As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on 2016. As in past year’s the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) dominated the news and we began seeing momentum with E15 across the country; octane took a larger role this year and we saw amazing strides in aviation biofuels – both in the airline industry and in the biojet …
Memorable Moments for American Ethanol in 2016
There have been many memorable moments for the American Ethanol program this year and its driver Austin Dillon. The 2016 NASCAR racing season was a great one for Dillon finishing 14th in points and securing 13 top-ten CUP finishes during his third full season. Another great moment – Dillon winning the pole position in the Sprint Cup race at the …
Iowa Breaks #Ethanol and #Biodiesel Records in 2016
Iowa’s biofuel industry had another record breaking year for production of both ethanol and biodiesel. In 2016, 43 ethanol plants produced 4.1 billion gallons, a slight increase from 2015 of 4 billion gallons. The most significant driver of demand was the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “Setting another annual ethanol production record is a testament to the efficiency and hard work …
Molecular Velcro Boosts Algae to #Biofuel
Researchers from Michigan State University have engineered “molecular Velcro into cyanobacteria with the result being a boost to the microalgae’s ability to produce biofuels and potentially other products. The MSU scientists designed a surface display system to attach the blue-green algae to yeast and other surfaces. Early results show that this technology may prove the efficiency of harvesting algae and …
Pacific Ethanol, Aurora Coop Form Pacific Aurora
Aurora Cooperative Elevator Company (ACEC) has entered into a partnership with Pacific Ethanol with the resulting entity called Pacific Aurora LLC (PAL). Under the agreement, Pacific Ethanol is offering its Aurora plant assets, inside loop track and land while ACEC is contributing its Aurora West Grain Elevator located in Aurora, Nebraska, along with loop track, related land and other assets. …
Get Your Submission in for IRFA Video Contest
It’s time to get those submissions in for the “Fuel the Future” video competition, sponsored by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The annual competition awards a $1,000 grand prize to the Iowa high school student, or students, who create the best video about the benefits of biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. The winning entries will be announced during …
Biodiesel Grows, Food Prices Fall
As Americans celebrate the holiday season, they are paying less for food according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Price Outlook. While biodiesel production is higher than ever, the Consumer Price Index for grocery store items is 2.3 percent less than 2015. “Food is a universal part of most holiday celebrations, and this year prices have dropped even as …
Breakthrough Energy Ventures Launches $1B Green Fund
A new green venture fund has been created by Breakthrough Energy Coalition (BEC) called Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV). The $1 billion investor-led fund will finance emerging energy technologies with the goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to near-zero. The announcement was made earlier this month during the climate talks. “It is extremely exciting for us to launch this fund …
Flint Hills Resources Awarded EPA Pathway Approval
Flint Hills Resources ethanol facility located in Shell Rock, Iowa has been given U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for its cellulosic production using Edeniq’s Pathway Technology. The 120 million gallon per year biorefinery is the second in the U.S. to receive EPA approval for cellulosic production using Edeniq technology. “We are greatly encouraged by the EPA’s rapid approval of …
EPA Wins Biodiesel Suit
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when it included biodiesel from Argentina under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for obligated parties to use when meeting their volume obligations. Back in 2015, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) filed a petition with the EPA urging them to change their rulemaking …