by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are the infrastructure hold-ups with renewable fuels? What are 7 Blend Wall Busters that can get renewable fuels back into high gear? ... Between 13.5 billion gallons and the 36 billion gallon target envisioned by
(Illinois Soybean Association) Biodiesel Positively Impacts Poultry and Livestock Farmers’ Bottom Lines -- Biodiesel is known for powering vehicles across the country—but it also works for poultry and livestock farmers by powering their profitability. That was the message today at the REG
(Renewable Fuels Association) Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen issued the following statement in response to the shutdown of the BP 240,000-barrels-per-day refinery in Whiting, Indiana, which has caused gasoline prices to spike in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio,
(US Department of Energy) “Sustainability in Bioenergy: A Nation Connected” is a short documentary highlighting personal stories and the efforts being made by communities across the United States to develop, produce, and provide bioenergy, while ensuring it is environmentally, economically,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A proposal by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to change ethanol blending rules would significantly increase carbon emissions to the equivalent of adding nearly one million more passenger vehicles on the road, according to an
(Office of Senator Dick Durbin) U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) wrote to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today in support of Illinois’ application for additional federal funding to advance the deployment of biofuel infrastructure
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, more than fifty grassroots events are now scheduled take place at state and county fairs throughout the month of August, starting August 7th. Farmers and consumers will have the chance to inform and
(Candy & Snack TODAY) Two new hybrid species of sugarcane capable of maintaining productivity in temperatures as low as 50 degree F could potentially allow cultivation beyond the current region and expand sugar yield by as much as 25
by John Caupert (National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center/Belleville News Democrat) ... Beyond economic and environmental impact, one has to wonder about the wisdom of proposed rules from a federal agency that moves to regulate greenhouse gases for airlines with one action, but
TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology, and engineering communities to design and apply new tools for
by Padma Nagappan (TakePart) ... Now researchers at the United States Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory think they have a solution that allows farmers to profit from growing both food and advanced biofuels while benefitting the environment. They planted willow on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Already, biogas as a renewable fuel is accounting for 90% of all cellulosic RIN production under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Food and paper manufacturers, ethanol & biodiesel plants, cities, landfill operators, and animal feeding operations
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate risk and other environmental problems into business opportunities, spurring innovation and economic development. “From academia
by Payal Marathe (Argonne National Laboratory) We ask a lot of the land: feed the world with crops, power the world with bioenergy, retain nutrients so they don’t pollute our water and air. To help landscapes answer these high demands,
By Deirdre Lockwood (Chemical and Engineering News) Environment: New study finds that greenhouse gas emissions associated with fuel from Alberta oil sands are about 20% greater than those for U.S. crude oil The oil sands of Canada’s Alberta province are one
by Cindy Zimmerman (AgWired) ... Cuba has purchased corn from the United States since the early 2000s, with market share varying widely from as high as 100 percent to just 15 percent last marketing year. The country has purchased distiller’s
by Rick Kubetz (Phys.Org) Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have, for the first time, uncovered the complex interdependence and orchestration of metabolic reactions, gene regulation, and environmental cues of clostridial metabolism, providing new insights for advanced biofuel
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) This week, we'll hear from someone that was part of a project to restart an idled ethanol plant in 2013. It was an ambitious and interesting effort and I'm sorry to hear it wasn't
by Jeannine Otto (AgriNews) ... Zein is a corn protein, and it’s the subject of the newest building project at Big River Resources. When the new zein extraction facility is completed, expected in August, it will produce the corn protein used in
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers hope phytate replicates the corn oil extraction success story, but the history of zein shows it can be a slow and difficult road to success. Diversification of coproducts is increasingly important to the
by Greg Hack and Kasia Kovacs (Kansas City Star) When the Environmental Protection Agency proposed lowering the country’s ethanol-use mandates for this year and next, it set up a public hearing to let people tell it what they thought. On
(Danforth Plant Science Center) Understanding key phenotype-to-genotype associations will enhance efforts to bring products to market -- The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced today it was awarded an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA–E TERRA program.
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) .. In our first farmdoc daily article (June 3, 2015) after the release of the (RVO) proposal, we analyzed whether the renewable (ethanol) mandates proposed by the EPA, while lower than statutory levels, were still
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Six projects land major multi-year awards for Project TERRA, Tramsportation Energy Resources from Renewable Agriculture In Washington, ARPA-E announced awards totaling $30 million for projects seeking to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s May 29 proposed renewable volume obligations (RVO) is under scrutiny by University of Illinois economists in recent FarmDocDaily posts. Jonathan Coppess examines the argument that EPA appears to be turning the
(ECN Magazine/Argonne National Laboratory) The handling of agricultural crop residues appears to have a large impact on soil's ability to retain carbon, making land management practices increasingly important, especially under a scenario where cellulosic materials become more heavily used as
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) regrets that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in releasing renewable fuel volumes for 2014, 2015 and 2016, artificially caps renewable fuels at under 10 percent of the U.S.
by Stephanie Henry (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences) ... Researchers realize that biomass feedstocks will need to come from many different sources, including crop residues, forest residues, and municipal waste, for example, said
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Refining ethanol may release more of some pollutants than burning it in vehicles. After quantifying the airborne emissions from the nation’s third largest ethanol refinery, a team led by NOAA and University of Colorado–Boulder
(Locker Gnome) ... Scientists at the University of Illinois recently reported the first natural occurrence in several decades of Miscanthus hybrid plants in Japan. “If M. x giganteus is the only variety available, there are certainly risks involved such as diseases or
(Newswise/Argonne National Laboratory) With access to supercomputing resources at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility, a research team from the University of Minnesota and Rice University has demonstrated a
by Joel Hennen (Chicago Sun-Times) ... Unfortunately, I’ve heard a lot of misinformation during the debate about the Chicago Clean Air Choice Ordinance, which would free Chicago fuel retailers from the oil industry’s burdensome restrictions, allowing them to sell E15. ... Environmentally, E15 offers
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) The Environmental Protection Agency is working to finalize the proposed rule on biofuels volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard; the latest proposal would create uncertainty for biodiesel producers and undermine job creation. In a
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Training programs around the U.S. offer opportunities in the biofuels industry for part- and full-time students. ... Mick Miller, president of NuVu Fuels and general manager of DENCO II in Morris, Minnesota, also went through the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Great Scott! New molecules, new feedstocks, new technologies, and reaching scale — the best of the best. At ABLC 2015, the focus on innovation included a complete program on aviaiton — and numerous producers elsewhere
(Fuels America) A new analysis produced by the University of Illinois at Chicago’s principal research economist Dr. Stefen Mueller found that giving consumers more access to cleaner fuel options like E15 would provide significant environmental benefits. E15 is a cleaner
(Farm Futures) Models predict that miscanthus will have higher fuel yield and profit when compared to corn stover and switchgrass A recent study simulated a side-by-side comparison of the yields and costs of producing ethanol using miscanthus, switchgrass, and corn stover,
by Jeremy P. Jacobs (E&E/Greenwire) Ask Chicago environmentalists who’s the Windy City’s best lawyer, and they’re likely to name Howard Learner. Learner has built his Environmental Law and Policy Center into a Midwest powerhouse over the last 20 years on transportation
by Nat Williams (AgriNews) The National Corn Growers Association is going into the gas pump business. The commodity group is working with service station chains and even manufacturers of pumps in order to expand sales of ethanol. Large ending stocks call for
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The future is bright as hundreds of E15 stations are in the works with many expected to open, writes Bob Dinneen of RFA. It’s still early in the game for E15 and
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Making E15 (gasoline with 15 percent ethanol) the new regular unleaded fuel in Minnesota would eliminate 358,000 tons of CO2 annually, according to a technical analysis by the University of Illinois at Chicago. In response to a query
by Chris Woolston (Bioenergy Connection) With its crown of pink blossoms, the humble seashore mallow may look unassuming, even delicate. But when it comes to brutal environments, this seaside shrub is no pushover. Seashore Mallow can survive one drought after
Join the thermochemical bioenergy community and meet the experts that are shaping the world for tomorrow. Don’t miss your chance to attend the 4th international conference on thermochemical biomass conversion science, tcbiomass2015; an event that gives you an in-depth look at
The tcbiomass2015 Technical Program Committee invites you to share your latest breakthroughs, experiences, and innovations with the global bioenergy industry. A broad array of papers will be selected for oral or poster presentation at dedicated sessions during the conference. Researchers, scientists,
(Murphy USA/Globe Newswire) Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE: MUSA), a leading marketer of retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise, announced today an expansion program that will bring E15 to consumers in the suburbs of Chicago and Houston in 2015. After several
(Illinois Soybean Association) To help recognize Illinois-based fleets running on blends of B20 biodiesel, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and the American Lung Association in Illinois have launched the B20 Club. "B20 offers economic and environmental benefits to the fleets that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Tate & Lyle operates three corn wet mills in the US, and views bio-based chemicals as a way to sustain grind as HFCS and starch markets decline. We currently have an ethanol plant and are
(The Risky Business Project) Results Show that America's Heartland Risks Economic Disruptions as Climate Change Advances, Reduces Labor Productivity, and Shifts Agricultural Production Patterns The Midwestern United States faces potential disruptions to its agricultural economy, and dangerous levels of heat in many
(Phys.Org/ Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) A common algae commercially grown to make fish food holds promise as a source for both biodiesel and jet fuel, according to a new study published in the journal Energy & Fuels. The researchers, led by
by Greg Cunningham (Argonne National Laboratory) A new version of an online tool created by the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory will help biofuels developers gain a detailed understanding of water consumption of various types of feedstocks, aiding
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A few weeks ago, a reader question sparked an interesting search for answers. That one comment has led to several stories and blogs at our website. In mid-December, a reader asked me why, as opposed
(U.S. Department of Energy) Project achieves major milestone by successfully injecting carbon into saline formation As part of President Obama’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Department of Energy announced today that its Illinois Basin-Decatur Project successfully captured and stored one million metric
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunnies, liposuction fat, Prince Charles’ leftover wine, day-old whale, the human poo bus, fire ants dipped in hexane, old beer, raging fireballs, vibrating blobs, dope, and even the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Take your pick and,
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Owners of the state’s gas stations and convenience stores are asking Iowa lawmakers to set up a state grant program to replace aging underground storage tanks for gas and diesel. Dawn Carlson is president
(Water Environment Research Foundation/PR Web) The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is expanding its research with three new projects that examine wastewater as a resource. Two of the projects seek to show that materials in wastewater can be commoditized. The
Join the thermochemical bioenergy community and meet the experts that are shaping the world for tomorrow. Don't miss your chance to attend the 4th international conference on thermochemical biomass conversion science, tcbiomass2015; an event that gives you an in-depth look at
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Big Oil isn't above stooping to dirty tricks to mislead consumers into thinking E85 isn't a good fuel to buy, including by trying to price the fuel right out of the market. We recently received
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The fate of the Chicago E15 ordinance is still unknown. Passed by the city council’s finance committee on Monday, a vote by the full council was deferred Dec. 10 for at least a month.
(University of Illinois/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Farmers interested in bioenergy crops now have a resource to help them determine which kind of bioenergy crop would grow best in their regions and what kind of harvest to expect. Researchers at the University of
(The White House Office of Science and Technology) ... Continued progress into the future will depend on ensuring a climate-smart citizenry and a next-generation American workforce of city planners, community leaders, engineers, and entrepreneurs who understand the urgent climate-change challenge and are equipped
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) In a recent farmdoc daily article (November 12, 2014) we initiated a discussion of whether the decline in gasoline prices had been large enough to threaten the competiveness of ethanol in gasoline
(University of Illinois) Farmers interested in bioenergy crops now have a resource to help them determine which kind of bioenergy crop would grow best in their regions and what kind of harvest to expect. Researchers at the University of Illinois have
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Shell VP Matthew Tipper, at ABLCNext: “We will likely begin manufacture in the southeast United States. We plan to be operational by late this decade. “We believe our best bet is woody biomass and energy
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Butanol is the go-to industrial solvent for products such as lacquers and enamels, but it might also play a substantial role in the production of renewable fuels. Gallon for gallon,
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) According to an analysis of vehicle owners manuals for model year 2014 and 2015 cars, conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), two-thirds of new car owners’ manuals approve the use of E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) Wholesale (CBOB) gasoline prices in the U.S. have declined by about a dollar per gallon, or one-third, since June (see Figure 1). The CBOB price last week was $2.11 per gallon, the lowest level
by Tom Doran (AgriNews) There’s a running joke that when a researcher is asked when cellulosic ethanol will be viable, their answer is always “five years away.” That timeframe has officially expired with cellulosic ethanol now being commercially produced at
(The New Zealand Herald) A leading carbon recycling company has developed a way to turn CO2 emissions into essential omega-3 fatty acids - offering a sustainable alternative to feeding the world's demand for fish oil. Now based in Chicago, New Zealand-founded
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, LanzaTech and a research team from the IOC-DBT Center for Advanced Bio-Energy Research (an entity co-funded by India’s Department of Biotechnology and Indian Oil Corporation Limited) announced the development of a new process
by Ann Perry (Phys.Org) At the Agricultural Research Service's Bioenergy Research Unit in Peoria, Illinois, field work and bench investigations keep ARS scientists on the scientific front lines of converting biomass into cellulosic ethanol. For instance, one recent research focus has
(The Crop Site) US - The potential for producing cost-effective cellulosic ethanol that uses plentiful and sustainable cellulosic plant biomass continues to grow, thanks to research at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists at the
(University of Illinois/Biomass Magazine) Two University of Illinois crop sciences researchers interested in improving plant feedstocks for bioenergy production were selected to receive funding by the USDA and the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a larger Obama administration
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Patriot Renewable Fuels has signed a Professional Services Agreement to install ICM’s Fiber Seperation Technology (FST) as well as their Generation 1.5 Grain Fiber to Cellulosic Ethanol Technology (Gen 1.5) for its biorefinery. According to Gene
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The Building Illinois’ Bioeconomy (BIB) consortium has received a $9.9 million grant to create an Illinois network of biobased training and employment pathways that can be completed in two years or less. BIB is comprised of
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to land use change (LUC) for corn ethanol has been ratcheted down by Argonne National Laboratory. The recently published manual for the Carbon Calculator for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, chairman and vice chairman of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, sent a letter urging the Obama Administration to ensure the development of domestically produced renewable fuels by amending
(University of Wyoming) After graduating from Northern Kentucky University with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and accounting, Allen Morris decided to pursue graduate studies at the University of Wyoming for two primary reasons: the Rocky Mountain lifestyle, and an attractive stipend
(MarketWired) Illinois Corn Marketing Board Will Provide Incentives for Retailers to Adopt Ethanol The Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB) and the American Lung Association (ALA) recently chose Gilbarco Veeder-Root as their partner to help drive the adoption of higher ethanol blend
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you’ve known her as the globe-trotting CEO of LanzaTech — managing an enterprise based in Chicago, with lab operations (and historic ties to) in New Zealand, and progressing towards scale-up in China — well, there’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET-DSM’s 20 million gallon cellulosic ethanol plant opens with hoopla, and heartfelt messages about the spirit of innovation, and a time for technology change and policy firmness. “Once, we all lived off the land, sun, wind
by Michael Wang and Jennifer Dunn (Huffington Post/Argonne National Laboratory) ... A proposed City of Chicago ordinance that would require most gas stations to offer E15 fuel - 15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline - is one example of a smaller
(National Biodiesel Board) James Anderson helped work his way through college behind the wheel of a diesel semi-truck, where he became interested in biodiesel. He began to wonder if he could contribute to the body of research on soybean oil
by Scott Irwin (University of Illinois) The EPA is apparently going to finalize 2014 RFS rules in the near future. This will at least temporarily bring the tumultuous process to an end that started with the release of the preliminary RFS
by Nick Mariano (The Southern Illinoisan) A Southern Illinois college is hoping to offer the first national certification in the country for training in biofuels processing, the instructor for the program said Tuesday. Southeastern Illinois College is among a consortium of
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 59.9 million gallons (mg) in June, up 13% from the seven-month low in May, according to a Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) analysis of government data, and the opportunities are expanding. That was the
(University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences/EurekAlert!) If the hottest new plant grown as a biofuel crop is approved based solely on its greenhouse gas emission profile, its potential as the next invasive species may not be
by Nick Paulson (Farm Doc Daily/University of Illinois) ... However, D4 generation has rebounded substantially since February, averaging more than 227 million RIN gallons from March through June. Through June, a total of 1.209 billion D4 RINs have been generated in
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Sustainable practices can turn crop residues and manure into bioenergy without competing with food supplies U.S. agriculture could provide up to 155 million tons of crop residues and 60 million tons of manure to produce clean fuels
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve
(Congressman Adam Kinzinger) In a bipartisan letter to President Barack Obama, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and 50 Members of Congress urge the President to increase the amount of biodiesel fuels allowed to enter markets under the 2014
by Chris Luvardi (herald-review.com) Archer Daniels Midland Co. passed through a public hearing process Wednesday with limited concern voiced about its proposal to drill a second injection well in Decatur to store carbon dioxide deep underground. The hearing at the Decatur Public
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The synergies between co-located ethanol and biodiesel production have been discussed for a decade. The existing infrastructure to share process essentials, an in-house feedstock in distillers corn oil (DCO), and use of ethanol rather than methanol for
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) The ethanol production industry is in the midst of a long "winning streak" in terms of profits. The current run of historically high profits began in March 2013 and was punctuated
(Boeing) Boeing [NYSE: BA] today (June 5, 2014) released its annual Environment Report highlighting the company's commitments and accomplishments in improving environmental performance for its products and operations. The report also features Boeing's continuing progress in sustainable growth and environmental conservation
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Annawan, Illinois-based Patriot Holdings LLC has signed a letter of intent for ICM’s patent-pending FST and Gen 1.5. According to ICM, the FST is a value-added platform technology that increases ethanol yield and throughput.
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Time is ticking down for the Environmental Protection Agency to make a decision on how much renewable fuel will be mixed into the nation’s fuel supply, and ethanol and biodiesel groups are pressing for a change
(PR NewsWire/Illinois Corn Marketing Board) Land attributable to ethanol will drop from current 25% to as little as 11% of U.S. corn acres A too common error made in reporting the amount of land used for U.S. ethanol production is to measure
(US Department of Agriculture) Farm Bill Implementation Continues at Brisk Pace with Universities and State Cooperative Extension Programs Now Set to Help Educate Farmers Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $6 million
(Gas Technology Institute) In a recently completed project, Gas Technology Institute (GTI) worked with Haldor Topsoe, Inc. on an integrated biorefinery to make renewable “drop-in” gasoline, successfully producing a high-octane transportation fuel. The use of renewable gasoline could reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately
by Scott Irwin (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) Ethanol prices went on a tear in March and April 2014 and reached new record levels exceeding $3 per gallon (see earlier farmdoc daily articles here and here). A single factor did not appear explain the price rise, but
By Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) If the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) systematic analysis study of 2010 is anything to go by, then by the time you are done reading this article about 35 people would probably be dead
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Inbicon technology planned as centerpiece of low-carbon, high-profit platform: “Patriot will lead the way.” In Illinois, Patriot Renewable Fuels announced that Leifmark has been hired to create a custom Project Definition, the first stage of a
(25 x '25) Ethanol’s role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was underscored this week in a forum of biofuel value chain partners, conservation and greenhouse gas experts organized by the 25x’25 Alliance at the request of the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On May 7, the House Armed Service Committee held a markup session on H.R. 4435, the fiscal year 2015 national defense authorization bill. During that markup session, committee members voted in favor of three amendments that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, Archer Daniels Midland Company announced its intention to exclusively offer Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certified sustainable palm oil to North American customers beginning in 2015. ADM is also working with Wilmar International
by Chris Hausman (News-Gazette) ... The critics of renewable fuels fall into three groups — the oil industry, dyed-in-the wool environmentalists, and free market think tanks.Even the "unbiased" Associated Press (AP) has participated in ethanol bashing. While each of these
by Tom Doran (AgriNews) An economic impact study found far-reaching benefits of renewable fuels for America’s workers and the U.S. economy. The study, conducted by John Dunham and Associates and released by Fuels America, determined the entire renewable fuels supply drives
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The synergies between co-located ethanol and biodiesel production have been discussed for a decade. Existing infrastructure to share process essentials, in-house feedstock with distillers corn oil (DCO), and use of ethanol rather than methanol for biodiesel
by Rob Johansson and Seth Meyer (FarmDocDaily/USDA) Building on the discussion of RIN pricing and stock holding (here) we explore what a 'healthy' RIN bank may look like, estimate RIN stocks for 2014. The availability of RIN stocks will interact with final mandates
by Rob Johansson and Seth Meyer (USDA/FarmDocDaily) ... It is clear that the bankable (and borrowable) nature of RINs allow obligated parties to optimize their compliance costs over time. In the past, pre-blendwall, it was relatively inexpensive to generate and save surplus RINs allowed
(Brownfield Ag News) An Illinois beef industry leader says cattle and corn farmers in the state complement each other very well, no matter what the market is. Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President Reid Blossom says cattlemen are enjoying a
by Jeannine Otto (AgriNews) Defend, expand, export. ... “We need to make sure that people understand this entire standard is under attack. Folks in Congress, some folks in Congress, would like to do away totally with the entire Renewable Fuels Standard and
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The $163.9 million Illinois Basin-Decatur Project celebrated as new milestone as its carbon sequestration project stored 750,000 metric tons carbon dioxide from Archer Daniels Midland Co.’s ethanol plant in Decatur, Ill. “We are here today
(US Department of Energy Energy Information Administration) The number of retail fueling stations offering motor fuel that can be up to 85% ethanol, known as E85, has grown rapidly since 2007. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), Minnesota continues
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae has been touted as the ultimate platform for fuels, chemicals, nutraceuticals, proteins — even cancer therapies. There’s been a rate of progress that would impress any devotee of Moore’s Law — and a series of
by Scott Irwin (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) ... The purpose of today's post is to show that the recent behavior of prices in the RINs market suggests the odds of the EPA reversing the proposed write down of the renewable mandate for
by Diana Yates (University of Illinois) A multi-institutional team reports that it can increase sugarcane’s geographic range, boost its photosynthetic rate by 30 percent and turn it into an oil-producing crop for biodiesel production. These are only the first steps in
by John Lppert and Mario Parker (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) ... Political challenges are piling up, too. Big Oil lists minimum ethanol requirements as its top policy concern for 2014 and wants to eliminate them. Government officials are already backtracking. A week
(Chromatin/Biomass Magazine) Chromatin Inc., an agriculture technology company, has announced that it has created sorghum plants containing elevated levels of the energy-rich compound farnesene. “We have demonstrated that sorghum can be modified to produce significantly elevated quantities of farnesene relative to
by Samantha Jeffreys (WREX) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to reduce the amounts of ethanol that must be blended with gasoline could have a big effect on local farmers. ... "Locally, it will affect a number of us if this standard is
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) Crop farmers in the northern corn belt who have benefited from ethanol targets are putting on a push to save the current renewable fuel standard (RFS) from proposed cuts by the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal would cut the
by Jonathan Coppess (FarmDocDaily) ...The heart of the matter is whether the waiver authority Congress provided to the EPA allows it to waive the specific RFS requirements on the basis of the infrastructural challenges posed by the E10 blend wall. EPA's
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) As federal biodiesel policy uncertainty rises, low-cost biodiesel production with new technologies to allow processing of cheaper, lower quality feedstocks, is paramount. Biodiesel Magazine provides a cross-section of new technologies being deployed. ... If the final (EPA
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Researchers at the Energy Biosciences Institute at the University of Illinois evaluated woody and grassy biomass feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production at Illinois. Twenty-one species of short-rotation woody biomass were included in the study.
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Illinois researchers reported results from a decade of field trials with miscanthus, the first plots to be planted in the U.S. The average annual yield of miscanthus grown in seven Illinois locations over
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Illinois State Representative Donald Moffitt knows agriculture. He grew up on a family farm, on which his son still farms (and Don occasionally helps). This has been a huge asset for him in his role as
by Cezary Podkul (Reuters) * 16 farm-state Senators urge agency not to cut biofuel blending quotas; * Despite EPA administrator's assurances, major changes unlikely - expert; * EPA seeks to put biofuel blending program on "manageable trajectory" The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) (Todd) Sieben (Chairman Central Bank and retired state senator) is currently working with the Illinois General Assembly on passing legislation that would incentivize the use of E15 in Illinois. He explained that for many years there has
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE) today announced $8 million in research grants to develop non-food feedstocks that can be used for bioenergy. The grants are part of a broader effort by the
by Lauren D. Quinn, Elise C. Scott, A. Bryan Endres, Tom Voigt, Jody M. Endres (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) Media coverage of the controversy surrounding the use of certain non-native feedstocks for bioenergy is as pervasive as invasiveness itself. Plants such as giant reed
by Bill Northey (The Gazette) ...The renewable fuels industry has the capacity to produce well beyond the levels set by the EPA. What they need now is fair access to the fuel distribution system, which is unfortunately controlled by the
(E! Science News/Earth & Climate) The first long-term U.S. field trials of Miscanthus x giganteus, a towering perennial grass used in bioenergy production, reveal that its exceptional yields, though reduced somewhat after five years of growth, are still more than twice
(Royal DSM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Royal DSM, together with DONG Energy, announced it has demonstrated the combined fermentation of C6 and C5 sugars from wheat straw on an industrial scale. The combined fermentation results in a 40 percent increase in ethanol
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ... Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) along with Representative Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) have written a letter for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Gina McCarthy expressing concern over the proposed rule regarding the RFS. The proposed 2014 rule reduces the
by Lauren Quinn (University of Illinois/Renewable Energy World) ... “When the topic of potential invasion by non-native biofuel crops has been raised at conferences I’ve attended, the ecologists in the room have suggested we use biomass from existing invaders instead,” said Lauren
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Scientists report in Nature Communications that they have engineered yeast to consume acetic acid, a previously unwanted byproduct of the process of converting plant leaves, stems and other tissues into biofuels. The innovation increases ethanol yield from
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Adkins Energy LLC, a 48 MMgy ethanol plant located in Lena, Ill., is poised to begin construction on a 2 MMgy co-located biodiesel plant, which will utilize the distillers corn oil separated at the
(Brownfields Ag News) E-15 fueling pumps are coming to Rochelle, Illinois. A ribbon cutting will be held Wednesday at the Petro Travel Plaza on 900 Petro Road. Ten new fueling stations with E15 will be lined up at every station
by Jonathan Fahey (Associated Press) The first trickle of fuels made from agricultural waste is finally winding its way into the nation's energy supply, after years of broken promises and hype promoting a next-generation fuel source cleaner than oil. ... Cellulosic makers
by Jonathan Coppess (FarmDocDaily) ... The statute provides EPA with the authority to waive a requirement for an individual calendar year by "reducing the national quantity of renewable fuel required." The RFS is housed in the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
by Jeff McMahon (Forbes) Bioenergy has shown the best results of the new energy technologies embraced by the Department of Energy in the last decade, the acting head of DOE’s Office of Science said in Chicago Tuesday. But even the most
by Noah Fierer, Joshua Ladau, Jose C. Clemente, Jonathan W. Leff, Sarah M. Owens, Katherine S. Pollard, Rob Knight, Jack A. Gilbert, Rebecca L. McCulley (Science Magazine) Tallgrass prairie is extinct across much of its former range in the midwestern
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In years gone by, it was not too hard to write up a summary of Gevo, Solazyme and Amyris — all aimed at fuels, all in the development stage, all used synthetic biology in closed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, the Argonne National Laboratory is highlighting a new GREET fuel cycle model release (GREET1 2013) uploaded to the GREET web site. This release includes the following updates: New marine fuel pathways and commercial vessel
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Scientists from the University of Illinois have reported that they have engineered yeast to consume acetic acid, a previously unwanted byproduct of the process of converting plant leaves, stems and other tissues into biofuels. This innovation increases ethanol
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The National Corn-to-Ethanol Center opened its doors for tours, lunch and demonstrations during a recent open house celebration. “We’re not only celebrating our 10 year anniversary but we are really celebrating the biofuels
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) What’s behind the plunge in renewable identification number (RIN) prices? University of Illinois economist Scott Irwin examined the question in another of his ongoing series of FarmDocDaily posts following the dramatic shifts in RINs
by Darrel Good and Scott Irwin (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) Corn prices continue the long retreat from the peak of September 2012, declining to the lowest level since late August 2010. The most recent price weakness reflects both supply and demand
(Chicago Tribune) by Martin Barbre (National Corn Growers Association) Your Oct. 5 editorial "Crop politics; Government subsidies promote corn over common sense" reflects several things: The Tribune is not the pro-business/jobs advocate you pretend to be, you have no grasp of
by Zain Shauk (Fuel Fix) ... The fuel, which Shell has produced from waste and inedible crops through at least two different methods, is being developed at a test plant in Houston and a small-scale demonstration project in suburban Chicago. “I
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