by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) A biofuels manufacturer is seeking $2.8 million in state incentives to build a $58.7 million plant near Hull. The proposed ReadiFuels-Iowa plant would produce about 34 million gallons of diesel fuel from distillers corn oil,
loans
Back TO HOMECongress Retains Most Energy Programs in 2018 Farm Bill through Fiscal Year 2023
by Steve Hanson (U.S. Energy Information Administration) On December 20, 2018, the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) was signed into law, continuing federal support to a number of renewable electricity and bioenergy-related programs. Authorizations in the 2018 Farm Bill cover
February 03, 2019 Read Full Article
BNDES Okays USD-484m Loan for Ethanol Pipeline Expansion
(Renewables Now) The Brazilian Development Bank, BNDES will lend BRL 1.81 billion (USD 484.5m/EUR 425m) to local firm Logum Logistica SA for the implementation of ethanol pipeline and storage infrastructure. With about 353 km of pipelines already in operation, the new project will
January 08, 2019 Read Full Article
The Perpetually Expanding Veteran Startup: Armed with a Scrappy, Do-It-Yourself Attitude, New Leaf Biofuel’s Success Is a Testament to Its—and the Biodiesel Industry’s—Perseverance.
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... One major difference, however, is that this vertically integrated biodiesel company has Jennifer Case at the helm. Case, co-founder, co-owner and CEO of the 5 MMgy New Leaf Biofuel, is a Pepperdine University School of
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
State of the Bioeconomy
by Wayne Lee and Mark J Riedy (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc. and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP/Biofuels Digest) At present, the bioeconomy continues to attract debt and equity interest. VCs, Private Equity Groups and Strategic Partners are providing equity at the
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Federal Funding Opportunities for Each of the Nine Technology Readiness Levels: Part 1, TRLs 1-3
by CJ Evans (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) Many promising ideas, concepts, and innovations that could improve, add to, and make game-changing breakthroughs in energy, sustainability, and the bioeconomy – and create new jobs, bring economic growth to U.S. communities, and
December 26, 2018 Read Full Article
OMCs Blend Record 1.5 Billion Litres Ethanol with Petrol in 2017-18
Ajay Modi (Business Standard) OMCs had entered into contracts with sugar mills to procure 1.6 billion litres of ethanol during the last ethanol year. ... In June this year, the Centre, for the first time, fixed a separate price for ethanol produced from
December 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Back Food Min to Seek further 74-bln-rupee Loan for 168 Ethanol Projects
By Ashna Mishra (Cogencis) After facilitating a soft loan of 61.39 bln rupees, the food ministry will soon seek Cabinet approval to facilitate additional loans worth around 74 bln to sugar mills to enhance their ethanol production capacity, sources said. The loans
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Financing a Biomass Project When Commercializing New Technology
by Glenn Farris (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Farris Advisory Services/Biofuels Digest) If you are planning to develop, or are already developing, a biomass to energy project involving the commercialization of new technology, you have a tough job in front of you. Financing
November 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Federal Funding Opportunities for Each of the Nine Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) Part 2: TRLs 4-9
by CJ Evans (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) This the second installment of an article that breaks down all of the many federal funding opportunities that are available to promote innovation into the nine Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) through which new technologies,
October 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Changing Face of US Ethanol Export Markets
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Historically, India and Brazil have been two major export destinations for ethanol produced in the United States. All the while, both India and Brazil are stepping up efforts to produce more ethanol. In India this week,
October 20, 2018 Read Full Article
BNDES Grants USD 13m to Brazilian Ethanol Producer
(Renewables Now) The Brazilian Development Bank, or BNDES, announced on Thursday it is granting a BRL-50-million (USD 13.43m/EUR 11.72m) loan to local ethanol producing company Companhia Agricola Usina Jacarezinho. The funds come through BNDES Giro, a programme available to companies of all sectors
October 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program DEADLINES: October 1, 2018 and April 1, 2019
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business-Cooperative Service/Federal Register) This Notice announces the solicitation of applications for funds available under the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program (the Program) to provide guaranteed loans to fund the development, construction, and
August 10, 2018 Read Full Article
More Support for Carbon Utilization in Congress
(Algae Biomass Organization) This month the momentum for supporting technologies that put carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to good use got a boost in Congress with the introduction of the bipartisan Carbon Utilization Act of 2018. The House bill would
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Creative Debt and Equity: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Structures for Bioeconomy Project Finance
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bottom line, if you’re in the business of financing a renewable fuels project with a loan guarantee in the mix, you’re probably talking with some combination of New Energy Risk, Stern Brothers, Faegre Baker Daniels partner John
July 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Up to $4.5 Billion in Loan Authority Available for Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy Projects
by Elizabeth Ingram (HydroWorld.com) The Loan Programs Office at the U.S. Department of Energy still has up to $4.5 billion in loan authority available for Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy (REEE) projects. The office was created by Congress in 2005 to help
June 25, 2018 Read Full Article
The Carbon Rescuers: 20 Top Waste Projects and Breakthroughs that Capture Used Carbon from the Waste Pile for New Uses
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In these top 20 projects, we usually say that we are using waste, but really we are converting something from a state of waste to a state of value — and that’s not just good for
June 05, 2018 Read Full Article
EIB Launches Financing Initiative for Bioeconomy, Agriculture
(European Investment Bank/Biomass Magazine) The European Investment Bank, the EU bank, announced the launch of a new financing initiative April 16 that aims to unlock close to EUR 1 billion of investment in the agriculture and bioeconomy sector. Bioeconomy encompasses the
May 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels Production and Consumption in the US: Status, Advances and Challenges
by Mahmood Ebadian and James D. McMillan (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) ... The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) was enacted in 2007 to enhance domestic production of fuels and spur economic development while reducing reliance on imports and improving the
May 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Secretary 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
EIB’s Agriculture and Bioeconomy Programme Loan under Juncker Plan Will Support Close to EUR 1bn of Private Investment across Europe
(European Investment Bank) New financing initiative targets investments by private cooperatives and companies in the agriculture and bioeconomy sector; The EIB financing will amount to EUR 400m and is expected to back close to EUR 1bn of investment across Europe; Agreement is guaranteed
April 18, 2018 Read Full Article
OMCs Ready to Pay Higher Offtake for Biofuel: Pradhan
(The Siasat Daily) The government is prepared to pay a higher offtake price to producers of biofuel than it does for fossil fuels in a bid to boost the use of clean energy, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday. Addressing the
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA and Its Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “The bioeconomy is a catalyst for economic development in rural America, creating new jobs and providing new markets for farmers and ranchers. Investing in the businesses and technologies that support the production of biofuels and biobased
March 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Energy Programs Should Be Fully Funded and Enhanced in the 2018 Farm Bill
by Jeremy Gilpin, Jordan Blanchard, and Cindy Thyfault (National Rural Lenders Association/Biofuels Digest) There has been a keen focus the last few weeks for President Trump and the USDA with the release of the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report, President
February 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Getting a Loan Guarantee: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the USDA 9003 Loan Guarantee program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The 2014 Farm Bill provides for support of Advanced Biofuels, Renewable Chemicals, and Biobased Product Manufacturing by providing loan guarantees for up to $250 million. USDA has funding available and is actively looking for new applications. These
January 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Case Studies in Renewable Finance: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide to Funding Bioeconomy Projects in the US vs Internationally
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bottom line, if you’re in the business of financing a renewable fuels project with a loan guarantee in the mix, you’re probably talking with some combination of New Energy Risk, Stern Brothers, Faegre Baker Daniels partner John
December 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Katter’s Australian Party Offers A$400 Million to North Queensland Bioenergy Corp if It Wins Election
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Katter’s Australian Party has offered an A$400 million loan towards the A$640 million North Queensland Bioenergy Corp. project proposed nearly a decade ago if it’s able to keep its balance of power in the upcoming state
November 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Ground Delay: Where Are the Sustainable Aviation Fuels?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (S)omething less than $200 million has been so far positively and affordably earmarked by lenders to revolutionize the entire supply chain of US air transportation fuels. Which is to say, you can just about get
February 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Nigeria Plans Biofuel Production with Juicy Investment Incentives
(Offgrid Nigeria) A draft national policy on biofuel production and distribution likely to be signed into law very soon by Nigeria, has proposed very mouth-watering incentives for investors willing to go into biofuel business in the country, OGN has learnt. Obtained
December 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Scale-Up: What Makes the Winners Win?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... It’s worth some detail, before the cheering: BioAmber Sarnia demonstrated performance levels validating commercial operation, as defined in its loan agreement with Comerica Bank, Export Development Canada and Farm Credit Canada. It’s such a happy outcome
September 05, 2016 Read Full Article
USDA: FSFL Program Now Includes Microloan Option
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 29, the USDA announced changes to the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, which provides low-interest financing so agricultural producers can build or upgrade permanent facilities to store commodities. Renewable biomass is among
May 09, 2016 Read Full Article
U.S. Shale Oil Firms Feel Credit Squeeze as Banks Grow Cautious
by Swetha Gopinath and David Henry (Reuters) Nearly two years into an epic oil rout, U.S. shale drillers that have upended global energy markets are finally feeling a credit squeeze as banks make their biggest cuts yet to their loans. Every
April 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Energy Department Announces $58 Million to Advance Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Technologies
(U.S. Department of Energy) U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced more than $58 million in funding for vehicle technology advancements and released a report highlighting the successes of DOE’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program while touring the
January 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Rep. Pompeo Investigates Failing Obama-Backed Green Energy Company
(The Daily Caller News Foundation) Rep. Mike Pompeo is demanding information on Abengoa, a Spanish green energy firm on the brink of bankruptcy that could leave U.S. taxpayers on the hook for billions of dollars. The Kansas Republican is worried Abengoa’s
December 04, 2015 Read Full Article
IFAD Funding for Karnataka's Bio-Fuel Development Programme
by Jaideep Shenoy (Times of India) Karnataka's much touted bio-fuel development programme is set for a $50 million funding from International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). Being given in the form of a soft loan with 1% interest and carrying a
August 21, 2015 Read Full Article
The US Energy Department Loan Programs Office: The Digest’s 2015 8-Slide Guide
(Biofuels Digest) Slide 1: The Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) issues loans and loan guarantees to finance deployment of innovative energy projects and advanced technology vehicle manufacturing facilities in the United States. Commercial banks and bondholders are often unwilling to finance
August 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Energy Bill iIncludes Language Benefiting Bioenergy, Algae
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On July 22, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources introduced a bipartisan energy bill, titled the “Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015.” ... A summary of the bill published by the committee indicates
August 04, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for Loans and Grants to Create Jobs and Support Rural Economic Development
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for loans and grants to support business expansion, create jobs and increase economic opportunities in rural communities. "Small businesses are the engine that drives job creation and
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Sweetwater Energy Raises $10M; Begins Ramp-Up to First Commercial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sweetwater Energy announced it has closed on a $10 million bridge loan. The loan closed as Sweetwater said that it is now opening its Series B investor round to begin construction of a first commercial facility. Sweetwater
April 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels: What's Happened and Where Are We Going?
by Scott Chabina (Fierce Energy) The transformation of Gen 1.0 to 1.5 and the reality of Gen 2.0. Advanced, commercially viable biofuel facilities no longer "unicorns on the horizon" ... Conventional, or "Gen 1.0", corn ethanol producers have continued to diversify
April 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Global Bioenergies Heads for Demo Scale: A Magic Path to Isobutane in Sight
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In France, Global Bioenergies announced that it has completed the financing of its demo plant, and is commencing construction immediately. The 5,000L demonstration-scale facility will be completed in spring 2015, and will be located at
April 03, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA, DOE Farm and Fuels Funding Updates
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) USDA and DOE announced a raft of grant and loan opportunities and funded projects, many of them funded through the 2014 Farm Bill. On February 20, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE's) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO),
February 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Time for Teddy Talk
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are times for TED Talks about wondrous advances in technology and the future that awaits us. Then, there are times for Teddy Talks: of practical progress, problem solving, and turning wondrous advances into
December 15, 2014 Read Full Article
California Approves $13.5 Million in Loans for Energy-Efficient Upgrades to Schools
(California Energy Commission) Grants for alternative and renewable fuel projects totaling nearly $8 million also approved The California Energy Commission approved $13.5 million for energy efficiency measures to 14 schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin County and Orange
November 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Manly Plant in Line for $530,000 in State Incentives
by Molly Montag (Globe Gazette) Worth County officials on Monday signed off on $530,000 in state incentives for a chemical plant being built in Manly. The incentive package from the Iowa Economic Development Authority will give New Heaven Chemical $128,000
November 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels and the Debt Offensive: Parts 1, 2 and 3
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Interested in transforming liquid fuels – and wondering “where are the gallons”? The secret lies in re-structuring the financing of alternative fuels. Today, in part I of three: the Situation. A Digest reader this week sent
May 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Alternative Financing Options Subject of Calif. Workshop
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The California Energy Commission Lead Commissioner on the 2014 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update conducted a workshop aimed at alternative financing options and strategies to support the development and implementation of transportation technologies which
April 28, 2014 Read Full Article
Sec. Moniz Discusses Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loans
(US Department of Energy) U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz today highlighted key improvements to the Department’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Legislative Summit. The ATVM Loan Program plays a
April 04, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Enhances Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the expansion of the Farm Storage and Facility Loan program, which provides low-interest financing to producers. The enhanced program includes 23 new categories of eligible equipment for fruit
March 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Minnesota Bills to Incentivize Biofuel, Biochemicals, Biomass Thermal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation pending in the Minnesota Legislature aims to create incentives for renewable chemicals, advanced biofuels, and biomass thermal energy. In the Minnesota House of Representatives, H.F. 2456 aims to create a capital equipment loan program
March 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Releases $8 Billion Solicitation for Advanced Fossil Energy Projects
(US Department of Energy) As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the Energy Department published a solicitation today, making up to $8 billion in loan guarantee authority available to support innovative advanced fossil energy projects that avoid, reduce, or sequester
December 18, 2013 Read Full Article
European Investment Bank Provides Loan for Second Generation Ethanol Project
(European Investment Bank/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Investment Bank is providing a €65 million loan to support the research and development projects of Biochemtex, an engineering subsidiary of the Mossi and Ghisolfi Group, a world leader in the field of
December 16, 2013 Read Full Article
Forfieted Idaho Beet Sugar Used for Ethanol
by John O'Connell (Capital Press) Ethanol plants in Idaho, Oregon and California are making ethanol from beet sugar forfeited by Amalgamated Sugar Co. Pacific Ethanol plants in Burley, Boardman, Ore., and Stockton, Calif., have started making ethanol for the first time utilizing
December 06, 2013 Read Full Article
USDA Solicits New Bids under the Feedstock Flexibility Program
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is offering to sell its recently acquired sugar inventory for use as a feedstock for bio-energy production using the authority of the Feedstock
November 19, 2013 Read Full Article
Enerkem and GreenField, Partners in VANERCO, Announce up to $39.8 Million in Repayable Contribution from the Canadian Government
(PR NewsWire/Yahoo!Finance/VANERCO) Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver today confirmed SDTC's financial contribution in VANERCO, the joint venture partnership formed by Enerkem (www.enerkem.com and GreenField www.gfsa.com) to build and operate a cellulosic ethanol facility integrated with GreenField's existing ethanol plant in Varennes, Quebec.
September 27, 2013 Read Full Article
New Frontiers: Now It’s Crude Oil from Algae that Is Being Tested
by Herman Wang (Platts/The Barrel) It’s hard to get excited over a producer making a scant 2 barrels/day of crude. But in the case of Sapphire Energy, those barrels represent the beginnings of a potential revolution that it says could upend how
August 22, 2013 Read Full Article
Problems Galore in Biofuel Programme, Says Official
(Deccan Herald) The governments, both at the Central and State levels, have realised the need to reduce the use of fossil fuels and implement the biofuel programmes, said Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, V Umesh on Monday. Speaking on the
August 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Brazil Loans for Sugar-Cane Mills to Grow 46% to Boost Ethanol
by Stephan Nielsen (Bloomberg) Brazil’s state development bank expects to disburse 46 percent more in loans this year to sugar-cane mills as the nation seeks to boost ethanol production. The lender expects to loan 6 billion reais ($2.6 billion) this year,
August 07, 2013 Read Full Article
Rip up the Mortgage: Sapphire Energy Pays off USDA Loan Guarantee in Full
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sapphire raises new round of equity, pays off USDA Loan Guarantee: “Sapphire Energy is very grateful to the USDA for supporting algae crude oil,” says CEO C.J. Warner. ... Reached by telephone, Sapphire’s VP for Corporate Affairs,
July 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Government of Canada Encourages Innovative Biofuel Production in Sarnia
(Digital Journal/FedDev Ontario) Woodland Biofuels Inc. is receiving a contribution to operate a plant that will produce low-cost biofuel from waste. Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton, announced the funding today on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister
June 27, 2013 Read Full Article
Gov't to Offer NIS 400m in Loans for Alternative Fuels
by Yuval Azoulai (Globes) The Office of the Chief Scientist is planning a NIS 1.5 billion program to create a new alternative fuels industry. The Office of the Chief Scientist has a new program of loans for industrial and financial companies to
December 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Clean Tech R&D Funding for Small Business: NextGen Biofuels Fund Call for Proposals
(MentorWorks) Due to a decrease in emerging technologies there is a great barrier to market entry for many Canadian entrepreneurs, especially innovators that develop sustainable technologies. The NextGen Biofuels Fund program incorporates the same fundamental principles as the SD Tech Fund. SDTC is
September 11, 2012 Read Full Article
NEXIM Grants $695m Loans for Renewable Energy
by Emeka Ugwuanyi (The Nation) As part of contribution to developing and using renewable energy as against the current dependence on fossil fuels, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) said it has given out $695 million as loans to five companies that
December 28, 2011 Read Full Article
Why Biorefining Loan Guarantees Give Back: Think Money, Jobs and Military Might
by Luke Geiver (Biorefining Magazine) ...In the letter, the group pointed out the need for programs like the 9003 Biorefinery Loan Guarantee Program offered through USDA. “Loan guarantees are the most cost-effective way to develop new jobs and create these
December 10, 2011 Read Full Article
For Obama’s Green-Car Revolution, Fits and Starts
by Carol D. Leonnig and Joe Stephens (The WashingtonPost) The Obama administration has poured roughly $5 billion in taxpayer funds into the electric-car industry, offering incentives to manufacturers, their suppliers and even car buyers who might want to go green. But analysts say
December 08, 2011 Read Full Article
Webinar: Accessing USDA Loans for Advanced Biofuels and Chemicals November 28, 2011 1:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern
A brief overview of the numerous programs within USDA that support the President’s Clean Energy Blueprint and how you might be able to access these programs. The rapidly-expanding bio-based sector is just as critical to the US economy as it is
November 15, 2011 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Station Opens Near Duluth
by Steve Kuchera (Duluth News Tribune) A Northwestern Wisconsin biodiesel producer recently opened its first Minnesota station at a former Armor Fuel & Save station on Midway Road just off Interstate 35. A Northwestern Wisconsin biodiesel producer recently opened its first
November 10, 2011 Read Full Article
Uncertainty about Ethanol Clouds Cellulosic Plant Plans
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) ...The EPA said the biorefineries expected to be online by this year had not materialized, which didn't come as news to Jim Sturdevant, manager of Poet's proposed "Project Liberty" cellulosic ethanol plant at Emmetsburg. Poet,
July 06, 2011 Read Full Article
European Energy Efficiency Fund (EEE–F)
(European Commission) On 1st July 2011, the Commission launched a new European Energy Efficiency Fund (EEE-F) as part of the European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR). It will allocate around EUR 146 million from the EEPR (3.7% of the total EEPR envelope) towards
July 05, 2011 Read Full Article
Addax Bioenergy Signs Loan Agreement for €258 Million Renewable Energy Project in Sierra Leone
(Business Wire) Addax Bioenergy S.A. (“Addax Bioenergy”), a subsidiary of the Swiss-based energy group, The Addax and Oryx Group Limited (AOG), announced today the signing of a loan agreement with seven European and African development institutions for an integrated renewable
June 27, 2011 Read Full Article
Indian River Agrees to Provide 55,000 Tons of Vegetative Waste Annually to Planned Bio-Ethanol Fuel Plant
by Henry A. Stephens (TCPalm) INEOS New Planet BioEnergy, which is building an estimated $150 million plant on Oslo Road, will be shipping in 90,000 tons a year of yard clippings, tree trimmings and other vegetative waste from other counties
June 27, 2011 Read Full Article
The Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference, Day 2: We Need the Money
by Will Dalen Rice (Earth Science Erratics) ... The ALBC was more of a business conference than it was a technology conference. Many technologies have been able to prove viability in the laboratory. Step two, proving it can work at
May 20, 2011 Read Full Article
USDA Rural Development Invites Applications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects
(US Department of Agriculture) Agricultural Producers in Non-rural Areas are Now Eligible, Funding May Be Used for Flex-Fuel Pumps Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (April 14, 2011) invited agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for loans and grants
April 15, 2011 Read Full Article
South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard Signs Bill to Boost Ethanol Industry, Development Loans
by Chet Brokaw (AP/The Republic) Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed into law Thursday a measure aimed at boosting ethanol sales at South Dakota gas stations and providing extra money for economic development loans. ...The ethanol measure was proposed by the governor and
March 25, 2011 Read Full Article
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding for Projects to Create Jobs and New Economic Opportunities for Rural Residents
(USDA) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 16 projects in 10 states for funding to create jobs and provide new economic opportunities. The projects are being funded through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG), which
February 21, 2011 Read Full Article
Algaeventure Awarded Loan for Algae Dewatering Systems
Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Algaeventure Systems Inc. has been awarded a $1.5 million loan from the Ohio development department’s R&D investment loan fund to support the purchase of machinery and equipment to manufacture its algae dewatering systems. The $2.5 million
February 04, 2011 Read Full Article
Tax Holidays, Cheap Loans: Why Mississippi is Attracting Greentech
by Michael Kanellos (GreenTechSolar) In the past year, the state of Mississippi has convinced an impressive array of green tech and other companies to open factories in its borders. How exactly is it pulling this off, considering that the state doesn't even have
January 07, 2011 Read Full Article
AfDB Group Approves Euros 65 Million to Finance Markala Sugar Project in Mali
(AllAfrica.com) The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved on Monday, 6 December 2010 in Tunis, a €30-million senior private sector loan and a €35 million loan from the public sector window to finance the Markala Sugar project
December 13, 2010 Read Full Article
EBRD Supports Diversification of Agribusiness in Romania: €80 Million Syndicated Loan to Help Expur Develop Oilseed Business
(ActMedia) The EBRD is supporting the development of the Romanian rapeseed industry along its value chain, including oilseed crushing, refining and production of edible oil and biodiesel, with a €80 million syndicated financing package to Expur S.A., a local oilseed
November 03, 2010 Read Full Article
Midwest Biodiesel to rehire workers thanks to $300,000 loan
by Kelsey Volkmann (St. Louis Business Journal) Midwest Biodiesel Products LLC, the only biodiesel refiner in the St. Louis area, plans to use a $300,000 loan from the St. Louis Business Development Fund and St. Louis Private Fund to rehire
September 28, 2010 Read Full Article
The Song That Never Ends: the Financing of Cellulosic Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The Infinite Loop in financing cellulosic ethanol is the setting of conditions for loan guarantees by the Department of Energy which cannot be fulfilled; the insistence of project financiers that, without loan guarantees, project financing
June 24, 2010 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Association Writes to USDA on Proposed Rule on Biorefinery Assistance Guaranteed Loan Program
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) ...The technology exists to process ethanol from cellulose feedstocks; however, the commercialization of cellulose ethanol remains a question of economics. The capital investment necessary to build cellulose facilities remain about five times that of
June 17, 2010 Read Full Article
The Name is Bond, part II: Financiers Find Biofuels Financing Options in Bond Market
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Although equity investors (primarily strategics and venture capitalists) and the government grant market has continued to participate strongly in biofuels investing, the debt market that typically represents up to 80 percent of commercial scale financing
May 17, 2010 Read Full Article
Vilsack: USDA Needs to Take Chances
by Jerry Hagstrom (Ag Week) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said at a White House clean energy forum May 6 that USDA may have to take bigger chances with its business loan guarantees if it is going to finance energy plants
May 14, 2010 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Eyes Growth
by Thom Gabrukiewicz (ArgusLeader.com) ...Tom Vilsack, the president's agriculture secretary, said Thursday that much progress has been made - but more must be done. "We're conducting the first national on-energy production survey to find out among 20,000 farms and ranches precisely
May 12, 2010 Read Full Article
Funding for Next Wave of Biofuels Trickling In, Finally
by Katie Fehrenbacher (earth2tech) It was about this time last year that the economic downturn’s effects on the ability of next-generation biofuel companies to raise funds became really apparent. Companies that could have more easily snagged funds in better economic times
May 07, 2010 Read Full Article
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Invites Public Comment on Proposed Rules for USDA Renewable Energy Programs
(USDA) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack April 16, 2010, invited public comment on several proposed rules designed to increase the production of advanced biofuels and the development of biorefineries. The programs are authorized under the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (The
April 20, 2010 Read Full Article
Pickens Encourages Investment in American Energy
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel) “When do we stop investing in OPEC and start investing in America?” That’s the question that oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens asked at a House Ways and Means committee hearing Wednesday (April 14, 2010) on “Energy Tax
April 15, 2010 Read Full Article
Federal Loan Programs Ill-Suited for Cellulosic Ethanol
by Cole Gustafson (Prairie Business Magazine) ... In addition to problems on Wall Street following the collapse of the financial markets, cellulosic biofuel producers have lacked standard benchmarks of performance like those used in grain corn ethanol plants (1 bushel
March 16, 2010 Read Full Article
Waiting for Godot: The Financing of Commercial Scale Advanced Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...“Cellulosic ethanol is not the same as first generation ethanol,” (Arnie) Klann (Bluefire Ethanol CEO) noted. “There, you had the corn growers, and there was a vested interest, and companies like ADM, Cargill to provide the support.
March 16, 2010 Read Full Article
"This Approach, We Fear, Drives a Systematic Bias toward Lending for Power Generation Projects.”
(Biofuels Digest) A letter to Energy Secretary Chu from 11 cellulosic ethanol CEOs and directors: “The Department is obligated by statute to determine that LGP-funded projects offer a “reasonable prospect of repayment” (EPAct Section 1702(d)(1)). We understand that, at present,
February 09, 2010 Read Full Article
InterAmerican Development Bank Provides $25 Million Funding Boost To Peru's Biofuel Project
The Inter-American Development Bank has approved a $25 million loan to support an innovative private biofuels project currently being developed in the department of Piura, Peru. An initiative of Maple Energy Plc, an energy company that has focused solely on Peru
December 16, 2009 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Association Concerned about Flaws in DOE Loan Program
Dear Secretary Chu: The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the national trade association representing the U.S. ethanol industry, is writing to express our concern about the current operation and direction of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) loan guarantee program. As an