The world’s largest ethanol producer plans to decrease water use in the production of ethanol by 22 percent over the next five years, which would result in a savings of one billion gallons of water per year. In a presentation to employees today, POET CEO Jeff Broin said the company is committed to producing ethanol as sustainably as possible and …
USDA Guarantees Loan for GA Wood Ethanol Plant
A Colorado-based firm with a planned biorefinery located near Soperton, Georgia is the recipient of a loan guaranteed by USDA Rural Development to make cellulosic biofuel from wood chips, according to a USDA announcement. The finalized deal with Range Fuels was first announced last year and represents the first ever loan guarantee by USDA to a commercial-scale cellulosic biofuel plant. …
University of Florida Ethanol Plant Breaks Ground
Representatives from the University of Florida, Buckeye Technologies Inc. and the Florida Legislature broke ground for a new pilot plant to produce ethanol from cellulosic biomass. Funded by a $20 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature, the plant will be built at the Perry, Fla. facility of Buckeye Technologies Inc., a manufacturer and worldwide distributor of cellulose-based specialty products made …
Iowa Ethanol Exec Moves On
Marty Lyons, Chief Commercial Officer with Hawkeye Gold, LLC has resigned from the Iowa ethanol company to pursue other interests. Lyons worked for Hawkeye Gold since 2007, helping to create and expand marketing opportunities for one of the nation’s largest ethanol producers. Previously, Lyons was the Senior Vice-President, Ethanol, Sweetners, and Starches at Archer Daniels Midland in Decatur, Illinois. “It …
Corn Grower President Stresses Ethanol Issues
Ethanol issues were in the spotlight when National Corn Growers Association president Darrin Ihnen of South Dakota took the stage at the Commodity Classic general session on Friday. Ihnen talked about the importance of using higher blends of ethanol in the fuel supply. “The EPA is studying the issue and everything they’ve indicated to this date looks very promising,” said …
Soybean President Wants Biodiesel Tax Credit Back
During the general session of the 2010 Commodity Classic, American Soybean Association president Rob Joslin, who stressed the importance of getting the biodiesel tax credit back in place. “We need it now,” Joslin said. “It’s costing U.S. soybean farmers 25 cents for every bushel. On my 500 acres of soybeans, that’s over $6000 a year. Couple that with all the …
RFA Urges Full Funding of Ethanol Fuel Research
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is urging Congress to ensure full funding of fuels research programs to provide the necessary scientific basis for increasing ethanol blending. In a letter this week to leaders of both the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Energy and Water Development, RFA President Bob Dinneen outlined concerns with the budget submitted by President Obama with …
2009 Sets Record Ethanol Production
Despite a sluggish economy and challenging growing conditions for corn farmers, ethanol production set a record once again in 2009 of more than 10.75 billion gallons. According to the latest statitstics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), ethanol production reached yet another all time high in December 2009 at 787,000 barrels per day, even though ethanol demand, as calculated …
Verenium and BP Extend Agreement Again
Verenium and BP are continuing to work on a month to month basis toward the development and commercialization of cellulosic ethanol. The two companies today announced another month long extension to the initial 18-month joint development program established in August 2008. The previous extension to the agreement ended today, now it will continue until April 1, 2010 as the parties …
Poplar Could be Ethanol Feedstock
Poplar trees could get more popular if they prove to be the next big ethanol feedstock. A team of researchers at the University of Maryland, College Park, and Bowie State University is working on ways to use the hybrid trees to make ethanol and other biofuels, since they could be grown on plantations and harvested without affecting existing woodlands. Poplar, …