Greetings,
The world is reacting with shock and horror at Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. With this tragedy unfolding, many of us wonder what we can do. It's important to remember that much of Russia's power derives from its fossil fuel reserves- and Europe's historical dependence on Russian oil and gas. With President Biden's decision to ban imports of Russian oil, the pain at the pump is expected to grow. One of the smartest things we can all do is to make plans to buy an electric car as our next vehicle to reduce our own emissions and our dependence on undemocratic nations. But some transportation sectors can't currently be electrified. And that's why in this month's issue, we are focusing on biofuels. This special report was written by New Energy Colorado board member Mark Nimlos, who is a senior scientist working on biofuels at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Sunny regards,
Rebecca Cantwell
for New Energy Colorado
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Biofuels Research Seeking Solutions to Power Sectors Hard to Electrify
By Mark Nimlos
While often overlooked, biofuels are essential for reaching climate targets such as limiting global temperature rise to under two degrees centigrade. Transportation accounts for 25% of US carbon emissions, and much of the sector can be electrified, with Colorado now launching a clean truck strategy. But some modes of transportation- such as commercial aviation, long-haul trucking, and large-scale marine transport cannot be electrified by any current technologies. For these sectors, biofuels are the only current alternative. Biofuels are made from plants that have developed efficient mechanisms over billions of years of evolution to convert plentiful sunlight and carbon dioxide into material (biomass) that can be converted into the hydrocarbons used in conventional transportation. Because biofuels are ultimately produced by atmospheric carbon dioxide, burning them does not necessarily contribute to the net levels of greenhouse gases. Thus, biofuels are part of a circular carbon economy where carbon is continually recycled without the introduction of fossil carbon.
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Growing Biofuels Capacity for the Aviation Industry
Recent developments in the conversion of biomass to biofuels and public demand are leading to the increased use of biofuels in the transportation sector, but more needs to be done. The aviation industry has committed to reducing its anthropogenic carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2050, despite a 50% projected growth in the number of flights. This will largely be accomplished using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), such as biofuels.
At this moment hundreds of millions of gallons per year of SAF are being produced in refineries using a process that converts plant oils into jet fuels. These fuels are chemically indistinguishable from conventional jet fuels and have identical combustion properties. Typically, these fuels are mixed with fossil-based aviation fuels and used in jet travel, but recently a flight from Chicago to Washington DC was undertaken with 100% SAF. These advances are encouraging, but much needs to be done to achieve the 2050 target. Although current technologies can potentially lead to over one billion gallons of SAF, over 30 billion gallons will be required to reach the 50% reduction target, let alone a complete replacement of fossil aviation fuel. To reach these goals, new technologies will be needed. Fortunately, several new approaches are being commercialized and developed in the laboratory. Through innovation and public support, there is a pathway to reach low emissions in transportation using biofuels.
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What Can We Do?
Although the deployment of biofuels and SAF in particular may seem out of the control of average Solar CitiSuns, there are in fact ways that everyone can help to accelerate its implementation. Government programs that encourage the use of renewable transportation fuels have had enormous impact on their development. For instance, California’s low carbon fuel standard creates credits for the use of renewable fuels, which can be traded on the open market. Legislatures in Oregon and Washington have also recently passed laws for a renewable fuel standard. Colorado Solar CitiSuns can contact their legislators and encourage the passage of similar legislation. Solar CitiSuns can also request the airlines they fly use SAF in their flights. There is a future where transportation can be sustainable and not contribute to more global warming, and we can help get there faster.
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Energy Tips: From Cheap to Steep |
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With tax season upon us, don't forget to claim tax credits for energy improvements made in 2021.
The federal government offers credits for both energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. The following information is from Energy Star and more detail is available here . See if your improvement qualifies!
Energy Efficiency Tax Credits
Tax Credit: 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50-$300.
Expires: December 31, 2021
Details: Must be placed in service in an existing home which is your principal residence by December 31, 2021. New construction and rentals do not apply.
Renewable Energy Tax Credits
Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the renewable energy tax credits for fuel cells, small wind turbines, and geothermal heat pumps now feature a gradual step down in the credit value, the same as those for solar energy systems.
Tax Credit:
- 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2023
- 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2022 and before 01/01/2024
Expires: December 31, 2023
Details: Existing homes and new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rentals do not qualify.
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Visit The Virtual Metro Denver Green Homes Tour |
If you want to learn more about how to save money on your energy and water bills, please visit the virtual Metro Denver Green Homes Tour.
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