Executive Director's Column
THE RIGHT TIME
 Timing
is everything. The right time — along with the right place,
right idea — can ignite success.
It looks like now is the time for ag-based
renewable energy.
Oil prices have reached record highs. Motorists are paying
more at the gasoline pump than ever before, and home heating
costs this winter are expected to hit us all in the
pocketbook. Needless to say, alternative fuel interest is
high, as consumers and industry look for ways to generate
more economical power.
2005 has been a banner year for Minnesota renewable energy.
Two biodiesel plants began operating here, triggering a
mandate
that requires all diesel fuel in the state to contain 2
percent biodiesel. Those plants bring Minnesota’s biodiesel
capacity to
more than 60 million gallons per year.
Several more
corn-powered ethanol plants opened with still more
production capacity being built. By early 2006, Minnesota
could be producing more than 500 million gallons of ethanol
each year. AURI supports these industries with technical
assistance and identifying ways to use additional side
streams.
But this may only be the beginning.
AURI is also proud
to have helped organize the successful ‘Powering the
Northland’ renewable energy conference in August. This event
held in Bemidji, Minn. brought together industry,
agriculture, utility and academic leaders from northern
Minnesota interested in advancing renewable energy.
A similar event will be held November 16 in Owatonna, Minn.
to explore opportunities that will keep Minnesota at the
forefront of ag-based power.
The point of these
events is to go beyond discussions and drive new ideas that
really can make a difference. We’ve seen the results of
collective intelligence in Minnesota’s 14 ethanol plants,
three biodiesel plants, multiple methane digesters, hundreds
of windmills and numerous biomass projects.
But we’re anxious to take the next step, which could include
hydrogen, cogenerating electricity using wind and biodiesel
backup generators, and expanding biomass use.
Whatever form it takes, not only is the timing right for
renewable energy, it is the right thing to do.
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