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New renewable energy group added to Nebraska mix
By ART HOVEY / Lincoln Journal Star

A new organization entered the Nebraska renewable energy picture Thursday to provide information, education and coordination on ethanol, biodiesel, wind power and other alternatives to petroleum-based energy.

In a press conference at the Capitol, Robert Byrnes of Oakland, president of the Nebraska Renewable Energy Association, described it as “very much a grassroots organization that we’re seeking to take across the state.”

Byrnes, who identified himself as a farmer and former organic chemist, is also part of an effort to bring the state’s first soybean-based biodiesel plant on line at Scribner by the end of the year. And that’s one category where progress can be expected in the near term, he said.

“I would say, by the end of next year, there will be at least four commercial facilities” in the state.

A prepared statement handed out in conjunction with the press conference listed the association as a “primary clearinghouse” for “the vast amount of information” on the alternative energy future.

Wind power is another energy sector where Nebraska needs to place more emphasis, Byrnes said, because the state has the fifth highest annual average wind speeds in the nation.

Pat Ptacek, executive vice president of the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association, will serve as administrative manager of the new nonprofit group from the same headquarters, 1233 Lincoln Mall, west of the Capitol.

At least for now, there will be no paid staff and the budget will be built on $25 annual memberships. Development of energy demonstration projects is one goal.

Ptacek stressed that lobbying is not on the agenda, but he does look for a close working relationship with other like-minded groups.

Among the possibilities are the Nebraska Energy Office, the Nebraska Ethanol Board and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.

Joining Ptacek and Byrnes at the press conference were board members Deborah Ward of Craig, Dave Tobias of Pilger and Ed George, Lori Stout and Loren Isom of Lincoln.

Ward acknowledged the presence of other groups promoting the renewable fuels cause.

“But,” she said, “Nebraska needs an organization where the sole focus is on individuals and organizations that want to make renewable energy part of their lives right now.”

As matters now stand, “small-scale energy production can be foreign territory for everyone involved.”

Ptacek said a networking approach that could deliver more high-starch corn and boost output in ethanol plants is one practical possibility for the association.

George, a former Clay County extension agent, described biomass, plant material that can be converted to energy products, as “an exciting opportunity. But we need to be careful how we utilize it.”

Converting virtually all plant residue in cornfields to energy purposes could, for example, create nutrient deficiencies in the soil.

Sought out for reaction later Thursday, Todd Sneller of the Ethanol Board said he regards the new group as “well intended” but isn’t necessarily sure where it fits in.

“What do they think, collectively, that bioenergy groups are not doing to fulfill that mission?”

 

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