by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) List of Midwest States Seeking E15 Rulemaking Grows to Nine With Ohio Request — Add Ohio to a list of Midwest states that are asking the EPA to make a permanent change to allow year-round E15 sales beginning in 2023. The state’s governor on Friday
North Dakota
(Marathon Petroleum Corp.) Spiritwood, North Dakota, facility – the state’s first dedicated soybean processing plant – expected to be online by 2023 harvest; Vegetable oil produced at facility expected to support approximately 75 million gallons of annual renewable diesel production — Leaders from ADM (NYSE: ADM) and Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:
(Summit Carbon Solutions/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Summit Carbon Solutions announced May 12 the start of a new five-state radio ad campaign highlighting how the company’s proposed carbon capture and storage project will open new economic opportunities for ethanol producers and strengthen the marketplace for farmers across the Midwest. “Summit Carbon Solutions launched
(Forum News Service/Dickinson Press) Summit Carbon Solutions is proposing to build the world’s largest carbon capture and sequestration project. Ethanol plants in Atwater and Granite Falls, Minnesota, are part of the project. — Summit Carbon Solutions announced Wednesday that it has completed an equity fundraising campaign for its carbon capture and
by Jeff Beach (InForUm) The North Dakota Soybean Processors plant at Casselton, North Dakota, is expected to crush 42.5 million bushels of soybeans in the first year and is a joint venture between the Minnesota Soybean Processors and Louisiana-based CGB Enterprises. Some Casselton residents have been campaigning against a proposed soybean
by Nicholas Kusnetz (Inside Climate News) As companies propose storing carbon dioxide in depleted oil fields or saline aquifers, some states are putting themselves on the hook for future problems with the projects. — As states rush to enact rules and regulations for the underground storage of carbon dioxide, a key
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. governors from eight Midwest states, many of which are major corn producers, asked the Biden administration on Thursday to apply rules that would allow gasoline blended with a higher level of ethanol to be sold year-round in their states. Governors from Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota said
(Summit Carbon Solutions/PR Newswire) A new study shows that Summit Carbon Solutions’ proposed carbon capture, transportation, and storage project will create jobs, generate new tax revenue for local communities, support local suppliers, and strengthen the Midwest regional economy. Ernst & Young, a global leader in accounting and professional services, conducted the
by Chip Flory (AgWeb) The soybean industry continues to prep for what’s expected to be demand growth for renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), “green” marine fuels and higher blends of biodiesel in home heating in the eastern U.S. Here are a few numbers for perspective: Soybean oil use for biofuels
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With the start of the summer driving season fast approaching and year-round E15 sales no longer an option, EPA’s Rod Snyder said on Thursday the agency continues to work to restore those sales. Snyder, who is the ag adviser to EPA Administrator Michael Regan and
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) With three CO2 pipelines in development, carbon capture and sequestration is poised to become a transformative force in ethanol production. The industry’s quest for net-zero emissions, in part, depends on it. — Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is arguably the hottest subject in ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On Day 2 of ABLC in Washington, DC, The Digest announced the 50 Hottest Projects in the Advanced Bioeconomy 2022. This year, the focus was on advanced bioeconomy manufacturing sites, completed or in development, at pilot, demonstration or commercial scale for intermediates or finished products, rather
by Dillon Adams (Siouxland Proud) One of Siouxland’s largest ethanol producers spoke on how much they would benefit from a carbon capture pipeline Friday. Siouxland Energy Cooperative set out on a mission to create high-quality biofuel more than two decades ago and now are looking to continue their success with help from
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) With oil reaching its highest price in nearly 11 years and OPEC nations opting not to increase production, the biofuels industry is clamoring for attention in the U.S. and calling on the Biden administration to support it. At the National Farmers Union annual meeting this
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) from Finland and Ohio comes the news that Neste has established a 50/50 joint venture with Marathon Petroleum to produce renewable diesel following a conversion project of Marathon’s refinery in Martinez, California. Through the JV Neste obtains a 50% interest in the Martinez Renewable Fuels project.
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) … An Iowa state senator’s bill would take away the companies’ ability to use eminent domain. The bill introduced by state Sen. Jeff Taylor, a Republican from northwest Iowa, would limit the use of eminent domain to public utilities and double the annual fee paid
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In part 2 of the Great Plains Institute’s just published Atlas of Carbon and Hydrogen Hubs, we look at where these 14 key carbon and hydrogen hubs are in the U.S., how can they offer the capacity to help the country expand and accelerate emissions
by Sara Schafer (AgWeb) … “The administration is committed to making this happen, and so I think there is a much larger appetite to get this industry off the ground now than there even was six months or a year ago,” says Alexa Combelic, director of government affairs for the
by Will Thurmond (Emerging Markets) Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels 2030, Vol 2. (249 pages, September 2021) provides a detailed analysis and outlook for low-carbon feedstock availability, and a feasibility assessment for technology commercialization pathways in sustainable aviation fuels and low-carbon renewable diesel production. INTRODUCTION AND TABLE OF CONTENTS
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Marathon Petroleum Corp. is working to optimize operations at its renewable diesel plant in Dickinson, North Dakota, and is ready to begin construction on the conversion of its refinery in Martinez, California. The company is also progressing with feedstock pretreatment projects. Michael Hennigan, president and CEO
by Matt Olberding (Lincoln Journal Star) … “Soybean oil is one of the main feedstocks in biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel,” Ritzman said. “As more states continue to pass low-carbon fuel standards, these clean and drop-in alternative fuels are meeting a new demand.” Just since last fall, plans for
by Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) … Right now, the CO2 pipelines don’t require approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). But the PUC in December opened a proceeding on whether it should change state regulations to deem CO2 pipelines as hazardous. The Minnesota Departments of Transportation, Agriculture, Commerce and

The public is invited to join Mayville State University agribusiness students for a biodiesel workshop. The goal of the workshop is to provide participants with a better understanding of the role and benefits that biodiesel plays in the fuel market and its importance to the agricultural community. The workshop is scheduled
by Liz Hampton (Reuters) …The rules governing the carbon-injection wells for most states require federal approval with the first permits taking around six years to win a green light. Oil states, including Texas and Louisiana, want to take over permit reviews and enforcement authority, also known as primacy, from the
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … Recognizing this, the governors of seven Midwest states sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan in early November seeking guidance from the agency on how best to pursue a specific—and little known—provision of the Clean Air Act that allows independent
by Andrew Janes and Serene Cheong (Bloomberg/Yahoo!) … Global benchmark Brent crude has jumped 25% to around $88 a barrel since the end of November. Some in the market now think it’s now a question of when — not if — oil hits triple digits, somewhere it hasn’t been since 2014.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Find out what Steven Slome from Nexant thinks is hot in biofuels, biochemicals and sustainability in this illuminating slide guide from ABLC 2021. From a shift in green priorities, to areas of key growth in biofuels and biochemicals, this is one you won’t want to
(CGB Enterprises/Associated Press) CGB Enterprises, Inc. (CGB) and Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP) today announced that they have formed a joint venture for the construction of a state-of-the-art soybean processing plant near Casselton, North Dakota. North Dakota Soybean Processors, LLC, jointly owned by CGB and MnSP, will own and operate the new
by Susanne Retka Schill (Great Plains Institute) As US and world leaders engage on climate change and carbon reduction efforts, leaders in the American ethanol industry have announced pledges and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The country’s largest ethanol producer, POET LLC, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA),
(Summit Carbon Solutions/PR Newswire) Summit Carbon Solutions is pleased to announce it has commenced drilling multiple stratigraphic test wells, a key milestone in its development of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage project. The test wells and Summit’s permanent geologic storage sites are in North Dakota, where Summit has formed relationships
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) North Dakota’s Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced Nov. 24 that AIC Energy Corp. was being awarded $60,000 from the state’s Agricultural Products Utilization Commission to offset costs associated with the licensing agreement for a new patent-pending technology process for use in its SAFuelsX project, a
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) … Two companies — Summit Carbon Solutions and Navigator CO2 Ventures — want to build pipelines that will be used to move carbon dioxide captured from ethanol, fertilizer and other agricultural industrial plants. The companies plan to use pressure to liquify the carbon dioxide, transport it and then
by Leah Douglas (Reuters) … The project, dubbed the Midwest Carbon Express, had ambitions to become the world’s largest carbon dioxide pipeline, moving climate-warming greenhouse gases from Midwest biofuels plants to North Dakota for permanent storage underground. … The 65-year-old is among dozens of landowners along the route who are

FUELING YOUR FARM WORKSHOP SERIES HITS THE ROAD IN NORTH DAKOTA — Farmers throughout the state of North Dakota can learn more about the fuel that powers their farm and the positive effect that their fuel choices can have on their farming operations. The North Dakota Soybean Council (NDSC) is partnering
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of seven Midwestern governors for their efforts to explore what actions can be taken to allow the year-round sale of E15 in their states. In a letter sent to EPA Administrator Michael Regan today, the governors seek guidance from the agency
(AgriLife Today) West Texas farmers dealing with high-salinity water and limited irrigation need an alternative crop, such as canola, that’s adaptable to harsh conditions. Texas A&M AgriLife research will soon evaluate the potential for canola as an alternative crop amid the region’s marginal water sources and extended periods of dry weather. Canola

Topics include: recent changes to diesel fuel; biodiesel basics; renewable diesel; best practices for preventing fuel problems; diesel and cold weather. READ MORE
(WNAX) The North Dakota Soybean Council is launching a biodiesel campaign after harvest to increase use in the state. Director or Market Development Jena Bjertness says they want to help farmers get more accustomed to using biodiesel blends on their own farm. She says the rebate program will help incentivize farmers
by Amy R. Sisk (Bismarck Tribune) North Dakota regulators granted several approvals Tuesday for what’s expected to become the first carbon dioxide storage project in the state at an ethanol plant near Richardton. The project at Red Trail Energy aims to capture the facility’s carbon emissions for underground storage. The
by Mikkel Pates (Park Rapids Enterprise) Gerald Bachmeier, chief executive officer of Red Trail Energy, Richardton, North Dakota, and Philip Coffin, vice president of Midwest AgEnergy LLC, at Underwood, North Dakota, discuss countermoves to a drought for acquiring local corn and getting it from eastern producers. Both companies started their
by Jacob Holley (Grand Forks Herald) D3MAX creates cellulosic ethanol using “bolt-on” technology – more or less meaning it is a one-size-fits-most process which, according to the company, can be implemented at approximately 190 corn dry mill ethanol plants in the United States. … The aviation industry could be headed for
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects align with administration’s new goal of decarbonizing the aviation sector by 2050 – – As part of a White House roundtable to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge to decarbonize the aviation sector by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $64.7 million in funding for projects focused on producing cost-effective, low-carbon biofuels. These investments will advance technologies to create replacements for petroleum fuels used in heavy-duty forms of transportation, like airplanes and
(Iowa Utilities Board) Meetings to inform landowners about the proposed project — On August 12, 2021, the Iowa Utilities Board issued a letter approving the locations, dates, and times for a series of public informational meetings to inform landowners about a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline in Iowa by Summit Carbon Solutions, LLC. Summit
by Mychal Wilmes (AgWeek) Some vehicle manufacturers in the 1920s favored adding lead to gasoline to increase octane and to reduce engine knocking. (Henry) Ford thought ethanol could do the same while also helping farmers. … In an interview with the New York Times in 1925, Ford said “the fuel
(Emerging Markets Online) New study! Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels 2030, Vol 2. (249 pages, August 2021) focuses on low-carbon feedstock availability, technology pathways for low carbon renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation production. Renewable Diesel & Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) 2030 covers four key areas: 1) renewable diesel producer case studies
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) After years of battles over oil pipelines, two companies are pitching carbon dioxide pipelines that would crisscross six states and combine to sink as much as 24 million metric tons of carbon emissions into geologic formations — if they can convince landowners and others their
(ADM) • Marathon to invest in ADM’s recently announced Spiritwood soybean processing facility, which will provide soybean oil to Marathon’s renewable diesel facility in Dickinson, N.D. • Companies to explore further opportunities to support renewable transportation fuels Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) and ADM (NYSE: ADM) announced today an agreement
by Amy R. Sisk (Bismark Tribune) Representatives of a Richardton ethanol plant appeared before state regulators Thursday seeking a permit to store carbon dioxide captured from the facility underground, the first hearing of its kind to take place in North Dakota as the state’s energy industry looks to rein in
by Amy R. Sisk (Bismark Tribune) In ethanol producer wants to figure out if the geology is right in eastern North Dakota to store carbon emissions underground, the way a number of projects aim to do in the western part of the state. If signs point toward yes, Midwest AgEnergy
by Adam Willis (Forum News Service/Twin Cities Pioneer Press) For some of North Dakota’s legacy industries, like coal power, the future could depend on the capacity of companies to deliver on bold promises around carbon capture. The pricey and so far sparsely used technology has nonetheless elevated the ambitions of North
by Stephen Groves (Associated Press) Two companies seeking to build thousands of miles of pipeline across the Midwest are promising the effort will aid rather than hinder the fight against climate change, though some environmental groups remain skeptical. The pipelines would stretch from North Dakota to Illinois, potentially transforming the Corn
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline, a visionary multi-billion dollar project in the making representing about 15% of the U.S. ethanol industry, will allow producers to permanently sequester their carbon dioxide and cut their CI scores in half. Stretching across five states and collecting carbon
by Byron Dorgan (InForum) … The current year is already half gone and the Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volumes yet. News reports indicate that oil refiners are demanding the Biden administration slash RFS volumes below what the law requires. The reports offer a number of theories for the delay.
by Stephen Groves (Associated Press) Two companies seeking to build thousands of miles of pipeline across the Midwest are promising the effort will aid rather than hinder the fight against climate change, though some environmental groups remain skeptical. The pipelines would stretch from North Dakota to Illinois, potentially transforming the Corn
(AgWeek) Coming up on AgweekTV, we will discuss the ethanol industry hitting another devastating court decision. We will tour an award winning regenerative farming operation in east central South Dakota. We will visit two ag businesses that are dedicated to staying in rural North Dakota. We will discuss the number
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) The low-quality, low-carbon byproduct of restaurant fryer grease, once largely reserved for modestly-sized biodiesel production, is now a darling input of the industry’s new mega plants. Used cooking oil is in high demand as renewable diesel booms. Four years ago, if John Tapp was asked
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For an invisible gas, hydrogen seems to come in more colors than boy of crayons. And, you have to learn to weed out the greenwash and the cleanwash. And some of the hogwash. — Take for example the news from North Dakota, where Bakken Energy and
by Carey L. Biron (Reuters) … Many of the families were poor but rich in land, offering an opportunity today for those who still own property, said Alton Perry, a former U.S. government forester who works as program manager with the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention (SFLR) project. … Through
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) A sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) biorefinery project near Trenton, North Dakota, is one step closer to being built. The Williams County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval recently of a conditional use permit sought by the developer, according to documents on the county commission
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Perennial grass miscanthus as an energy crop has advanced into high biomass yielding varieties and NC State University is working with Novozymes, Iogen and Oak Ridge National Lab on evaluating new miscanthus varieties and improving sustainability within the overall miscanthus biomass supply chain. READ MORE
(ADM) ADM also adding refining and storage capacity to crush facility in Quincy, Illinois — ADM (NYSE: ADM) today (May 10, 2021) announced its plan to build North Dakota’s first-ever dedicated soybean crushing plant and refinery to meet fast-growing demand from food, feed, industrial and biofuel customers, including producers of renewable
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA suggests an expansion of transportation emissions reduction in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) proposed Draft Model Rule (TCI-P) in public comments filed today. Currently, the proposed emission reduction program is limited to on-road fossil-derived motor gasoline and diesel fuel. Advanced Biofuels USA argues
by Patrick C. Miller (UND Today) After nearly 20 years of researching and developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies as a means of mitigating climate change, the UND Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) is on the verge of seeing the science put to commercial use in North Dakota. An ethanol plant
by Katie Piekes (National Public Radio/Harvest Public Media) A new business in Iowa wants to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from ethanol plants. It would pave the way for biorefineries in Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakotas to deliver carbon-neutral fuel to the market. Summit Carbon Solutions, a business platform
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sometimes, as the song says, you gotta bury your troubles, and when your trouble is the cost of carbon dioxide emission, and you’re in the ethanol business, you were stymied until a few minutes ago, when news crossed the wires that Summit Carbon Solutions is building
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable diesel, all 9 billion gallons built, under construction, in planning – Take a deep dive into the latest hot renewable diesel news and a special Digest presentation that asks will all of these billions of gallons fleet get built? If not, who are the potential
by Laura Sanicola (Reuters) Following a year of grim losses amid pandemic lockdowns that dented demand for fuel as people stuck close to home, the largest U.S. independent refiners are promoting plans to boost production of renewable fuels. Renewable fuels represent a silver lining for refiners under threat of being left
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global Platts) Sees Q1 2021 gasoline demand 90% of Q1 2020; STAR project continues at Galveston Bay, TX, refinery; Dickinson, ND RD plant to reach full rates end-Q1 — US refiner Marathon Petroleum is embracing the renewable energy space as it looks to cut its carbon footprint, while positioning
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the North Dakota ethanol industry on Jan. 20 testified in favor of a bill that aims to create a sales and use tax exemption for carbon dioxide used for secure geologic storage. The state’s senate voted in favor of the bill the following
by Amy R. Sisk (Bismark Tribune) Several North Dakota coal and ethanol plants are inching closer to capturing the carbon dioxide they generate and storing it underground, and they’re asking lawmakers to exempt the practice from sales tax. A similar exemption is already in place if the carbon dioxide is
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) An update on U.S. renewable diesel projects—operational, expanding, under construction and proposed—giving new purpose to aging oil refineries. The report represents a transformative volume of nearly 5.5 billion gallons of new or potential capacity. The appeal of stacking the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit on top
(Enel Green Power) The MoU is related to a project for the production of green hydrogen via electrolysis using renewable energy from an Enel Green Power solar plant in the United States; The project, which is expected to be operational in 2023, will supply the green hydrogen produced to a
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … (T)he overriding objective should be to increase demand, which increases ethanol volume and corn grind. With that in mind, do we continue to fight for what is almost certain to be a reduced RFS that in addition to lower RVOs pits us against
(University of North Dakota/News Wise) One of the significant challenges for renewable alternative fuels could be solved if a consortium of research laboratories led by the University of North Dakota can turn corn waste into jet fuel. Wayne Seames, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering &
(Marathon Petroleum Corp.) … “As we navigate these challenges, we remain focused on the aspects of our business within our control. First, we strengthened the competitive position of our assets by advancing our investments in renewables. Our Dickinson renewable fuels facility is starting up. With respect to the conversion of
by Maddie Biertempfel (KXNet) Midwest AgEnergy’s Blue Flint biorefinery in Underwood turns corn into ethanol, but that process’s byproduct, carbon dioxide, can be harmful to the environment. The energy company is working to mitigate those effects by testing out a carbon capture well. “This project will allow the biogenic CO2 that
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) … Red River and several other companies now view the hand sanitizer market as more than a temporary salve for weak fuel demand, making permanent investments in production of high-grade alcohol that meets standards for producing sanitizer. In recent months Pacific Ethanol PEIX.O, Green Plains GPRE.O and Highwater Ethanol HEOL.PK have
(National Biodiesel Board) “Better, Cleaner, Now” message delivered from coast to coast — Newly branded vehicles highlighting biodiesel’s sustainability and emissions reduction benefits are rolling along city streets and interstate highways from the nation’s capital, to Texas oil country, up the California coast and throughout the Midwest. The National Biodiesel
(Houston Chronicle) Using current and past Census data, Stacker tracks the way the American farming industry has changed over the past century. Over the past century, American farming has changed dramatically. Crops with long histories like tobacco are still prevalent throughout the South, while many farmers across the country are now
by Amy R. Sisk (Bismark Tribune) The North Dakota Public Service Commission approved two pipeline projects Wednesday: one for a new natural gas processing plant in Williams County and another for the Dickinson refinery. … The PSC has also authorized two pipelines connected to Marathon Petroleum’s Dickinson Refinery to transport
by Dave Thompson (Prarie Public/Bismark Tribune) Blue Flint Ethanol is considering wheat and corn leftovers as it continues efforts to find new fuel and power sources. The plant is co-located with Great River Energy’s Coal Creek Station coal-fired power plant, near Underwood in McLean County. Coal Creek is scheduled to close
by Scott Koperski (Daily Sun) … Katie Merx, Marathon senior communications manager, said in an emailed statement that the company plans to use the former biodiesel facility to aggregate and pretreat agricultural feedstocks that are used to make renewable diesel. “The facility will primarily serve as a terminal for the
(News Dakota/North Dakota Soybean Council) This summer Cities Area Transit (CAT) buses are running on a different fuel than normal. CAT recently switched to fueling their fleet with B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel. Biodiesel is produced from a variety of feedstocks including the
(Midwest AgEnergy) Midwest AgEnergy Group (MAG), the parent company to ethanol biorefinery, Blue Flint, near Underwood, ND, announced today that they received a $3.4 million grant from the North Dakota Industrial Commission and are moving forward with a project that will potentially capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2).The grant will be
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Positioning into the low-carbon biofuels marketplace, ethanol producers are moving forward with sequestration strategies. A more lucrative federal tax credit, along with a reduced minimum production requirement, is making the economics attractive. After more than 20 years of research, sponsored largely by the U.S.
(Bismarck Tribune) The North Dakota Industrial Commission has issued a $500,000 grant to the Energy & Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota to continue research into carbon capture and storage at ethanol plants. The research will use Red Trail Energy as a case study. The ethanol plant
by Dave Thompson (Prairie Public News) The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved a new Bank of North Dakota loan program for ethanol plants, who have been hit hard by the drop in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. The “Ethanol Recovery Program” will provide loans to ethanol plants at
by Will Englund (Washington Post) President Trump said Tuesday he has ordered his administration to come up with a plan to provide federal assistance to the oil and gas industry in the United States, which has been staggered by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. A huge drop in demand for
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The Midwestern Clean Fuels Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a broad coalition of fuels producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders. The coalition works to create economic benefits for the region through policy,
(North Dakota Soybean Processors) After more than three years, $6 million of investment and thousands of hours of management time, North Dakota Soybean Processors announced that it is abandoning its efforts to build a large-scale soybean crushing facility at the Spiritwood Energy Park in Spiritwood, North Dakota. “We made every
(California Air Resources Board) Pathway Summary Red Trail Energy (RTE) operates an ethanol production facility located at Richardton, North Dakota with annual production of about 60 million gallons per year. The facility has been in operation since 2007. RTE has two certified starch ethanol pathways under the Low Carbon Fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest published today a 2020 Deal Review and Outlook Bioeconomy M&A visual guide that looks at the slurry of recent mergers and acquisitions in the bioeconomy like Lygos and Librede, NuSeed and Agrisoma, FinCo Fuels and GoodFuels, The Andersons and Marathon Petroleum, Aemetis and Goodland
(Great Plains Institute) This Initiative is exploring a clean fuels policy, at the state or regional level, as a marketdriven approach to achieving our economic, energy security, climate, environmental, and public health goals. This white paper presents policy design considerations that are intended to inform further discussion of new and
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 Warren Abrahamson (NewsDakota) Midwest AgEnergy, the parent company to ethanol biorefineries, Blue Flint, near Underwood, ND and Dakota Spirit, near Spiritwood, ND is honored to announce it has been awarded the 2019 Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Veterans (HIRE Vets) Gold Medallion Award. By meeting the criteria required
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) According to Keshav Rajpal, BioMass Solution principal, the industry’s newest ethanol plant – Red River Biorefinery – is still on track to start operations at the beginning of the year. The plant, developed by BioMass Solution, is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and uses
(Bismark State College) As the biomass industry grows and adapts to new technologies and innovations, qualified supervisors and managers will play an important role in ensuring the profitable operation of facilities well into the future. A Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Management degree, available through Bismarck State College, will
by Amy R. Sisk (Bismarck Tribune) As a Richardton ethanol facility gears up to store its carbon emissions underground, the company that runs a coal-fired power plant north of Washburn has secured funding to help determine whether it should pursue similar technology. Red Trail Energy, which turns corn into ethanol
As the biomass industry grows and adapts to new technologies and innovations, qualified supervisors and managers will play an important role in ensuring the profitable operation of facilities well into the future. A Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Management degree, available through Bismarck State College, will ensure that future
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/Biofuels Digest) … (A)nyone who owns a blender pump woke up one day in June to find out they were a refiner! Actually, a “fuel manufacturer” to be exact, with all the numbing, strangling regulations that go with it. While the fire is raging throughout the
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Large companies operating in the sugar and ethanol sector in Brazil are investing to expand capacity to produce the biofuel, due to the continuing strong local demand and low global sugar prices, said an executive from a leading industry group on Monday. According to Antonio de Padua
by Amy Mayer (Iowa Public Radio) The national average price for corn this season is back to $3.60 a bushel, about where it’s been most of this year except for an early-season spike ($4.16 in July) before the size and quality of the crop was known. That’s not great news for corn growers,
(North Dakota Corn Council) The North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, in coordination with the North Dakota Ethanol Council, is implementing the North Dakota Unleaded88 Expansion Program. The program’s goal is to partner with fuel retailers to provide drivers with Unleaded88, a higher octane fuel containing 15 percent ethanol and 85
by Mario Parker and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg/Investors Business Daily) Discussions aimed at breaking logjam over biofuel plan; Friday deadline issued for ideas on potential compromise — Trump administration officials are squeezing biofuel and oil refining executives to agree to a plan to bolster corn-based ethanol and soy-based biodiesel. In
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Governors representing Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska and North Dakota recently sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler urging the agency to clarify biogenic CO2 is not a pollutant subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act. “We respectively request that you prioritize regulatory reform

Presentation ideas will be accepted for the North Dakota Energy Conference & Expo through September 3, 2019 . Speakers may submit ideas on a wide-range of energy source types: renewable energy (ethanol, biodiesel, biomass-based liquid fuels, products or power), wind, solar, recovered energy, transmissions, and/or fossil-based energy (shale oil, coal,

The North Dakota Energy Conference & Expo defines and details the trends and opportunities present in the multifaceted energy industries of North Dakota. Designed to unite energy executives, service providers, investors, developers, product vendors and decisionmakers, the two-day event includes critical content presentations and networking sessions that will highlight the current and
(Oil and Gas 360/New Energy Blue) NewEnergyBlue acquired exclusive rights to Inbicon bio-conversion technology throughout the Americas and will first employ it to turn North Dakota wheat straw into a high-value, carbon-neutral automotive fuel. The technology license was purchased from Ørsted, a Danish green-energy company. Ørsted developed the technology over 15 years at
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The uncertainty of the federal Renewable Fuels Standard and political fights with the petroleum industry are giving more weight to the need for major biofuel states to consider their own low-carbon fuel standards. After years of pushing for a federal low-carbon fuels standard, the
by Clifford Krauss (New York Times) … In the last four years, roughly 175 oil and gas companies in the United States and Canada with debts totaling about $100 billion have filed for bankruptcy protection. Many borrowed heavily when oil and gas prices were far higher, only to collectively overproduce and
by Dan Niepow (Grand Forks Herald) … To be sure, there have been some efforts among North Dakota leaders to bolster clean energy, at least on the ethanol front. Under former Gov. John Hoeven, the state put into place an ethanol producer incentive program. The state set aside money to
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 Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) As a new wave of large-scale biomass-based diesel projects develops, experts suggest market forces are ready to deliver the necessary fats, oils and greases. — …Many of these new biomass-based diesel projects intend to produce renewable diesel at a much larger scale than even the largest biodiesel
by Casey Leins (US News and World Report) The Midwest added more than 28,000 clean energy jobs in 2018, resulting in a 4 percent growth rate, according to a recent report released by national advocacy groups Clean Energy Trust and Environmental Entrepreneurs. The 12 Midwestern states employed more than 737,000 workers
by Amy Dalrymple (Bismarck Tribune/Grand Forks Herald) A project to capture carbon dioxide from a western North Dakota ethanol plant continues to advance as researchers work to better understand the geology below the facility. Red Trail Energy in Richardton proposes to capture carbon dioxide rather than emit it into the
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) The Trump administration is developing guidance to help companies qualify for a built-out tax credit for carbon capture, utilization and storage — a welcome addition for industry officials and lawmakers who have complained the IRS is moving too slowly to implement the increased credit,
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Convergence reigns as the North American biofuels industry witnesses a resurgence in mergers and acquisitions, including exceptionally large deals — Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in biofuels picked up considerably in 2018 after a slowdown in 2017, and by historic standards, the deals grew considerably in
(Illinois Farmer Today) Faster conversion of land into agricultural production in recent years has raised the region’s carbon cost of producing grains, according to recently published research from an Iowa State University scientist. The study, published in the academic journal Environmental Research Letters, shows that increases in crop production due
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine provides a visual of prominent project development activities over the past year. READ MORE
(North Dakota State University/Phys.Org) The many benefits of a biomass-made material called biochar are highlighted in a new publication in which Ghasideh Pourhashem, assistant professor at NDSU’s Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials and Center for Sustainable Materials Science, is the lead author. he 24-page article, “Policy Support for Biochar: Review
(AgWeek) Midwest AgEnergy, the parent company to ethanol biorefineries, Blue Flint, near Underwood, N.D., and Dakota Spirit, near Spiritwood, N.D., recently surpassed production of more than one billion gallons of ethanol produced company-wide. “Congratulations and thank you to our employees at Midwest AgEnergy. We are proud of the commitment and
by John Hageman (The Dickinson Press) A new refinery has been proposed for oil-rich western North Dakota, prompting questions from a local township chairman. AIC Energy Corp. filed an application earlier this month with Williams County planning and zoning officials. It described the so-called “Bakken Oil Refinery” as a 28,000
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Railroad delays in 2014 forced ethanol plants to slow production or find other ways to move their products. Four years later, the situation has improved, but rail traffic is on the rise again. … In late 2013 and through much of 2014, ethanol shipments were
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) While oil refiners adding a small percentage of renewable feedstock to their operations sounds simple, the political, economic, technical, societal and market consequences are anything but. In 2007, at the height of the biodiesel boom, ConocoPhillips and Tyson Foods announced a partnership to coprocess animal fats
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Phillips 66 and REG’s announcement about a new renewable diesel plant on the U.S. West Coast planned for 2021 comes after a notable increase in refineries that are being converted and changed over to renewable diesel. Change is good, especially in this case. … While it was
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 33 is a working group of international experts with the aim to promote the commercialization of efficient, economical and environmentally preferable thermal biomass gasification processes. Here, Lars Waldheim of Waldheim Consulting gave this illuminating overview of wastes as a gasifier fuel, Waste fuel characteristics
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In the U.S. ethanol industry, three plants are under construction, while a fourth makes its way through the permitting process. — In an industry with more than 200 existing plants, four new projects is a small figure. Greenfield ethanol plant development is in a lull,
(Targray/PR Web) Targray, a leading North American biofuels marketer and distributor, has announced the opening of its Fargo Biodiesel Terminal, a 24/7 fuel distribution center serving wholesale fuel buyers throughout the Fargo-Moorhead metro area. Centrally located in West Fargo, North Dakota, the new terminal will provide local fuel retailers, distributors and fleet
by John Downey (Charlotte Business Journal/Mid-Atlantic Bioenergy Council) Wilmington’s Optima BioEnergy operates North Carolina’s only swine-waste biogas plant and had plans for more. Then regulators three a wrench into those plans. Optima BioEnergy has cleared an important regulatory hurdle to building its second swine-waste plant in North Carolina. But it’s a
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A biorefinery that will produce 16 MMgy of cellulosic ethanol and 120,000 of lignin pellets is set to break ground in Spiritwood, North Dakota, in the spring of 2019. The facility, under development by New Energy Blue, will feature Inbicon technology. The proposed plant, known
by Tess Williams (Grand Forks Herald) Mayor Mike Brown is heading to Poland with Keith Lund, president of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp., and City Administrator Todd Feland to build partnerships and talk about biofuels. The Red River Biorefinery, which broke ground last month, is being celebrated during
(National Corn Growers Association) The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today said plans unveiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide aid to farmers negatively impacted by trade tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty would be insufficient to even begin to address the serious damage done to the corn market
by April Baumgarten (Grand Forks Herald) A Grand Forks biorefinery that will turn sugar beet waste into ethanol will break ground this week. City, state and economic leaders are expected to speak Wednesday at the ceremony for the Red River Biorefinery, an 80,000-square-foot facility that will convert more than 500,000 metric
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Texas, Andeavor announced a project to convert the Dickinson Refinery to process 12,000 barrels per day of renewable feedstocks, including soybean oil and distillers corn oil, into renewable diesel fuel. The project is expected to be completed in late 2020 and is subject to permitting and
A crude oil refinery in North Dakota is working on repurposing to make renewable diesel instead of petroleum fuel. Destin Singleton, an Andeavor spokeswoman explained that the proposal builds on a pilot project at the refinery that processes vegetable oil and Bakken crude to create a 5 percent renewable diesel blend.
(My Plainview) The owner of a small crude oil refinery in North Dakota is seeking to convert the facility to process vegetable oil into renewable diesel instead of continuing to make petroleum. The Andeavor Dickinson Refinery applied for an air quality permit from the state Department of Health to process locally
(Nebraska Public Power District) Nebraska Public Power District is taking another step forward in the carbon world with a second Department of Energy (DOE) study. This most recent initiative has a goal of developing an integrated carbon dioxide (CO2) collection, transportation, and storage infrastructure in the Midwest for ethanol facilities
by Patrick Springer (West Fargo Pioneer) … “It’s not a protest against President Trump,” said Pam Musland, marketing and communication supervisor for the North Dakota Farmers Union. “Our hope is to grab some media attention with all the media in town” to cover Trump’s appearance. … Those at what’s billed the
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) President Donald Trump will campaign with GOP Rep. Kevin Cramer next week — a trip that could extinguish any lingering tensions between the White House and the Senate hopeful, after the president has treated Cramer’s opponent Sen. Heidi Heitkamp with seeming warmth. Trump’s planned
by Alan Bjerga and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) EPA chief seen as betraying Trump’s promises on biofuels; Trade tensions put demand for agricultural goods at risk — Even as Donald Trump tweets his support for U.S. agriculture, farmer loyalty for the president looks like it’s starting to waver over moves that may undermine corn-based ethanol and
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) Ag technology promoters are pedaling hard for biofuels-friendly policies in Washington, D.C., to make life livable for cash-strapped farmers supplying markets that didn’t exist 30 years ago. Erick Lutt, director of industrial and environmental policy for Biotechnology Innovation Organization, speaking at the 2018 Bio Industry Summit
(American Coalition for Ethanol /Ethanol Producer Magazine) American Coalition for Ethanol Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty spoke at Petro Serve USA’s grand opening of its facility in Valley City, North Dakota, May 11 to congratulate the company and CEO Kent Satrang on offering more consumers E15 and higher ethanol blends. “Petro
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … The deal creates the largest US oil refiner (and a top-five refiner globally) at 3.1 million barrels per day of capacity — Valero is around the same size, but that includes overseas operations. … The (Marathon Petroleum) Company formed a joint venture with The Anderson’s, Inc., The
Minnesota PUC Confirms Authority to Regulate CO2 Pipelines
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on May 19 unanimously voted that the organization has existing authority to permit the siting of carbon dioxide pipelines, including the two multi-state pipelines currently under development that will sequester CO2 from numerous ethanol plants. According to the PUC, Minnesota