(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association’s industry-leading safety program celebrates 10 years of national leadership this month. Over the past decade, RFA’s safety training has reached thousands of first responders, rail shippers, ethanol plant workers and others, protecting the industry’s employees and saving lives in communities around the world. “While
History of Advanced Biofuels
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) As 2020 comes to a close, Renewable Energy Group Inc., North America’s largest biodiesel producer, is celebrating a quarter-century in soybean oil refinement and biodiesel production. Back in 1995, the company from which REG would be formed several years later—West Central Cooperative—made its first investment
(Bio-Based Diesel Daily/Green Energy Biofuel) Green Energy Biofuel stands ready to provide waste recycling solutions for a variety of businesses and industries in the Southeast by turning costly liabilities into savings. Companies can leverage Green Energy Biofuel to help meet their environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) goals by no longer
(Renewable Fuels Association) Association to Celebrate 40th Anniversary Throughout 2021 — Forty years ago this month, a small group of innovative farmers and like-minded business leaders came together to officially found the Renewable Fuels Association. The overarching goal of the new trade group was as admirable as it was ambitious:
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Each year, DTN publishes our choices for the top 10 ag news stories of the year, as selected by DTN analysts, editors and reporters. Today, we continue the countdown with No. 9 looking at some of the challenges ethanol faced during 2020, including shutting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s greenwashing and then there’s proof of sustainability. So what’s the difference? Check out RSB’s slide guide on how they help ensure sustainable aviation fuel or SAF is actually sustainable. From their involvement in the aviation sector to examples of biobased and recycled carbon feedstocks
(Renewable Energy Group) This week REG is celebrating 25 years of operations! We will be releasing videos all week recounting the last quarter century of hard work and dedication that got us here. Here is how it all started: Hear from Myron Danzer, current REG General Manager, and Matt Schultes,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … I happen to carry a copy of William Bradford’s journal Of Plimouth Plantation, written during the first decades of the Pilgrim experience, with me almost anywhere I travel. … A copy from that first edition sits on my shelf not two feet from me when I
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) This week, Manta Biofuels has launched a crowd investment campaign on Republic and began reaching out to colleagues, business associates, mentors and friends, offering them a chance to invest in this growing business. Dedicated to doing their part to fight climate change, Manta Biofuels
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) … Particularly for those feeling the heat when it comes reducing carbon footprints, interest in renewable natural gas (RNG) as an alternative vehicle fuel is an all-time high, and for good reason. Not only does it meet the most stringent emissions requirements, but for utilities
by Benjamin Storrow (E&E News) … “Algae. A renewable source of energy. ExxonMobil is researching it. To revolutionize biofuels. For more energy. And fewer emissions.” Biofuels represent one of Exxon Mobil’s primary answers to climate change. In television ads and presentations to investors, the company showcases it as an example of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One of the top 5 registered producers of cellulosic biofuel in the U.S., Iogen’s Brian Foody shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 on what cellulosic biogas is and how is it used today, RNG’s market segment, renewable hydrogen, transportation applications and technology, transportation
Tomas Ekbom and Cecilia Higa (Swedish Bioenergy Association/IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) … In the beginning there was ethanol In 1907, there were only 662 vehicles registered in Sweden. The fuel, “Benzin” (the word initially taken from the German language, i.e. petrol) was purchased then at the pharmacy, paint store
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy and Next Rung Technology shared this illuminating slide guide on the creation, valorization and disposition of bioenergy data assets. By looking at data types, data assets, checking back in on bioenergy technology life cycles, and more, we can get a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You’ve probably heard of Honeywell UOP, but did you know they are working on making commercial renewable aviation biofuels a reality? At ABLC Digital, they shared this illuminating slide guide on their latest projects, including ones with AltAir, United Airlines, World Energy, and others. Also take
Boeing’s 2020 ecoDemonstrator Test Programme Ends with Transcontinental Flight Using 50% Blended SAF
(GreenAir Online) As part of Boeing’s 2020 ecoDemonstrator programme, a final test flight of an Etihad Airways 787-10 from Seattle to Boeing’s manufacturing site in South Carolina used 50,000 gallons of a 50/50 blend – the maximum blend permitted for commercial aviation – of sustainable and traditional jet fuel. The sustainable
by Brian Healy (Ethanol Producer Magazine/U.S. Grains Council) Through expanded ethanol use, the U.K. has an opportunity to meet its decarbonization objectives and support the domestic facilities that have gone offline. The country should build on its established technical knowledge for E5 as it moves to E10. Consultations about decarbonizing
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A survey of ethanol plant CEOs and general managers shows the COVID-19 downturn had a significant impact on their operations. Most producers have substantially ramped up production since spring, but a full recovery is expected to take many months. … About 84% of CEOs
(Cargill/Farm Progress) Goal is to open new markets for corn and expand opportunities for renewable fuels and chemicals. — Cargill and Virent, Inc. are working together to evaluate the use of Cargill’s corn dextrose as a feedstock to Virent’s BioForming technology for the production of “drop-in” low-carbon biofuels and biochemicals. Virent’s
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Louisiana, Renewable Energy Group said it will undertake a capacity expansion of its Geismar, Louisiana biorefinery by 250 million gallons annually to 340 million gallons per year. This announcement follows a thorough review and site selection process. Construction should begin in mid to late
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The prolific career of Doug Tiffany, recipient of the 2020 Award of Excellence, is indelibly linked to his connections to agriculture and farmland. Ethanol and its coproducts have been a frequent point of focus for the University of Minnesota production economist. … While seemingly
by Wayne Lee (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Editor’s note to readers: Lee Enterprises Consulting celebrates its 25th anniversary on October 4th — having grown from a boutique biodiesel consulting firm to the world’s largest bioeconomy consulting collective. Today, the bioeconomy is a worldwide business encompassing fuels, advanced agriculture, renewable chemicals, vegan
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) BBI International’s Biodiesel Production Technology Summit kicked off on Sept. 16 with the star-studded story of Pacific Biodiesel Technologies unique history and a general session panel focused on emerging biodiesel technologies. Bob King, founder and president of Pacific Biodiesel, opened the event with a keynote address
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Is it a battle of plants for food versus plants for biofuels, biochemicals, biobased products? What about fermentation? Will food made from fermentation be the end of agriculture as we know it? Will one be a winner over another or will they all be superheroes?
by James P.Szybist, StephenBusch, Robert L.McCormick, Josh A.Pihl, Derek A.Splitter, Matthew A.Ratcliff, Christopher P.Kolodziej, John M.E.Storey, MelanieMoses-DeBusk, DavidVuilleumier, MagnusSjöberg, C. ScottSluder, TobyRockstroh, PaulMiles (Progress in Energy and Combustion Science/Science Direct) The Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) initiative from the US Department of Energy aims to co-develop fuels and engines
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Wisconsin, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits has announced a next generation advanced yeast and enzyme platform called Convergence, which combines a new yeast that generates virtually all the glucoamylase (GA) required for fermentation combined with a small amount of complementary exogenous enzyme. The bottom line impact
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted the 2019 Project Peer Review on March 4–7, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. During the event, 447 projects in BETO’s research portfolio were presented in 14 simultaneous review sessions and two poster sessions. Projects were systematically reviewed by
by Robert Tuttle (Bloomberg) The latest sign of a worldwide energy transition: Massive oil refineries across the western U.S. are being converted into biofuel plants. Phillips 66 on Wednesday became the latest in a string of U.S. refiners to say it’s converting an oil refinery in California into a biofuel plant as
(Biofuels Digest) Recorded presentations for your on-demand review and enjoyment. Just Pick and Click! On BioChannelTV RENEWABLE DIESEL & DME Saola Energy – Adam Belyamani Axens- David Schwalje Oberon – Rebecca Boudreaux Honeywell UOP-Dan Szeezil NextChem-Valerio Coppini Velocys – Jeff McDaniel ENGINE TECH What if everything with a diesel
by Scott Irwin (FarmDocDaily) … Some have estimated in the losses in the billions (Neely, 2020b), but this has been disputed by others (Glauber, 2020). The purpose of this article is to estimate the production profits of ethanol plants before and after the COVID-19 lockdowns that began in March of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Texas, ExxonMobil has signed an agreement with Global Clean Energy Holdings to purchase 105 million gallons of renewable diesel per year for five years from a converted California refinery starting in 2022. The strike price was not disclosed. The news that the Bakersfield refinery would
(News.am) International Biodiesel Day is marked every year on August 10. The unofficial day of this environmentally friendly fuel was established to commemorate its first use, when on August 10, 1893, an engine powered by peanut oil-based fuel was switched on. International Biodiesel Day aims to spread information about the benefits of
Nair N.B. (Sputnik) India has been exploring alternatives to fossil fuels and trying to reduce its dependence on oil imports. One of the options being explored by the country is biofuel, made from various raw materials like waste plastics, used cooking oil, tree-borne oils and fats or oils from slaughterhouses, poultry
(Renewable Fuels Association) Commemorating the 15th anniversary of President George W. Bush’s signing of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which created the Renewable Fuel Standard, the Renewable Fuels Association today released a report detailing how the industry has benefited the nation over the past decade and a half. “As you’ll see in
by Doug Sombke and Jim Seurer (South Dakota Farmers Union/Glacial Lakes Energy/Argus Leader) During President Trump’s Fourth of July visit to Mount Rushmore, our organizations sponsored an ad in the Rapid City Journal that urged the President to “tear down the wall” that his Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unlawfully erected to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News arrives from Sao Paulo and Rome that GranBio and NextChem have inked a strategic alliance and will co-license GranBio’s patented technology for the production of second-generation ethanol. NextChem is a subsidiary of Italian engineering giant Maire Tecnimont dedicated to the energy transition. The news follows
by Joel Stone (ConVergInce Advisers/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) … A unique and affordable bolt on technology offered by Catalyxx (www.catalyxxinc.com) is available now and can offer options and opportunities to the present and post Covid ethanol infrastructure to expand and create new sustainable solutions. … The question we must raise is why
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Axens has a range of renewable biofuels and biochemicals from renewable diesel and biojet fuel to cellulosic ethanol, ethylene, butadiene, and aromatics. But there have been challenges in the past with cellulosic ethanol that Axens has learned to address. From feedstock flexibility to enzymes, check out
by Nat Williams (Illinois Farmer Today) The ethanol industry has a long, complicated history. But supporters believe the best days are ahead. “Fuel ethanol was a thing as early as early as automobiles. Henry Ford made his automobiles to run on ethanol and called it the fuel of the future,” said Monte
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed last week’s DigestConnect webinar, have no fear, the full deck is here! From 11 pathways on who’s doing what, how and with what, 21 projects and who’s running them and where, 13 fast emerging projects and who’s converting, constructing, planning and where,
by Alan P. Mammoser (Biodiesel Magazine) Biofuels will likely play an important role in a hoped-for transformation to a low-carbon economy. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, they will need to play a large role in the direct application of renewables to decarbonize heavy transport including road freight, shipping and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Praj Industries recently added renewable chemicals and materials to their portfolio of products going beyond biofuels and their Executive Chairman Dr. Pramod Chaudhari shared this illuminating presentation at ABLC Digital on the India story, the shift towards advanced biofuels and renewable chem in India, Praj’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A company that designs materials at a molecular level by optimizing microbes to biomanufacture unique structural oils discovered in nature, but not previously accessible commercially, is what Checkerspot is all about. Check out their Slide Guide from last week’s ABLC Digital, to get the details on
by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) South Dakota ethanol promoter Orrie D. Swayze likes to hear promotions for 30% ethanol blends in gasoline but thinks 50% would be better for the environment and human health. — … Swazey, 76, … became worried about Middle Eastern oil imports, and thought ethanol made from
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) funds research and development (R&D) on technologies necessary for the deployment and production of costcompetitive bioenergy, primarily biofuels. Results of experimental efforts are periodically compiled and compared with benchmark technology designs to assess overall progress. This report
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A new biodiesel fuel quality report by National Renewable Energy Laboratory surveying U.S. and Canadian BQ-9000 producers suggests the North American biodiesel industry has learned the lessons of its past. — U.S. biodiesel fuel quality has been on an ever-increasing trajectory upward since the darkest days
by Todd Woody (Bloomberg Green) To reignite the industry, biofuels need the type of government incentives that allowed solar and wind companies to flourish, analysts say. — … Technology from Honeywell’s subsidiary UOP had refined the camelina into renewable jet fuel, and as we reached cruising altitude executives settled into wide
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new video from the Renewable Fuels Association and Kansas Corn provides a clear introduction to other important products that come from ethanol production, primarily distillers grains used in livestock production, distillers oil used to make biodiesel, and captured carbon dioxide for the food and beverage industries. With fuel
by Elaine Kub (DTN Progressive Farmer) … During the eight weeks through March and April, while everyone in the economy was grappling with how best to limit human contact to slow the spread of a deadly disease, American ethanol production was steadily dropping at an average pace of 9% each week.
by Glenn Minnis (The Center Square) … The president was there to help industry executives celebrate his administration’s removal of a regulation that up until then prohibited companies from selling gasoline containing 15% ethanol year-round. “It was a terrific event for my company and the renewable fuels industry, drawing nearly
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Gevo is developing a platform to fund expansion projects in the next phase of its unique, next generation renewable fuels business. Their commercial-scale facilities are converting agricultural, forestry and other feedstocks to high value, low pollutant, low carbon substitutes for gasoline and jet fuel. So
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everything’s better with biology, so here’s The Digest’s newly released Top 15 case studies of today’s hottest technology and new markets for traditional oil and gas refiners. What are our top picks? Spoiler Alert: The top 15 may include converting oil refineries to biorefineries, something to
(Biofuels International) Video of the Month — As part of the BIO4A project, SkyNRG will provide its valuable expertise in the sector to make BIO4A mission a reality: enabling the large-scale pre-commercial production of ASTM-certified SAF in the European Union. In this short interview, Oskar tells us how sustainable aviation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) After what could be considered a lengthy out-of-town tryout, LanzaJet is now officially launched as a LanzaTech spin-off — Suncor Energy and Mitsui & Co. are investing $15 million and $10 million, respectively, to establish the new venture. All Nippon Airways is also contributing in exchange for accessing off
by Gerard J. Ostheimer and Douglas L. Faulkner (below50/“the Clean Tech Conservative”/Leatherstocking LLC/Biofuels Digest) … (W)e would like to point out a number of anniversaries put biofuels and bio-based products into a deeper and provocative historical context: 85 years ago, a now-forgotten manifesto was issued in Dearborn, Michigan: “The Declaration of the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA in May approved a fuel pathway under the Renewable Fuel Standard for a biomass gasification plant under development in McFarland, California, that will produce renewable natural gas (RNG) for sale into the transportation fuel market. The project, known as the San Joaquin Renewables
by Mahmood Ebadian, James D. McMillan, Jack (John) N. Saddler and Susan van Dyk (University of British Columbia, Canada/National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA/IEA Bioenergy) Global production and use of transport biofuels Global biofuels production has continued to increase over the last decade, from over 37 million tonnes oil equivalent (Mtoe) in
by Franziska Müller-Langer, Nicolaus Dahmen and Gabriel Costa de Paiva (Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum/Karlsruhe Institute of Technology/IEA Bioenergy) … This feature article summarizes the current status of transport sector biofuels in Germany including major policy drivers, decarbonization strategies and initiatives as well as recent advances in technology development. 2. Current status of
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) … The reason I’m contacting you today, in 2020, is because yesterday I received a message from a reader who disagrees with my advocacy of ethanol based upon your article. In my reply to this reader, I said that I could appreciate why he
by Tristan R. Brown (Seeking Alpha) -Expectations of U.S. gasoline demand in 2021 are continuing to decline as the country has failed to suppress the spread of COVID-19. -Gasoline demand in 2021 is now expected to be as low as it was in 2013. Mandated biofuel demand will be substantially
(National Corn Growers Association) This may be a tumultuous time for corn farmers and ethanol producers. But then again, the ethanol industry’s entire history has been a roller coaster ride. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett revisits the battles that got us to this point with “the Godfather of Ethanol” himself,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) … Markus Dielacher, CEO of BDI-BioEnergy International, says many companies offering pretreatment systems came from the vegetable oil side. “They started with clean feedstock and it worked,” he says. “We came from the other side, the worst feedstocks, and went to the cleaner ones. It’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Few countries blend ethanol beyond 10% right now but are targets moving? What about biodiesel targets, mostly set below 7% volume in some countries? How about the 18 countries that plan to ban of phase out ICEVs and more than 45 countries have set or are
by Frank Markus (Motor Trend) A brief history of the ethanol-gasoline blend as a motor fuel. Did you know Henry Ford‘s iconic Model T, built from 1908 to 1927, featured carburetor jets that could be adjusted to let the engine run on gasoline, ethanol, or a mix of the two?
by Nyasha Kavhiza (The Herald) A technical analysis of the current situation will point to the lack of feedstock as the main problem stalling biodiesel production in Zimbabwe. … Instead of discarding the project all together, the Government and all stakeholders involved ought to glean lessons from the experience and address the
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) U.S. DOE and EPA are Screwing America (And No One Cares – Do You?) +VIDEO — … So, I did a Google search of his name (Daniel R. Simmons) along with the word “ethanol.” There was only one pertinent search return involving Simmons and
by Jessica Bennett (Renewable Fuels Association) RFA works hard every day to represent all of our members and the hard-working men and women that make these companies, and our industry, successful. More than ever before, representing our industry also means representing women in the renewable fuels industry. The number of women working
by Hal Bernton (Seattle Times) Gov. Jay Inslee’s campaign to clamp down on greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s transportation fuels, a high-profile goal throughout his two terms in office, faces a difficult road as the Washington state Legislature heads into the final two weeks of its session. Legislation passed by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you have not followed the Alternative and Renewable Fuels Forum, bookmark this, and today I’ll give you some of the flavor of this group with 110 members — project owners and developers, policy experts, technologists, automotive manufacturers, oil companies, airlines. I think of them as
by Mark Warner (Warner Advisors LLC/Food Navigator) Can 60% of current meat consumption be replaced by novel vegan meat replacements and cultured meat in the next 20 years? That is what AT Kearney has recently projected, but the analysis does not outline a path for achieving the forecast. Is reaching
by Jim Stewart (Bioenergy Producers Association/Renewable Energy Project Development and Finance/Biofuels Digest) The volume of post-recycled municipal solid waste (MSW) being placed in California’s landfills has been steadily climbing for the past decade, during which time the state’s legislature, with its waste management agency following meekly behind, has refused to amend
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We are very honored at The Digest each year to select the William C. Holmberg Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Bioeconomy, and to make the award presentation at ABLC. Especially this year when our honoree is Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech. If you’ve heard
by Andrea Kent (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Greenfield Global/Renewable Industries Canada) Myths and misinformation about ethanol and its effect on health and the environment need to be corrected to expand higher blends. — … (Canadian) Federal blending mandates—in place since 2007—require our gasoline to contain an average 5 percent ethanol. In addition,
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Biofuels Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activity in North America was subdued in 2019. Only four operating biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuels plants were sold during the year. These four acquired plants were relatively small with a combined capacity of only 133 Million Gallons Per Year.
(Chicago Area Clean Cities/FuelFix.com) The Greater Chicago I-55 Truck Plaza, one of the first, family-owned and operated, independent truck plazas in the U.S., recounts its biodiesel tale. — The Greater Chicago I-55 Truck Plaza was one of the first, family-owned and operated, independent truck plazas in the U.S. to start selling B11 biodiesel in 2006.
by Cácia Pimentel* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On February 15th the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) Carbon Management Research Initiative and the Women in Energy program hosted a panel of experts to discuss carbon capture policies and technologies, especially Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). CCUS are methods and technologies to remove
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association was honored to welcome George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, to the 25th Annual National Ethanol Conference today in Houston. By championing an all-of-the-above approach to domestic energy production while in office, President Bush put the United States on a course
(Ethanol Producer Magazine/Growth Energy) During the organization’s 11th Annual Executive Leadership Conference, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor honored POET Founder and CEO Jeff Broin as The American Biofuels Visionary. Tom Buis, who previously served as CEO of Growth Energy, joined Skor on stage to present the special recognition, which was awarded
by Miranda Green (New Republic) If politicians no longer coveted that early “Iowa bump,” would they still feel compelled to support ethanol subsidies? In the wake of Iowa’s caucus vote-counting disaster, political staffers and pollsters alike are reconsidering the state’s “first in the nation to vote” status. The quaint caucuses
by Marjorie Kulba (Farm Journal’s Ag Pro) An Iowa biodiesel plant is reopening after it shut down late last year. The Western Dubuque Biodiesel plant in Farley, Iowa started up production at the plant last week after shutting down for most of December and January. A representative told AgDay’s Betsy Jibben the small refinery exemptions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We are always trying to optimize – optimize processes, efficiencies, cost, value, and more, but did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office has a program just for this sort of thing? The ADO or Advanced Development and Optimization program has several
by Andreas Exarheas (Rigzone) Phillips 66 and Renewable Energy Group Inc. (REG) have announced that they are discontinuing their joint effort to construct a large-scale renewable diesel plant in Ferndale, Washington. The project was said to have been canceled due to permitting delays and uncertainties. According to a comment posted on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From GHG emissions and carbon savings to growing public policy support, REG is working hard on improving biodiesel’s LCFS value. Check out this Slide-Guide from REG’s Director of Government Affairs, Lindsay Fitzgerald’s presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco to get the latest on states
by Alison Matthews (Renewable Industries Canada/AOM Consulting/Biofuels Digest) … A decade ago, …Ethanol facilities were not even running at maximum capacity and governments were already doubling down on their success by creating funds to support “next generation” ethanol production. And why not. For facilities facing the end of incentives and
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) Daryl Maas followed his dreams to California, where he is filling an important niche helping mitigate climate change and dairy farmers mine the lucrative rewards of cow manure. — Daryl Maas was raised among the Dutch dairy farms of Northwest Washington. After joining the military
(Bloomberg/Crain’s Chicago Business) The company is in advanced talks for a deal that could involve a sale or a joint venture for its ethanol dry mills. — Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., the agribusiness giant that helped draw the blueprint for the U.S. biofuel industry, is in advanced talks for a deal that could
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) …At Growth Energy, we share that commitment to community and are excited to invest our philanthropic time and money into the next generation through biofuels education and advocacy training in the classroom. Through our partnership with National FFA and the National Association of
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine highlights industry changes as discovered during the 2020 U.S. & Canada Biodiesel Plant Map data collection efforts. … Naturally, one recurring theme that kept rearing its ugly head was the toll that the lack of the $1 per gallon federal biodiesel tax credit,
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Celebrating 25 years, the Hawaii-based company that has built biodiesel plants across the U.S. and Japan has gone back to its roots, focusing on sustainability and local energy independence for the archipelago. … Once a process technology-focused company that built 13 plants in Hawaii, Japan,
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) Florida Power & Light Co. embraces environmental stewardship as a core value and has used biodiesel fuel regularly for nearly 20 years—one vital component of its corporate responsibility strategy. The utility is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, the world’s largest producer of renewable power from wind
(Neste) Lufthansa’s Katja Kleffmann tells Satu Dahl how the airline is succeeding in its bid to make aviation greener. Globally, we are witnessing a surge in sustainability innovation—from new forms of propulsion to smarter, more energy-efficient buildings. And one of those initiatives is sustainable aviation fuel. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to
by Jeffrey T. Manuel and Thomas D. Rogers (The Hill/Changing America) To prepare America for a green future, you have to understand the power politics of the present. — … But the real drivers of biofuel policy in both countries (U.S. and Brazil) are powerful multiparty blocs of legislators
(Hemp, Inc./Globe Newswire) Hemp, Inc. (OTC PINK: HEMP), a global leader in the industrial hemp industry with bi-coastal processing centers, including the largest multipurpose industrial hemp processing facility in the western hemisphere, announced today news coverage in Havasu News, a leading source for news, sports and opinions in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From what is an advanced biofuel to why, we take a look at the gallons, the ethanol blend wall, the residue capacity, and over 30 advanced biofuels projects from around the world to watch. In today’s Digest, a Digest 2020 Multi-Slide Guide on advanced biofuels that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Iowa State University is working on fast pyrolysis, and Robert Brown, Director of the university’s Bioeconomy Institute looks at how their work is making us rethink thermochemical processing. By looking at autothermal pyrolysis, and more, Brown shared this presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. READ
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Iogen is one of the top 5 registered producers of cellulosic biofuel in the U.S. and say that renewable natural gas dominates the commercial cellulosic biofuel business and that the market is more than just the RFS. Manure biogas, landfill biogas, those are all going up
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrogenics is a unit of Cummins Inc. active in designing, manufacturing, building and installing industrial and commercial Hydrogen generation, Hydrogen fuel cells and MW-scale energy storage solutions. Based in Mississauga, Canada with manufacturing facilities located in Germany, Belgium and United States, the company offers PEM and alkaline
by Matt Carr (New Energy American/The Hill) … In 2016 Big Oil received the gift of the century in a Donald Trump presidency. Despite promises in Iowa to grow the renewable fuels industry and to promote clean air, he immediately set out to do exactly the opposite. He put fossil fuel boosters Scott Pruitt and Andrew Wheeler in charge
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We all know going from demo to commercial isn’t easy. Ensyn, a company that produces biocrude from forest and agricultural residues using its proprietary thermal technology and focuses on low carbon fuels and chemicals, knows all about it. Ian S. Barnett, Chair of the Finance Committee
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week news came out of a partnership between Novozymes and Green Plains to use biological technology to extract more value from corn protein, at what used to be known as corn ethanol plants, but with this news we might finally and forever begin to think
The Kodak Moment: The World’s Airlines Consider Their Low-Carbon Options in an Era of Flight-Shaming
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Now, the airlines were just about the first customers to clamor for advanced biofuels. In 2006, Richard Altman of the recently-formed Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative showed up at one of the earliest advanced biofuels events, and when he laid out the intent of the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Taking non-reyclable waste to sustainable chemicals and biofuels is Enerkem’s world. Current products from ‘trash’ include syngas, methanol and ethanol with alternative pathways currently under development. Andrea Redford, Chief Business Development Officer from Enerkem gave this illuminating presentation at the ABLC NEXT in San Francisco
by Sune Tjalfe Thomsen and Henning Jørgensen (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) 1. Status of transportation biofuel industry in Denmark — In Denmark, a considerable part of the total energy demand is derived from renewable sources. In 2017, 26% of Denmark’s primary energy production of 658 PJ was from renewable
by Sergio Meana (Argus Media) Drivers in Mexico are using high concentrations of ethanol in their tanks as a direct, cheaper substitute of gasoline despite blends over 10pc being illegal, conventional fuel retailers said. Retailers in often informal street-side outlets advertise ethanol on e-commerce platforms such as Facebook Marketplace. They claim it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Microbial strains convert lignocellulosic sugars to fuel precursors, but Jeff Linger from National Renewable Energy Laboratory gave this illuminating presentation at the DOE’s BETO 2019 Project Peer Review that details how they are looking to develop and optimize hybrid biological routes to be coupled with
(LanzaTech) Carbon recycling pioneer, LanzaTech, continues to make strides in scaling up its alcohol to jet (ATJ) platform. Commercialization of the ATJ process has been years in the making, starting with the partnership between LanzaTech and the U.S Energy Department’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. PNNL developed a unique catalytic process to
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) This past Saturday, a media outlet called THE ATLANTIC published an anti-ethanol editorial titled “STOP THE ETHANOL MADNESS.” … The following is my rebuttal to him and THE ATLANTIC: Dear Editors – The anti-ethanol editorial written by Mario Loyola, “STOP THE ETHANOL MADNESS,” is highly
(U.S. Department of Energy Newswise) Survey results conclude that there have been significant improvements in energy efficiency and water conservation. — The nation’s biofuel producers have made significant gains in both energy efficiency and water conservation in recent years, according to a report released by the U.S Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National
by Sarita Reed and Vincius Fontana (Future Fuel Strategies/China Dialogue) There are 332 million cars on the road in China, more than anywhere in the world. Most run on pure petrol, but from next year Chinese fuel companies will add 10% ethanol, a move that could have far reaching implications for the
by Pete Danko (Portland Business Journal) SeQuential, the Oregon company that collects used cooking oil and turns it into biodiesel, has boosted production capacity at its Salem plant by 30 percent. It credited a state program with helping drive increased demand. Output has been growing every year since the southeast Salem
Douglas A. Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Governor’s Biofuels Coalition) The global biofuels community is without a doubt watching the developments in the US with the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and might be understandably confused. How is a program that was passed by the U.S. Congress and supported by Democrats and Republicans
by Gerard J. Ostheimer, Ph.D. (below50) and Douglas L. Faulkner (“the Clean Tech Conservative” / Leatherstocking LLC) (Biofuels Digest) … On the left there is a surging sense of climate action urgency. On the right is growing concern over energy security. And many Democrats and Republicans at least in the fly-over
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, news arrived late last week Enerkem closed a $50 million equity investment from Suncor. What does it mean? Today’s let’s explore that. As Canada’s leading integrated energy company, Suncor first participated in the ownership of Enerkem in April 2019 as part of a $76.3 million equity
by Rahimi Yunus (Malaysian Reserve) CEO says R&D into aviation biofuels requires studies on how the alternative fuel burns compared to kerosene-based jet fuels — Low-cost carrier AirAsia Group Bhd could be introducing biofuel-powered flights in the future with research and development (R&D) underway as airlines want to cut jet fuel costs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Enerkem has been famed as a plaform for producing ethanol from municipal solid waste. Yet, there’s methanol as a platform. There’s also the possibility of moving from syngas to ethylene. There’s methanol to olefins, which opens up potential to go from mixed plastic waste to
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A series of unfortunate events this summer—all caused by U.S. government action or inaction—has led to a precarious situation in the biodiesel sector, but there may be a silver lining. — … The volume of SREs (small oil refinery exemptions) granted has exploded during the
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Andrew Davison, founder and owner of Cape Cod Biofuels, was presented an environmental merit award by the U.S. EPA Sept. 10 for his unique biodiesel business model that, as described by the agency, improves the air and water and increases energy and community resilience. Over the
(Federal University of Goiás (UFG)) Isabela Almeida Rodrigues, undergraduate student of International Relations, was awarded by the Brazilian Association of International Relations (ABRI) Isabela Almeida Rodrigues, undergraduate student at Universidade Federal de Goiás (Federal University of Goias), won the 3rd Contest of Scientific Initiation in International Relations of the Brazilian Association
by Robert Rapier (Forbes) … My proposed solution is for the Midwestern states to band together to provide sufficient state incentives to develop a major Midwest corridor where E85 — a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline — is the primary fuel of choice for consumers. There is enough
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Is India the cash cow for biofuels? Or even the golden cow? If Aemetis’ recent 200% year over year increase in biodiesel sales is any indication…well, let’s just say we see the value. The market It is estimated that the ethanol market in India
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Today we’re going to relate a detective story which begins with an unexplained and foul stink, and branches off into climate, trade, the eradication of poverty, crop rotation, the politics of the Amazon, the flow vectors of tropical seas, seafloor convection, the future of beach
by Ruth Kassinger (Boston Globe) … We’ve turned algae into killers. But we can change their future and ours. We can harness them to help save the environment we’ve been ravaging. AFTER THE OPEC oil embargo of the mid-1970s caused gas shortages and price hikes, government-funded biologists and engineers across the country began
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Midorimushi – other than being a cool sounding Ninja name, it’s scientific name is Euglena. No, it’s not the latest superhero in a manga comic. It’s a kind of algae. In a magical sort of hybrid way, it has both plant and animal properties and has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Federal Aviation Administration is a governmental body of the United States with powers to regulate all aspects of civil aviation in that nation as well as over its surrounding international waters and have been working on replacing petroleum jet fuel with drop-in renewable alternatives. Dr.
by Douglas L. Faulkner (The Cleantech Conservative/Leatherstocking LLC/ Biofuels Digest) … (W)e first addressed bio-based plastic research needs; second, we reviewed government regulations preventing the growth of advanced biofuels, a controversial action; then we launched an effort for 2019 for an intensive look at forests of the future and their opportunities for woody
by Tom Philpott (Mother Jones) In a mesmerizing recent article, Mother Jones’ Tim Murphy recounts the surprising backstory of one of corporate marketing’s greatest flops: Coca-Cola’s quickly aborted 1985 effort to tweak its formula and convince consumers to accept “New Coke.” … Coca-Cola had already started adding high-fructose corn syrup to the mix five
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant, a Switzerland based specialty chemicals company, has four business areas: Care Chemicals, Natural Resources, Catalysis and Plastics & Coatings. While the first half of the year has been challenging, Clariant was able to increase sales by 4% and operating cash flow increased by 11%. Paolo
(Green Car Congress) Commercially viable cellulosic ethanol plants has proven devilishly difficult to bring to fruition. The primary outlier from the list of efforts that have shut down over the past few years is POET/DSM’s Project Liberty (earlier post). In an editorial in the journal Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, two POET team
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae Biomass Organization advocates for algae-advancing policy and funding, serves as a hub for innovation and networking, and drives demand for “made with algae” products and services. Mark Allen, Chairperson of ABO, offers this enlightening overview of the Algae Interagency Working Group, current state of the algae
by Parija Kavilanz (CNN Business) At 22, Jeff Broin was just six months out of college and getting started in the banking industry when his family turned to him for help. His father was scrambling to figure out a way to save the 130-year-old Minnesota corn farm that Broin and his
by John Hanselman (Vanguard Renewables/Biofuels Digest) Renewable natural gas production is a good news story, but how to get there successfully is more complicated than most of us in the business anticipated. At Vanguard Renewables, we entered the renewable energy landscape with two different “eat what you kill” on-farm anaerobic digesters that
by Solomon Lanitis, Chrysa Glystra and Wesley Swift (S&P Global Platts) Ambitious emissions targets are driving governments across the globe to mandate greater use of biofuels in gasoline, and higher-ethanol blends of gasoline look set to make further inroads in the EU in the coming year. Electric vehicles and hybrids have dominated
(U.S. Government Accountability Office) We reviewed the effects of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires biofuels to be blended into U.S. transportation fuels in increasing volumes. The standard was associated with modest gas price increases in areas outside of the Midwest. Most corn ethanol—the most common U.S. biofuel—is produced in the Midwest,
(IEA Bioenergy) This document contains the report of the IEA Bioenergy Executive Committee for 2018. This year, we have presented a special feature ‘ Measuring, governing and gaining support for sustainable bioenergy supply chains – lessons and messages from a three-year Inter-Task project’, the preparation of which was led by Task 40. … On 10 January 2018,
Glaucia Mendes Souza, Rubens Maciel Filho, Luís Cassinelli, Carlos Henrique de Brito Cruz and Renato D. Godinho (IEA Bioenergy Task 39) … Brazil has an energy matrix with substantial renewable content, with renewables (including hydropower) accounting for 42.9% of the total domestic energy supply (Brazilian Energy Balance 2018). … Even with an energy matrix
by Dave Keating (Euractiv) “ILUC has been solved,” declared Bernd Kuepker, a renewables policy officer at the European Commission’s energy department, at an event held in Brussels this week. He was, of course, not saying that the phenomenon of Indirect Land Use Change has been solved. He was instead making the point that after
(ePURE) EU ethanol production and use resulted in more than 71% average savings over fossil fuels in 2018, according to the latest certified producer data; it’s the seventh straight year ethanol’s decarbonisation performance has improved — European renewable ethanol delivered an average of more than 71% greenhouse-gas savings compared to fossil fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest’s new “Stocks Worth Tracking” Multi-Slide Guide Series highlights hot companies that are making strides in the bioeconomy. Today’s “Stock Worth Tracking” is Pacific Ethanol. Pacific Ethanol was originally founded in 2003 as the first pure-play ethanol company and now has nine bio-refineries in the
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) French multinational oil giant Total S.A. is just days away from a much-anticipated startup at its La Mède biorefinery in the south of France. A representative of Total told Biodiesel Magazine that the renewable diesel processing facility is on track to begin commercial production in late May or
(Feed & Grain/U.S. Grains Council) In 2018, U.S. ethanol exports totaled more than 6.5 billion liters — A recent analysis by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) shows non-beverage ethanol has been the fastest growing U.S. agricultural export over the past decade by a significant margin. In 2018, U.S. ethanol exports totaled more
(American Coalition for Ethanol) ACE CEO Brian Jennings sends Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) data on the positive impact agriculture and low carbon fuels like corn ethanol can have as a hearing takes up the policy debate between farming and climate change. American Coalition for Ethanol
(Methanol Institute) Compared to conventional fuels, renewable methanol cuts carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95%, reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80%, and completely eliminates sulfur oxide and particulate matter emissions. The report, prepared for MI by ATA Insights, features case studies on renewable methanol production by Carbon Recycling International
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Enerkem is producing methanol and ethanol at its Edmonton, Alberta, plant, diverting up to 24 percent of the city’s landfill waste. The company has partners for another project in the Netherlands. — A Canadian company is furthering ethanol’s environmental benefits, using municipal solid waste (MSW) as
(Omaha World-Herald) When Taylor Nelson of Jackson, Nebraska, graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2012, the farm economy was on fire. Rents and land values were increasing at an unprecedented rate, and farmers were snapping up every opportunity they could. The stakes were high, and the market seemed impenetrable for
by Kelsey Quargnenti (Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has lowered gas prices by an average of 22 cents per gallon in recent years and saved the typical American household $250 annually, according to a study published today by economist and energy policy expert Dr. Philip K. Verleger, Jr. The
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Beyond Enerkem, a few companies around the world are looking to feedstocks outside of corn to produce cellulosic ethanol. — A few well-known ethanol producers are developing cellulosic pathways that use feedstocks other than elements of corn. … Waste Gas LanzaTech, a U.S.-based carbon capture and
by Clay Gordon (News Center Maine) Maine Standard Biofuels collects grease and refines it into bioheat, biodiesel and other bioproducts — … Used cooking oil is being repurposed, and in its refined state is powering engines, cars, trucks, even ferries, and heating homes. Maine Standard Biofuels was founded in 2006 after Jarmin
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Washington state (House–see correction below) has passed a low carbon fuel standard that would have it join itself to the standards already enacted in California, Oregon and British Columbia and under development now for the whole of Canada. The establishment of a clear and steady
Ethanol Blog: Ethanol Industry Groups Disappointed in EPA Emissions Study
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA’s release of a so-called “anti-backsliding” study on Friday that calls for no further action to mitigate potential adverse air quality effects from renewable fuels, was met with disappointment by two ethanol industry interest groups. The study is required by the Clean Air Act and