Tennessee biomass picked by DOE for $4.9M grant

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Genera Energy LLC of Knoxville, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee Biofuels Initiative, is among five recipients of the DOE’s latest round of biomass grants.
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Genera will receive up to $4.9 million to supply low-moisture switchgrass with an efficient bulk-format system that maximizes automated conveyance and handling. Researchers with the UT Institute of Agriculture will manage the project.

Genera was formed in 2008 by the UT Research Foundation to carry out the school’s clean, renewable energy projects and strategic partnerships, particularly related to the cellulosic ethanol biorefinery activities and capital projects of the UT Biofuels Initiative.

Genera is collaborating with DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol to construct a demonstration scale cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in Vonore, Tenn., scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2009.

Indiana nuns win rural
preservation award

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — At the Indiana State Fair, the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg received the John Arnold Rural Preservation Award from Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and the Indiana Farm Bureau.

The religious-based ethic of the Sisters of St. Francis makes them outstanding preservationists of the many historic structures at the 300-acre Michaela Farm, owned by the Catholic order since 1854. Historic structures are central to the operation of the farm, originally purchased to provide sustenance to the order’s Motherhouse and boarding school.

The annual award is named in memory of John Arnold (1955-91), a Rush County farmer committed to preserving Indiana’s rural heritage.

GROWMARK announces Energy Division reorganization

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The GROWMARK Energy Division has reorganized to improve its structure for continued growth and management of facilities.

Greg Eckhart assumed the role of director of facility operations and member projects. He will oversee operations at the Menard County petroleum terminal, the Waterloo lubricant facility and work with FS member cooperatives to implement operational and marketing projects.

Brendy Lee assumed the role of director of refined fuel operations. Reporting to him will be energy account managers and the newly formed position of refined fuel supply manager. This team will be accountable and responsible for liquid fuel supply in all areas.