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Waitedg...Why do you think I left? My silence is not
indicative that I sold out or stopped watching the progress of FASC. In fact, I have never sold a share of FASC stock. I was fed up with the mudslinging at RB, and don't like the trend toward that here at IH. I have never posted much, but I have always lurked, sometimes more actively than others. I would like to see meaningful exchanges of ideas, both positive and negative, as you would like to see. I appreciate TR and others for all the excellent information they choose to share. I remain an FASC investor as I believe that one of their many potential applications will catch on significantly and propel this company forward. I understand all about opportunity cost, yet I remain.
FWIW. GTG
Waitedg...If you are looking for balanced
reporting on a stock, you have a skewed idea of what a message board is all about. Does Jagman report on positive developments with FASC? No. Do you? Well, at one time you did, until you sold and got burned. Prior to that, you were reporting quite positively on FASC, and other stocks. Do people have agendas here? Sure. Some people want to see the stock go up, while others want to see it tank. Some people are always on the sidelines and are just trying to stir things up. To expect balanced reporting on a stock message board is too much. And to continually bash a stock because it's board is representing the stock in an unbalanced way is inappropriate.
No one appointed you the judge of board content. It is up to you to do your own DD, and it is not the responsibility of the message board members to provide you with a balanced and objective discussion (either positive or negative) on this or any other stock.
FWIW and IMHO...Gandalf
And they have shown that they will take back the equipment in the event of default. It may be impaired at that point, but it still has value.
Regarding certain posters, I wish we had an IGNORE button on IH like we had on RB...
Gandalf
Hello TJ: The pelletized product would be
an excellent candidate for a pellet burner for heat or for generating electricity. I like the pellets-for-power use of the end product more than I like the sale of fertilizer approach. Everyone needs power, but I believe there is a limit to the amount of fertilizer needed, especially within a reasonable hauling distance from the sewage pellet source. I see this as having huge potential as a fossil fuel replacement/supplement for clean electrical power generation.
All the best to you! Gandalfthegrey(er)
What about Prince George?
We may not have the report yet (now November), but it appears that the content of the report should be positive, based on the 10K comments. This is the GORILLA application for FASC if they could just get on with it.
~10K snip~
Canada - City of Prince George, BC
FASC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding the City of Prince George, BC, Canada to assist in solving its environmental cleanup problems with sewage sludge using the KDS Micronex system. This will be the first operation of its kind in the world where the strictly regulated Class B municipal sludge can now be cleaned, bagged and profitably sold to the public as a soil amendment" The initial runs will be monitored for two months, and if satisfactory, the city will establish a permanent facility and purchase up to 4 KDS Micronex machines. To date all trial runs have been satisfactory and many adjustments have been made to accommodate the efficient processing of the City' s sewage sludge. To date, all preliminary results have been positive. Expected date for completion of the final evaluation has been extended to November 2006.
Best to the longs. Still hanging in there, mostly lurking.
Gandalf
Part of the money will
undoubtedly be spent writing a report or paper, which will be published. The "publish or perish" axiom for professors and researchers should give FASC shareowners some insight into this operation.
GTG
New York State to Pursue Cellulosic Ethanol and Energy Crops
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/news_detail.html?news_id=10024
May 24, 2006
The budget for the State of New York includes an innovative $20 million program for the development of a cellulosic ethanol pilot facility, Governor George Pataki announced early in May. The pilot facility will produce ethanol from cellulosic biomass sources such as willow, switchgrass, paper mill wastes, and agricultural and forestry residues. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will administer the program, using a competitive process to make the award. Currently, Iogen Corporation in Canada is the only commercial producer of cellulosic ethanol, generating about a million gallons annually from wheat, oat, and barley straw in their demonstration facility. In addition, several U.S. ethanol plants are engaged in research and demonstration projects with DOE, and DOE operates a pilot plant at its National Renewable Energy Laboratory. See the governor's press release and the Renewable Fuels Association's Cellulosic Ethanol Web page.
The governor also announced that the state is supporting the development of dedicated crops for the biomass energy industry. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets awarded grants of $22,385 for Dutchess County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University to try growing a 15-acre crop of switchgrass, and $60,000 for the State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry to develop its first commercial willow plantation. The willow plantation will be located near a wood-burning power plant in Lyonsdale, about 40 miles north of Utica, and managed in cooperation with the power plant. Lyonsdale Biomass is a 19-megawatt power plant that also supplies steam to a nearby paper plant, and is partly owned by Catalyst Renewables. The willow plantation could provide fuel for the power plant or for a cellulosic ethanol facility. In addition, the state awarded a grant of $60,000 to Northern Biodiesel in Ontario, about 10 miles east of Rochester, to develop a rapeseed market for the biodiesel industry. See the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Catalyst Renewables Web site.
New York is also supporting the development of more traditional ethanol production facilities within the state. Governor Pataki announced on May 8th that the state will award nearly $6 million to Western New York Energy for its development of a dry mill ethanol plant in Shelby, about 30 miles northeast of Buffalo. When it begins production in January 2008, the $87.4 million facility is expected to convert 6 million bushels of corn into about 50 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol each year. See the governor's press release.
New York State to Pursue Cellulosic Ethanol and Energy Crops
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/news_detail.html?news_id=10024
May 24, 2006
The budget for the State of New York includes an innovative $20 million program for the development of a cellulosic ethanol pilot facility, Governor George Pataki announced early in May. The pilot facility will produce ethanol from cellulosic biomass sources such as willow, switchgrass, paper mill wastes, and agricultural and forestry residues. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will administer the program, using a competitive process to make the award. Currently, Iogen Corporation in Canada is the only commercial producer of cellulosic ethanol, generating about a million gallons annually from wheat, oat, and barley straw in their demonstration facility. In addition, several U.S. ethanol plants are engaged in research and demonstration projects with DOE, and DOE operates a pilot plant at its National Renewable Energy Laboratory. See the governor's press release and the Renewable Fuels Association's Cellulosic Ethanol Web page.
The governor also announced that the state is supporting the development of dedicated crops for the biomass energy industry. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets awarded grants of $22,385 for Dutchess County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University to try growing a 15-acre crop of switchgrass, and $60,000 for the State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry to develop its first commercial willow plantation. The willow plantation will be located near a wood-burning power plant in Lyonsdale, about 40 miles north of Utica, and managed in cooperation with the power plant. Lyonsdale Biomass is a 19-megawatt power plant that also supplies steam to a nearby paper plant, and is partly owned by Catalyst Renewables. The willow plantation could provide fuel for the power plant or for a cellulosic ethanol facility. In addition, the state awarded a grant of $60,000 to Northern Biodiesel in Ontario, about 10 miles east of Rochester, to develop a rapeseed market for the biodiesel industry. See the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Catalyst Renewables Web site.
New York is also supporting the development of more traditional ethanol production facilities within the state. Governor Pataki announced on May 8th that the state will award nearly $6 million to Western New York Energy for its development of a dry mill ethanol plant in Shelby, about 30 miles northeast of Buffalo. When it begins production in January 2008, the $87.4 million facility is expected to convert 6 million bushels of corn into about 50 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol each year. See the governor's press release.
From the website:
Shares Authorized 1.7 Billion
Shares Outstanding 1,699,000,419
Seems a bit scary that there may be a RS or a new authorization request soon. But, I just found this, so what do I know??
GTG
I have read somewhere that ethanol can't be piped
Ethanol absorbs moisture (water), so it's volume must be limited to tanks rather than piped like oil. That is why the railroad and trucking business will figure large in the distribution of ethanol, and also why it is easier/better to produce the ethanol where it will be used and truck/rail in the raw ingredients.
GTG
Brazil may have a short term effect, but
Brazil cannot meet the needs of Brazil, let alone meet the needs for US fuel consumption. Once the US infrastructure is developed to use E85 (85% ethanol) and the majority of the cars on the road can use it, the US will have to provide it's own ethanol production. The demand will be to great for Brazil to effectively compete.
Another advantage for US producers of ethanol is the limitations on it's storage and transport requirements. It is cheaper to transport the corn to the ethanol plant, and have the plants distributed to where the greatest demand is. Ethanol shipped from Brazil would be expensive due to the shipping requirements for ethanol. If anything, Brazil would have to ship the sugarcane here and process it in the US. I don't see that happening.
Time will tell, be ethanol seems to be a good place to stash some $$ now.
GTG
Bill Gates should be thanking you!
His investment of $84M is now worth close to $120M thanks to all the other investors getting on board with this company. Their investment helps keep this company progressing and building processing plants.
This company has a lot going for it, and the ethanol industry as a whole is gaining momentum in the US. With oil at over $70 a barrel, this company will continue to grow as the demand for ethanol builds. With each new project coming on line, the ethanol will flow. Also, the government is promoting ethanol use to reduce pollution and to put our farmers to work.
This is the perfect storm for ethanol in the US, and PEIX is one of the boats being carried along!
All IMHO...
GTG
Second Ethanol plant permits ready--begin building within thirty days...
Press Release Source: Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
Pacific Ethanol Completes Permitting for Planned Ethanol Plant in Boardman, Oregon; Construction on Second Facility Expected to Begin in Thirty Days
Tuesday May 9, 8:00 am ET
FRESNO, Calif., May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (Nasdaq: PEIX - News) today announced that it has received all necessary permits to begin construction on a 35 million gallon per year ethanol facility at the Port of Morrow, located on the Columbia River near Boardman, Oregon. The Company further stated that it expects to begin construction, which should take approximately 12 months, within the next thirty days.
ADVERTISEMENT
CEO Neil Koehler observed that "This milestone is the latest in our stated plan to construct five ethanol production facilities to serve the western United States by the end of 2008. The Boardman plant is well situated, with access to the Columbia River, the Union Pacific Railroad and Interstate 84. The design will be based on our plant currently under construction in Madera, California, and therefore design and construction should proceed at a faster rate than the Madera plant, which we expect will begin ethanol production in the fourth quarter of this year."
The Oregon ethanol facility will provide ethanol for the Pacific Northwest gasoline markets, helping to increase supply in that area and provide a CO2-reducing fuel for the transportation sector. It is expected that the plant's distillers grains will be sold to the local Oregon and Washington dairy and feed markets.
About Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
The primary goal of Pacific Ethanol, Inc. is to become the leader in the development, production and marketing of renewable fuels in the Western United States. Established in 2003, Pacific Ethanol is constructing its first large scale ethanol production facility in Madera County, California, and is developing four additional plants on the West Coast. Kinergy Marketing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Ethanol, is the largest West Coast based marketer of ethanol. In addition, Pacific Ethanol is working to identify and develop other renewable fuel technologies such as cellulose-based ethanol production and bio-diesel.
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual future results of Pacific Ethanol could differ from those statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the ability of Pacific Ethanol to successfully complete construction of its planned ethanol facilities, including the facility located near Boardman, Oregon; the ability of Pacific Ethanol to successfully capitalize on its internal growth initiatives; the price of ethanol relative to the price of gasoline; and those factors contained in the "Risk Factors" section of Pacific Ethanol's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Source: Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
A few thoughts on pelletizing alfalfa
from an ex-farmer:
1)The KDS would allow processing of wet alfalfa. You no longer have to dry it in the sun (or some other more costly process, like gas drying). Sun drying is always problematic due to rain (duh). A whole field of hay can be ruined by a poorly timed cutting or unforecasted rain storm. The KDS would eliminate that and allow more cuttings per growing season.
2)Pellets are easier to store and sell than are hay bales. They can be put in silos for dry storage, or bagged and placed in barns, with higher density than would be achievable with hay bales.
3)Pellets can be placed in automatic feeders the same way wood pellets are currently automatically fed into the pellet stove. Easier on the farmer.
4)Pelletizing oats, grass hay, etc, a mixture could be developed to optimize animal nutrition while minimizing cost, benefitting the farmer by providing the best, cheapest feed for his/her animals.
5)The same equipment which currently blows feed grain into the storage bin/silo could also be used for alfalfa pellets. Reduced need for flatbed trucks and hay elevators.
This is a very interesting development and may be of interest to a great many of the large cooperative farms/ranches across the US.
Chambers52--you must have something to say about this...
GTG
Yesterday I emailed FASC to let them know about a company called Xethanol. www.Xethanol.com They are trying to make ethanol from biomass rather than the normal corn. Using biomass would allow efficient production of ethanol everywhere, not just in the corn belt. My point is, FASC is also into biomass, and it seems that smaller biomass size would increase fermentation rate through increased surface area. Rather than convert the biomass to pellets, they could possibly use it directly as feedstock for ethanol production. The synergies between the two companies appears very strong. Also, there is a great positive movement (politically and environmentally) in supporting increased ethanol use to get away from foreign oil dependence. If FASC could be part of that industry in a more direct way, then FASC could really fly.
I enjoyed today's flight, and just want to see more successes!
WTG FASC!
Back to lurking...
GTG
Hello,
Good day to you TRCPA...
How much PROFIT could be expected from a traditional sale to Malaysia? With US/Canada manufacturing costs, assembly, and test wages, as well as the cost to ship to Malaysia and set up operations there, the profit margin for equipment like the KDS would be quite low. With the deal structured as it is currently, FASC earns $15K without any expenditure of capital or new shares issued. Furthermore, they get 50% of the profits of the FASCM business. Perhaps FASCM never makes a profit--FASC still gets $15K per machine.
It may not seem like much, but $15K free and clear per machine is actually a pretty good profit margin when you have no capital outlay to get that return.
It is my belief that this is the best possible business model for FASC. They make a profit, FASCM is able to employ local workers, and also make a profit while advancing the portfolio of fielded KDS machines, giving FASC much needed credibility.
This deal is good for FASC. Please enlighten me in the error of my ways, Jagman.
Gandalf
It is possible that the KDS feed angle could be modified to feed the stock in at various angles to the rotor, depending on the feed material. This action may reduce the energy required for a grinding process. However, I really think the advantage of the KDS in a biomass application is that the KDS grinds the material, leaving behind a dry powder which has a vastly increased surface area over the initial feedstock. This allows decomposition by enzyme action to the sugars required for ethanol production or to enable more efficient combustion in an AGES-type of biomass power generation system.
Either way, the KDS is on the front end as an enabler for the efficient use of biomass either in ethanol production or green power generation.
Gandalf
Yes, one and the same. I thought I looked more grey than great, so...
Nice to see some familiar "faces" here.
Gandalf
Hello 4tj,
First posting on IH
I have been in lurk mode for a long time but have owned FASC for even longer. I believe this application (sewage sludge) is the GORILLA application for the KDS and FASC. It was one of the reasons I invested here and why I have kept buying more over the years. FASC is really looking strong, and First Scientific seems to be on the verge of hitting it big with a few of the many applications of the KDS (biowaste to energy, sewage sludge, elimination of pathogens, etc.)
Hello to all the RB people I know.
Go FASC!
Gandalf