The University of Florida is continuing its research into the use of termite enzymes to help make cellulosic ethanol commercially viable. As we reported last year, researchers at UF have been working on genetic sequencing to harness the insects’ ability to churn wood into fuel. Now they report that they have isolated two enzymes that termites use to break up …
Purdue Study Advocates Variable Ethanol Tax Credit Rate
A new study from Purdue University finds that a variable rate for the ethanol blenders tax credit could cost the government less and provide more security for producers than current fixed rates. The study, by Purdue agricultural economist Wally Tyner, concludes that a variable rate would insulate producers from risk because as oil and ethanol prices drop, the subsidy for …
Analysis Credits Ethanol With Lower Gas Prices
Gas prices have hit an eight-month low and an analysis in the Washington Post today gives part of the credit to ethanol. The main reason they say gas prices have declined is weak demand due to the economy and continued high unemployment. That comes from an American Petroleum Institute (API) news release last week, which reported gasoline demand for July, …
Process Optimization Seminar Sold Out
The third Process Optimization Seminar, coming up September 1-2 in Kansas City, is sold out. The interactive seminar focused on increasing ethanol plant process efficiency and profitability is sponsored Fremont Industries, Fermentis, Novozymes and Phibro Ethanol Performance Group. They have already held two successful workshops in Minneapolis last year and Indianapolis earlier this year and they will be announcing more …
E85 in Marion, Illinois
The 212th E85 station has opened in Illinois.
BlueFire Ethanol Rebrands as BlueFire Renewables
BlueFire Ethanol Fuels is rebranding itself as BlueFire Renewables “to more clearly illustrate the company’s vast capabilities in renewable energy,” according to the company. “BlueFire is more than just an ethanol company. We’re happy to at last announce the expansion of our capabilities, and feel that this name captures our spirit for innovation and development of cleaner alternatives to fossil …
Yet Another E85 Pump for New York
A fifth E85 station for Long Island has opened this month, making it the 64th outlet for flex fuel vehicle (FFV) drivers in New York to fill up with 85 percent ethanol.
Corn Growers Stress Ethanol Efficiency Gains
Recent studies show the significant efficiencies spurred by growth and development in the ethanol industry, according to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). “As we see it, this is just the tip of the iceberg,” said NCGA First Vice President Bart Schott. “Ethanol has proven to be an advantageous green alternative to foreign and ecologically precarious sources of petroleum. These …
ACE Elects New Board Members
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has elected three new members to its Board of Directors, expanding grassroots and independent ethanol representation to the national advocacy association. The new members are: David Kolsrud of Mid-Missouri Energy in Malta Bend, Mo.; Dave Sovereign representing Golden Grain Energy in Mason City, Iowa; and John Skelley, General Manager of Pinal Energy in Maricopa, …
Range Fuels Makes Cellulosic Methanol
Colorado-based Range Fuels reports the successful production of cellulosic methanol using non-food biomass at a Georgia biofuels plant in the first phase of an operation to ultimately produce next generation ethanol. According to a Range Fuels’ press release, this first phase uses heat, pressure, and steam to convert woody biomass and grasses into a synthesis gas composed of hydrogen and …