Advanced BioFuels USA

by David R. Rubenstein (California Ethanol + Power/Biofuels Digest) … The proposed rule also includes a system allowing electric vehicle manufacturers to register with the EPA and generate credits based on electric Renewable Identification Numbers for power produced from qualifying renewable biomass, including biogas from methane digesters. This policy would align with the White House’s goals to boost electric vehicle use, while concurrently promoting the use of alternative fuels.

As developers of our country’s first advanced sugarcane ethanol biorefinery, biomethane and bioelectric generating facility, we applaud the move by this Administration to provide consumers with more options while diversifying our nation’s energy mix. Approved and permitted for construction in California’s Imperial Valley near Brawley, the Sugar Valley Energy (SVE) campus reflects a commitment to both our country’s energy security as well as our region’s great legacy as an agricultural power. 

Once operational, SVE will produce 71 million gallons of ultra low-carbon sugarcane ethanol and 760 million cubic feet of pipeline-grade biogas, and provide a 42.9 MW bioelectric generation facility for the region. Through its development and construction, SVE will generate more than $1 Billion in economic activity and support more than 15,000 jobs in the Southern California region.

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The latest proposal for the FY2022 Budget Reconciliation bill includes investing approximately $369 billion in Energy Security and Climate Change programs to lower energy costs, increase cleaner fuel production, and reduce carbon emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030.  The agreement calls for comprehensive permitting reform legislation to be passed before the end of the fiscal year, which is seen as essential to unlocking domestic energy and transmission projects that would lower costs and help meet emissions goals.

For those of us in the industry, this is extraordinarily welcome news.

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“Green” bonds are extremely useful for environmental projects. They are an attractive option not just for the investors but for issuers as well. The demand for such bonds is continuously growing. According to the Climate & Development Knowledge Network, the demand for these bonds is at least $12 trillion.

But financial regulators and credit rating agencies must come up with a more conducive environment for Green bonds, including establishment of benchmarking, proper rating guidelines, and acceptable standards.  For Green bonds to fulfill their promise, collaborative effort is needed to bring more institutional capital to the table. READ MORE