Energy Engineering and Feasibility Studies

Waste to Energy Initial Design, Engineering & Feasibility Study

We provide Waste to Energy Design, Engineering and Feasibility Study for new clients interested in Plasma Gasification. 

Through a strategic partner, we also provide "turnkey" Waste to Energy plants.

Our fee for the Waste to Energy Feasibility Study varies, and is based on a negotiated Scope of Services Agreement that matches the client's requirements and goals.   This "vendor neutral" review and initial evaluation provides a basic foundation in our client's decision-making process and whether your facility is a viable candidate for a Waste to Energy plant.

In the event you decide to move forward with our Waste to Energy Feasibility Study and Engineering Study, we require a 50% deposit to begin work.

More About Plasma Gasification

Plasma Gasification is what we call the "holy grail" of waste management.  

Plasma Gasification replaces the need for landfills and turns waste, and what would have gone into a landfill, into green energy!

The process Plasma Gasification is "self-sustaining" and a sustainable energy and environmental solution. 

Did you know that "Plasma" is the "4th state of matter?"  

Plasma technologies have been around for years.  Using Plasma Gasification as a solution or handling waste was not considered before as landfills were less expensive. With the recent successes of Plasma Gasification in other countries for handling their waste streams, as well as the proven economical and environmental solutions, we believe that Plasma Gasification is now ready for application here in the U.S.   

How does Plasma Gasification Work? 

The basics of plasma and plasma creation is simple and straightforward. 

First of all, a high-voltage current is passed between two plasma arc electrodes which creates a high-intensity "plasma arc."  This in turn pulls electrons from the surrounding air and converts the gas into plasma or a field of intense and radiant energy.

This is the same process behind fluorescent lighting and neon lighting - wherein low voltage electricity passes between electrodes in a sealed glass tube that contains an inert gas - which in turn excites the electrons in the gas. The gas then releases radiant energy which then lights the tube.  

A Plasma Arc can get so hot that it can melt metal and is used in metal cutting. 

Plasma Gasification,"Waste to Energy" and "Waste to Fuel" Technologies

In Plasma Gasification plants, the waste streams (i.e. garbage) is augered to a machine that shreds the waste into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces of waste are then fed into the plasma chamber.  Some refer to this as the "plasma reactor."  The plasma chamber is a sealed, stainless steel vessel filled with either nitrogen or atmospheric air. An electrical current is passed between the two plasma electrodes which converts electrons from the air into plasma.

A continuous flow of electricity through the plasma maintains this field of very intense energy - this is powerful enough to disintegrate the shredded garbage into its component or basic elements. The byproducts are a "slag" or glass-like substance used as raw materials for high-strength asphalt or household tiles and Synthesis Gas.

Synthesis gas (or "syngas") is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and syngas is used as a fuel just like hydrogen, natural gas, biomethane, biodiesel or ethanol is - i.e. fuel for a cogeneration or trigeneration power plant. 

Syngas leaves the converter at a temperature of around 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit and then goes to a cooling system which generates steam. The steam is then used to drive one or more steam turbines which generates electricity - part of which is used to power the plasma gasification plant, while the rest can be used for the plant's heating or electrical needs, or sold to the utility grid.

Apart from the initial power supply from the community's electrical grid, the Plasma Gasification plant can produce the electricity it needs for operations. 

Bottom line, plasma gasification eliminates the need for landfills and will generate profits for its users.

Current and Future Applications of Plasma Gasification

The benefits of the system are evident. It is self-sustaining after the initial electrical charge is used; it is environmentally friendly; and it produces materials that have commercial applications or use and thus can generate profit.

Aside from disposing of newly-produced garbage, the system can also be used to dispose of accumulated landfill garbage so land reclamation is entirely possible. Another application planned is using the syngas as a base for producing hydrogen in commercial quantities, which will be used as fuel for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

What is "Pyrolytic Gasification?"

Pyrolytic Gasification is nearly identical to plasma gasification which is the thermal conversion and disintegration of organic or   carbonaceous materials back into their elemental compounds in an oxygen-starved environment using heat such as a plasma.

Plasma Gasification renders most (organic) waste streams, including medical/hospital waste, chemical waste, hazardous waste, and even low-level radioactive waste, completely safe and inert.  

Pyrolytic Gasification is the "ultimate" green solution for handling most every waste stream that is now going into landfills. In fact, we believe Pyrolytic Gasification / Plasma Gasification plants will soon be built next to landfills, and take the waste that would have gone into the landfill, and be processed by Pyrolytic Gasification.  Eventually, the waste and contents of landfills will be recovered and processed with Pyrolytic Gasification plants.

Compared with other "waste to energy" and "waste to fuel" technologies such as incinerators or fluidized bed gasification,  Pyrolytic Gasification has zero emissions and is a renewable energy technology.  

Pyrolytic Gasification occurs in an "oxygen starved" environment.  "Oxygen starved" is another term for pyrolysis.  Therefore, instead of burning or incinerating organic wastes, Pyrolytic Gasification "thermally degrades" these organic wastes in a closed reactor with temperatures in the 800º F to 1200º F range.  This process produces "synthesis gas" a renewable fuel that is primarily carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which is also considered to be a "carbon free energy" resource, which can then be used as a fuel in a cogeneration power plant to generate green power.  Depending on the content of the organic waste stream, biochar is another by-product of the Pyrolytic Gasification process.

Biochar acts as a "carbon sink" and method for reducing carbon emissions. Biochar is comprised of carbon and can also be used as a type of fertilizer and soil additive replacing fertilizers that are not considered to be good for the environment or the crops that are grown with these fertilizers.

According to the Department of Energy, the global gasification capacity has grown to 56,000 megawatts thermal (MWth) of synthesis gas generated or equivalent to 29,000 MWe).  This is generated from 144 gasification plants that have 427 gasifiers. An additional ten plants involving another 34 gasifiers were expected to become operational by 2010, involving another 17,000 MWth of syngas capacity, representing an increase of 30%. 

The DOE report, which only included commercial operating plants with a capacity in excess of 100 megawatts electric equivalent (MWth), found that gasification plants are now operating in 27 countries, with 34% in Asia/Australia and that there were 50 gasification projects were in various stages of planning and preliminary engineering for future United States operation. 

As of 2007, South Africa’s gasification plants - plants that generate synthesis gas from organic waste streams - and can also  produce liquid fuels, represented 27% of the world’s synthesis gas producing capacity. 

China had 44 operating gasification plants representing 24% of worldwide synthesis gas production, with 16 new plants planned (seven of which were in start up).

Synthesis gas is the primary product of these plants, from which other marketable products are generated, including chemicals (45%), Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) liquids (28%), power (19%) and gaseous fuels (8%).  

A second industry resource, follows more than 300 gasification plants.  A key finding of their gasification research is that;  

the various roadblocks that have hindered gasification technology from realizing its potential are diminishing. More than ever, the industry is sustaining growth on the back of positive economics. Advanced gasification technology has demonstrated its benefits of lowering operating costs and reducing GHG emissions while utilizing a range of feedstocks.”

Gasification and pyrolysis technologies produce an intermediate product (e.g. synthesis gas, also referred to as substitute natural gas, SNG, or syngas), which is used in a wide range of energy generation, liquid energy and chemical manufacturing processes. 

This distinguishes thermochemical conversion technologies from waste-to-energy, which directly combusts waste stream feedstock. With no intermediate product, waste combustion technologies are limited to the production of steam and/or electricity.

What is Thermochemical Conversion?

Thermochemical Conversion is the process of converting biomass into one or more renewable fuels (biofuel or bioenergy), whereby the biomass is either; cracked, depolymerized, or gasified in order to produce transportation fuels such as synthetic diesel, Fischer-Tropsch diesel, or "green" gasoline. These Thermochemical Conversion technologies are separately referred to as:

• Fast Pyrolysis

• Gasification

• Slow Pyrolysis

• Torrefaction

Thermochemical Conversion Processes

Gasification

In a gasification conversion process, lignocellulosic feedstocks such as wood and forest products are broken down to synthesis gas, primarily carbon monoxide and hydrogen, using heat.  The biomass feedstock is then partially oxidized, or reformed with a gasifying agent (air, oxygen, or steam), which produces synthesis gas (syngas).  

The quality and contents or makeup of the synthesis gas will vary due to the different types of biomass (feedstock), the moisture content, the type of gasifier used, the gasification agent, and the temperature and pressure in the gasifier.

Syngas Cleanup and Conditioning

The synthesis gas produced undergoes clean-up and conditioning to create a contaminant-free gas having the appropriate hydrogen-carbon monoxide ratio prior to the catalytic conversion step.

Among the contaminants removed during clean-up are tars, acid gas, ammonia, alkali metals, and other particulates.

synthesis gas is then conditioned: hydrogen sulfide levels are reduced by sulfur polishing, and hydrogen-carbon monoxide ratio is adjusted using water-gas shift.

Pyrolysis

In pyrolysis processing, one or more biomass feedstock(s) are broken down using heat in the absence of oxygen, producing a bio-oil that can be further refined to a hydrocarbon product. The decomposition occurs at lower temperatures than gasification processes, and produces liquid oil instead of a synthesis gas. 

Oil produced varies in oxygen content or viscosity according to the feedstock used.

Bio-Oil Cleanup

Oil produced via the pyrolysis process must have particulates and ash removed in filtration to create a homogenous product. The oil is then upgraded to hydrocarbon fuels via hydrotreating and hydrocracking processing, which reduces its total oxygen content.

What current U.S. policies affect biofuels production and use?

In 2007, the U.S. Congress passed energy legislation known as the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.  This new law  which raises the standards for vehicle fuel economy and mandate that U.S. transportation fuel include 21 billion gallons of advanced biofuels by 2022 and 2 billion gallons as soon as 2012. 

The law further requires that these advanced biofuels must achieve at least a 50% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. 

Are biofuels and bioenergy "renewable"?

Biofuel(s) and bioenergy are considered to be truly renewable because the source, also called the feedstock, or biomass, is a "replenishable" resource. 

Biomass is vegetative or plant matter that will continue to grow as long as it is planted. 

In addition, biomass energy recycles carbon dioxide (see:  www.RecyclingCarbon.com) during the plant photosynthesis process and uses it to make its own food. In comparison to fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal, which take millions of years to be produced, biomass is easy to grow, collect, utilize and replace quickly without depleting natural resources.

Biofuel(s) and bioenergy are not only renewable, but sustainable as well.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will decrease dramatically as biofuels of the future are increasingly made from cellulosic feedstocks and as the associated farming, harvesting, transport, and production processes use progressively more clean, renewable energy sources.

•  The U.S. Department of Energy studies show corn ethanol results in 19% fewer GHG emissions, on average, when compared with petroleum. Cellulosic ethanol has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by up to 86%. 

•  The EPA is leading efforts to evaluate lifecycle emissions from renewable fuels, which will incorporate both direct and indirect land-use and other impacts, as mandated by EISA. 

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How we make and distribute electricity is changing! 

The electric power generation, transmission and distribution system (the electric "grid") is changing and evolving from the electric grid of the 19th and 20th centuries, which was inefficient, highly-polluting, very expensive and “dumb.”  

The "old" way of generating and distributing energy resembles this slide:

Monty Goodell, MBA
Founder and Chairman
Renewable Energy Institute

The Renewable Energy Institute (REI) does not take a stand in the debate on global warming, and if there is global warming, is it "anthropogenic" or is it caused by the sun, or the sun's normal cycles.  Or, if there is " climate change," is it " global cooling" caused by the water vapor in the atmosphere?

At the Renewable Energy Institute, we are waiting for the "true" scientists who doing the real research, to provide us with the science and answers critically needed to formulate correct policy - and not the phony " scientists" who are following politically-motivated and profit-driven agendas of the United Nations and government leaders. These phony scientists are not interested in conducting real scientific research.  Their very livelihoods are dependent on the government grants to fund their phony research that have pre-determined conclusions before and "research" is conducted.  

Political-interference by governments, governmental agencies, and bureaucrats that hand out billions of tax-payers dollars to phony scientists to conduct "junk science" and research,  expect the conclusions that supports anthropogenic global warming, or climate change. 

When scientists conclude in their research that they find no evidence of anthropogenic climate change or global warming, they are summarily dismissed, and black-balled from their communities and colleagues, and never again receive funding or grants.  Grants and funding by government bureaucrats with politically-driven agendas to "scientists" expecting their pre-determined results and conclusions supporting anthropogenic global warming must stop.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2007

• the solar industry received $198 million in subsidies.

• the oil and natural gas industry collected $2.1 Billion in tax-payer subsidies.

• the coal industry coal received $3.2 Billion in tax-payer subsidies.

And since 1960:

• the nuclear industry has received nearly $70 billion in tax-payer incentives and tax-payer subsidies. 

Taxpayers have bankrolled the oil and gas industry, and the coal industry for 100 years now, and the nuclear industry for 50 years, to keep these dirty fuels and energy "cheap." Take away the tax-payer incentives and tax dollars, and we believe the real cost of gasoline, would be similar to the gasoline cost in Europe - $7.00 - $8.00/gallon!

In the meantime, our U.S. Military is spending billions of tax-payer dollars each year protecting the Straits of Hormuz where much of the world's crude oil is produced and shipped through the straits' international shipping lanes.  Each day, hundreds of "very large crude carriers" pass through the Straits of Hormuz carrying oil from OPEC and the Middle-East to the U.S. and many other countries. 

Isn't it time we take some of the tax-payer dollars supporting the nuclear, coal and oil and gas industries, and start incentivizing clean, renewable energy technologies that don't pollute or harm the environment in any way?  Isn't it time that America ends its reliance on non-sustainable energy sources and stop over $1 billion every day, to oil suppliers from foreign countries, and start putting this money in "solar on every rooftop?!?

Mercury Emissions from Coal Fired Power Plants Far More Harmful to the Planet and People than Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Regarding the harm being caused to our planet from energy use, far more harm is being done to the planet, as well as to people and plants and animals, particularly fish, from the mercury emissions from coal fired power plants than from the coal fired power plants' greenhouse gas emissions.  We surmise that if any polar bears have died as a result of an environmental problem, it was more likely from the high levels of mercury in their food chain, than from greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Renewable Energy Institute is supporting and advancing renewable energy technologies, as well as reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and the fossil-fuel problems related to America's oil addiction and ending our dependence on foreign oil.  The renewable energy technologies we support are already deemed to be economic, viable and practical. Solutions such as Solar Trigeneration energy systems (see www.SolarTrigeneration.com for more information) for any kind of facility or building - office buildings, shopping centers, data centers, university campuses, etc. 

Since 2003, a Solar Trigeneration energy system has been providing 100% of the power and energy for a 5,300 sq. ft. office building near downtown Los Angeles, and doing so without any connection to the electric grid, whether its 12 noon or 12 midnite!  

The Renewable Energy Institute is also involved in research and advocacy of "Net Zero Energy" (see: www.NetZeroEnergy.com for more information) and "Net Zero Energy Buildings" (see:  www.NetZeroEnergyBuildings.com for more information).  Net Zero Energy Buildings generate as much (or more) energy than they use, and export their excess power to the grid, which we believe needs to be updated into a "Transmission Superhighway."

Climate Change, Global Warming or Global Cooling?

The past 10 years indicates the opposite of "global warming" has occurred - that the "Earths Fever" has and that global cooling has taken place. 

Weather, on a daily basis, or even an annual basis, is not climate, and climate is not weather. 

"Climate change" is always taking place, from one day to the next, and one week to the next, as well as one year to the next. The planet's climate is an ever-evolving, changing and dynamic process.  

Again, researchers and scientists need to refrain from being political, and stay out of politics, and politicians need to stay out of the way of the scientists and researchers, and let them do their work.  Politicians, government leaders and bureaucrats scientists need true and accurate data and climate research from scientists that do not have a political agenda.

In the meantime, as there may still be 30 years of research before there are conclusive answers concerning anthropogenic climate change, can we "risk" 30 years of our children and grand children's future, should there is a link between climate change and greenhouse gas emissions?  Should we not err on the side of caution?

Hubbert's Peak Oil Predictions Now Proving True?

Marion King Hubbert was a geologist and scientist who worked at Shell Oil company's research lab in Houston, Texas.  Hubbert made several important contributions to geology, geophysics and petroleum geology.  Hubbert is most recognized for the "Hubbert Curve" and " Hubbert Peak Theory" which is now referred to as " Peak Oil. 

Hubbert's life work determined that the world has a finite amount of petroleum that can be produced.  (Similarly, there is a finite amount of coal.) Many scientists and engineers believe we have reached Hubbert's "peak oil" limit.  Hubbert's espouses that when 50% of domestic crude oil production has been reached, that there will be such significant upward demand on prices of the limited supplies of oil production, that the U.S. economy will experience severe economic, social, and political turmoil.

Hubbert's Peak Oil predictions have proven to be true and this is validated as the U.S. in the early 1970's produced about 60% of its' oil demand and imported 40%.  That equation has flipped since then, because our domestic oil production has been on the decline since 1970, so now, due to our declining domestic oil production, we have to import 60% of our oil supplies, to meet our country's oil/energy demands.

The Next Oil Shock Could be the "mother" of All Oil Shocks

How severe our economic calamity and next "oil shock" will depend upon a number of factors, including when this occurs, as well as the following:

1.  the dependence of the individual country upon its own crude oil production to meet its energy needs and to subsidize consumer imports; 

2.  the rate of relative decline in crude oil production; 

3.  the degree of difficulty encountered in replacing missing energy inputs; 

4.  the degree to which our country had prepared in advance for this inevitable geological and economic calamity.

Examples of past "oil shocks" and the economic and political calamities that followed:

United States: Our peak crude oil production of domestic oil occurred in 1970; the first "oil shock" and oil crisis followed in 1973 with the Arab/OPEC Oil Embargo.

Soviet Union: Their peak crude oil production was in 1989; what happened next? 
Their country disintegrated and the collapse of the Soviet Union followed in 1991. 

Indonesia: Their peak crude oil production was in 1991; their financial and government crisis followed in 1997.

Iraq: Iraq's crude oil production was in 1989; they then invaded Kuwait (for their oil) in 1991.

Iran: Their peak crude oil production occurred in 1974; They had their islamic revolution 1979 that overturned government and replaced it with radical islam.

Using Mr. Hubbert's predictions, that beginning around 2000  we would see peak (global) oil production, then, if the country's not weaning themselves off of their oil addiction, and had not begun making the switch to renewable energy, that the negative economic and political calamities would soon follow, including ever-increasing prices of energy that is from fossil fuels. 

Now is the time to begin weaning ourselves off of fossil fuels and making the transition to and increasing the use of renewable energy. If you don't believe in climate change, or global warming, GREAT! Join us in the switch to renewable energy and a fossil-free economy!

America's "Clear and Present Danger"

America Has INCREASED its' Dependence on Foreign 
Sources of Energy by 50% Since 1973.

America is even more "addicted" to foreign oil today, than we were in 1973 - 1974 when OPEC, Saudi Arabia and other suppliers from the Middle-East  stopped selling us their fossil fuels, and created a significant blow to our economy.
 

This Means that 65% of America's Energy Supplies are Now Imported from Suppliers from Foreign Countries.  

Simply put, about 65% of the gasoline in your car's gas tank, comes from a foreign country.

EVERY day, the U.S. must IMPORT over 13 million bbls of oil from foreign countries and foreign suppliers to meet demand. 

At $80/barrel of oil, this also means that $1,040,000,000.00 American Dollars leave our country, EVERY DAY, to foreign countries/suppliers of our fossil fuels, to pay for the energy we need. 

That's $1 Billion EVERY day leaving our economy, and going to support a foreign country's economy. 

Talk about our foreign trade deficit..... nearly $400 Billion each year, leaves our country to pay for our oil addiction and the energy we need.  To be exact, that's $379,600,000,000.00 American Dollars.

This is NOT acceptable.

America needs to quickly transition to Energy Independence. 

Renewable Energy is the Only Way America Can Achieve Energy Independence. 

Millions of new and sustainable American jobs would be created here at home, if we would end our addiction to foreign fossil fuels, and quickly transition to an economy based on renewable energy and renewable fuels, produced here in the U.S.A. 

The good news is that today, America already has all of the Renewable Energy Resources and Renewable Energy Technologies needed to make American Energy Independence a reality. 

According to Monty Goodell, Founder and Chairman of the Renewable Energy Institute, "our increased dependence and reliance on foreign energy supplies represents a Clear and Present Danger to our national security, our economy, and the lives and livelihood of every American. Energy - including the energy we use from imported fossil fuels, is the very "lifeblood" of the American economy as it is for every industrialized country.  An economy dies without it's lifeblood of energy. This Clear and Present Danger we face is far more serious than the problems related to greenhouse gas emissions.  And while greenhouse gas emissions are very serious issue, in the long-term, pales in comparison to America's vital national security interests and America's economic stability in the short term.  For this reason alone, America needs to transition away from its addiction to foreign energy supplies. And America's abundant renewable energy resources such as the energy we receive from the sun, and renewable energy technologies such as concentrated solar power (CSP) plants - can supply 100% of America's power requirements with a concentrating solar power plant measuring 75 miles by 75 miles, located in the Southwest U.S.  By generating America's power from concentrating solar power plants, America resolves its' short-term Clear and Present Danger as it relates to importing its energy from foreign countries, and the long-term problems relating to greenhouse gas emissions."

Continuing, Mr. Goodell states that "too many Americans have forgotten what happened to us in 1973, when the Arabs and OPEC brought the United States economy to a screeching halt during the OPEC Oil Embargo.  This happened because they (mainly the country of Saudi Arabia) disagreed with our foreign policy and is the reason why they "turned off the tap" of our need for their oil supplies. When Saudi Arabia and OPEC stopped the vital flow of oil to our country in 1973, they caused an "oil shock" that severely and negatively impacted our economy. 

Mr. Goodell's question for us to ponder is, "do these countries who sell us 60% of our daily energy requirements, like us and our foreign policy, or might they leverage our addiction to their fossil fuels, and turn off the tap to make us adjust or revise our foreign policy??  Like any addict, America's foreign policy may be held hostage to its addiction, and in this case, our addiction to foreign oil, may over-ride our national interests."

Have American's forgotten the gas shortages and long lines at 
their gas stations to get gas during the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973? 

"Apparently so."  Mr. Goodell states that "in 1973, America was 'addicted' and 'over the barrel' of foreign oil to the amount of 40%.  Forty percent of our energy 'needs' in 1973 came from countries - many of which didn't like us then, and I'm afraid, many of them still don't.  The difference between 1973 and today - is that today we receive 50% MORE foreign oil now than we did in 1973.  And now we know about the problems relating to greenhouse gas emissions that we didn't know then.  America needs to change course, and change course now, in terms of its' energy supplies and how we keep America's economy strong, without the threat of being held hostage to a middle-east tyrant or regime, that could once again, turn on us, and turn off our supply of foreign oil." 

Remember ????

"Sadly," Monty Goodell continues, "most Americans have forgotten the long lines of people waiting in their cars - lined up and waiting for gasoline at their nearby gas station, with lines that were many blocks long.  And, after waiting 4-5 hours, many even waiting overnight in many places, to finally take their turn to fill up their car with gasoline, only to find that the gas station had run out of gas."

"Let me Repeat.... That was 1973 when we imported 40% of our daily energy requirements in the form of crude oil from overseas, and from foreign countries - and many of these from countries that don't like us.

Today, over 35 years later, America has yet to learn the lesson.  We cannot continue our reliance on energy from foreign countries that supply us with 60% of the crude oil that our refineries use as a feedstock for producing gasoline and diesel fuel for our cars and trucks comes from overseas. 

America is "over the barrel" and it's not our barrel, but the barrels of oil that we are addicted by and owned by other countries.  Why have we not learned the lessons we needed to learn in 1973 when we were cut-off from the vital energy supplies we need? 

Countries like China, are growing rapidly, and have an insatiable need for crude oil. China, with their booming economy, is increasingly growing in its clout and control over international supplies of crude oil - whether they do this through their ability to buy as much oil as they need on a daily basis, or whether they simply but American drilling rigs, technology, and explore and produce oil and gas from their own fields. China, is buying large amounts of oil for their country, and causing upward pricing on declining supplies. What happens if Russia, with all of their oil and natural gas, along with China and Venezuela, with or without the help of OPEC, decided to NOT sell oil to us????

To be sure, greenhouse gas emissions are a problem, and to some, greenhouse gas emissions are also a Clear and Present Danger, but not to the extent that it presents an imminent Clear and Present Danger. 

America's reliance for 60% of our energy "needs" coming from foreign suppliers is un-acceptable.

The "driver" to get America to begin reducing and eliminating fossil fuel use should be our nation's national security and the welfare and safety of its citizens. And this can all begin with developing and investing in our own renewable energy resources and renewable energy technologies, let's start by putting solar on every rooftop that has a clear and unobstructed view of the Southern sky. See www.RooftopPV.com  or  www.DistributedPV.com  for more information.  Let's create incentives begin with adopting a national "Feed In Tariff" as Germany did in 1990. 

We simply do NOT have the luxury of time on our hands.  We need to end our dependence and reliance on foreign fossil fuels, especially from countries that don't like us! We need to rapidly begin expanding renewable energy resources and renewable energy technologies from our vast and abundant renewable energy resources, such as; solar, solar energy systems, solar cogeneration, solar trigeneration, "solar on every roof," along with; Biomass Gasification, B100 Biodiesel, Biomethane, E100 Ethanol (from cellulosic, agricultural waste, sugar cane, etc., and NOT from corn), Geothermal Power Plants, Natural Wastewater Treatment, Synthesis Gas, Waste To Energy, Waste To Fuel and Wind Power Generation where it makes economic and environmental sense."   

For more information, call/email:
the Renewable Energy Institute

Are you doing your part to prevent Climate Change and End America's Reliance on Foreign Energy?  

Our following EcoGeneration technologies, including; Biomethane, B100 Biodiesel and Synthesis Gas Fuels Generated from our "Waste to Fuel" technologies,  are Carbon Free Energy and Pollution Free Power solutions that will:

* forever change the way energy is generated and used.

* eliminate or greatly reduce our customer's electric demand charges and electric expenses.

* slow, stop and eventually reverse climate change by reducing and then eliminating anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions - of which carbon dioxide emissions makes up 80% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

* reduce and eventually eliminate the use of coal and other fossil fuels.

* reduce the need for inefficient and expensive central power plants owned by utility companies. 

* promote energy independence.

* end America's dependence on oil from OPEC and other countries in the Middle-East, Venezuela and end our need for importing natural gas from Russia.

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