AURI ENERGY CENTER NEWS
Stories and photos by Dan Lemke

Energy Center associate director hired

A veteran of Minnesota’s agriculture industry has joined AURI to help further opportunities for ag-based, renewable energy. Thomas Melin was named associate director of AURI’s Center for Producer-Owned Energy on November 15.

“Tom has been in agriculture most of his life and brings a broad network and strong base of accomplishments,” says Max Norris, the Energy Center’s director and AURI director of projects and technology. An independently-governed entity affiliated with AURI, the Energy Center was created by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support producer-owned energy initiatives.

Melin served as regional extension educator in the Red River Valley for more than 28 years before he retired from the Minnesota Extension Service in 2003. He holds a master’s degree in agricultural education from North Dakota State University. Melin lives in Ada, Minn. and is based at AURI’s headquarters in Crookston.

“Given the times we’re in, with the high cost of fuel, we need to be proactive in supporting opportunities that can benefit producers,” Melin says. “Renewable energy is on the forefront and research is going to play a key role in developing those opportunities.”

All aboard for biodiesel
Minnesota line is first in the country to use soy-based fuel

Redwood Falls, Minn. - A familiar whistle and earth-shaking rumble echoes through the Minnesota River Valley. But there is something decidedly different about the locomotive tugging rail cars down the Minnesota Prairie Line. It is powered with biodiesel.

In October, the Minnesota Prairie Line Railroad became the first in the country to power its locomotives with biodiesel. “We’re proud to lead the way and help out Minnesota farmers,” says Mark Wegner, president of the line.

The 94-mile short-line railroad runs through five southern Minnesota counties, from Hanley Falls to Norwood. It primarily hauls agricultural products, but also carries cannery products, lumber and other supplies needed by businesses along the line.

Minnesota lawmakers established a mandate in 2002 that requires every gallon of diesel sold in Minnesota by June 2005 contain at least a 2-percent biodiesel blend. Ironically, railroads were excluded.

“Even though railways aren’t included in the biodiesel mandate, this line recognizes its value as a cleaner-burning, renewable fuel,” says Max Norris, AURI director of projects and technology, who has been researching and testing biodiesel feedstocks and blends for more than 15 years.

Biodiesel is an alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel that can be made from soybean or other vegetable oils, animal fats and waste greases. Its benefits include increased lubricity and reduced emissions.

“The railroad industry has been reluctant to embrace biodiesel,” Wegner says. Several major locomotive manufacturers have been unwilling to cover biodiesel in warranties. The Minnesota Prairie Line uses locomotives powered by Caterpillar engines, which have been used in numerous biodiesel application tests.

“If we’re going to get biodiesel going, it’s important that the rail and trucking industry recognize its value,” says Minnesota U.S. Senator Mark Dayton.

The National Biodiesel Board reports that U.S. railroads consume more than 3 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually, about the same amount as agriculture. At a 2-percent blend, the railway industry could consume 60 million gallons of biodiesel annually.

The Minnesota Prairie Line uses about 500,000 gallons of diesel each year and is initially using a 2-percent biodiesel blend. However, Wegner says the line hopes to move soon to a 5-percent blend.

The Minnesota Prairie Line could purchase biodiesel locally from the Farmers Union Marketing and Processing Association, which has opened a refinery at its Central Bi-Products rendering facility in North Redwood Falls. (See sidebar) The facility’s annual production capacity is 2.8 million gallons.

“This is incredibly good news,” says Bob Worth, Lake Benton, Minn. farmer and vice president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. “As the use of biodiesel spreads to different sectors, everyone stands to gain.”

Nothing could be re-finer
Minnesota processor enters biodiesel arena

North Redwood Falls, Minn. - Already known for its strong ethanol industry, Minnesota can now boast its first biodiesel refinery.

In November, FUMPA Biofuels, a division of Farmers Union Marketing and Processing Association, began operating its biodiesel refinery at its Central Bi-Products rendering facility in North Redwood Falls.  The plant will produce 2.8 million gallons of fuel annually, using soybean oil as the main feedstock.  Eventually FUMPA Biofuels intends to use other raw materials such as greases and animal fats from its rendering operation.

"Biodiesel has been used in Europe for 40 years - now the U.S. is coming to the table," says Chuck Neece, FUMPA Biofuels director of research and development.  "We feel strongly about the benefits of biodiesel including its lubricity, the fact it's a renewable fuel and it's clean burning."

The plan will meet about one-third of the capacity required to implement a biodiesel mandate passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2002.  The state needs at least 8 million gallons of biodiesel production by June 2005 for the 2 percent per-gallon mandate to take effect.

"They've been working on this for at least three years, so it's great to see it coming to fruition," says Rose Patzer, AURI chemist.  Patzer began working with FUMPA in 2001 and examined using yellow greases as fuel for FUMPA's vehicle fleet.

FUMPA President and CEO Don Davis says the cooperative's "primary goal is to help farmers, livestock producers and ranchers add value to their products."

Beside its biofuels division, FUMPA operates Midwest Grease, which collects restaurant greases, Northland Choice, a pet food and feed ingredient manufacturer, and Central Bi-Products, which processes and markets animal and poultry coproducts. FUMPA also is part owner of Pet Care Systems, the Detroit Lakes producer of Swheat Scoop wheat-based animal litter.