Growth Energy was at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show in Las Vegas last week promoting the benefits of mid-level ethanol blends and blender pumps to retailers. I spent a few minutes with Phil Lampert, the Vice President of Market Development with Growth Energy. There were between 25,000-30,000 participants ranging from retailers, equipment manufacturers, jobbers and distributors, very eager to learn more about ethanol and mid-level blends such as E20, E30 and E85.

There are several hurdles facing the industry right now including not having a certified equipment by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ASTM standards dated,to general lack of enthusiasm from DOE and others about ethanol said Lampert. However, he noted that there has been a hose and nozzle submitted to UL for certification and the dispenser is certified. Lampert expects the entire system to be certified by 2nd Quarter in 2010. “Growth Energy has been instrumental in helping pay for these things and really take the mid-level and high level blends of ethanol to the next step,” he said.

When I asked him what he really wanted retailers to take away from the show he said, “Retailers have been selling liquid hydrocarbon fuels for 110 years. The only growing liquid fuel is ethanol. It’s the only form of liquid fuel that has the opportunity to grow and we want them to see that it’s the new profit center. We’re trying to find the entrepreneurs that aren’t risk adverse but looking for a new profit center. They should consider putting in your store.”

You can listen to my full interview with Phil Lampert here.