Green Car Congress

Hybrid Technologies to Launch EV Distributor Network

Hybrid Technologies will introduce its new dealer/distributor network at the upcoming New York Auto Show.

Under the plan, each of the 75 distributors will be able to establish one full service center and 25 dealers within its exclusive territory to offer Hybrid Technologies’ line of lithium-ion powered vehicles—two-wheel, four-wheel as well as lawn and garden vehicles and wheelchairs—in addition to its standalone lithium-ion battery-powered propulsion system.

ADM to Build European R&D Center in Germany

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) will build a European research and development center in Hamburg, Germany. The facility will explore new food and oleochemical technologies, as well as drive improvement and process efficiencies for existing technologies.

ADM is one of the world’s largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa. ADM is a leading manufacturer of biodiesel, ethanol, soybean oil and meal, corn sweeteners, flour and other value-added food and feed ingredients.

Kanataka Bus Fleet Switching to Ethanol-Diesel Blend

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) of the State of Karnataka in India is currently switching the first 2,500 buses of its 5,162 bus fleet to O2Diesel, an ethanol-diesel blend comprising 7.7% ethanol and 0.5% of O2Diesel’s proprietary fuel additive technology. The decision came after a successful trial of the fuel.

The remaining 2,662 buses of the fleet will be switched by the fourth quarter of 2007. This will represent the single largest ethanol-diesel fleet in the world, using approximately 120,000,000 liters of O2Diesel per year.

O2Diesel is marketed in India by the company&rsqo;s exclusive distributor for the region, Energenics.

We are in discussion with the other state fleets in Karnataka and it is our goal to convert as much of the state-used 400,000,000 liters of diesel to “Enerdiesel powered by O2Diesel” as soon as practically possible during 2007.

We hope to have converted some of the depots belonging to the other 3 state transport corporations in Karnataka by the 2nd quarter of 2007. In addition, we are already in advanced negotiations with several other States in India who have shown substantial interest in a similar conversion based on the success of our program in Bangalore.

—Ronen Hazarika, Managing Director of Energenics

All three components of the fuel, the ethanol, O2Diesel additive and local diesel fuel, are blended at the dispensing pump. This procedure was first used by O2Diesel in Brazil in 2004 but has been completely re-engineered by Energenics and its partners into a cost-effective, fully automated, computerized injection blending unit with realtime remote monitoring.

The blending unit (along with a separate above-ground ethanol storage tank) enables the existing pump to deliver both Enerdiesel and regular diesel, if required. Delivering the solution in this manner ensures protection from contaminants in the diesel storage tank and also enables complete independence from fuel blenders and oil companies.

This method of delivery removes a huge obstacle that has faced the introduction of all new biofuels: How do you achieve independence from the high cost of using existing fuel delivery infrastructure? We are already working with Energenics to adapt the blending unit for use in all our markets.

—Alan Rae, CEO O2Diesel

ARES and Blue Sun Biodiesel in Joint Venture

ARES Corporation (ARES), an engineering and project management company, and Blue Sun Biodiesel have formed a 50-50 joint venture: ARES Blue Sun Development, LLC (ARES Blue Sun).

ARES Blue Sun will combine the engineering expertise of ARES Corporation with the fuel and oilseed technology of Blue Sun Biodiesel to collaborate on improvements in biodiesel process technology, as well as to build biodiesel (B100) production facilities throughout North America.

ARES Blue Sun will build its first plant in Clovis, New Mexico, with an annual capacity of 15 million gallons of biodiesel. The Clovis facility integrates a design jointly developed by the partners. ARES will provide project management services during the construction and operation of the Clovis plant. Blue Sun will incorporate the full B100 output of Clovis into its Blue Sun Fusion B20 product.

ARES began permit work on the Clovis site last year, and had lined up Blue Sun as its distributor. More than half of the ARES’ work is energy-related, and it formed a Clean Energy Business Unit in 2005 to focus on renewable energy, especially solar and solar hybrid systems; gasification of coal and/or waste; biofuels; sustainable energy efficiency technologies; and hydrogen-related applications.

BlueSun recently announced it was going public through the mechanism of a reverse merger. (Earlier post.)

Gasoline Demand in Japan Drops In 2006 For 1st Time In 32 Yrs

Demand for motor gasoline in Japan declined 0.9% (as measured by calendar year shipments minus end of year inventory) to 60 million kiloliters (15.9 billion gallons US) in 2006—the first year-on-year drop in 32 years—according to data released Wednesday by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Within the total, demand for premium gasoline fell even more sharply, dropping 5.6% year on year to 10.1 million kiloliters (2.7 billion gallons US). Demand for diesel rose 0.1% to 40.2 million kiloliters (10.6 billion gallons).

The Petroleum Association of Japan has projected that domestic gasoline demand would start to decline in fiscal 2008 as the population ages amid a lower birthrate. But with higher crude oil prices, the decrease occurred sooner than expected, according to The Nikkei. Oil distributors may face a surfeit of output capacity.

Gasoline consumption is falling because of an increase in minivehicle sales as well as the spread of gasoline-electric hybrids, according to The Nikkei.

Total domestic auto sales in Japan fell 1.9% in 2006 to a 20-year low of 5.73 million units in 2006. By contrast, minivehicle purchases rose 5.2% to exceed 2 million units for the first time. The minivehicle figure was up for the third year in a row. Minivehicles now account for 35.3% of total new-automobile sales by volume in Japan.

Pirelli Ambiente and LiqTech to Research New SiC Diesel Particulate Filters

Pirelli Ambiente, a company within the Pirelli & C. Group, and LiqTech A/S, a Danish company with long experience in silicon carbide (SiC) filters for the retrofit market, are initiating a joint research project to improve the performance of SiC Diesel Particulate Filters.

Results from the research will belong to both companies. Pirelli Ambiente will have exclusive rights in Europe, Russia, the former Soviet Republics, Brazil and China. LiqTech will have exclusive rights in the US, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, India and Japan.

SiC is superior to cordierite in heat resistance, and SiC DPF filters have lower maximum temperatures inside the DPF during regeneration compared with a cordierite DPF. This atttribute allows safe, periodic regeneration with a high soot amount in the filter. This is suited to application in passenger car and lighter duty vehicles driving with lower-speed, stop-and-go cycles—and lower exhaust gas temperatures, according to another SiC DPF provider, NGK Insulators. But SiC’s thermal expansion is higher and it is more expensive than cordierite.

LiqTech will also support Pirelli Ambiente in developing technology to produce SiC Diesel Particulate Filters for the original equipment market on a wider scale. The results of this development will be Pirelli Ambiente’s alone, and will be implemented in a new Romanian plant now under construction.

The plant will begin operation in the second half of 2008 and will produce more than 1,300 tons of SiC filters.

LiqTech also produces an SiC diesel oxidation catalyst.

Resources:

• Silicon Carbide & Cordierite DPF Technologies for Diesel Emission Control (NGK)

Oklahoma Governor Proposes Bioenergy Center

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has proposed that the state spend $40 million over a four-year period to create an Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC) to focus on bioenergy research, development and education.

Biofuels research supported by the OBC would include development of feedstocks (primarily cellulosic biomass), collection and transportation, conversion technologies and distribution. Because the center would provide a particular boost for the state’s rural and agricultural economy, it would also feature an education component to help interested farmers and ranchers make the transition to energy crops and adopt best management practices.

Oklahoma produces many promising energy crops, such as switchgrass and other native grasses. The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation would be founding consortium members and integral to the mission of the OBC.

Coupled with the state’s oil and gas industry, Gov. Henry said, the OBC would make Oklahoma a leader in the energy arena.

A thriving oil and gas industry certainly does not nullify our need to pursue other sources of energy. In fact, more and more oil companies today are making the necessary investments in alternative energy. Aside from the concerns stemming from our dependence on foreign oil, the fact is that oil continues to get harder and harder to find and more expensive to produce. The emerging economic powers of China and India only mean more intense competition for the oil that does exist.

—Governor Henry

European Commission Proposes Lower Carbon Fuel Standards

The European Commission today proposed new standards for transport fuels that, among other measures, require suppliers to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the production, transport and use of their fuels by 10% between 2011 and 2020.

This life-cycle based approach to lower carbon fuels echoes the new California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) ordered by Governor Schwarzenegger that also requires, as an initial goal, a 10% reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) intensity of all passenger vehicle fuels sold in California by 2020. (Earlier post.)

The Commission said that its proposal to revise the existing 1998 fuel quality directive reflects developments in fuel and engine technology, the growing importance of biofuels and the need both to meet the air quality goals set out in the 2005 Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution and to further reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change.

Achieving the EC’s goal of a 10% reduction would cut emissions by 500 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2020—equivalent to the total combined emissions of Spain and Sweden today.

Key elements of the directive include:

• The 10% reduction in life-cycle GHG emissions. Starting in 2011, suppliers will have to reduce emissions per unit of energy by 1% a year from 2010 levels. This will result in a 10% cut—relative to 2010—by 2020.

• A new gasoline blend. To enable a higher volume of biofuels to be used in gasoline, the proposal establishes a separate gasoline blend with a higher permitted content of oxygenates, including up to 10% ethanol. The different gasoline blends will be clearly marked to avoid fuelling vehicles with incompatible fuel.

  To compensate for an increase in VOCs emissions that will result from greater use of ethanol, the Commission will also propose the mandatory introduction of vapor recovery equipment at filling stations later this year.

• Ultra low-sulfur diesel. From 31 December 2008, all on-road diesel fuel marketed will have to have an ultra-low sulfur content of no more than 10 parts per million. From 31 December 2009, all off-road diesel fuel will also have to have the ultra low 10 ppm sulfur content, down from the current 1,000 ppm (in 2008). Fuel for inland waterway barges (also currently at 1,000 ppm in 2008) must hit 300 ppm by 31 December 2009, and 10 ppm by 31 December 2011.

• PAH reduction. From 1 January 2009, the maximum permitted content of poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is to be reduced by one-third. This may reduce emissions not only of PAHs, some of which may cause cancer, but also of particulate matter.

• Reduced Sulfur Off-road and marine diesel. The permitted sulphur content of diesel for use by non-road machinery and inland waterway barges will also be substantially cut.

This is one of the most important measures in the series of new initiatives the Commission needs to take to step up the fight against global climate change. It is a concrete test of our political commitment to leadership on climate policy and our capacity to translate political priorities into concrete measures. It will further underpin Europe’s shift towards the low-carbon economy that is essential if we are to prevent climate change from reaching dangerous proportions. These proposals will also help achieve a significant reduction in the noxious pollutants from transport that can harm our citizens’ health, as well as opening the way for a major expansion in the use of biofuels, especially second generation biofuels.

—Stavros Dimas, Environment Commissioner

Major changes to technical specifications proposed
Parameter	Old value	New value
Maximum permitted oxygen content in gasoline	2.7% by mass	3.7% by mass in “high biofuel petrol”
Maximum ethanol content	5% by volume	10% by volume in “high biofuel petrol”
Other oxygenates	Varied between 3 and 15%	All increased by a comparable amount in “high biofuel petrol” except methanol.
Sulfur content of on-road diesel	Currently 50 ppm. Provisionally 10 ppm from 1 January 2009	10 ppm from 31 December 2008
Sulfur content of off-road diesel	1,000 ppm from 2008	10 ppm from 31 December 2009
Sulfur content of inland waterway diesel	1,000 ppm from 2008	300 ppm from 31 December 2009 10ppm from 31 December 2011
Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbon content of diesel	11% by mass	8% by mass

European environmental groups welcomed the proposed lower-carbon fuel standards, but continued to criticize the Commission for its failure to announce a legally-binding target for car fuel efficiency. (Earlier post.)

Until now Europe’s approach to alternatives like biofuels has been to promote them regardless of whether or not they are good or bad for the environment. If it’s designed right this commitment to reducing carbon emissions will ensure that only the cleanest biofuels are promoted and the production process of fossil fuels is cleaned up. That is a very good approach and we welcome it.

—Jos Dings, director of Transport & Environment

Chaoyang to build CNG stations for Taxis

Chaoyang Liaohe Oilfield Natural Gas Co., Ltd. plans to build CNG stations in Chengnan, Chengbei and Hedong (China), in a bid to meet the fueling demands of up to 3,000 taxicabs.

Bosch Acquires Geothermal Heat Pump Company

Bosch has acquired FHP Manufacturing as a part of its strategy to strengthen its Thermotechnology division and gain better access to the rapidly growing US market for electric geothermal heat pumps. FHP is Bosch's second acquisition in the field of electric heat pumps, following the acquisition of the Swedish IVT Industrier AB in January 2005.

A recently-released comprehensive new MIT-led study of the potential for geothermal energy within the United States has found that Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) technology could supply a substantial portion of US electricity well into the future, probably at competitive prices and with minimal environmental impact. (Earlier post.)

Report: Volkswagen Changing Strategy for Hybrids

Germany’s Automobilewoche reports that with the change in Volkswagen’s top management is coming a change in strategy for hybrids.

Martin Winterkorn, who formerly headed the company’s Audi AG unit, became CEO after Bernd Pischetsrieder resigned at the end of 2006. Pischetsrieder had brought in Wolfgang Bernhard from DaimlerChrysler to run the Volkswagen unit. Berhard has now left (as of today), and Winterkorn will personally oversee the VW brand for the time being.

Now, rather than target a mild hybrid Jetta for sale into the California market in 2008 as described by Pischetsrieder, Volkswagen will focus first on a full hybrid Touareg SUV. VW has announced a 50-state compliant (Tier 2 Bin 5) diesel Jetta will go on sale in the US in 2008. (Earlier post.)

The additional cost of the compact hybrid or of a hybrid drivetrain applied in a Touran van didn’t make sense for management, given price-sensitivity of the consumers, and a negligible gain in fuel efficiency compared to a diesel powertrain. VW was exploring the use of the Continental mild hybrid system in those applications. (Earlier post.)

Now, Volkswagen will concentrate on developing a hybrid application of the Touareg (along with Porsche with its Cayenne) for the end of 2008, with Bosch providing the full hybrid system, according to the report. (Earlier post.)

Survey: Canadians Support Higher Fuel Economy Standards as Top Measure to Counter Global Warming

Globe and Mail. A Strategic Counsel survey for Canada’s The Globe and Mail and CTV found that higher fuel-economy standards and forcing consumers and industry to switch to alternative fuels rank No. 1 (86%) and No. 2 (80%) in terms of what Canadians are most likely to support to counter global warming.

Only 31% voiced support for charging significantly higher prices for gasoline and home heating fuel, but 72% were willing to pay more for a fuel-efficient car.

The survey, which polled 1,000 Canadians, also found that 62% of those polled said Canadians would be willing to have the economy grow at a “significantly slower rate” to reduce global warming.

The dramatic rise in production from Alberta’s oil sands has played a key role in Canada’s economic strength in recent years, but the survey suggests a willingness to give up some of that growth.

When asked if Canadians would support slowing or reducing the development of the tar sands in Northern Alberta, 48 per cent said there would be support and 32 per cent predicted opposition to the idea.

The survey was taken between Jan. 11 and 14 and is accurate to within three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Survey: Which of these measures would you support to reduce carbon emissions?
Raising fuel standards for vehicles and appliances	86%
Consumers and industry switching to alternative fuels	80%
Banning coal fueled electrical generating facilities	62%
Setting limits on fossil fuel consumption	56%
Reducing development of Alberta’s oil sands	48%
Higher prices for gasoline and home heating fuel	31%

(A hat-tip to Bob!)

Resources:

• State of Canadian Public Opinion: The Greening of Canada

GM Urges Feds to Fund Major Battery Research and Development Effort

In testimony before the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today, GM Vice President for Environment and Energy Beth Lowery urged the government to fund a major effort to strengthen domestic advanced battery capabilities—specifically lithium-ion batteries.

Her stance was echoed during the hearing by statements from other witnesses, including John German, Manager, Environmental and Energy Analyses from Honda and Dr. Menahem Anderman, President, Advanced Automotive Batteries.

In her testimony, Lowery argued for the development of a range of alternative sources of energy and propulsion, the better to mitigate many of the issues surrounding energy availability.

...the fact of the matter is that it is highly unlikely that oil alone is going to supply all of the world’s rapidly growing automotive energy requirements. For the global auto industry, this means that we must—as a business necessity—develop alternative sources of propulsion, based on alternative sources of energy in order to meet the world’s growing demand for our products. The key is energy diversity, which can help us displace substantial quantities of oil that are consumed by US vehicles today.

Lowery suggested five steps the government could take to help:

• Fund domestic advanced battery capabilities. “Advanced lithium-ion batteries are a key enabler to a number of advanced vehicle technologies—including plug-in hybrids. Government funding should increase R&D in this area and develop new support for domestic manufacturing of advanced batteries.”

• Expand biofuels production and infrastructure. “Government should continue incentives for: the manufacture of biofuel-capable flex fuel vehicles; increases in biofuels production; increases for R&D into cellulosic ethanol; and increased support for broad-based infrastructure conversion.”

• Continue support for the development and demonstration of hydrogen and fuel cells. “Funding should continue for hydrogen and fuel cell R&D and demonstration activities at DOE. The government should also commit to early purchases by government fleets and support for early refueling infrastructure in targeted locals in the 2010-2015 timeframe.”

• Set a purchasing example. “The government should continue to purchase flex fuel vehicles; demand maximum utilization of E85 in the government flex fuel fleets; use federal fueling to stimulate publicly accessible pumps; provide funding to permit purchase of electric, plug-in and fuel cell vehicles into federal fleets as soon as technology is available.”

• Provide further incentives for advanced technology. “Consumer tax credits should be focused on technologies that have the greatest potential to actually reduce petroleum consumption and provide support for manufacturers/suppliers to build/convert facilities that provide advanced technologies.”

John German from Honda agreed on the need for diversity of solutions, and for more emphasis on advanced battery research and development.

By far the most important action the government can take is research into improved energy storage...With respect to hybrids and, especially, plug-in hybrids, the most important factor is to reduce the cost, size, and weight of the battery pack.

The success of electric drive technologies, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cells, depends on our ability to build less expensive, lighter and more robust energy storage devices.

However, German also reiterated Honda’s position on the benefit of performance-based incentives.

As Honda has previously announced, we believe it is time for the Federal government to take action to improve vehicle economy. Given the rapid changes in technology, performance-based incentives are the best way to move the ball forward. It is impossible to predict the pace of technology development and when breakthroughs will or will not occur. Accordingly, technology-specific mandates cannot get us where we need to go. In fact, previous attempts to mandate specific technologies have a poor track record, such as the attempts in the 1990s to promote methanol and the California electric vehicle mandate.

The primary effect of technology-specific mandates is to divert precious resources from other development programs that likely are much more promising. If there are to be mandates, they should be stated in terms of performance requirements, with incentives and supported by research and development.

One example would be to increase the CAFE standards. The NHTSA already has the authority to regulate vehicle efficiency and Honda has called upon the agency to increase the stringency of the fuel economy requirements and has supported efforts to reform the passenger car standards. At the same time, Congress should develop a program of broad, performance-based incentives to stimulate demand in the marketplace to purchase vehicles that meet the new requirements.

Resources:

• Lowery Testimony

• German Testimony

• Anderman Testimony

Washington State Considering Measure to Support 25% Cut in Petroleum Use

Washington state legislators are considering a “Clean Air, Clean Fuels” bill (HB #1303) that would provide funding to support a 25% cut in the petroleum use of the state's fleets via a range of initiatives including support for biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol, development of new technologies such as plug-in hybrids, and reducing fossil fuel consumption.

A hearing on the measure is scheduled for tomorrow in the state’s House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

SatCon Wins Naval Propulsion Motor Technology SBIR Contract

SatCon Technology Corporation, a developer and supplier of power management and system architecture solutions for the alternative energy and distributed power markets, has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract with the US Navy to develop insulation technology for advanced propulsion motor designs for future all-electric ships.

The results of this research will have direct commercial applicability to SatCon’s electric drive and generation systems wherever power density and efficiency of the electromechanical power conversion process is a key driver. This includes hybrid and electric vehicle traction drives, mobile generator sets, and aerospace electric propulsion and power generation systems, according to the company.

New motor winding insulation techniques are necessary to balance the increasing voltage and thermal stresses associated with the drive to higher power application of pulse width modulation (PWM) driven electric machinery, particularly with permanent magnet machinery.

As a result of this research, the Company expects to develop new motor design solutions that will enable higher power density, affordable manufacturing capability, and increased reliability compared with current practices.

This award follows a December 2006 award for another Phase I SBIR contract with the US Navy to develop a bi-directional universal input/output Multiverter.

The bi-directional converter builds on technology developed for the Army Research Laboratory and can become a versatile distributed generation interface for linking shipboard energy sources such as fuel cells, batteries and energy storage sources, to the ship’s electrical distribution system, enabling more efficient operation and saving fuel.

The results of this research will also have applicability to other all-electric vehicle programs and alternative energy markets, including Plug-in Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (PHEV) vehicle applications. DC input from photovoltaic arrays, or AC input from wind or hydro generators, or stored energy from batteries can be used to provide AC output to a load or utility and in reverse the utility can be used to recharge batteries.

Oil Production at Cantarell Declines 25% in 2006

Production from the PEMEX Cantarell complex in 2006. Click to enlarge.

Oil production from Mexico’s giant Cantarell offshore complex, which now accounts for 50% of PEMEX’s total output, declined 25% during the course of 2006, according to statistics from the Energy Ministry available on the Sistema de Información Energética.

Total Cantarell output dropped from 1.978 million barrels per day in January to 1.493 million barrels per day in December. The Akal-Nohoch field—the main component of Cantarell—declined from 1.920 million barrels per day to 1.439.

Although the sharp decline was partially offset by production from other fields, Mexico’s total petroleum production dropped 12% from 3.371 million barrels per day in January to 2.978 million barrels per day in December.

The decline is more rapid than PEMEX has projected. In testimony before the Energy Committee of the Mexican Senate in November 2006, PEMEX CEO Luis Ramirez Corzo said that production at Cantarell would decline by an average of 14% per year between 2007 and 2015. (Earlier post.)

In August 2005, PEMEX forecast that Cantarell production in 2006 would average 1.905 million bpd—a forecast volume 6% lower as compared to 2005 production of 2.032 million bpd.

The data, however, show an average realized production of 1.788 million bpd in 2006, representing a 12% annual decline from 2005 to 2006—double the forecast.

Cantarell’s production peaked in 2004 at 2.125 million barrels per day, according to PEMEX. In 1997, PEMEX began nitrogen injection to maintain reservoir pressure. The injection regimen supported increasing crude oil production from 1.082 million barrels per day in 1996 to the peak in 2004. (Earlier post.)

The US imports about 1.6 million barrels per day of crude from Mexico—about 12% of the total—making Mexico the number two source of imported crude behind Canada. Saudi Arabia and Venezuela contend for the third spot, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.

BMW Delivers Waste-Water-Free Production at Steyr Engine Plant

BMW has developed a new recycling process in its engine plant in Steyr (Austria) that has resulted in the elimination of waste water.

Using a new combination of various membrane technologies, all manufacturing waste water in the plant is treated and fed back into the production system for an annual savings of around 30 million liters (7.9 million gallons US) of water. BMW has closed the mains drainage connection at the plant.

In engine manufacturing, water is used to create an emulsion with coolants for milling and turning, and for washing or rinsing during the finishing of cylinder heads, crank cases, crank shafts and connecting rods.

BMW first introduced a waste water treatment system using nanofiltration technology at Steyr in 2003. The results from that system were so successful that BMW determined it could introduce a completely enclosed water cycle for production, according to Franz Hornbachner, responsible for planning “fluid technology.”

The waste water goes through three stages. First, oil residues are removed from the waste water by ultrafiltration. Then heavy metals and low-volatility lipophilic substances—i.e. surfactants (surface-active substances)—are removed from the water by nanofiltration. In the third stage of the waste water treatment, dissolved salts and short-chain organic compounds are removed by reverse osmosis. The process only uses these physical methods, without the addition of any chemicals.

The BMW Group has invested around €1.5 million (US$1.9 million) in these technologies over the last three years.

Nissan Prices the Altima Hybrid

Nissan has priced the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid (earlier post) starting at $24,400. The new hybrid sedan is on sale now at Nissan retailers in the eight states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Altima Hybrid’s EPA fuel economy is estimated at 42 mpg City and 36 mpg Highway. It is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no evaporative emissions.

The Altima Hybrid has been certified by the Internal Revenue Service as meeting the requirements for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, thereby qualifying for a tax credit of $2,350.

Arkansas Considers Bills to Support Biodiesel Development

The Arkansas state legislature is considering the Arkansas Alternative Fuels Development Act, a measure that would provide up to $4 million in incentives for biodiesel production and infrastructure in state.

A funding bill would appropriate also $2 million to the University of Arkansas agriculture department for research, and up to $4 million for matching federal grants for research.

Sen. Robert Thompson, D-Paragould, said Monday he also is working on legislation that would require all service stations in the state to sell only biodiesel fuel when production in Arkansas reaches a certain level.

Maxwell Receives Large Order for Ultracapacitor Electrode Material From Licensee in China

Maxwell Technologies has received a purchase order for 100,000 square meters of its proprietary ultracapacitor electrode material from Shanghai Sanjiu Electric Equipment Company, Ltd. (Sanjiu). Sanjiu is preparing to introduce a line of ultracapacitor products based on Maxwell’s cell architecture and high-performance electrodes for the Chinese transportation, electric utility and industrial markets, with a specific focus on Shanghai.

Sanjiu already has produced and delivered a variety of prototype electric and hybrid buses, trucks and other vehicles powered by drive systems employing a combination of batteries and Maxwell BOOSTCAP ultracapacitors for energy storage and regenerative braking.

We have identified substantial and immediate demand for ultracapacitor-based energy storage and power delivery systems for a broad range of transportation, industrial and utility applications.

—Hong Yuan Shuai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Ruihua Group

The order is to be filled over the balance of 2007, based on Sanjiu’s planned production of 100,000 large cell 3,000 farad ultracapacitors cells for the year.

The order was placed under the terms of an April 2006 ultracapacitor technology license and exclusive electrode material supply agreement between Maxwell and Sanjiu’s joint venture parent companies, Shanghai Urban Electric Power Investment Development Corporation (SUEP) and the Ruihua Group.

Maxwell has provided training and technical support and documentation for Sanjiu personnel in cell and module assembly at Maxwell’s facility in San Diego, and at Sanjiu’s new plant in Shanghai.

Maxwell will continue to manufacture its proprietary ultracapacitor electrode material internally. The licenses and technology transfer arrangements with Sanjiu specifically exclude Maxwell’s carbon film electrode technology.

Maxwell is also establishing separate manufacturing facilities and its own sales and distribution organization to market ultracapacitor products in China.

The financial resources of Ruihua and SUEP and their networks of affiliated power utility and manufacturing companies and distribution channels will enable Sanjiu to expand ultracapacitor sales in China more broadly and rapidly than Maxwell could on its own. In addition to generating high-volume sales of our electrode material, this relationship may also provide an additional future option for offshore ultracapacitor assembly capacity to meet growing worldwide demand for our BOOSTCAP products.

—Dr. Richard Balanson, Maxwell’s President and Chief Executive Officer

JAXA Targets 2008 Launch for Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite

The structural thermal model (STM) of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite GOSAT.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is planning a summer 2008 launch for its new Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT). JAXA unveiled a prototype of GOSAT at its space center in Tsukuba on Monday.

GOSAT will monitor the distribution of the surface density of greenhouse gases on a near global basis, measuring about 56,000 points on the globe in a three-day scan cycle as it orbits the planet every 100 minutes. Currently, the number of ground-based carbon dioxide observation points has been limited, and they have been distributed unequally throughout the world.

GOSAT will measure the concentration of greenhouse gases by analyzing absorption levels in infrared energy radiated from the Earth. Many absorption lines of greenhouse gases are observed within the infrared spectrum region, and JAXA expects GOSAT to provide accurate data by measuring those absorption levels with precision.

The observational data from space will be combined with data obtained on land and with simulation models.

GOSAT was jointly developed by JAXA and Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. JAXA is responsible for the development of the satellite itself and an observing sensor, while the ministry is mainly in charge of the utilization of the data obtained.

ZAP and Lotus to Use APX Concept as Basis for High-Performance In-Wheel Motor Electric ZAP-X

The Lotus APX will serve as the basis for the new electric ZAP-X.

ZAP and Lotus Engineering are beginning the first phase of an engineering project to use the British consultancy’s APX ("Aluminum Performance Crossover") as a basis for designing a production-ready electric all-wheel drive crossover high performance vehicle for ZAP—the ZAP-X—in the US market.

A combination of the lightweight aluminum vehicle architecture, a new efficient drive and advanced battery management systems is intended to enable a range of up to 350 miles between charges, with a rapid 10-minute recharging time. An auxiliary power unit is planned to support longer distance journeys.

The APX’s supercharged gasoline 3.0-liter V6 engine will be replaced by in-hub electric motors, delivering 644 horsepower in all-wheel drive mode, theoretically capable of powering the ZAP-X to a potential top speed of 155 mph. A new strong, lightweight and highly efficient structure based on the Lotus technology is planned to give the car a very attractive power-to-weight ratio.

The APX showcases Lotus Engineering’s Versatile Vehicle Architecture technology, combining lightweight aluminum vehicle architecture with exceptionally strong and stiff structural rigidity, as well as lower manufacturing investment requirements.

According to Lotus, the key to the VVA architecture is the high-pressure die cast corner nodes that are combined with bonding, mechanical fasteners, extruded and pressed aluminium. Having first been shown to the world at the Geneva motor show in 2006, the APX concept has won the 2006 European Aluminium Awards in the “Transport and Automotive” category.

The use of in-wheel motors leaves the space previously occupied by the conventional engine and drive train for additional battery capacity and amenities.

The development program is proposed to be managed from a new center of excellence for research and development of environmentally-friendly vehicle designs and technologies. Engineering input will come from Lotus Engineering Inc, and the British technology consultancy’s other R&D centers in the UK, Malaysia and China.

Lotus Engineering’s APX is a world-class innovative concept and was developed to showcase real solutions to new challenges facing the automotive industry. So it’s very satisfying that ZAP’s proposed new model will make use of a great deal of the APX concept’s advanced body structure and chassis technology. The bringing together of these next-generation vehicle technologies represents another significant step forward for automotive technology.

—Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc

Earlier in January, ZAP had announced the selection of Lotus Engineering to undertake engineering concept studies for a number of electric vehicles. (Earlier post.) ZAP will display the current Lotus APX concept car at the North American Dealers Association (NADA) annual meeting and exhibition, 3-6 February 2007.

Volvo Invests in Black Liquor Gasification Company

Block flow diagram of a Chemrec Black Liquor Gasification with Motor Fuels (BLGMF) production concept. Click to enlarge.

Volvo Technology Transfer AB is investing in Chemrec AB, a company that has developed a technology for gasification of black liquor, a residual product from the pulp industry.

Volvo Technology Transfer AB is part of AB Volvo and focuses on the development and support of new ventures of relevance to the Volvo Group. This investment is part of the Volvo Group’s drive to help speed up the development of renewable fuels for the heavy vehicle industry.

Chemrec has shown that there is an efficient process for converting biomass into renewable fuels. The Volvo Group has no intention of becoming a fuel supplier but wishes instead to continue to conduct engine development on a broad front. On the other hand, we do want to participate in the development of new processes for the production of alternative fuels.

—Anders Brännström, President of Volvo Technology Transfer

Common practice today is to incinerate the black liquor in soda furnaces where the chemicals are recovered and where the energy that is generated has a relatively low efficiency rating. Using gasification rather than incineration to dispose of the black liquor creates a number of by-products including synthesis gas. With this synthesis gas it is possible to utilize known techniques to produce a range of vehicle fuels such as methanol, DME (dimethyl ether), Fischer-Tropsch synthetic diesel and hydrogen gas.

Black liquor motor fuel system (here with optional auto-thermal reformer). Click to enlarge.

The Chemrec high-temperature gasification plant (DP-1) in Piteå, Sweden, has recorded more than 1,100 hours of accumulated operating time producing syngas from black liquor. The next stage will be to produce fuel by modifying the gas cleaning unit and introducing a CO-shift stage into the black liquor gasification (BLG) process.

A report published by Nykomb Synergetics AB and Chemrec under an Altener contract by the EC in 2003 studied BLGMF in detail. On the basis of a modern pulp mill, and factoring in the additional energy required for the process, BLGMF can produce automotive fuel with an efficiency approximating 65%.

Resources:

• Technical and Commercial Feasibility Study of Black Liquor Gasification with Methanol/DME Production as Motor Fuels for Automotive Uses—BLGMF; Ekbom, T., Lindblom, M., Berglin, N. and Ahlvik, P.; Altener Contract No 4.1030/Z/01-087/2001, 2003

60% of Cars Sold in China in 2006 Use 1.6-Liter Engines or Smaller

Cars with an engine size of less than 1.6 liters accounted for 60% of Chinese car sales last year, according to industry statistics.

About 328,000 cars with an engine size of below 1.0 liters were sold last year, accounting for 8.6% of total domestic sedan sales. Cars with an engine size of between 1.0 and 1.6 liters represented about half of total sedan sales.

China’s car sales rose 37% to 3.83 million units in 2006.

First Product Produced from Oryx GTL

The Oryx GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) plant in Qatar has successfully completed the start-up of the final process unit and has produced final GTL product.

The plant will produce 34,000 barrels per day of liquid hydrocarbons (primarily synthetic diesel) from about 330-million cubic feet per day of natural gas from Qatar’s North Field in the Persian Gulf.

Oryx works. We are producing GTL products and we are on target to have product ready for market by the end of the first quarter as previously announced.

—Chris Turner, General Manager of ORYX GTL

Oryx GTL is the first low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch GTL plant outside South Africa dedicated to the production of GTL diesel. The partners intend to increase the capacity of the plant to more than 100,000 bpd and are exploring the construction of a further 130,000 bpd extension of the existing plant. (Earlier post.)

Oryx GTL is a joint venture between state-owned petroleum company Qatar Petroleum (51%) and Sasol (49%).

The plant uses Sasol’s proprietary Slurry Phase Distillate process (SPD) which combines three commercial technologies: autothermal reforming for the production of synthesis gas from natural gas; slurry-phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for the conversion of the syngas to a waxy syncrude, and isocracking technology to upgrade the syncrude into liquid fuels. London-based Sasol Chevron will market the GTL diesel worldwide.

Malaysia’s Naza Group to Introduce Dual-Fuel Vehicles

Malaysia’s Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (NAM) has developed and will soon begin selling dual-fuel vehicles that use gasoline or compressed natural gas. NAM is the first car maker in the country to do so.

The company will outfit two models, RIA and CITRA, with the dual-fuel feature.

Petroliam Nasional Bhd plans to install natural gas refuleing facilities at 200 of its gasoline stations by 2008 from 42 stations currently.

NZ Award Supports Development of More Efficient Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Production

A Massey University (NZ) scientist has received a NZ$260,000 (US$181,000) post-doctoral fellowship from the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology to develop highly active electrocatalysts for more efficient electrolytic production of hydrogen at low voltages.

The award will support a three-year study by Dr Aaron Marshall, a researcher in the Institute of Technology and Engineering at the University.

Dr Marshall developed chemical processes to produce nano-sized catalytic materials as a PhD student at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway. In May 2006 he was awarded the Exxon Mobil Prize for his doctoral research and returned to Massey to take up a post-doctoral position.

His earlier work focused on the development of iridium-oxide-based nanocrystalline particles for use as the anode in a PEM water electrolyzer.

Resources:

• “Hydrogen production by advanced proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers—Reduced energy consumption by improved electrocatalysis”; A. Marshall, B. Børresena, G. Hagenmaltese, M. Tsypkina and R. Tunolda; Energy Volume 32, Issue 4 , April 2007, Pages 431-436

• “Iridium oxide-based nanocrystalline particles as oxygen evolution electrocatalysts”; A. Marshall, B. Børresen, G. Hagen, S. Sunde, M. Tsypkin and R. Tunold; Russian Journal of Electrochemistry, Volume 42, Number 10 / October, 2006 DOI 10.1134/S1023193506100223 Pages 1134-1140

Blue Sun Biodiesel Goes Public Via Reverse Merger

SunFuels, Inc., and its operating subsidiary Blue Sun Biodiesel LLC, are executing a reverse merger transaction with M-Wave, a publicly-traded printed circuit board supplier. When the transaction is complete, SunFuels execs will assume control of M-Wave, which will change its name to Blue Sun Holdings, Inc. The operating subsidiary will be renamed Blue Sun Biodiesel, Inc. The resulting company will continue to be publicly traded.

In addition to the merger transaction, SunFuels completed a $10.125 million private placement of its Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.

In connection with the issuance of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, SunFuels also issued warrants to purchase additional shares of SunFuels Common Stock to the investors in this round of financing. M.A.G. Capital, LLC, a Los Angeles-based private investment firm, was the lead investor in the Series A financing, which included one other institutional investor. In addition, M.A.G. Capital committed to purchase $10.125 million in additional Series A Convertible Preferred Stock upon the closing of the merger transaction.

We believe that now is an ideal time to be positioned as a public company in the biodiesel fuel business. With this transaction and our investors, Blue Sun is fully prepared to expand its business strategy and to meet the growing demand for high-quality biodiesel fuels.

As a leading vertically integrated biodiesel company, the $20.25 million equity investment provides the company with the capital necessary to complete construction of biodiesel refinery assets aggregating 45 million gallons of biodiesel per year. We intend to begin construction of our first biodiesel refinery site at Clovis, New Mexico immediately and to continue to build out our vertically integrated business model, including the construction of oilseed crushing facilities and advanced biodiesel blending terminals. With the combination of this merger transaction and the infusion of equity capital, we believe we will be well positioned to compete in the burgeoning biodiesel market in the United States.

—Jeff Probst, President and CEO of SunFuels and Blue Sun

The merger transaction is subject to the approval by the stockholders of M-Wave and SunFuels and the members of Blue Sun, receipt of all required consents, receipt of all regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.

Blue Sun Fusion, Blue Sun’s flagship B20 product, is currently distributed in 10 states including Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, and in Ontario, Canada. Blue Sun is seeking to expand its distribution network with 12 new authorized distributors that will expand distribution in new markets, including Arizona, California, Kansas, Texas, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and States east of the Mississippi river.

Blue Sun’s customers include Denver Public Schools, City and County of Denver, City of Colorado Springs, City of Fort Collins, City of Santa Fe, Durango Mountain Resort, Aspen Ski Company, New Belgium Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Company and PNM, a large public utility in New Mexico, among others.

For the year ended December 31, 2005, SunFuels generated consolidated revenues of $4.5 million and a consolidated net loss of $0.7 million (audited). For the 12 months ended September 30, 2006, SunFuels generated consolidated revenues of $6.9 million and a consolidated net loss of $0.2 million (unaudited).

Fayetteville Plans Switch to B20 Biodiesel

The city of Fayetteville, Arkansas, plans to begin using B20 in diesel vehicles in the Parks and Recreation, Water and Wastewater, and Street department fleets—about 300 vehicles in all.

About 65% of the city’s current fuel usage is diesel. The city hopes to be pumping biodiesel at a new fuel farm sometime in April.

Electrovaya to Use New MN Series Li-Ion Battery Technology in NYSERDA Plug-In Hybrid Conversion Contract

Electrovaya Inc. has received an US$100,000 contract from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop and demonstrate a plug-in hybrid concept using the Ford Escape Hybrid vehicle. The contract is one of four NYSERDA has awarded for PHEV conversions. (Earlier post.)

Electrovaya will use its recently-announced MN Series Lithium Ion SuperPolymer battery in the project. The MN Series, which is a Lithiated Manganese Oxide based system, offers up to 50% higher energy density than and comparable safety characteristics to Electrovaya’s Phosphate-Series chemistry, according to the company. (Earlier post.)

The new series offers density of beyond 330 Wh/kg and 650 Wh/liter, compared to Electrovaya’s older technology with 225 Wh/kg and 475 Wh/liter. Electrovaya will seek to provide a longer all-electric range for the plug-in hybrid.

In addition to Electrovaya’s battery and battery management system, the vehicle will be equipped with an on-board charger, such that the battery can be charged from most 120V electrical outlets.

The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle concept is gathering momentum in the US and elsewhere and Electrovaya, a co-founder of the Plug-in Hybrid Development Consortium, is proud to be working with the State of New York on this most environmentally important project.

—Dr. Sankar Das Gupta, CEO of Electrovaya

Electrovaya’s New York operations are presently located in Ballston Spa and expected to move to NYSERDA’s expanded STEP (Saratoga Technology and Energy Park) facilities towards the end of 2007.

QLink to introduce CNG Taxi Fleet In UAE

Q Link, a subsidiary of Al Qudra Holding, working with the International Energy Group (IEG), a subsidiary of the UAE business conglomerate, S.S. Lootah Group, will convert its taxi fleet to use compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel this year.

“The benefits of conversion to CNG as a clean transportation fuel has a lot of virtues to its credit,” said Hadi Tahboub, General Manger, Q Link. “Fleet operators can benefit from a reduced fuel cost by 30 to 40% at least and the quality of air will be improved dramatically, since 80% of air pollution in the UAE is caused by vehicle emissions and CNG reduces emissions dramatically.”

(A hat-tip to John!)

Siemens to Supply Coal Gasification Technology to Shenhua Group for DME Project; Shenhua Expanding Direct Coal Liquefaction Plant

Shenhua Ningxia Coal Industry Group Co. Ltd. (SNCG) in China has awarded Siemens Power Generation (PG) a €30 million (US$39 million) contract for two entrained-flow gasifiers with a thermal capacity of 500 MW each and further key equipment for a coal gasification plant. SNCG is a subsidiary of the state-owned Shenhua Group, the largest Chinese coal producer.

The coal gasification plant is to be used for the Shenhua Ningmei dimethyl ether (DME) project in Ningxia Province in northwestern China. (Earlier post.) When the plant reaches full operation in early 2009, Shenhua Ningmei DME will produce 830,000 tons per year of the synthetic fuel.

Siemens PG acquired Sustec’s coal gasification activities in mid-2006 in order to supplement its power plant business with products and services related to coal gasification. (Earlier post.) The acquisition comprises the German firm Future Energy GmbH as well as a 50% stake in a Chinese joint venture with the Shenhua Ningxia Coal Group.

The Shenhua Ningmei DME project is the first major coal gasification plant contract that Siemens has been awarded since the acquisition of Sustec.

Siemens Fuel Gasification Technology (formerly Future Energy) GSP Gasifier

Siemens Fuel Gasification Technology’s (formerly Future Energy’s) gasification technology is an entrained-flow pressure gasification system that gasifies a stream of pulverized coal (or atomized liquid fuel or a fuel slurry) with oxygen. Different implementations of the gasifier technology can handle different feedstocks, such as biomass. The gasification pressure ranges from 5 to 26 bar, and the gasification temperature ranges from 1,400º to 1,600º C.

The method offers very high carbon conversion (greater than 99%), and produces a tar-free synthesis gas.

Separately, Xinhua reported that Shenhua Group plans to expand the output of its direct coal liquefaction plant in Mongolia to 6 million tonnes a year by 2010. The project currently is slated to produce 3.2 million tonnes of fuel a year. The first phase, at a cost of 24.5 billion yuan (US$3.15 billion) begins production at the end of 2007.

Shenhua is also building indirect coal liquefaction plants in partnership with Sasol and Shell.

Shenhua’s first direct coal liquefaction train is due to come online in 2007.

Indirect coal liquefaction (ICL) first gasifies the coal and then uses a Fischer-Tropsch process to convert the syngas into products. Direct coal liquefaction (DCL) cuts out the intermediate gasification step, and uses high-pressure hydrogenation to take the coal directly to the end product. DCL is based on the Bergius process, discovered by Friedrich Bergius in 1921 (slightly before Fischer and Tropsch).

(Bergius, who shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1931 with Carl Bosch for their contributions to the invention and development of chemical high-pressure methods, also tackled developing a process for the hydrolysis of cellulose in wood and similar substances to sugar for fermentation.)

According to the Headwaters Group, which is supplying the DCL technology to Shenhua for the Mongolian plant, one of the main differences between DCL and ICL is the quality of the raw liquid products.

DCL raw products contain more ring structure. Therefore DCL naphtha is an excellent feedstock for production of high-octane gasoline, while DCL distillate requires considerable ring opening (mild hydrocracking) to generate on spec diesel fuel. On the other hand, the straight-chain structure hydrocarbons produced by ICL technology result in high-cetane diesel fuel but ICL naphtha needs substantial refining (isomerization and alkylation) to produce on spec gasoline. Both processes produce low-sulfur, low-aromatic fuels after the refining step.

DCL plants produce more liquid fuel per ton of coal than ICL plants. However, ICL plants are better suited for polygeneration of fuels, chemicals and electricity than DCL plants.

—American Coal Council publication, p. 50

In addition to the greenhouse gas emissions issues attendant to both processes—which would need to be handled with some form of capture and storage—DCL liquids have a high content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of organic compounds that include potent mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds.

Further hydrogenation can deal with the PAHs, but at additional financial and energy cost.

Overall, China will invest more than one trillion yuan (US$128 billion) to develop alternative coal-based synthetic fuels projects to ease the country’s dependence on oil imports. The projects aim to produce 30 million tons (about 600,000 barrels per day) of coal liquids and 20 million tons of dimethyl ether (DME) by 2020. Coal-to-olefin (CTO) output is expected to hit 8 million tons and coal methanol to reach 66 million tons. (Earlier post.)

Resources:

• The GSP Process: Entrained-flow Gasification of Different Types of Coal (Future Energy)

• Siemens Global Gasification and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Update (Siemens)

• A comparison of direct and indirect liquefaction technologies for making fluid fuels from coal (Robert H. Williams and Eric D. Larson, 2003)

Lincoln (NE) Yellow Cab Adds Hybrids to Fleet

The Yellow Cab company in Lincoln, Nebraska, is adding six Prius hybrids to its fleet. Trading up older cabs which require more maintenance to the fuel-efficient hybrids just made economic sense, according to one of the co-owners.

The older vehicles averaged 10 to 20 mpg, with some logging 100,000 miles a year. The new additions to the 35-car fleet are getting closer to 40 mpg.

Thailand Sets Biodiesel Consumption Targets

TNA. The Thai Energy Ministry has set a revised biodiesel consumption target for the country of 500,000 liters (132,000 gallons US) per day for 2007, increasing to 4 million liters (1.06 million gallons US) per day by the end of 2011. That would offset as much as 7% of diesel consumption.

The projected reduction in diesel consumption, combined with the use of ethanol and natural gas for vehicles, could help the country save around 18% on consumption of petroleum-based motor fuels, according to the Ministry.

giPTT Pcl. and Bang Chak Petroleum Pcl. will establish more than 300 service stations for biodiesel distribution countrywide.

The Ministry is also considering using the state oil fund to help lower the retail price of biodiesel at service stations by more than 50 satang (0.5 baht, or about US$0.015) per liter against diesel price in order to encourage more motorists to switch. The new prices will be jointly fixed by oil trading firms, biodiesel manufacturing companies and the Ministry of Energy.

Transportation Consumption of Bio-Energy in 2006 Up 34%

Click to enlarge.

According to the data in the just-released Monthly Energy Review by the Energy Information Administration, consumption of bio-energy (e.g., ethanol) by the transportation sector jumped 34% in the first ten months of 2006 compared to the year prior, accounting for 371 trillion BTU. Total primary energy consumption in transportation for the period was 23,610 trillion BTU; bioenergy thus accounted for 1.6% of total primary energy consumption in the sector, up from 1.2% for the same period in 2005.

Total primary energy consumption in transportation increased 0.92% in the first ten months of 2006 compared to 2005, according to the EIA data.