More than 100 people turned out at Pearson Fuels in City Heights to hear award winning author and filmmaker Josh Tickell make the case for biofuels. The August 11st event at one of the California’s premier alternative fuel stations brought together fuel providers, fleet managers, and drivers together to learn about the performance benefits, cost advantages, incentives, and availability of renewable fuels in Southern California.

Attendees enjoyed an inspiring and engaging talk from Tickell as well as presentations from Brendan Reed of the City of Chula Vista and Lisa McGhee of San Diego Airport Parking Shuttles both of whom are using biofuels. Jake Millan of Propel Fuels also spoke about expanding infrastructure for biodiesel and E85. Participants then had the chance to network with a happy hour sponsored by Stone Brewing Company who fuels their delivery trucks with Biodiesel.

More pictures are available here.

The event was sponsored by:

Event Review: Biodiesel and Flex Fuel for Fleets – Just the Facts is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition

The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) has partnered with ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader in propane autogas technology, and Ferrellgas, a nationwide propane supplier, as a part of an 18-month mobile exhibit program highlighting residential energy efficiency and home improvements. The CCSE Residential Energy Roadshow, which kicked off August 26-28 at the San Diego Home, Hot Tub & Landscape Show, is designed to educate and inspire Southern Californians to learn about and implement energy-saving practices in home efficiency, solar technologies and alternative-fuel transportation.

“Thanks to generous donations from ROUSH CleanTech and Ferrellgas, hundreds of thousands of Californians will be able to learn about home energy efficiency, solar energy and the products and incentives available to them when visiting the mobile exhibit,” said Irene Stillings, CCSE executive director. “This is a perfect example of how multiple clean technologies can work together to demonstrate energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote more sustainable practices.”

Using a Ford F-250 pickup truck with the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system, CCSE will transport the exhibit to community events throughout San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The truck will have access to Ferrellgas propane autogas stations for refueling at more than 200 locations in California alone.

The CCSE Residential Energy Roadshow is funded in part by the Department of Energy in support of the goals of its BetterBuildings Neighborhood Program and two California programs, Energy Upgrade California™ and Go Solar California! Various manufacturers and service providers have donated generously to the exhibit as well.

“Ferrellgas is proud to partner with the California Center for Sustainable Energy and ROUSH CleanTech to educate Californians about ways to save money and the environment by implementing energy efficiency solutions in their homes and at their businesses,” said George Koloroutis, president of Ferrell North America and senior vice president of Ferrellgas. “As the nation’s leading propane retailer, we’ve been doing just that for more than 70 years.”

Vehicles powered by propane autogas emit up to 24 percent fewer greenhouse gasses and 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, with significantly fewer particulates. All of this can help improve the air Californians breath and lower the emissions footprint of commercial fleets across the state. Historically, propane autogas costs 30 to 40 percent less than gasoline and requires less vehicle maintenance due to its clean-burning properties, making it an economical alternative as well.

“This is a great partnership that will showcase to Californians that propane autogas is the most readily deployable and flexible alternative fuel,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “Propane autogas can immediately address air quality concerns for residents.”

The BetterBuildings Neighborhood Program supports forty competitively selected communities nationwide that are using innovation and investment in energy efficiency to expand the building improvement industry, test program delivery business models and create jobs with an emphasis on home energy improvement.

Energy Upgrade California is a California program designed to guide homeowners in making energy-efficient upgrades to reduce energy use, conserve natural resources and create more comfortable and efficient homes. Go Solar California! is the marketing campaign for the California Solar Initiative, an incentive program designed to encourage Californians to install 3,000 megawatts of solar energy systems on homes and businesses by the end of 2016 and 585 million therms of gas-displacing solar hot water systems by the end of 2017.  Energy Upgrade California and Go Solar California! are joint efforts of the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission.

As the only organization in California concurrently administering aspects of all three energy programs and a variety of clean transportation initiatives, CCSE developed this mobile showcase to provide a one-stop information resource for homeowners to help them understand their options and make their energy decisions easier. The exhibit addresses a wide range of sustainability practices to save energy and money, such as capturing rainwater, insulating homes and using new lighting technologies.

More information, including a schedule of events, is available at http://www.energycenter.org/roadshow.

On the Road for a Clean Energy Future is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition

Jason Greenblatt of SDG&E Clean Transportation Program sent us this notice:

Clean Transportation News From SDG&E

As a company with fleet operations, I wanted to provide an update on opportunitiesthat will help you if you’re considering using alternative fuel vehicles.

Energy Showcase

Please save the date for SDG&E’s 6th Annual Energy Showcase. During this yearly event, SDG&E invites local businesses to learn more about how to save energy and money through our programs and services, as well as new technologies. This year’s event will have a clean transportation section featuring alternative fuel/technology vehicles, from medium- and heavy- to light-duty sizes.

• WHEN:    Thursday, April 28, 2011, 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• 7:30 a.m. Exhibitor’s Pavilion with Transportation Section opens
• 8:30 a.m. Seminars Begin
• 11:30 a.m. Awards Luncheon
• WHERE: San Diego Convention Center

Reserve your spot and register online today! There is no charge for this event.

If you are unable to visit the transportation section at the Showcase, or if you would like to learn more about alternative fuel vehicles, we will also be holding a Commercial Vehicle Demonstration the next day, April 29, from 9am to 1pm. Please contact our Clean Transportation program specialist, Jason Greenblatt for more details.

APCD Funding Opportunity

The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District recently announced availability of funds for projects that achieve early or extra emission reductions.  The funding is currently available for owners of heavy-duty diesel trucks used in freight movement to upgrade to cleaner technologies. Applications are due April 29, 2011. For more information, including how to apply, click here.

SDG&E’s Clean Transportation Program promotes electricity and natural gas as low carbon fuels and environmentally sound energy solutions for vehicles. For more information about the program,visit www.sdge.com/cleantransportation or contact me today.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles to San Diego April 28th and 29th, 2011 is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition

Federal Fleet Management 101 helps Federal agencies meet Executive Order (E.O.) 13514 and other Federal fleet requirements through best practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum consumption while increasing alternative fuel use and fleet fuel efficiency.

First Thursday Seminars are FEMP training opportunities targeting Federal energy, environmental, and fleet professionals offered at no cost by leading experts. The training sessions are delivered live via satellite or through streaming media at your desktop.

What you will learn:

• IDENTIFY the best strategies for reducing vehicle miles traveled, increasing fuel economy, and acquiring alternative fuel and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
• COMPLY with greenhouse gas and petroleum reduction data reporting requirements related to Federal fleets.
• UNDERSTAND how to right-size and optimize the composition of your agency’s vehicle fleet.

Registration closes 24 hours prior to the training session. It is important to test your system and trouble shoot any issues before signing on the day of the training.

FEMP First Thursday Seminars are Free of Charge. Download the Federal Fleet Management 101 seminar flyer.

Instructors:

Amanda Sahl, Federal Energy Management Program.

Amanda Sahl serves as Program Lead for the Federal Fleet Management program at the DOE’s Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). She is responsible for overseeing Federal fleet reporting and drafting Federal fleet management guidance. Prior to joining FEMP in 2007, Ms. Sahl received her Masters of Environmental Science from Yale University and held positions with the Global Environment Facility and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Brad Gustafson, Federal Energy Management Program.

Brad Gustafson serves as FEMP’s Supervisor for Applied Technology Services. In 1995, he began supporting Federal energy initiatives as an employee of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. While at FEMP, he has acted as Project Facilitator for Energy Saving Performance Contracts (ESPC), Program Manager for Technology Transfer, Utility Program Manager, and Federal Fleet Program Manager. In 2002, he served as Legislative Advisor for Senator Lincoln Chafee. Before joining FEMP, Mr. Gustafson was Program Manager for the Pacific Gas (PG&E) HVAC program at the PG&E Energy Center.

For more information:
1-877-EERE-INFO (1-877-337-3463)
femp.energy.gov

Federal Energy Management Program: First Thursday Seminars is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition

On November 30, 2010, the San Diego Regional Clean Fuels Coalition hosted a Clean Start event at the CCSE. Over 35 fleet managers and alternative fuel enthusiasts attended the workshop to learn about propane fueling options, fleet conversions and the fueling infrastructure currently being developed in the region.

Here are some highlights from the speaker, Jon Van Bogart, from CleanFuelUSA:

• Propane is an national focus for alternative fuels because its carbon footprint is smaller than petroleum and diesel, it exists everywhere, is easily transportable, and large propane storage facilities already exist around the U.S.

• Propane received a lot of Federal Stimulus money.

• There are ~200 propane fueling stations nationwide. Thirteen are currently in CA. Ten million vehicles run on propane in the U.S.

• Ten new stations will be coming to San Diego (the majority will be public access although some school districts may be eligible for a private site.) Expo Propane will be installing the stations locally.

• There will be free training for CNG and Propane at service centers (to be determined) for one year. These service centers will include free classes to educate and certify technicians.

• Nationwide station locator http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/propane_locations.html

• Propane qualifies for all federal and state rebates that are based on weight/class.

• Federal funding through the IRS AFV tax credit can be found on the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/article/0,,id=202341,00.html.

• CA State incentives are available through CARB and CEC.  The CEC AB-118 Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program has vehicle buydown incentives for all the fuels and technologies including propane.  Propane has $2M in the 2009-2010 FY, and $3M in the 2010-2011 FY investment plans. The Executive Summary for the 2010-2011 Investment plan showing funding allocations:  http://www.energy.ca.gov/2009-ALT-1/documents/2010-09-13_Executive_Summary_CMF.pdf.

• Propane is now less expensive than diesel on a cost per mile basis ($.16 for propane vs. $.22 for diesel fuel)

• Propane is projected to grow from 8% of all U.S. motor fuel consumption to 20% in the next 10-15 years.

Propane Fueling Infrastructure Underway in San Diego is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition

I’ve been test driving a Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) slated for release in early 2012…I’ve been mostly driving around town (75% local roads, 25% highway) using EV mode for~50% of the driving and hybrid mode for the other half. I have been averaging 97 miles per gallon. Note: I received complimentary use of this Toyota 2010 Plug in Prius and all comments posted here are my own opinion.

My initial observations:

Battery Charging:

I have solar panels installed on my roof.  Despite not having a time of use plan or smart meter installed yet, I know that my electricity rates are in Tier 1 (13.4 cents per kilowatt-hour, or kWh) so I have been liberally re-charging the battery from home during the day in between trips.

It is easy to plug in the car into a standard 120 volt/3 prong home outlet.  The dash has an indicator light to let you know charging is taking place and the light goes out when fully charged. I recommend you have  a dedicated circuit since it draws a lot of electricity.  My electricity would go out if I was re-charging the car and running the vacuum on the same circuit for instance.

While I am excited to get 97 mpg over the past two weeks, I still have to add in the electricity costs to achieve these fuel savings. If you aren’t on a time of use metering system, you will have a hard time knowing your battery charging costs in real time. You’ll have to wait for your electricity bill at the end of the month.

It takes about 3 hours to fully charge the battery, which has 5.2 kWh of total capacity, and about 4 kWh of useable capacity.

If your electricity rates are really high (meaning your household uses a lot of electricity and you are charged at up to  to 32 cents per kWh) and if you don’t have a time of use system which will allow you to charge your vehicle cheaply at certain times of the day, I’m not sure what the real costs would be or if a consumer would want to pay more for a Plug-in Hybrid.

Range:

The PlugIn Prius Battery as a range of 14 miles which initially seems low to me. However, with mostly driving short distances and making use of the eco driving mode and the “B” option you can add a more more miles onto the battery life through re-charging while driving.

General Driving:

The Prius feels solid and handles well. I like the Power Mode for faster acceleration. The dashboard display takes some getting used to coming from a conventional car dashboard but the driver feedback is great and if you want to maximize your fuel economy, it is easy to do because of the real-time info while driving. It’s too bad all cars don’t provide real time fuel economy info–it was sobering to see just how much fuel you use driving uphill for example.

I generally drove the car in Eco Mode which makes it slightly harder to accelerate quickly when you are stopped but it allowed me to use the battery more effectively.

The visibility out the rear window is limited because of the hatchback design. There is a split screen effect, you can see the road a bit from the window under the rear door but I found myself less confident about what I was viewing out the rear window and relied on the side mirrors a lot more than I normally do. A family member’s Prius I drove briefly two years ago had a rear view camera on the GPA screen on the dash which showed me exactly was what behind me. I don’t know why this feature has been removed. I would recommend adding it back.

Test Driving the Prius Plug-In Hybrid is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition

National AFV Day Odyssey

The Journey Continues

National AFV Day Odyssey

• A biennial event dedicated to promoting cleaner choices in transportation!

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) undertook this project because of the critical need to support the alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) industry. More public awareness is necessary to help ease our dependence on foreign oil, and we must support those manufacturers that are making AFVs a viable option for individuals everywhere. With everyone joining together on one day, working toward the same goals, we cannot help but compound the effect of our individual efforts. Such unity will further increase the impact of each individual site’s program and will catalyze the momentum for the advanced transportation movement nationwide. Together, we will bring national attention to AFVs and advanced technology vehicles and promote them as a cleaner and more efficient choice for transportation.

• Has something for everyone!

Odyssey events are held in numerous locations nationwide and are tailored to the specific needs of the audience. Site coordinators are encouraged to be creative and host events that are fun, interactive, and educational. Past event formats have included ride-and-drives, vehicle displays, and workshops. Additionally, industry experts are often on hand to answer questions that attendees may have while educational seminars provide detailed information about viable alternative fuel options. In 2008, a rock concert, custom paint demonstrations, stock car racing, and an E-85 station fueling event were some of the unique Odyssey events hosted by local site coordinators.

• Guarantees Results!

Odyssey feedback proved that the 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008 events were tremendous successes. Sponsors, partners, National Training Centers (NTCs), Clean Cities Coordinators, and attendees alike have seen how valuable the program can be for promoting energy independence and supporting the environment. They have also seen the proven results of Odyssey and the millions of individuals reached by its message. We hope that you will become part of the solution and join us on Friday, October 15, 2010. Together, we can make a difference!

Odyssey; October 15th 2010 is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition

STORAGE WEEK 2010:

The Premier International Networking Hub for Grid-Scale Energy Storage and Renewables Integration

July 12-15, 2010 | Rancho Bernardo Inn | San Diego, CA

Four Integrated Events  Exploring  the  Accelerating Opportunities in Energy  Storage! Four Meetings in One Week  Covering  All Aspects  of a Game-Changing Set of Technologies & Applications Worth  Billions  in Future Market Share

#1. Community Energy  Storage

#2. Making  the  Business  Case  For Grid-Scale Storage  Projects

#3. The Energy  Storage  Summit  - Policy,  Opportunities & Economics

#4. The Technology & Investment Showcase

www.infocastinc.com/storage10

About the Summit In the tradition  of the previous two sold-out editions  of this flagship event, the expanded programming  of Storage Week promises  to be the ultimate  networking event of the year for anyone with a stake in the integration  of storage into the grid. The conference’s four separate  but complimentary events will cover the complete range of storage policies,  markets, project  applications and technologies. Storage Week will kick off with a pair of Workshops on July 12 – Community energy Storage and Making the Business Case For grid-Scale Storage Projects. The two-day energy Storage Summit – Policy, opportunities & economics (July 13 & 14) will examine  the market design, policy incentives  and barriers that apply to all storage systems. The Summit will be highlighted  by two separate  tracks: Bulk Storage and Grid Services.

Storage Week will conclude on July 15 with the Technology & Investment Showcase; a future-oriented day dedicated to investment  potential,  market trends and astonishing  new technology. All four days of the meeting  will not only tackle current  policy and market barriers but will provide a robust environment  for networking and deal-making  between storage vendors and users as well as investors and storage companies seeking venture  or growth capital.

Infocast would like to offer you a special discount valid for 10% off any
new registration for Storage Week 2010. This discount code is valid on any
new registration through June 12th. Please use code ACAA. Please feel free
to share this discount. Discount codes cannot be combined with any other
offer and are valid on new registrations only (valid with early-bird rate
through 6/12/10). If you have any questions about the event or would like to
register by phone please feel free to call me at (818) 888-4444.

Once  again, Storage Week is the place to be this July for anyone with a stake in the integration  of storage into the grid. Storage Week Event Structure  At A Glance: MONDAY July 12 #1 Community Energy Storage 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. #2 Making the Business Case for Grid-Scale Storage Projects 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. TUESDAY July 13 The Energy Storage Summit DAY ONE Policy, Opportunities & Economics 8 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY July 14 The Energy Storage Summit DAY TWO Morning Session 8 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Storage: Making It Real Afternoon Session 1:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Track One Bulk Storage Track Two Grid Services THURSDAY July 15 The Technology & Investment Showcase 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Grid-Scale Energy Storage and Renewables Integration is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition

5-27-10 EPBF Future of the Electric Car (Business and Community)

The forum is a presentation of Net Impact, the Environmental Policy and Business Forum, and IR/PS.

Future of the Electric Car in Southern California – UCSD Event for San Diego Community – May 27 is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition

San Diego EarthWorks will be presenting their annual Earth Fair on Sunday April 18th at Balboa Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Clean Fuel Coalition and San Diego Regional Sustainability Partnership will be in attendance on the west side of the Cleaner Car Concourse. There will be information on various clean fuel organizations and the Clean Car Concourse will feature vehicles of all descriptions that run on alternative fuels (hybrids included). This isn’t just “the future”: these are vehicles being used on the road today. The vehicles will be on display in the Pan American Plaza next to the San Diego Automobile Museum.

As part of San Diego State University’s Annual GreenFest / EarthDay event there will be a “Clean Fuel Car Zone” on Wednesday April 21st from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Campanile walkway in front of Hepner Hall.  The showcasing of alternative energy vehicles will include various types of vehicles in categories ranging from full electric, PHEV, CNG, Biodiesel, to Ethanol, with more to be announced.

The University of California San Diego will also be making Thursday April 22nd an “Alternative Transportation Day” starting with a Bicycle Breakfast from 7–10 a.m. at the Gilman Information Booth (Free breakfast snacks and safety information). Then the “Green Machines” will be displayed from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Warren Mall. The green vehicle exhibit will be featuring Gidget the Smart Car, UCSD green fleet vehicles, Tesla Roadster, biodiesel Mercdes, MTS natural gas-electric hybrid bus, UCSD’s Greenline biodiesel bus, hydrogen converted car, diesel hydrogen hybrid pickup truck and more. Learn how to compute your carbon footprint and see how you can reduce it by using alternative transportation.

EarthDay Clean Fuel Vehicle Showcases is a post from: San Diego Clean Fuels Coalition