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Follow industry`s news and events.
Ethanol, corn groups urge Perdue to protect farmers, biofuels
Sonny Perdue, the former governor of Georgia, was confirmed Monday by the U.S. Senate to be U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
DCO Extraction Optimization Adapts to Changing Properties of Stillage
Understanding of the variables impacting corn oil extraction is needed as the ethanol industry adopts new process technologies. This contribution appears in the May print edition of Ethanol Producer Magazine.
ACE outlines ethanol priorities to EPA on regulatory reform
The Task Force will consider public comments to carry out its charge.
D3Max pilot test results at Ace Ethanol exceed expectations
This February, D3MAX announced the completion and shipment of its pilot plant employing the patented D3MAX cellulosic ethanol technology. Installed at ACE Ethanol LLC, in Stanley, Wisconsin.
New life infused into proposed Danish cellulosic ethanol plant
Prospects for a cellulosic ethanol plant to be built as part of the Maabjerg Energy Center in Denmark have achieved a breakthrough, according Jorgen Udby, chairman.
Corn stocks up 10%, planting intentions down 4%
During the month of March, the market stayed relatively quiet, working its way lower after a spike high was observed on Feb. 28.
Delaware refinery to move forward with ethanol infrastructure
A major refinery in northern Delaware will move forward with a project to expand its ethanol blending infrastructure and capabilities after the state’s top environmental agency rejected an appeal to stop it from happening.
Facility first to get ethanol from coal
China has opened the world's first production line that converts coal into ethanol, the main chemical ingredient in alcohol, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has announced.
Conference to examine low-carbon shortage, sustainability
"Plugging the West Coast Carbon Short"
US ethanol exports on record pace after strong 2016
The United States remained the world’s top exporter of ethanol in 2016 and is stretching its lead in early 2017.
Ethanol to remain world's most prevalent green solvent
Global demand for green solvents, chemicals derived from natural or renewable resources, will soon reach 2 billion pounds per year, according to a Cleveland-based industry research firm.
Iowa Governor maintains that Trump will support ethanol producers
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has said that he has been assured President Donald Trump’s administration will support producers of ethanol and biodiesel fuels, according to media reports.
New biofilm detection and control solution introduced
The new ClearPoint Biofilm Detection and Control program from Solenis helps identify and prevent biofilm growth in cooling water systems.
Poll: 69% of Europeans in favour of encouraging biofuel use
More than two thirds of citizens in EU Member States have a positive attitude towards plant-based biofuels, a Europe-wide opinion poll has revealed.
Overhyped electric cars and ethanol are 'greenwashed' scams that ultimately cause more pollution than fossil fuels
Driving an electric vehicle may not be as green as you might think, especially if you're living in a region that produces most of its electricity by burning coal...
Alliance BioEnergy Plus makes bid to buy Ineos Florida ethanol plant
Alliance BioEnergy Plus has submitted an offer to purchase an over 145 acre ethanol plant previously owned by Ineos New Planet Bioenergy in Florida.
Trump Reaffirms Ethanol Support Amid Its Fight With Icahn
President Donald Trump reiterated his support for American ethanol in a letter, wading into the industry’s battle with independent oil refiners and billionaire Carl Icahn over whether parts of a federal mandate should be changed.
Ethanol Industry Faces Hope And Headwinds
Ethanol stocks are building, meaning the Memorial Day driving season can’t come soon enough, says analyst Pete Meyer of PIRA Energy Group.
Ethanol raises ozone pollution more than petroleum
While some regard ethanol as a cleaner, safer and more environmentally friendly biofuel than gasoline, critics say its effect is as bad or even worse for nature than regular oil, as concluded in a report by Malaysia's The Star.
Ethanol Exports Reached Record-High 1.01 Billion Gallons in 2016
Net exports of ethanol from the United States set a new record of 1.01 billion gallons in 2016, according to a new eight-page summary of 2016 ethanol trade data published today by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).
President Trump: Putting American Energy First
Trump is all about American business, American energy and American innovation, writes RFA's president and CEO in his March View from the Hill column. He looks forward to working with the administration to boost domestically produced ethanol.
SUGARCANE ECONOMICS COULD DECIDE WESTERN UP ELECTIONS
Show me a person who really knows how these elections will end and I’ll show you a spot in western UP where there’s no sign of any sugarcane this time of the year.
Record biofuel production powers rural Iowa economy
Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers both set production records in 2016.
NDSU scientists study distillers grains as fertilizer
Distillers grains could be a source of fertilizer for some crops, according to research at North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center.
Brazil's Petrobras completes sale of stake in ethanol, sugar producer Guarani
Brazil's Petrobras has completed the sale of a 45.9% stake in sugar and ethanol producer Guarani to France's Tereos International for $202.8 million, part of the state-led oil producer and refiner's retreat from the biofuels business.
RFA, TRANSCAER Hosting Four Ethanol Safety Webinars
The Renewable Fuels Association and TRANSCAER® are hosting four free ethanol safety webinars this year for ethanol emergency response teams. The first webinar will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
US ethanol producers experience another record-breaking week
The U.S. ethanol industry set another new record for production the week ending Jan. 27,
Transforming waste into fuel with Australian innovations, from tyres to sugar cane and agave
The emerging biofuel industry is casting the net wide to find solutions to two environmental problems: reducing waste and increasing fuel production
Valero reports improved operating income for ethanol segment
The increased operating income is primarily attributed to lower corn prices and stronger ethanol prices.
Fix the Failed Biofuel Policy
There's now even more evidence that the Renewable Fuel Standard is a failure.
FS Bioenergia Names CEO
FS Bioenergia has announced that international agribusiness executive Henrique Ubrig will serve as the chief executive officer for the corn ethanol production facility being built in Brazil as a collaboration between Brazilian agribusiness Fiagril and U.S.
Glencore eyes sugar, ethanol expansion in Brazil after recent acquisition, say sources
Swiss commodities trader Glencore PLC is considering additional sugar and ethanol mills takeovers in Brazil, where it recently bought a second plant, to bolster operations in the world’s No. 1 sugar producer...
U.S. Water: Court of appeals overturns patent decision
U.S. Water has announced that on Dec. 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which hears patent appeals from all U.S. district courts, vacated an adverse judgment against it by the District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin.
UNICA: Most Brazilian sugarcane mills wrap up 2016-’17 harvest
From April 1, which was the start of the current season, through the end of 2016, UNICA said Brazilian mills processed 591.99 million tons of sugarcane. In addition to 24.91 billion liters of ethanol, the mills also produced 35.2 million tons of sugar...
Could ethanol power the future for electric cars?
The automotive industry is rushing to produce electric vehicles (EVs) as the world tries to move away from polluting hydrocarbons to greener, cleaner fuels.
Americans Pumping Record Amounts of Ethanol in Their Gasoline
Ethanol is taking a bigger slice of American gas tanks.
UK-based researcher gains European grant to fund work on lignin biomass production
The ERC grants are one of the top funding schemes available to researchers in Europe, and recipients must have an exceptional track record for their career stage.
Sugar yield quells ethanol shortage fear
Ethanol shortage concerns in Thailand have subsided on the good sugar yield from the latest sugar cane crop, providing abundant molasses for the ethanol industry, says a senior industrial official.
The Brazilian crop supply agency lifted
The Brazilian crop supply agency lifted its forecast for sugar production in the country`s cane belt by 2.32 million tonnes...
Poll: Most Trump voters in battleground states favor ethanol
A new post-election survey released Jan. 10 shows that decisive voters in the 2016 presidential election are staunch supporters of American ethanol.
Ethanol myth shattered: Corn biofuels release more greenhouse gases than gasoline
Corn-derived biofuels release even more greenhouse gases than conventional gasoline, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change on April 20.
Senators discuss biofuels with Pruitt
Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, hosted a meeting with several Midwest senators and Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, President-elect Trump’s nominee to serve as administrator of the U.S. EPA. Attendees ...
Outlook 2017: Brazilian ethanol prices rise on lower output in 2016-17 season
Brazilian sugarcane growers favored sugar production over ethanol production during the 2016-17 Center-South crop season, encouraged by higher prices for the sweetener in the international market.
Petrobras sells its shares in Guarani to Tereos
Petrobras Biocombustível S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Petrobras, has announced an agreement to sell its shares in Guarani S.A.
JetBlue Makes Biofuels Deal to Curtail Greenhouse Gases
JetBlue, seeking to get ahead of looming restrictions on airliners’ greenhouse gas pollution, has agreed to buy more than 330 million gallons of renewable fuel over 10 years, the company said on Monday.
Aggressive RBOB gasoline buying supports ethanol futures
Ethanol traders spent the last couple months of 2016 trying to keep pace with the energy and corn markets
China Everbright International signs investment agreement for energy-from-waste project in Vietnam
China Everbright International has signed an investment agreement with the municipal government of Can Tho to develop its energy-from-waste (EfW) project in Vietnam.
Donald Trump Sends Mixed Signals on Ethanol Mandate
President-elect backed the federal biofuels rules as a candidate, but his EPA pick opposes them
Linde and Praxair give green light to merger
Germany-based multinational chemical company Linde and US industrial gas company Praxair have agreed to the outline of a deal...
Waste-to-Energy: The Carbon Negative Power Machine
News has arrived from Denver (the company) and the UK (the project and partners) that SynTech Bioenergy will build what it terms “a revolutionary clean-energy plant in the United Kingdom capable of carbon negative operation.”
Trump’s secret weapon to reverse Obama on climate
If this all holds, the oil business is going to be well represented in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Exxon’s Rex Tillerson at State.
Denmark approves 0.9 percent mandate for advanced biofuels
On Dec. 15, the Danish Parliament voted to implement a 0.9 percent blending mandate for advanced biofuels in the transportation sector.
Sugar Rises on Expectations of Increasing Ethanol Demand in Brazil.
Sugar rebounded Tuesday from a four-month low, buoyed by the Brazilian state-run oil company's decision to raise gasoline prices.
Trump nominates Perry to lead the Department of Energy
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Rick Perry, a former governor of Texas, to serve as Secretary of Energy. The nomination is subject to approval by the U.S. Senate.
If the U.S. is Serious about the Paris Agreement, it Needs to Get Serious about Biofuels
Today the Paris Agreement on climate change enters into legal force, requiring 195 nations—including the U.S.—to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise to no more than 2 degrees Celsius.
Bill Gates and other wealthy investors form new energy venture
Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Vinod Khosla, Jack Ma, John Doerr and 15 other high-profile investors have formed a new venture firm, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, that will pour at least $1 billion (€943,000,00m) into cleantech companies over the next 20 years.
Latin America is set to become a leader in alternative energy
Beside the Pan-American Highway, almost 600km (375 miles) north of Santiago, Chile’s capital, lies El Romero, the largest solar-energy plant in Latin America and among the dozen biggest in the world.
China to boost biomass-based energy production through 2020
China plans to increase the share of biomass-based energy in its power supply in a bid to reduce reliance on coal and improve air quality.
Fix the Failed Biofuel Policy
There's now even more evidence that the Renewable Fuel Standard is a failure.
China unveils plan to beef up ethanol production by 2020
China is aiming to produce 4 million tonnes of ethanol by 2020, doubling output from the current level, even as it keeps tight control over the use of food grains to make the biofuel, according to a plan published by China’s National Energy Administration.
Corn consumption for fuel alcohol higher in October
The total amount of corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 507 million bushels in October, USDA said in its October monthly grain crushings and coproducts production report.
Merkel Plans to Challenge Trump on Renewables in G-20 Forum
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, fresh from taking over the presidency of the Group of 20 nations, plans to use her leverage to challenge Donald Trump’s skepticism about the value of renewable energy by pointing out where it’s a viable business.
WORLD SUGAR MARKET BALANCE SHIFTS, ADDS PRESSURE TO PRICES
ugar’s two-year global supply short-fall, a key factor behind blistering price rises, is expected to end in 2017/18, with rain returning to major Asian producers while European Union reforms will boost production in the trading bloc.
METHANOL BLENDING WITH PETROL STUCK ON BLEND’S PROPORTION ISSUE
Despite the ministry of petroleum and natural gas’ planned move towards cleaner sources of energy, methanol blending of petrol is stuck on the issue of the proportion in which methanol is to be blended with petrol.
UNICA: Several sugarcane mills wrap up 2016-’17 season
UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association, recently released a crop update for the second half of October, reporting ethanol production in the south-central region
Investing in the 'bioeconomy' could create jobs, reduce emissions
A new article looks at the potential benefits of a Billion Ton Bioeconomy, a vision to enable a sustainable market for producing and converting a billion tons of US biomass to biobased energy, fuels, and products by 2030.
Mission Innovation launches sustainable biofuel challenge
Mission Innovation Partners came together at the UN climate change conference, known as COP22, to report on developments one year from its launch. The global effort aims to double clean energy research and development.
Food security benefits found in African biofuels production
Biofuels operations under the right conditions can lead to improved household food security in developing countries, concludes a new study.
Sharing the Benefits of Ethanol with Mexico
Mexico’s Secretariat of Energy (SENER) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently hosted a workshop in Mexico City to help local authorities determine how ethanol fits into their country’s energy mix.
Changing cell behavior could boost biofuels, medicine
An engineer at Washington University in St. Louis developed an algorithm that suggests gene to remove from certain cells, such as yeast, to get them to perform a normal activity in a different environment or situation.
'First time, govt is acknowledging there is shortage of sugar'
Media reports are abuzz that the central government has asked Maharashtra government to impose a limit on water-guzzling sugarcane crop -- in order to help fight the state's crisis drought situation.
Trump Seen as ‘Wildcard’ for Ethanol Makers as Oil Refiners Jump
Investors are betting that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s surprise victory may herald changes to a contentious law that forces American refiners to use ethanol.
Bunge reports improved results for sugar and bioenergy segment
Bunge reported adjusted EBIT of $35 million for its sugar and bioenergy segment.
Corn consumed for fuel alcohol dropped from August to September
According to the USDA, 2.53 million hundredweight (cwt) (141,680 tons) of sorghum was also consumed for fuel alcohol production in September, down from 4.37 million ctw in August.
UTTAM SUGAR MILLS GETS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR DOUBLING OF ETHANOL CAPACITY
Uttam Sugar Mills Ltd informed that it obtained acknowledgement from the government of India after doubling its Ethanol distillery capacity.
For cars of the future, the fuels they need, today, from algae
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 ...
Big Oil Companies Reap Windfall From Ethanol Rules
Some refiners stand to rake in $1 billion by selling fuel credits, while others must spend millions to comply
Corn Ethanol: the Rise and Fall of a Political Force
Ted Cruz opposes subsidies for biofuels and still managed an Iowa win. Is corn ethanol losing its political clout?
Sugar price rally dents expectations for Chinese imports
The rally in sugar prices, coupled with improved domestic production prospects, has dented expectations for purchases of the sweetener by China, the top importer.
Investors mull over vegoil market strength
Global vegetable oil prices are soaring, with US soyoil and Malaysian palm oil prices hitting more-than-two-year highs.
Record Corn Harvest Sets Tone for Next Week’s Export Exchange
With U.S. farmers anticipating a record corn harvest and U.S. ethanol producers expecting record production of animal feed co-products, the timing could not be better for Export Exchange 2016, scheduled for next week in Detroit.
'Upside potential' for palm oil prices, despite output revival signs
Sipef flagged "upside potential" for palm oil prices, even as the plantations group said that production in parts of Indonesia appears to be recovering faster than the modest revival highlighted in Malaysia.
Unwind the Ethanol Mandate
Dumping America's misguided renewable fuel standard will help save the Great Plains.
RFA Announces Fishing Sponsorship to Promote Ethanol
he Renewable Fuels Association is proud to announce it will be a co-title sponsor of the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail this year with Bass Pro Shops, in an effort to educate boaters, conservation enthusiasts and consumers about ethanol’s benefits.
Brazil's farmers keep faith with safrinha corn, despite dismal harvest
Elevated corn prices in Brazil are provoking ideas that farmers will maintain sowings even of safrinha crop for 2016-17, despite the dismal performance of their last harvest.
Brazil sugar output soars, as mills exploit elevated prices
Sugar production in Brazil's key Centre South region soared late last month, as mills – which have accelerated forward hedging in an effort to tap high prices – lifted above 50% the proportion of cane turned into sweetener.
Sugar price rally lifts Suedzucker profits
The surge in sugar prices helped Suedzucker's first-half net profit up 81% at E155m.
ETHANOL-PETROL BLENDING PLAN UNDER THREAT; CABINET SET TO CUT PRICE
Almost 13 years after the government first mooted the blending of ethanol with petrol at a 5:95 ratio and endorsed it at various stages, the country finally realised it in 2015-16.
Australia's sugar exports to hit highest in a decade
Australia's sugar exports are to hit 4m tonnes for the first time in a decade, helped by a boost to production from "improved seasonal conditions" for the country's cane crop.
Brazil's sugar exports to grow, despite cane disappointment
Brazil's sugar exports will top 27m tonnes this season for only the second time, despite a disappointing cane harvest in the key Centre South region, as mills prioritise the sweetener over ethanol.
Uttar Pradesh to limit drop in Indian sugar production
Indian sugar production will decline – but not by as much as some other commentators believe, US officials said, noting a rise in cane plantings in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
Syngenta bets on Brazilian farmer spending
The Swiss agricultural input giant Syngenta boosted its production capacity of fungicide and seed corn in Brazil.
Sugar mill 'flexibility' will keep Brazilian production rising
The "operational flexibility" of Brazilian mills means that sugar production will be unaffected by the disappointing cane crop, Societe Generale said.
Dreyfus blames market volatility on 'unexpected capital inflows'
Revenues and underlying profits at the agribusiness giant Louis Dreyfus tumbled over the last six months, though the company managed a slight uptick in net-profits thanks to lower tax and costs.
Platts lifts estimate for world sugar deficit, amid waning Brazil hopes
Platts Kingsman extended the round of upgrades by commentators to forecasts for the world sugar production deficit next season, amid waning expectations for Brazil's cane crop.
Sao Martinho to boost sugar output
Sao Martinho, a major Brazilian sugar producer, will boost its sugar production capacity at the expense of ethanol, just months after it downplayed the possibility of such a shift.
Brazilian August hydrous ethanol demand highest since December.
In Brazil, demand for hydrous ethanol demand has begun to recover after reaching a record high price late last year that drove consumers away from the fuel.
CENTRE’S 22.5% ETHANOL IN PETROL PLAN CAUSES ALARM
20 September 2016, Nagpur: The central government’s plan to increase blending of ethanol with petrol to 22.5% from existing 10% is causing alarm among petroleum dealers and also vehicle users.
ALL IN ON ETHANOL
You keep hearing all about ethanol. How it’s a good thing for consumers and farmers. How it’s a homegrown fuel that helps the state and national economies.
API-Funded Study Obscures Lifecycle Emission Benefits of Biofuels.
Today, University of Michigan Energy Institute researchers, led by longtime biofuels critic Professor John DeCicco, released a study funded by the American Petroleum Institute (API) claiming biofuels do not reduce carbon emissions compared to petroleum.
Propel Fuels: California leads nation in low carbon fuels
Low-carbon fuel users are highly diverse, representing the socioeconomic demographics of California with strong Latino, African-American and Asian demographic groups.
Trump campaign: Policy undercutting ethanol posted in error
Donald Trump's campaign on Thursday briefly published a fact sheet calling for the repeal of a key part of the federal ethanol mandate, but later said an incorrect version of the fact sheet had been published in error.
FACED WITH CHEAP OIL PRICES, BIOFUELS INDUSTRY SEES NO DÉJÀ VU
Ethanol producers may feel less pain from sinking oil prices than in previous tough times, as a government rule ensures a minimum use of the biofuel and recent consolidation gives them both financial strength and output flexibility.
API-Funded Study Obscures Lifecycle Emission Benefits of Biofuels
“This is the same study, same flawed methodology, and same fallacious result that Professor DeCicco has churned out multiple times in the past."
LOWER SUGARCANE OUTPUT TO HIT ETHANOL BLENDING
After achieving the five per cent of target for blending ethanol with petrol for the first time after it was mandated, the programme might be hit in the 2016-17 crushing season (starting October 1).
‘COLLECTION, DELIVERY OF AGRI-WASTE FOR ETHANOL BLENDING REMAINS A CHALLENGE’
Times Of India – 9 September 2016, New Delhi: Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials to reduce oil imports by 10% by 2022, the ethanol blending programme (EBP) remains a crucial fix to attain this.
With the boom of corn ethanol industry, grain farmer joined a group in his community hoping to build an ethanol processing plant.
As the corn ethanol industry boomed in the last decade, Illinois grain farmer Eric Rund joined a group in his community hoping to build an ethanol processing plant.
Sweetening biofuel sector: The history of sugarcane ethanol in brazil.
Nearly 500 years ago, the Portuguese introduced sugarcane to Brazilian agriculture. Soon Brazil became the world’s largest exporter of sugar–a crop so lucrative and in demand that it surpassed the income from gold mines in colonial times, the "white gold".
