(Siemens Spain/NGV Journal) Siemens presented its new high-efficiency, low-emission gas engines at the 6th China International Bioenergy and Biomass Utilization Summit in Shanghai. One of the advantages of these new engines is that they can use a wide range of fuels to
Engine Development
Back TO HOMESecretary of Energy Rick Perry Announces $68.5 Million for Advanced Vehicle Technologies Research LOI due May 29, 2018
(U. S. Department of Energy) Today (May 1, 2018), U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry announced up to $68.5 million in available funding for early-stage research of advanced vehicle technologies that will enable more affordable mobility, strengthen domestic energy security, and
May 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Stay Vigilant: The Importance of Paying Attention and Remaining Active in Ethanol Advocacy.
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol ) ... The timing of this year’s fly-in was fortuitous, amid talk of “win-win” deals for refiners and biofuel producers and a snowstorm that put the citizens of D.C. on edge. Our
April 30, 2018 Read Full Article
How Trump Will Go after California's Auto GHG Authority
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration plans to argue that California does not have the authority to enforce stringent greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars, despite the Obama administration's 2009 waiver, according to a source familiar with a forthcoming
April 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Announces Partnership between American Ethanol and Universal Technical Institute
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy announced a new partnership initiative between its American Ethanol program and Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the nation’s leading provider of technical training for automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. A critical mission at Growth
April 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Icom, Hiller Ink New Deal for RNG/Diesel Dual-Fuel Systems
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) New Hudson, Mich.-based Icom North America and Ayr, Ontario-based Hiller Truck Tech have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Icom Dynamic compressed natural gas (CNG)/diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG)/diesel dual-fuel systems for eastern Canada. ... “Hiller has been
April 24, 2018 Read Full Article
B10 Biodiesel Pushed as Antidote to Palm Oil Surplus
by Yuthana Praiwan (Bangkok Post) The Thai Biodiesel Producer Association (TBPA) has called for energy policymakers to accelerate their enforcement of rules pertaining to the production and use of B10 biodiesel in a bid to absorb the current surplus of palm oil
April 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines: Co-Optima Report Focuses on Strengths of Nation’s Energy Resources and Existing Infrastructure
by Mattie Hensley (Sandia National Laboratory) The United States could increase its domestic fuel supplies by 25 billion gallons per year while leveraging the nation’s existing $1 trillion fuel infrastructure according to a Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) report released this week. The
April 20, 2018 Read Full Article
ZERO NOW: Clean Energy’s Stations Offer Biomethane at $1 a Gallon
(Clean Energy Fuels Corp./ NGV Journal) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. introduced ZERO NOW, a fueling solution that combines the world’s cleanest engine technology with the cleanest fuel at a price of $1 per gallon. Heavy duty trucks that are powered
April 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Automakers Want 95 Octane Gas To Completely Take Over
by Erik Shilling (Jalopnik) ... Higher compression ratios, and thus higher octane, can have the additional benefit of greater fuel efficiency if the engine is built that way from the start, however. Which is why automakers are now lobbying for a new,
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
House Hearing Focus on High Octane Fuels
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment will be holding a hearing this morning (Friday, April 13, 2018) on “High Octane Fuels and High Efficiency Vehicles: Challenges and Opportunities.” The hearing will take a look at the potential
April 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Vehicle Transformation through New Fuels: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the Clean Fuels Development Coalition
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It may be renaissance times for the Clean Fuels Development Coalition. Their long quest to upend proposed Obama-era vehicle efficiency rules that ignored the potential to improve efficiency and emissions via clear high performance fuels has
April 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Auto Exec: Raise the Octane Rating of U.S. Gasoline for Bump in Fuel Efficiency
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) At a recent American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers meeting, General Motors executive Dan Nicholson voiced the automaker’s support in raising the minimum octane rating of the U.S. gasoline pool from 87 to 91,
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Regulatory Fixes Will Open the Market to Ethanol Quickly -- How EPA Could Easily Remedy Issues with RINs.
by Adam Gustafson (Boyden Gray and Associates/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Such short-term fixes to high RIN prices ignore their underlying cause—EPA’s artificial constraints on the volume of ethanol that can be blended into the nation’s fuel supply. Basic rules of supply
March 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Toyota to Sell Ethanol Fueled Hybrids in Brazil
(Kyodo News) Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it has unveiled in Brazil a prototype of the world's first hybrid vehicle that runs on ethanol to further cut carbon dioxide emissions, aiming to launch the model in the country in one to
March 20, 2018 Read Full Article
RFA and Paul Jr. Designs Team Up on Hit AMERICAN CHOPPER TV Series with Custom Ethanol-Powered Bike
by Emily Druckman (Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has joined forces with Paul Jr. Designs to conceive of and fabricate a signature motorcycle that thrusts American-made fuel ethanol into the spotlight. Known for innovative designs that push creative
March 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Co-Optimization of Engines & Fuels: Breakthrough Research in Engine and Fuel Co-Optimization
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today (February 15, 2018) released two studies from the Co-Optimization of Engines & Fuels initiative (Co-Optima). The study, Fuel Blendstocks with the Potential to Optimize Future Gasoline Engine Performance, identifies eight representative high-octane blendstocks across
March 16, 2018 Read Full Article
ARPA-E Announces $16M in Funding for 8 New Projects to Develop High-Efficiency Distributed Generations Systems Integrating Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
(FuelsCellsWorks/U.S. Department of Energy) Innovative Natural-gas Technologies for Efficiency Gain in Reliable and Affordable Thermochemical Electricity-generation (INTEGRATE) The U.S. electric system is dominated by large, central power plants and an extensive transmission and distribution system commonly referred to as the “grid.” Two-thirds
March 16, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Visual Guide to the Economics, Politics of Renewable Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Have you ever wondered why corn farmers march for the RFS, but Wall Streeters don't? Or why merchent oil refiners want the US Renewable Fuel Standard repealed but major oilcos generally support RFS reform? Why are biodiesel
March 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Harmonizing a Three-Headed Regulatory Monster (EPA, NHTSA, CARB)
by Graham Noyes and Doug Durante (Low Carbon Fuels Coalition/Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... While not as entertaining to watch as a Godzilla film with a three-headed flying monster, the current regulatory struggle over national auto standards between the US
March 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Key Milestone Reached in the Audi - Global Bioenergies Partnership
(Global Bioenergies/Globe Newswire) Global Bioenergies (Euronext Growth: ALGBE) and German carmaker Audi today announced that a key milestone was reached in their multi-year agreement. Renewable gasoline components were produced and shipped to Audi. Using its Leuna Demo plant, Global Bioenergies has produced
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: Government Confusion Over Ethanol Might Demand Growing Locally
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... So you have USDA saying ethanol demand has basically peaked. The Department of Energy is saying ethanol is really the only fuel that can provide the energy and market demands needed in the
March 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor at ABLC 2018
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There was high drama in Washington, DC as the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference got underway and President Trump readies to meet at the White House with a number of biofuels leaders about the RFS and bioeconomy policy
March 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Nissan Considering Hybrid, Fuel-Cell and Biofuel Utes and Vans
by Tim Nicholson & Justin Hilliard (GoAutoMedia/Cars Guide) Nissan has confirmed it is looking at range-extender hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell and biofuel powertrain options for its future line-up of light-commercial vehicles, including the Titan large pick-up. When questioned about possible future LCV powertrains
February 26, 2018 Read Full Article
The Nitrogen Engine: Ricardo Spins out Company to Commercialize Game-Changing Engine Tech
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, Ricardo has unveiled its CryoPower engine technology and points towards a potential saving of approximately 30 percent in CO2 emissions and 20 percent in operating fuel costs for heavy-duty trucks and in stationary distributed power generation systems. That
February 22, 2018 Read Full Article
High Performance Fuels: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to DOE’s Co-Optima Project and HP fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy has a key project called Co-Optima, which aims to determine key fuel properties that enable improved engine efficiency, provide key science to enable high efficiency combustion modes, and capitalize on unique
February 21, 2018 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In his article suggesting scrapping Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards in favor of a Clean Air Act life cycle analysis-based methodology for CO2 transportation emission reduction, Bob Kozak advised, "(I)f anyone asks what will be the economic incentive for a
February 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Let’s Regulate CO2 Emissions, and Forget the 55.4 MPG 2025 Corporate Annual Fuel Economy Standard: The Inexpensive Way to Quickly Reduce Green House Gases
by Robert Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard of 54.5 miles/gallon has become a significant issue since the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Besides the Administration’s near religious fervor against
February 15, 2018 Read Full Article
De-Coding the West’s Addiction to Fossil Fuels: Fostering a Sustainable Transportation Fuel Market in the US & EU
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) “If we do not break the lock-in effect of our dominant fuel sources, we may in fact facilitate mother nature in breaking the lock-out of her dominant species,” wrote Stephen L. Bi in The
February 15, 2018 Read Full Article
New DOE Study: Ethanol Among Best Options for Future Engine Efficiency Improvements and Emissions Reduction
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today hailed the release of two studies by the Department of Energy that find ethanol-based high octane fuels can deliver substantial fuel economy improvements and emissions reductions when paired with optimized internal combustion
February 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Stands Its Ground, Won’t Back Down: New B20 Vehicles, Emissions Cuts, Highlight NBC 2018
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The makers of the world’s favorite advanced biofuel — a/k/a the biodiesel industry — descended upon Texas to mingle, make and renew ties at the 2018 National Biodiesel Conference. And, to champion new ideas and find
February 07, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the Future of the Internal Combustion Engine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When it comes to the future of the combustion engine, what are the future developments from a scientific viewpoint? That’s the ambitious topic that Gennadi Zikoridse of the University of Applied Sciences Dresden took on in this recent presentation. Combustion
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
GE Aviation Starts Engine Combustor Testing of Unblended Gevo ATJ Renewable Fuel
(GreenAir Online) Engine manufacturer GE Aviation has started jet engine combustor testing using unblended renewable alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) fuel produced by Gevo. The testing is part of the FAA’s Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise Program (CLEEN) and is specifically designed to enable
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
California Advanced Biofuels Alliance Joins Biofuels Groups in Opposing AB 1745
(California Advanced Biofuels Alliance) On January 19th, CABA joined biofuels groups in opposing AB 1745. Here is the text of the letter: Dear Assembly Member Ting: It is after careful deliberation that the undersigned organizations respectfully express opposition to AB 1745, a bill
January 31, 2018 Read Full Article
100% Ethanol-Run Bikes to Be Launched this Month: Nitin Gadkari
by Swaraj Baggonkar (Money Control) The ministry of road transport and highways is urging automotive companies to introduce flex engines that can run with ethanol content as high as 100 percent. -- Union minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that the market will
January 26, 2018 Read Full Article
'Diesel Brothers' Stars at MN Ag Expo
by Tim Krohn (Mankato Free Press) The DieselSellerz, stars of Discovery’s “Diesel Brothers” show, were at the MN Ag Expo on Wednesday talking with fans and previewing a truck the foursome is building for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. “People
January 26, 2018 Read Full Article
The Rise, Rise, Rise of Bio-Methanol for Fuels and Chemical Markets
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The clearest intersecting theme is bio-methanol. Let’s see why. For one, Södra has much more going on than Silva, and we reported on a major development in December when we related that Södra will invest more
January 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Ford’s New 2018 F-150 Joins Ranks of Diesel Vehicle Models Supporting B20 Biodiesel
(National Biodiesel Board) Latest in wave of new diesel options featured at National Biodiesel Conference & Expo -- Several automakers’ new 2018 diesel models are being featured this week at the Fort Worth Convention Center as the U.S. biodiesel industry celebrates its
January 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Nitin Gadkari Wants Cars to Run on Biofuels to Reduce Oil Bill Load
(Economic Times) Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari Friday pushed for greater usage of biofuels to reduce India's annual oil import bill of Rs 7 lakh crore, putting the onus on local car makers to make more vehicles that can run on
January 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol To The Rescue of Higher Gas Prices
by Dave VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/ICM/Biofuels Digest) ... A lot of people might forget that it was only three years ago when the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline cost $3.34 and at times nudged the $4 mark. Dropping
January 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Summary of Accomplishments
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... ACE believes the best way to grow demand well into the future is to harness the low-carbon, high-octane value of ethanol. That’s why we were very encouraged that for the first
January 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels for the Marine Shipping Sector: An Overview and Analysis of Sector Infrastructure, Fuel Technologies and Regulations
by Chia-wen Carmen Hsieh and Claus Felby (University of Copenhagen/IEA Bioenergy) The merchant shipping sector is one of the mayor players in world trade. More than 80% of all goods are transported via international shipping routes. The sector consumes more
December 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Can Lawmakers Find a Middle Way on Fuel Efficiency? House Lawmakers Debate Harmonizing EPA, NHTSA Standards
by Jessie Stolark (Enviromental and Energy Study Institute) On December 12, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing, “Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program (CAFE) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles.” At the heart of
December 15, 2017 Read Full Article
California Readies $398-Million Green Truck Incentive Package
(Diesel Technology Forum) There are about 950,000 commercial trucks registered in California, and the vast majority are powered by diesel engines. State law says that in 2023 and after, only trucks meeting or exceeding 2011 diesel emissions standards will be able
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Defining Decarbonisation Pathway for Shipping – Zero Emission Vessels 2030 study released Defining decarbonisation pathway for shipping – Zero Emission Vessels 2030 Study Released
(Lloyd's Register) LR and University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) have today (December 11, 2017) released ‘Zero Emission Vessels 2030’, a new study that aims to demonstrate the viability of zero emission vessels (ZEVs) – identifying what needs to be in place
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Benefits of Ethanol Touted at LATI Event
by Dan Crisler (The Public Opinion) Watertown automotive and fuel retailers and technicians got a special visit from one of the most respected automotive reviewers in the country in Marc Rauch. Rauch, an executive with internet automotive research website and television
December 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Fiat Chrysler and Eni Cooperating on Emissions Reductions
(Associated Press/Washington Post) The CEOs of Italian-American carmaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles SpA and Italian energy giant ENI have agreed to jointly develop technologies to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles. The companies signed the agreement Tuesday in Rome with Premier Paolo Gentiloni that
November 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Fuel Economy Is Going up. Vehicle Prices Are Holding Steady.
by Eric Junga (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy) In responding to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action on vehicle standards, ACEEE found that average vehicle prices have remained essentially flat over the past 15 years, even as average fuel economy improves. The finding
November 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Fuel Issues Leave KTC’s Rs 2 Crore ‘Green’ Buses Languishing
by Nida Sayed (Times of India) Less than four months after being launched by the Goa government, two of the three eco-friendly 'Scania' buses lie defunct. On August 15, the three were launched by chief minister Manohar Parrikar in Panaji, and soon after,
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Scania Ethanol Truck Brings Triple Benefits for French Haulier
(Scania) First came Nicolas, then Jérôme and finally Sophia. Today, the Faramia triplets have reached the age of 31 and are all active in the family transport business that bears their initials, Transports NJS Faramia. With the motto “The environment lies at
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
DEUTZ Approves Engines for the Use of Alternative Fuels
(DEUTZ) ... DEUTZ has now approved the engine series TCD 2.9 / 3.6 / 4.1 / 6.1 / 7.8 / 12.0 / 16.0 under the current EU Stage IV / US Tier 4 standard, as well as all older DEUTZ
November 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Presentations Posted for Can Fuel Efficiency Standards Be Met Cost-Effectively? The Potential for High-Octane, Low-Carbon Fuels
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing examining how high-octane, low-carbon fuel can enable CAFE compliance. Research suggests that high-octane, low-carbon fuel is the lowest-cost compliance option for both consumers and the automotive industry. Taking steps
November 14, 2017 Read Full Article
UTIA Awarded FAA Grant to Analyze Biorefinery Supply Chains
(UrekAlert!/University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture) Alternative jet fuels could grow opportunities in the southeast -- Researchers from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) have received a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to begin a three-year project to perform
November 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Why Palm Biodiesel Producers Should Keep Pushing R&D and Make Palm Oil Biodiesel More Environmentally Friendly
by Yamin Vong (The Sun) ... The European Union is campaigning against palm bio-diesel and the European Parliament appears to be determined to ratify the Palm Oil and Deforestation of the Rainforests resolution that it passed on April 4. It's in this environment
November 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Are Electrics a Bridging Technology, and Hydrogen Fuel Cells the Future?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Recently, Lexus’ Paul Williamsen told Australia’s CarAdvice team: “Both hybrid and EVs are merely bridging technologies on the way to the solution, which is hydrogen. The problem with EVs is a simple matter of chemistry – we won’t
November 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Fiat Launches Activity to Promote Biomethane Adoption in France
(FCA Group/NGV Journal) FCA has been the leader in Europe for bi-fuel gasoline/CNG vehicles for over 20 years, with over 720,000 new registrations. The range features six Fiat models (Panda, Punto, Doblò, 500L, 500L Wagon and Qubo) and five Fiat Professional
October 30, 2017 Read Full Article
ExxonMobil Expanding New Jersey Research and Engineering Center
(ExxonMobil/Business Wire) Expansion will improve collaboration and enhance research and development capabilities; Focus on accelerating development of scalable energy solutions with reduced environmental impact; New facilities include an engine test center and a lubricant research and development blend plant ExxonMobil announced today (October 13, 2017)
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Vegetable Oil as Fuel in Agriculture
(OWI (Google Translation)) Retrofitting of tractors for multi-fuel use -- In agriculture, widening the use of vegetable oil as fuel in tractors could contribute to greater sustainability and climate protection within the framework of a resource-conserving bioeconomy. However, the compatibility of fuel-carrying components
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Coordinated Introduction of E10 Petrol Can Help Meet Transport Carbon Targets and Support the UK Economy
(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) In support of the UK government’s decision to increase the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, the LowCVP today published its report ‘Successfully Deploying E10 Petrol’. The expert group convened under the auspices of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership concluded
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
E20 for the EU?
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) A recent study by the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action identifies E20 as the optimal ethanol blend for the EU. The study, which outlines an extensive economic and environmental analysis of increasing biofuel blends, said biofuel blends are crucial
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Drag Racing With E85: Green Is Mean - E85 Isn't Just For Tree-Huggers
(Quick Fuel Technology/Holley) As a renewable energy source championed by environmentalists, racers often think of E85 as a wimpy fuel that has no place in a drag car. However, many bracket racers have shattered that perception by taking advantage of E85’s
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Groups Comment on CAFE-GHG Standards
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and American Coalition for Ethanol have all submitted public comments to U.S. EPA and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration stressing the benefits of high-octane ethanol fuels in response to
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
BFC Keynote Addresses Policy, Technology, Economy
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Geoff Cooper, senior vice president of the Renewable Fuels Association, told attendees at the Biofuels Financial Conference Sept. 27 in Minneapolis that it’s tough to predict the future. “Predicting the future is hard work, and
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Fact Sheet: The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act: Environmental, Health & Consumer Considerations
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Today, 10 percent of the U.S. gasoline supply is provided by renewable fuel, primarily ethanol. Increasing the use of renewable fuel, which is more sustainable and less polluting than gasoline, will require
September 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Moving into Markets: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Engine/Fuel Transformation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project to identify and mitigate the challenges of moving new fuels and vehicles into markets. Including but not limited to: facilitating new fuel standards needed for introduction
September 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Are High Ethanol Blends Going to Be Essential, and Mandatory, for Super High Fuel-Efficient Engines?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Now, war is surely about to break out over E25-E30 blending, now that RFA CEO Bob Dinneen testified in DC in his courtly but adamant manner that a high-octane, low-carbon ethanol blend in optimized engines would
September 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Groups Testify at EPA Hearing on CAFE-GHG Standards
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy, the American Coalition for Ethanol and the Renewable Fuels Association are among the groups that testified at the U.S. EPA’s public hearing for the reconsideration of the Final Determination of the Mid-Term
September 12, 2017 Read Full Article
History Shows Ethanol Isn't Going Anywhere
by Daryl Haack (Des Moines Register/Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) The “futurist” Francis Thicke, in an Aug. 22 op-ed, suggests that corn ethanol may soon disappear. ["Ethanol is heading toward obsolescence. Iowa will need a new plan"] He might want to take a
August 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Swedish Study Calls for Smaller EV Batteries, Finds Tesla More Polluting than an 8-Year-Old Car
(AutoVista Group) Swedish researchers have argued that electric vehicle (EV) batteries should not be as large as possible, but as large as necessary. This is the conclusion of their study which found that in terms of equivalent CO2 emissions, a car
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
New Fuels, Vehicles, Both, Together: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to the Co-Optima Market Transformation Project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy initiated a project to identify and mitigate the challenges of moving new fuels and vehicles into markets. Specifically, engaging with all critical stakeholders (OEM’s, fuel producers, distribution networks, gas station
August 18, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In a 25 x '25 blog post, Reg Modlin, former director of regulatory affairs at FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and senior advisor to the Ag-Auto-Ethanol Work Group, noted, "Until then (2050), and for decades after, liquid fuel will be used
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Combustion Engines Are Not Going Anywhere for Quite a While
by Reg Modlin (25 x '25 Resource) ... Flags have gone up in recent days as a result of articles proclaiming the coming of the electric car and the resulting disruption in the automobile industry. Relax. There is nothing new
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Research Aims to ‘Co-Optimize’ Biofuels for Future Engines
(Agri-Pulse) Research aimed at finding the right combination of fuels and engine technology that would maximize a car's performance while reducing its greenhouse gas emissions has reached a milestone that ethanol advocates hope gets wider acknowledgement from policy makers. The Co-Optimization of
August 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Tata Motors Unveils India’s First Biomethane Bus and Engines
(Tata Motors/NGV Journal) Tata Motors has unveiled the country’s first biomethane-powered bus at the Bio-energy program, called ‘Urja Utsav’, organized by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. Tata Motors has pioneered the introduction of natural gas vehicles in India
July 25, 2017 Read Full Article
What’s In a Number?
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Plenty of talk circulates around ethanol blends above E10. Clearly, E15 is the next milestone. But as we work to capture ethanol's octane benefits and its ability to replace some of the
July 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Tata Motors Designs, Showcases Bio-Methane Bus Engines
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) Tata Motors says it has designed and developed bio-methane engines (5.7 SGI & 3.8 SGI) for light commercial vehicle, intermediate commercial vehicle and multi-axle commercial vehicle buses. As reported, the commercial vehicle manufacturer showcased a biomethane bus,
July 20, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer), commenting on EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's calls for ethanol-free gasoline (E0): A gallon of 91-octane gasoline with no ethanol will contain aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylene. These are toxic chemicals coming
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Pruitt Raises Idea of Higher Levels of Ethanol-Free Gasoline
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... (EPA Administrator Scott ) Pruitt also noted that EPA will be "assessing higher levels of ethanol-free gasoline." Ethanol-free gasoline translates into higher volumes of aromatic chemicals to raise the octane levels of gasoline.
July 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Why High-Octane Gas Costs So Much More Than Regular
by Clifford Atiyeh (Car and Driver) ... As gas prices tumbled over the past three years, the premium-fuel premium skyrocketed from 35 cents per gallon in 2013 to 47 cents in 2015 and reached 50 cents in late 2016. According
July 04, 2017 Read Full Article
E15 Biofuel in NASCAR and Spreading across the Country
by Erin Kidd (Independent Tribune) When Austin Dillon crossed the finish line and made his way to Victory Lane at the Coca-Cola 600, there were smiles from all of his supporters and probably from Dr. Andy Randolph, technical director of
June 30, 2017 Read Full Article
ALTERNATE ENERGY: Ethanol: It’s Just Plain Corny
by James Bobreski (Finger Lakes Times) ... Ethanol is the alcohol in our beer that we enjoy at a ball game, a party or after a long day at work. In this author’s opinion that’s where it belongs. Using food products as
June 26, 2017 Read Full Article
MYOB – The New Ethanol Mantra: Modularity, Yield, Octane, Bolt-Ons
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Minnesota, the US ethanol industry is descending upon Minneapolis this week for the annual Fuel Ethanol Workshops, and the theme is efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. You can feel the “get back to business” vibe, a
June 19, 2017 Read Full Article
DLR and Lufthansa Technik Produce Study on Aviation Biofuels
(Biofuels International) Biofuels have the potential to improve the carbon footprint of the aviation industry and make the sector more environmentally friendly, according to a new study from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Lufthansa Technik. The DLR and Lufthansa investigated
June 15, 2017 Read Full Article
After The Trump Paris Pullout, US Energy Dept. Comes Through With $$ For The Clean Cars Of The Future
(CleanTechnica) ... Last Thursday, the same day Trump announced the Paris pullout, the Energy Department’s funding arm ARPA-E clapped back with a promise to follow through on $20 million in funding for 10 projects in two cutting edge fuel efficiency and
June 09, 2017 Read Full Article
$45B Annual Windfall for US Consumers with a Gasoline-Engine Overhaul? EPA Is Getting a Patent Worth Knowing about
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Patent & Trademark Office has just issued a “notice of allowance” for a patent by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for a high efficiency, high compression engine that would reduce
June 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Review of Auto Standards Raises Concerns From Former EPA Officials
by Iulia Gheorghiu (Morning Consult) Former Environmental Protection Agency officials worry the Trump administration’s review of auto emissions standards could slow down U.S. innovation on fuel efficiency. Stricter standards place a burden on automakers because of lackluster consumer interest in fuel-efficient
June 06, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Here we have EPA agreeing that higher ethanol blends can reduce emissions and acknowledging that engines and fuels must be looked at as an integrated system. Adjusting compression to address the slightly lower energy content of ethanol while taking advantage
June 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol's Biggest Advocate May Be EPA
(Urban Air Initiative) In plot twist that may open the door to higher ethanol blends, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received an engine patent it has been pursuing for nearly a decade for a high efficiency, high compression
June 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Cummins B6.7, L9 Engines Compatible with Renewable Diesel
(Fleet Owner) Cummins Inc. announced its B4.5, B6.7 and L9 engine platforms are compatible with paraffinic renewable diesel fuels meeting the EN 15940 specification. Both on-highway and off-highway versions of the B6.7 and L9 platforms and all vintages are approved
June 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Presentations from BETO’s 2017 Project Peer Review Now Online
On March 6–9, 2017, BETO hosted its biennial Project Peer Review in Denver, Colorado. During the event, approximately 192 projects in BETO’s research and development (R&D) portfolio were presented to the public and a panel of external subject matter experts.
May 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Livin’ La Vida Octane: The Quest for Torque and Affordable, Sustainable Vroom
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In recent days. we’ve been updating some very useful industry charts relating to costs, carbon, and biofuels — and here’s another highly useful chart from the University of Illinois that looks at ethanol as a
May 23, 2017 Read Full Article
RethinkX: Self-Driving Electric Cars Will Dominate Roads by 2030
by Mark Anderson (IEEE Spectrum) Within 13 years self-driving cars will dominate the roads, representing some 95% of all car miles driven, according to a new study released this week. And while 40% of the cars in 2030 will still
May 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Scania Euro 6 Ethanol Truck Joins the Exhibition Next Week!
(Svebio) We’re pleased to inform that the Scania Euro 6 ethanol truck joins the vehicle exhibition at Advanced Biofuels Conference next week. Time to change the game Globally, transport is a major source of fossil CO2 emissions. On the bright side, this
May 15, 2017 Read Full Article
New Study Shows Economic Value of RNG in California
by RNG Coalition (Biomass Magazine) A new jobs study reveals that deploying trucks fueled by renewable natural gas could create up to 130,000 new jobs and add $14 billion to California’s economy. The ‘RNG Jobs Report’ examines the economic potential of
May 04, 2017 Read Full Article
High Octane Fuel: An Opportunity for Ethanol
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy's CEO explains the importance of the recent ASTM standard for 100 RON test fuel in helping the ethanol industry achieve its goal of expanding the availability of higher-octane fuels. -- In March,
May 01, 2017 Read Full Article
High Octane Gas Coming — But You'll Pay More for It
by Mark Phelan (Detroit Free Press) “Ten cents a gallon more is probably palatable. A quarter risks customer acceptance,” said an industry executive who requested anonymity because his company’s plans are secret. -- Automakers and oil companies are quietly developing
April 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Intersecting Trends of Oil and Ethanol
by Patrick C. Miller (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Is the growth in shale oil production a potential boost for ethanol? The theory goes that because the light crude produced from fracked shale produces lower-octane gasoline, greater oil production from shale will translate
April 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Advocates Work to Boost Demand
by Nat Willilams (Iowa Farmer Today) ... (Barry) Frazier (president of Center Ethanol) was among biofuels advocates speaking at a conference of the National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization here. More than 500 college students and ag professionals were on
April 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Fuel a New Component in the Advancement Of Clean Diesel Technology
(Diesel Technology Forum) With national and international policies moving toward a low-carbon, sustainable future, advanced clean diesel technologies and the emergence of low-emission renewable diesel fuel are leading to the continued growth in diesel’s dominance in the transportation and off-road
March 30, 2017 Read Full Article
ASTM Approves New 100 Octane Standard that Could Boost Ethanol Blending
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Pennsylvania, a new ASTM International standard that supports 100 octane fuel could help drive innovation in the auto industry as cars with higher-performance engines are introduced into the global marketplace. This new standard responds to
March 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Testing Hybrid Trucks in Sweden
(DSV) Using a combination of biodiesel and electricity to power trucks will reduce unhealthy carbon dioxide emissions. -- DSV Sweden is currently testing a unique Atego Hybrid truck from Mercedes-Benz in Malmo city distribution. The truck runs on both electricity and
March 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Fuel Economy Rules: Someone Is Listening
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) The recent announcement that the Trump Administration was taking another look at Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards was a welcome reality check for what is a complex and multi-layered issue. There was
March 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Groups Hail Recall of EPA’s Federal Fuel Economy and Emissions Rules
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the High Octane Alliance called the Trump Administration’s recall the fuel economy rule “an important first step in achieving realistic reductions in fuel consumption.” Alliance Chairman Tom Daschle said the recall was necessary due
March 20, 2017 Read Full Article
New ASTM High-Octane Fuel Standard Published
(Growth Energy) Last week, ASTM International published an important new high-octane fuel standard, ASTM D8076 – 17, Standard Specification for 100 Research Octane Number Test Fuel for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines. A major victory for the ethanol industry, this new specification
March 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Yale, Penn State Team Receives $1.2M Co-Optima Award to Investigate Sooting Behavior of Biofuels
(MoveEnergy) Penn State Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Yuan Xuan and researchers at Yale University will work together to identify clean-burning biofuels for next-generation internal combustion engines under to a $1.2 million award from the Energy Department’s Co-Optimization of Fuels
March 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Trump at the Renewable Pump: Will He Bump, Thump or Dump?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Let’s look at the letter behind the headlines. “Rest assured that your president and this administration values the importance of renewable fuels to America’s economy and to our energy independence. As I emphasized throughout my campaign,
February 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Passing the Test with Flying Colors
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Glacial Lakes challenge in Watertown, SD, demonstrates E30 is a winner. The midlevel ethanol blend caused no check engine lights, mileage was virtually unchanged and resulted in real savings. -- The E30 Challenge
February 20, 2017 Read Full Article
ZEVs Don’t Have Zero Emissions: Letter
by Don Siefkes (E100 Ethanol Group/Biofuels Digest) In an unpublished letter to the Wall Street Journal, Don Siefkes, Executive Director of the E100 Ethanol Group writes: Regarding Mike Spector’s Feb. 13 article, “Biggest Driver of Cleaner-Car Rules …,” Ms. Mary Nichols, Chairwoman
February 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Health Effects Institute Takes Hard Look at Ethanol vs Aromatics
by David Hallberg (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Initiative) Candid discussions at the Health Effects Institute offer hope ethanol's positive emissions profile will be taken seriously, writes a UAI advisor and Siouxland Ethanol board member in the Clearing the Air column
February 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Syngenta Announces $340,000 Donation to Prime the Pump Fund
(Syngenta) Prime the Pump dedicated to making higher ethanol blends available at retail outlets; E15 approved for more than 87 percent of all vehicles on the road; Increased availability for E15 at retail seen as key to growing demand for American ethanol
February 03, 2017 Read Full Article
U.S. Energy Department Publishes "The Transforming Mobility Ecosystem: Enabling an Energy-Efficient Future"
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department published a report titled, “The Transforming Mobility Ecosystem: Enabling an Energy-Efficient Future.” Over the next decade, the transportation sector is poised for rapid change, propelled toward a new mobility future by strong technology currents
January 19, 2017 Read Full Article
General Motors Announces 20 for B20 in Its Diesel Vehicle Lineup
(National Biodiesel Board) GM Expands its B20 Biodiesel Capable Lineup with New Cars, Crossovers, Trucks -- General Motors is taking bold steps to expand the U.S. diesel vehicle market beyond its traditional stronghold in full-size pickups, and providing more options
January 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Automakers Fuel the U.S. Market With More Biodiesel Capable Diesel Vehicle Models
(National Biodiesel Board) U.S. auto manufacturers have introduced a record number of new biodiesel capable diesel vehicle options for consumers as the push for increased fuel efficiency, performance, and sustainability in America’s transportation sector grows. Despite a challenging marketplace, automakers
January 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces Up to $7 Million for the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the Energy Department (DOE) announced up to $7 million for eight universities to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable high-performance fuels for use in high-efficiency, low-emission engines. Under the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima)
December 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Recapping My Decade of Using and Experimenting With Alternative Fuels +VIDEO
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... For a guy who grew up primarily in Brooklyn and Queens, farming was as alien to me as the dark side of the moon. Nevertheless, the story was riveting because it presented economic possibilities
December 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Nebraska Drivers Save $17 Million Using Ethanol-blended Fuel
(Nebraska Ethanol Board/KOOL Radio) In 2016, Nebraska drivers will save approximately $17 million by using ethanol-blended gasoline. The savings is based on lower prices for ethanol compared to wholesale gasoline and the state’s projected spark-ignition fuel consumption of 900 million
December 07, 2016 Read Full Article
RFA Analysis: Automakers Approve E15 in More than 80% of New 2017 Vehicles
(Renewable Fuels Association) More than 80 percent of new 2017 model year (MY) vehicles are explicitly approved by the manufacturer to use 15 percent ethanol blends (E15), according to an analysis of warranty statements and owner’s manuals conducted by the
December 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Ocean Going Vessels Going Green
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Currently over 866 million tons per year of CO2, or 2.4% of the world’s total, come from maritime sources. A report to the European Parliament predicts that maritime emission will account for up
November 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Improved Vehicle Performance with Fuel That’s Better for the Environment
by Alicia Lindauer (U.S. Department of Energy/Renewable Energy World) Is it possible to increase vehicle performance and fuel efficiency while also slowing climate change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions? New research by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and funded by the
November 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Car Clinic’s Bobby Likis Talks #Ethanol & Mechanics
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) As more and more consumers choose ethanol at the pump, Bobby Likis, host of Bobby Likis Car Clinic, says there is a continued need to educate mechanics about ethanol. Likis is a 45-year auto veteran who
November 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces $30 Million Investment for Innovation in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (November 18, 2016), the Energy Department (DOE) announced approximately $30 million in available funding, subject to appropriations, for research and development of low-cost hydrogen production, onboard hydrogen storage, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells to advance
November 21, 2016 Read Full Article
New Flyers 60-foot Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses to Be Tested at Altoona Pennsylvania
(FuelCellsWorks) ... New Flyer's innovative XE60 battery-electric bus, and its sister XHE60 hydrogen fuel cell bus, are both powered by Siemens electric motors with rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology manufactured in Michigan. ... New Flyer's XHE60 model is a battery electric 60-foot articulated transit
November 21, 2016 Read Full Article
For Cars of the Future, the Fuels They Need, Today, from Algae
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Of all the many wonders at the Algae Biomass Summit this week, perhaps there was nothing more interesting in terms of the Department of Energy’s laudable attention to the sector than a poster from NREL on
October 28, 2016 Read Full Article
Path to Improved Fuel Economy Includes Ethanol
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) A Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) director says the auto industry path to improved fuel economy includes higher blends of ethanol. Randall Doyal, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel in southeast Minnesota, tells Brownfield the ethanol industry is
October 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Value of E30 Proven in Real Time
by Jim Seurer (Glacial Lakes Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Our good friend and colleague Dave VanderGriend wrote in this column in April that a little place called Watertown, South Dakota, could be the beginning of a revolution in how we think about
October 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels Can Make U.S. Self-Reliant
by Bobby Likis (The Grand Island Independent) In the letter titled “Biofuels providing economic benefit for state,” published Oct. 1, Paul Kenney is right. And in addition to his state’s boosted economy from ethanol production, Americans across the country are
October 06, 2016 Read Full Article
The Road to High Octane Fuels
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) ... 9 things you need to know about high octane fuel, and my perspective on a path forward. High octane fuel enables more powerful or more efficient engines ... But in the context of engines, octane is a
October 06, 2016 Read Full Article
A Man and His Turbine Engine
by Suzi Thaye (Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper) David Stapp’s invention is “fuel-agnostic” -- ... It's a nice spot for CEO Stapp to concentrate on his pet project, the Peregrine Turbine, a jet engine that can run solely on biofuels, but will work also
October 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Strategic Intent: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Neste, Nissan
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Nissan and
October 05, 2016 Read Full Article
The War Against Ethanol, Part II--A History of the Fuel
by Jamie Kitman (Automobile Magazine) "It is “a universal assumption that [ethyl] alcohol in some form will be a constituent of the motor fuel of the future.” -- So wrote Scientific American. The year was 1920, and the respected journal was
October 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Letter: A Big Vision Business Plan
by Jason Frerichs (Argus Leader) ... As a state senator, I am hopeful we can generate bi-partisan support for putting S.D. state-owned undesignated flex fuel autos on E30. Then, adjoining state leaders will be encouraged to follow our lead to openly
October 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels USA Submits Comments on CAFE Standards Midterm Review
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA fully supports meeting the 2022 CAFE standards. It is our understanding that the key to vehicle manufacturers meeting these standards rests on the ability to use high levels of low cost octane to operate
September 30, 2016 Read Full Article
The War against Ethanol Began in the 1920S
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Big Oil has been fighting the ethanol industry for a long time. Since the 1920s, to be exact. -- In a recent feature by Automobile Magazine, the publication traces the roots of the war against ethanol to
September 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Comments on the Draft Technical Assessment Report for Model Years 2022 – 2025 Greenhouse Gas Emission and Fuel Economy Standards Submitted by Minnesota and Illinois Growers
(Minnesota Corn Growers Association Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council and the Illinois Corn Growers Association) Early this year, the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council approved a research grant to Defour Group LLC (D4) and Air Improvement Resource INC
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Survey Shows Suppliers Support for Existing 2025 Federal Light-duty Vehicle Fuel Economy Regulation
(CALSTART) First-ever fuel economy survey of auto suppliers: 70 percent don’t want policymakers to change standards -- Tier 1 suppliers want long-term goals, support 2025 targets Major automotive suppliers see national fuel economy standards as important for long-term planning and investment and
September 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels Want Level Playing Field
(KTIC/DTN/Progressive Farmer) With all of the political fights about the role ethanol and other biofuels have in the transportation sector, there is common ground for the ethanol, oil and automobile industries that could bode well for the long-term health of the
September 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Bobby Likis Spotlights @ProtecFuel
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Protec Fuel CEO Todd Garner was a guest on the nationally syndicated car-talk program “Bobby Likis Car Clinic” this past weekend to talk about what they are doing to get higher ethanol blends in the market
September 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Dear EPA: Watertown Is 'Premium E30 Ready'
by Jim Seurer (Watertown Public Opinion/Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC) ... The E30 Challenge is a campaign initiated by GLE and its industry partners ICM and Urban Air Initiative to encourage the voluntary use of Premium E30 fuel (30 percent ethanol blend)
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
It's Time To Rethink The Value Of PhD: Distrusting the "Other" Doctors Advice on Engine Fuels
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... Tobacco advertising that promoted doctor-endorsements appeared in all consumer media as well as leading medical publications like "The New England Journal of Medicine" and "The Journal of the American Medical Association." According to Robert K.
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
CAFE Standards: What’s Biomass Got to Do with It?
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On July 18, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released their Draft Technical Assessment Report (TAR), providing a midterm evaluation
September 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol: Our Once and Future Fuel
by Dean Drake (Defour Group LLC/The Hill) The recent opinion piece by Doug Durante of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition highlighting the need for high octane fuels was spot on. I agree we should not have mandated prescriptive fuels and
September 09, 2016 Read Full Article
High-Octane Hopes: Biofuels Want Level Playing Field
by Todd Neeley (DTN/The Progressive Farmer) With all of the political fights about the role ethanol and other biofuels have in the transportation sector, there is common ground for the ethanol, oil and automobile industries that could bode well for
September 09, 2016 Read Full Article
COLUMN-Vehicle Efficiency Spurs Premium Gasoline Sales, Octane Demand: Kemp
by John Kemp (Reuters) Pressure to improve vehicle fuel efficiency is driving an increase in the sales of premium gasoline and boosting demand for high-octane blending components in the United States. Premium grade accounted for more than 1 million barrels per
September 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Ernst, Branstad, QCCP Discuss the Future of Renewable Fuels
(Quad County Corn Processors/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad recently met with staff and board members from Quad County Corn Processors and representatives from Syngenta, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers
September 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Octane Value Takes Center Stage During #ACE2016
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Higher octane. The automakers want it. Many consumers want it. But how to get it? Ethanol. -- Many in the ethanol industry have begun to realize that one of the pathways forward for continued growth for
August 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Offer Significant Benefits to the US
by Jodi Delapaz (Agri-Pulse) High octane fuels (HOF), specifically mid-level ethanol blends (E25-E40), could offer significant benefits for the U.S., according to a new study by the Energy Department's Oak Ridge, Argonne National laboratory (ANL) and the National Renewable Energy
August 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Got octane?
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) It’s the Holy Grail for many in the ethanol industry to increase demand for our fuel based on its octane value proposition. The American Coalition for Ethanol has been working on octane
August 25, 2016 Read Full Article
The War Against Ethanol, Part 1
by Jamie Kitman (Automobile Magazine) Getting real about ethanol -- ... But until solar and wind power charge our national fleet of electric and hydrogen vehicles, ethanol is worth discussing. Because all in all, gasoline is better with it in it.
August 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Could Ethanol Power the Future for Electric Cars?
by Daniel Gallas (BBC) The automotive industry is rushing to produce electric vehicles (EVs) as the world tries to move away from polluting hydrocarbons to greener, cleaner fuels. But EVs still only account for 1% of the total market. Some companies are
August 16, 2016 Read Full Article
EPA Should Take Note of New DOE High Octane Fuels Research
by Tracy King (Renewable Fuels Association) For the past several years, the Department of Energy (DOE) has been quietly researching the benefits of ethanol-based High Octane Fuels (HOF), such as E25, E30 and E40. Now, some of DOE’s findings are