by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association’s E85 Wholesale Price Listing Program detailed that E85 is priced at up to a $1.14 discount to petroleum-based gasoline, a 50% overall discount per gallon and representing a savings,
by William Petroski (Des Moines Register) ... (Rand) Paul said the federal government is needed to provide national defense, build some roads, and do some other things. But many other matters can be handled at the state and local government level, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil price predictions are all over the map. So, how are biobased businesses coping when no one quite knows what’s up with the incumbent? Amyris, Cellerate and Propel Fuels are three ventures showing the way(s) forward. If
by Grant Rodgers (Des Moines Register) Democratic presidential hopeful Martin O'Malley strongly backed renewable fuel producers on Thursday, calling on the Obama administration to rethink its controversial proposal to lower standards for the amount of ethanol that will be mixed
by Julie Harker (Brownfield Ag News) Missouri Governor Jay Nixon tells Brownfield everyone needs to step back and look at 2003 when gas prices were going up and foreign countries were dictating to the U.S. how much people were paying
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Seen a number of high-profile cellulosic projects open in recent years, and not much ethanol being produced? Wondered why? Here are answers to your questions. As Jack Webb used to say on Dragnet, just the facts,
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The chairman of the Prime the Pump fund says getting more fuel infrastructure in the marketplace is vital to getting higher level ethanol blends to consumers. “It’s kind of like the chicken and the egg,” says Ray
(Vinton Newspapers) Truckers, motorists and biodiesel producers alike will soon benefit from a tax savings in Iowa on one of the state’s most beneficial products. As of July 1, diesel blended with at least 11 percent biodiesel (B11) will enjoy
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Distillation Technologies Inc. and Easy Energy Systems Inc. announced an agreement to build and test DTI’s technology at pilot scale. DTI’s patented and trademarked Bubble Spray Distillation system reduces the energy needed for
by Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed (US Department of Energy) For the past seven years, All-American football player and Iowa farmer Bruce Nelson has been using corn stover—the non-edible corn stalks, husks, and leaves of a corn plant—to generate extra income at his
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Renewable fuels could be an issue in the race for the White House as indecisive voters in Iowa look for a way to whittle down a crowded field of Republican candidates, trade groups and polling
(Syngenta) -FFA members to engage race-goers at the American Ethanol 200 presented by Enogen - Fundraising initiative will benefit flex fuel infrastructure and local FFA chapters -Funds to be matched by Syngenta Syngenta and lowa FFA members will team up again this
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Iowa's congressional delegation asked the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to hold a hearing in the state about the agency's recent proposal lowering how much ethanol must be blended into the gasoline supply through
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The end goal is to double the amount of fuel pumps offering blends like E15 and E85. At the end of last week, June 12, the USDA announced that the grant period will soon
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, America’s Renewable Future (ARF) has publicly released a diverse coalition of partners that includes Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa Corn Growers, Growth Energy, and POET among many others. ARF released the following statement: “We
(Iowa Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) A federal grant has helped expand a program to educate diesel technicians about biodiesel throughout the Midwest. Working in conjunction with the Iowa Biodiesel Board, the regional Clean Cities initiative makes the “Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians” program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, the state legislature passed legislation that allows E15 infrastructure investments to become eligible for Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure grants. Previously, the infrastructure program funds were only available for blender pumps and dispensers offering E85.
by Chuck Grassley (The Iowa Republican) ... Consumers like biofuels. The idea of a homegrown product that reduces emissions harmful to the environment and brings the United States freedom from volatile oil-producing countries is appealing. The EPA should know this. Instead, the
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) Expansion in the U.S. ethanol industry, stuck in neutral for more than a year as the government debated biofuel blending requirements, is now likely to come to a screeching halt. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest up to $100 million in a Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership to support the infrastructure needed to make more renewable fuel options available
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg Business) Companies that make fuel from corn stalks or landfill gas say a federal program designed to help them has a loophole that is discouraging buyers. ... In addition, producers have been pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to close
(Office of Congressman Collin Peterson) House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson today said the Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS) released today by the EPA will set back production of domestic renewable fuels and hurts the rural economy. Peterson’s statement is
by Hilary Clinton (The Gazette) ... Domestic renewable fuel production has expanded by more than 350 percent over the past decade with enough supply in the market today to fuel more than 30 million cars. And today U.S. biofuels companies not
by Linh Ta (Des Moines Register) ... One of the things that's helped rural small towns and farmers, particularly in Iowa, is the Renewable Fuel Standard, (former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick) Santorum said. By using ethanol to create independent energy and stable prices,
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) ... Over the past few months, privately held retailers Kum & Go and Sheetz have become the first significant chains to announce plans to start selling E15, a gasoline with 15 percent of ethanol, 50 percent more
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) Durham (Debi Durham, the state's economic development director), a former Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president, is championing legislation that would set aside up to $15 million in tax credits per year to encourage ethanol and biodiesel
by Kathie Obradovich (Des Moines Register) In his first trip to Iowa as an official presidential candidate, Republican Ben Carson waded into the shark-infested ethanol issue up to his neck and then did a leisurely lap around the climate change
by Dawn Neuses (QCOnline.com) ... Moline has 180 vehicles, or units of motorized equipment, that run on alternative fuels — E85, compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, biodiesel or all-electric. There are only 30 vehicles that run on unleaded gasoline, and 12 hybrids
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... If they handed out Platinum and Gold certification to scientific papers as we do with recorded music, “Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass” would be a multi-platinum chart-busting monster. This 2004 survey, completed by staff
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Kum & Go has announced it will begin offering E15 as a fuel option. Over the next two years, the company plans to make E15 available at more than 65 stores across Iowa, Nebraska,
(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 Rick Smith (The Gazette) No one has claimed that making biofuel out of garbage is as simple as tossing leftovers into the trash. So it is that Craig Stuart-Paul, president and chief executive officer of the Maryland-based Fiberight LLC,
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... Industry growth is likely to come as higher blends such as E15 and E85 become more widely available and more widely used. A recent analysis by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association this week makes
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) If Homegrown E15 Were More Widely Available, Iowa Consumers Could’ve Pocketed Millions In an analysis of a recent Iowa Department of Revenue motor fuel report, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today revealed that if E15 was
by Scott Chabina (Fierce Energy) The transformation of Gen 1.0 to 1.5 and the reality of Gen 2.0. Advanced, commercially viable biofuel facilities no longer "unicorns on the horizon" ... Conventional, or "Gen 1.0", corn ethanol producers have continued to diversify
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Lawmakers in Iowa got the chance to experience the power of biodiesel for themselves. The Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB)held its its first ever Ride-and-Drive event at the capitol in Des Moines as part of the group’s
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The America’s Renewable Future campaign is challenging the two confirmed Republican presidential candidates to take a stand for renewable fuels. In a letter to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who has been forthcoming about his opposition to the
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) For Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul to make inroads in Iowa, here are the factions he'll need to tend closely, according to Iowa political strategists and activists. 1. LIBERTY MOVEMENT: ... 2. CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES: ... 3. LIBERTARIANS:
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Market conditions in mid-March indicated ethanol producers could pay about 10 percent more than the current cash corn price before reaching the plant “shut-down level,” according to an analysis by retired Iowa State
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Though representing just 1.3% of the US GDP, if the farm sector has a major impact on US economic health, it may tie back to what economists call “the wealth effect”. In today’s Digest, we
(Iowa State University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Farmers who are considering selling corn residue from their fields to produce cellulosic ethanol first should weigh a range of site-specific factors to their operations, according to new research from an Iowa State University agronomist. Mahdi
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late March, the U.S. EPA’s Science Advisory Board Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel held a public face-to-face meeting to review the agency’s Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources. A public teleconference
by Ryan Koopmans (Des Moines Register) ... For the last decade, Big Oil has been running nervously through the halls of the U.S. Capitol and the EPA, screaming — to anyone who will listen — that the Renewable Fuel Standard is
(Ag Ventures Alliance Cooperative and Cellulose Sciences International/AgriMarketing.com) Ag Ventures Alliance Cooperative (AgVA) of Mason City, Iowa, and Cellulose Sciences International (CSI) of Madison, Wis., completed a financing agreement resulting in the formation of a new joint venture, Stover Ventures,
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) It looks like presidential hopeful Rand Paul has found a clever way to champion ethanol, with an issue that's in harmony with his keep-government-out-of-the-marketplace mentality. Paul, a Republican U.S. senator from Kentucky, has teamed
(WHOTV.com) ... At the Iowa Biotech Association’s Partnering for Growth event on April 1st, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Debi Durham was a keynote speaker. She talked about using Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel production, and incentivizing, “bolt on” facilities to
(Growth Energy) Following the introduction of S. 889, the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act, legislation by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which contains a provision to extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to E15, Tom
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The ethanol and oil industries have dug in for what could be a pivotal year for the future of the renewable fuel mandate in Washington, with the victor poised to add jobs and reap millions
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Fuel retailers who have had to fight battles with big oil companies to offer higher ethanol blends were among those joining the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Fly-in on Capitol Hill this week. Charlie Good has been
(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
(U.S. Department of Energy) It may look like ordinary farm equipment, but take a second look. This innovative machinery was developed with Energy Department funding to help biofuels become more affordable. Looking more closely at this image and accompanying infographic,
by Liz Brown (KOEL) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) announced Iowa motorists purchased 2,930,635 gallons of E85 in the fourth quarter of 2014, and a record-setting 11,962,764 million gallons in all of 2014, according to data released by the
by Jerry Hagstrom (National Journal) The biggest takeaways from the GOP-dominated Iowa Ag Summit here this weekend may be the opportunity that the Renewable Fuel Standard offers Hillary Clinton to address income inequality and the danger that the Obama administration's dithering
by Seth McLaughlin (The Washington Times) Free market conservatism collided with farm-state jockeying this weekend in Iowa, where several GOP presidential hopefuls said they support the federal fuel mandate that has boosted Iowa’s all-important corn market — arguably at the expense
by Philip Rucker and Dan Balz (The Washington Post) A day-long forum on agriculture here, where likely Republican presidential candidates courted Iowa’s farming industry, revealed sharp policy differences among the contenders, from immigration to energy subsidies. The nine White House aspirants
by Beth Reinhard (The Wall Street Journal) Several Backed Sunset of Subsidies and Many Oppose Renewable-Fuel Standard For decades, presidential candidates have bowed to Iowa’s corn-based ethanol industry while campaigning in a state where corn is king. But several of the likely
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today/25 x '25) Prominent leaders from agriculture’s diverse value chain issued an open letter to policymakers and presidential hopefuls attending the first ever Iowa Ag Summit, urging them to consider Iowa’s renewable energy record in
(The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Iowa Legislature created a 3-cent per gallon differential tax rate for B11 and higher biodiesel blends in the road funding legislation passed Feb. 24. This provision is expected to boost the availability and sales
by George Lurie (The Business Journal NOW) ... Lower oil prices, (Brian) Thome (president and CEO of Edeniq) said, translate into “lower prices for ethanol too. That means margins for ethanol producers will be squeezed” — a scenario that plays right into
by Robert C. Brown, Tristan R. Brown (Iowa State University) “Why Are We Producing Biofuels?” is written for those who are curious about efforts to introduce biofuels into our energy supply but are not satisfied with the publically accessible information
by Jennifer Runyon (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) ... Scott Chabina, a director with Carl Marks Advisors, is extremely bullish on the biofuels industry and is excited about what’s to come in 2015. Chabina — who said he hasn’t “had a single day where
by Dan Morgan (Des Moines Register) ... President Barack Obama didn’t mention ethanol, biofuels, or agriculture in his State of the Union address, even as he boasted that the country was “number one in oil and gas.” Yet a thriving renewable
by Maxx Chatsko (Motley Fool) ... Yet, to date only three commercial scale cellulosic ethanol facilities have been built in the United States. Why aren't there more? The technology is more complicated than most think. The first facility, which churns out 25
(Byogy/PR Newswire) Byogy Renewables, a biofuels producer based in San Jose, California, has executed a strategic partnership agreement with Gen 2 Energy, an alternative energy company from Ames, Iowa, to develop a more cost-effective biofuel production process. New yeast strains developed by
[caption id="attachment_59831" align="alignleft" width="300"] Renewable Fuels Association President, Bob Dinneen introduces NEC scholarship winner, Lais Thomaz at the National Ethanol Conference.[/caption] by Lais F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Last week, from February 17 to 21, the 20th National Ethanol Conference "Going
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Though real-world data suggest biofuel production has not led to so-called indirect land-use change, the California Air Resources Board, or CARB, continues to see ILUC as a vital part of its low-carbon fuel standard. The state's
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Project of the Year, Deal of the Year, Partnership of the Year, Chemical of the Year, and Cap Raise of the Year — who are the big winners? Each year, the Digest recognizes projects, feedstocks, processing
[caption id="attachment_59604" align="alignleft" width="300"] "The Cellulosic Biofuels Odyssey," artwork by David R. Dudley; concept by Heather Youngs, Susan Jenkins, and David Dudley.[/caption] by Greg Breining (Bioenergy Connection) When Bioenergy Connection first covered the progress to commercial cellulosic ethanol in 2011, a dozen
by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) Government uncertainty and low oil prices pose the biggest challenges to the ethanol and biodiesel markets in 2015, according to speakers at last week’s Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. ... The 10 percent ethanol blend known as
by Dawn Gagnon (Bangor Daily News) After receiving assurances that the technology is viable, members of the Municipal Review Committee board voted unanimously Wednesday to enter a development agreement with a Maryland-based company that wants to build a solid waste
(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
(25x'25) A report released today by the World Resources Institute would seem to demonstrate the old adage: "The more things change, the more they stay the same." The "change" in this instance is a massive amount of research showing the
by Jim Offner (WCFCourier.com) ... “With crop prices going down, we think leases are going to have to start being adjustable and they’re going to have to lower land prices and lower rent prices, and that’s coming in the next couple
by Jim Offner (WCFCourier.com) ... “With crop prices going down, we think leases are going to have to start being adjustable and they’re going to have to lower land prices and lower rent prices, and that’s coming in the next couple
by Reid Chandler (WHOTV.com) Governor Terry Branstad announced Thursday a new campaign promoting the Renewable Fuel Standard, aimed at potential presidential nominees visiting Iowa during the caucus season. ... The multimillion-dollar campaign, dubbed America’s Renewable Future, will be co-chaired by former State
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Predictive computer models have their place, writes Bob Dinneen of the RFA, but where concrete real-world data and observations exist, they should take precedence. Sound policymaking and regulation must be grounded in
(Omaha.com) After years of anticipation, cellulosic ethanol production has taken a major step forward, with Iowa leading the way. Plants in Iowa in 2014 became the first to produce cellulosic ethanol on a commercial scale. Production was centered at the Quad
by Amanda Peterka (E&E Daily) Joni Ernst's new office is about 1,100 miles from her hometown in rural southwest Iowa, but she's determined to keep her "Iowa way" in the halls of Congress. ... When it comes to legislation, her Iowa
by Gavin Aronsen (Ames Tribune) A worker shortage has delayed the completion date of DuPont’s cellulosic ethanol plant outside Nevada, according to the executive director of the Nevada Economic Development Council and an industry market research group. Last February, DuPont officials
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices continue to show incredible volatility. $106 in June, $50 today. Which biofuels ventures have the pro-formas to make money in a tough market? The Digest investigates. ... Avello Bioenergy Cost: $57.50 per barrel (gasoline, diesel) Stage: Preparing for
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine digs into the details of ethanol production in Iowa and how the industry got started. When Jerry Mohr, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association board of directors, talks to politicians, he
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Ames' CyRide should be a little more environmentally friendly, under an agreement with biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group. The Ames-based renewable fuels company said it began providing a biodiesel blend to CyRide, the transit
by Sena Christian (EarthIsland.org) For a long time it seemed like turning the inedible parts of plants into a commercially viable biofuel, known as cellulosic ethanol, was nothing more than a pipedream. The enzymes needed to release sugars from cellulose
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
by Talia Bang (Ag NewsWire) PacificAg, the country’s largest and most experienced biomass harvest company in the country, can help ethanol plants developing or expanding operations into the production of cellulosic ethanol, save time and money on supply chain development.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET-DSM, Abengoa, Enerkem, GranBio, Raizen plant openings lead the list; REG’s M&A campaign, EPA’s RFS debacle, are other key trends. They said that cellulosic fuels were “five years away, and always will be,” but five major
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) Motorists in Sioux City now have another choice of ethanol-blended gasoline. The Murphy USA station next to the Walmart Supercenter at 3400 Singing Hills Blvd. recently became the first metro area retailer to sell
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The government of Finland announced Dec.17 that it granted $36.8 million (€30 million) to help build a cellulosic ethanol plant. A separate project to produce biogasoline, biodiesel and smaller amounts of other renewable products
(Liefmark/PR NewsWire) In two Iowa cornfields in early November, Leifmark, LLC and New Holland Agriculture teamed up to test equipment and methods used to gather, bale, and store the corn stover left behind after the grain harvest. Paul Kamp,
by Jamee A. Pierson (Newton Daily News) ...The upgraded process, including distillation, removes impurities and leaves behind a very pure form of biomass-based diesel. The final product exceeds industry quality standards and also performs better in colder temperatures. An additional
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... During a presentation at the American Seed Trade Association CSS 2014 and Seed Expo last week in Chicago, John Pieper with Dupont Industrial Biosciences talked about the importance of seed to the cellulosic ethanol industry.
by Steve Shaffer (Capitol Weekly) ... More than two millennia later, Sacramento has its own version of the Flat Earth Society—the California Air Resources Board (ARB). Only this time, the debate isn’t over the shape of the Earth; it’s over
(Advanced Energy Economy) First-time Survey of Iowa Firms Projects 6 Percent Job Growth in Coming Year Advanced energy employment in Iowa is more than 22,000 strong and on pace to reach nearly 24,000 jobs in 2015, according to the first-ever comprehensive
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has again called on the California Air Resource Board (CARB) to adjust its current indirect land use change (ILUC) analysis to better reflect real-world land use patterns. In written comments submitted on
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The biofuels mobile education center is a 45-foot long trailer filled with interactive touch screen computers, educational displays, movies and more, to educate visitors about ethanol and other biofuels. ... Curt Froyen, project manager, tells EPM: TRAILER
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine digs into the details of ethanol production in Iowa and how the industry got started. When Jerry Mohr, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association board of directors, talks to politicians, he
by James C. Greenwood (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and other missteps are being misinterpreted or misconstrued as a sign that the program is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... CBiRC was founded in 2008 with funding from NSF, creating an Engineering Research Center focused on advanced manufacturing for sustainable biobased chemicals. The R&D program creates a multi-year, interdisciplinary, multi-institutional center that joins academia, industry
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making $5.6 million in grants to 220 producers across the nation to support the production of advanced biofuels, and is awarding more than $4 million in additional
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Virtuosos of Visalia land a major contract with China giant Global Bio-chem — a 50KT cellulosic sugars plant is underway in Jilin province. In California, Edeniq announced a Joint Development Agreement with Global Bio-chem Technology Group
by Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing) The two new members headed to the House from Iowa are so far untested in a political office but are likely to add to the GOP voice against environmental regulations. David Young and Rod Blum rode
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Futures) Actions taken by EPA to help keep RFS alive have actually backfired and brought more attacks in defending Congress’ intent. ... Wally Tyner, Purdue University ag economist, said it’s quite ironic that EPA likely proposed lower corn-based
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Following Gov. Branstad’s Emergency Proclamation Due to Diesel Shortages, IRFA Reminds Users Biodiesel Can Help Following Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s emergency proclamation to allow for more transport of diesel products, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today
by Carole Abourached* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) recently held a briefing on the technologies involved in commercial cellulosic ethanol production. Cellulosic ethanol is produced from agricultural residues such as corn stover and wheat straw
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) Just over a year ago, billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla was bubbling with optimism about one of his latest investments: KiOR, a biofuel outfit he said would turn wood chips into hydrocarbons that could
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) Lately, cellulosic ethanol plant startups have basked in the bioenergy limelight. While less celebrated, anaerobic digesters are adding value to operations and seem to be trending in blueprints. When ethanol plants can provide excess sugar to
by Reanna Trudell and Daniel Adams (US Department of Energy) ... Our scientists have identified corn stover, which includes the corn plant’s stalks, husks, cobs, and leaves, as a plentiful and reliable feedstock for producing bioenergy. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS,
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A new analysis of real-world land use data by Iowa State University raises serious concerns about the accuracy of models used by regulatory agencies regarding “indirect land use changes” (ILUC) attributed to biofuels production. The study, conducted
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Iowa high school students will once again compete to see who can produce the best video to promote the future of biodiesel, ethanol and E15. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) launched the 5th Annual “Fuel
by Molly Montag (Globe Gazette) Worth County officials on Monday signed off on $530,000 in state incentives for a chemical plant being built in Manly. The incentive package from the Iowa Economic Development Authority will give New Heaven Chemical $128,000
(Pollution Online/PR Newswire) BC Designates Trestle Energy as Lowest Emissions Ethanol Producer in U.S. Today, Trestle Energy – an American startup with facilities in Mason City, Iowa – announced that British Columbia, Canada has officially approved its groundbreaking process for producing advanced biofuel, clearing the way
by Daniel Looker (Agriculture.com) ... Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, another ethanol group, agrees that “biofuels policy is bipartisan and always has been.” But he also looks for more pressure on ethanol in the Senate – not from new
(Renewable Energy Group Inc./Biodiesel Magazine) Renewable Energy Group Inc. is expanding its division that sells heating oil and petroleum diesel along with biodiesel blends by offering additional biofuel blends in New York, Minnesota and Iowa, the company announced Oct. 31. REG Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The most prominent casualties of the night, in terms of the Advanced Bioeconomy, were Democrats Mark Udall of Colorado and Kay Hagen of North Carolina, whose crucial support in 2012 saved the Navy’s biofuels
(Syngenta) Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP) is Quality Assurance Program-certified to generate D3 Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs); Cellerate process technology, enhanced by Enogen® corn enzyme technology, produces cellulosic ethanol from corn kernel fiber; Syngenta to license bolt-on Cellerate process to
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Despite delays, Fiberight’s plans to produce cellulosic ethanol from municipal solid waste (MSW) in Iowa are moving forward. In fact, an equity drive happening now is attracting quite a few interested people and money
by John Hansen (Nebraska Farmers Union/Omaha.com) ... When Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development examined the impact the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has on a family of four, it found an average in fuel savings of $863 per
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With the Abengoa and POET-DSM openings behind us, time to look ahead to the next one: DuPont’s 30 million gallon plant in Nevada, Iowa. We had been expecting mechanical completion by New Year’s — that’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Over the past year we have seen some remarkable developments in the sector, starting right here in Alberta with the completion and opening of the Enerkem advanced biofuels plant in Edmonton. And, in Italy,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When we think of the past 12 months and the remainder of 2014, we’re going to look back on it as the Year of Steel for the advanced bioeconomy. Click here for pictures. October 9, 2013:
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Broadening the sources and uses for cellulosic ethanol. As we reported yesterday (October 6, 2014) in the Digest, DuPont and Procter & Gamble, announced a collaboration to use cellulosic ethanol in North American Tide laundry detergent,
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) In Minneapolis, industry officials say federal government erred in setting low targets for biofuels delivered at the pump. Leaders of the nation’s biofuels industry on Monday accused the Obama administration of undermining the commercial success
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Oil and gas giant ExxonMobil Corp. is investing $1 million over two years to establish an advanced biofuels research program at Iowa State University, the partners said today. The ExxonMobil biofuels initiative will will initially
by Ken Silverstein (Forbes) Big Oil can’t put the brakes on a new renewable fuels factory in Iowa — one that will seek to supplement petroleum with next-generation cellulosic ethanol. The “Project Liberty” facility will consume 285,000 tons of biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
by Patrick Winters and Jack Kaskey (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) DuPont Co. (DD:US) said a $500 million bet on producing ethanol from corn crop waste, singled out by activist investor Nelson Peltz as lavish, will pay off as companies such as Procter
by Sabina Zawadzki (Reuters) * Three of four advanced biofuel plants use Novozymes enzymes * Biomass conversion could transform Novozymes in future * Biofuel sector in continuing U.S. regulatory battle When Denmark's Novozymes first wondered in 2000 how its mass-produced enzymes could be used
by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) (The Hill) Ethanol and biodiesel are important to the national economy and U.S. energy independence. It’s frustrating when a powerful agency and top executive branch leaders in Washington, D.C., don’t seem to get it. ... The EPA
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 10 leaders, 10 enterprises, 10 paths to scale — what’s really key to making algae a commercial crop for feed, fuel and pharma, soon? This week at the Algae Biomass Summit, a pair of key sessions
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Consolidation is making the ethanol industry stronger, writes Mike Bryan. Companies that do not consolidate can still survive or even thrive but they are more vulnerable to changes in the market and commodities price
by Sébastien Pouliot and Bruce A. Babcock (Iowa State University) Past studies that examine the impact of ethanol mandates on fuel prices make the assumption that ethanol and gasoline are perfect substitutes because they are both sources of energy in transportation fuels. These
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s typical Steve (Hartig) — rarely in the limelight, but always in the know... We are focused on taking the strengths of POET in ethanol and DSM in biotechnology and focusing them on making cellulosic ethanol
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) Renewable fuels advocates want Vice President Joe Biden to tell them if it's true that he pushed to reverse the Obama administration's support for a mandate they believe aids Iowa's economy. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
(PR WEB) DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) today announced the selection of Murex LLC to market the cellulosic ethanol produced from its 30-million-gallon-per-year plant in Nevada, Iowa. Upon completion, the facility will be the largest cellulosic ethanol plant in the world. DuPont
by Delayne Johnson (Des Moines Register/Quad County Corn Processors) This month, our company, Quad County Corn Processors, will debut an innovative new technology that promises to make one of Iowa's signature agricultural products — corn — go even further. Over a
by Rick Smith (The Gazette) Fiberight opening pushed later into 2015 Maryland-based Fiberight LLC had expected to begin construction in June on a $15 million facility to grab organic material in garbage to convert into ethanol at a corn-ethanol plant it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As the first wave of cellulosic biorefineries launch — is there really enough affordable feedstock for the next wave? Can growers make enough money to justify the switch…and risk? ... It’s not all that different with the first
by Brent Erickson (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) President Obama’s bold vision to transition the nation to a cleaner energy future is about to be derailed by one of his most potent adversaries: himself. To the great consternation of many of the
(US Department of Agriculture) $105 Million loan guarantee provided through the Biorefinery Assistance Program Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has closed on a loan guarantee to Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC to build a biorefinery to produce jet fuel from municipal
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
(AP/AgriNews) A new era of ethanol fuel production will begin soon as Iowa refineries begin full operation using materials other than corn kernels. Iowa has two major cellulosic plants under construction that will use corn plant leaves, stalks and cobs to
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) There are two big topics during the Farm Progress Show this year: the corn crop and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). During the show, I had the opportunity to speak with Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse.com) An official with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) that the renewable fuels standard (RFS) is still important to the agency despite the delayed rollout of the 2014
by Jeff DeYoung (Iowa Farmer Today) Mike Greenfield has more than 80 percent of his corn residue contracted to DuPont for use in the company’s cellulosic ethanol plant. If he had his way, all of it would be heading toward the plant
(U.S. Department of Energy) Bioenergy: America's Energy Future is a short documentary film showcasing examples of bioenergy innovations across the biomass supply chain and the United States. The film highlights a few stories of individuals and companies who are passionate
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) As the 2014 Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) rule continues to work its way through the interagency review process in Washington, there are now indications that it may not be made public until after the
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Poet-DSM plans to celebrate the opening of its Emmetsburg cellulosic ethanol plant, called Project Liberty, Sept. 3. The $250 million project will use 770 tons of corn cobs, leaves, husk and stalks daily to produce
(Iowa Biodiesel Board) Argentine biodiesel imports could reverse domestic energy progress Hosting a U.S. Trade Representative on his family farm outside Des Moines, Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, took the opportunity to discuss trade issues relevant to
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