Free Fuel Workshops in Iowa

Joanna Schroeder

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) will be hosting a summer workshop series addressing upcoming changes in the fuels shipped to Iowa via the current pipeline system. According to IRFA, these workshops are aimed at assisting fuel retailers, suppliers and marketers in preparing for the first major change in the types of fuel available at retail locations since lead was …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

Canadian Biodiesel Plant Plans to Ship to Germany

John Davis

A Canadian biodiesel plant plans to crank out 7 million gallons of the green fuel a year, but none of it is intended for use north or south of the border. Biodiesel Magazine reports Biofuel Weiss Inc.’s Halifax, Nova Scotia, multifeedstock biodiesel refinery product will go to Germany: “We are different than the other [biodiesel facilities] in Canada because our …

Biodiesel, International

Advanced Biofuels Payments Go Out to Producers

John Davis

Biofuels producers in 38 states recently received payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development Doug O’Brien made the announcement, pointing out these payments of nearly $14 million to 162 producers are still going out, even with the current budget cuts: “These payments represent the Obama administration’s commitment to support an ‘all of the above’ …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Government, USDA

Researcher Explores Using Tobacco for Biodiesel

John Davis

You can’t smoke it … well, you SHOULDN’T smoke it … but you might be able to burn it. A researcher from the University of California is working on getting more oils out of tobacco plants so it can serve as a feedstock for biodiesel, providing a green fuel source while finding a market for tobacco growers without it harming …

Biodiesel, Research, University

Study: RIN Prices for E85 Expansion

Joanna Schroeder

According to recent study by FAPRI-MU higher biofuel blending requirements through the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) increase the incentives to use higher biofuel blends, as seen by high Renewable Identification Number (RIN) prices so far this year. The study began with baseline projections for biofuel and agricultural markets and then built on a series of assumptions about how the RFS …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, RINS

Ethanol, Biodiesel Groups Welcome New Energy Sec.

John Davis

The U.S. Senate today confirmed Ernest Moniz to replace Steven Chu as the Nation’s Secretary of Energy. The 96-0 vote was welcomed by biodiesel and ethanol groups: “Throughout his career, Ernest Moniz has supported efforts to move beyond fossil fuels to a cleaner, more secure energy future in which renewable sources play a prominent role,” said Anne Steckel, vice president …

advanced biofuels, AEC, Biodiesel, Ethanol, Government, Growth Energy, NBB, RFA

REG Signs Agreement with Iowa Biodiesel Plant

John Davis

It appears biodiesel giant Renewable Energy Group (REG) has inked a contract manufacturing agreement with an Iowa biodiesel maker. Biodiesel Magazine reports REG signed the 12-month contract with Iowa Renewable Energy LLC to purchase raw materials for the 30 MMgy multifeedstock plant and market biodiesel produced at IRE’s refinery. “We are pleased REG has chosen to work with Iowa Renewable …

Biodiesel, REG

Argentina Fights Back Against EU Biodiesel Block

John Davis

The Argentinians are not sitting by and letting the European Union block their exports of biodiesel. Bloomberg reports the country filed a challenge against the EU with the World Trade Organization: The EU is studying whether to levy import tariffs on countries including Argentina and Indonesia that may be exporting biodiesel with state aid like it did for U.S.-based ethanol …

Biodiesel, International

Tractor Pullers to Run On 100% Biodiesel

John Davis

Those high-powered tractors that scream down the track will have even more sternum-rumbling power as they’ll soon be running on 100 percent biodiesel. This United Soybean Board news release says the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) will allow for the pure green fuel in all of their diesel pulling classes this season. It’s good news for the pullers, who will …

Biodiesel, Soybeans, USB

Iowa Biodiesel Plants at Just Over Half Capacity

John Davis

Iowa’s biodiesel plants are at just over half capacity … leaving a lot of room for growth of the green fuel in the state. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) says the refineries are at 54 percent capacity in the first quarter of 2013, producing 42.7 million gallons. Nine of the state’s 12 biodiesel plants reported production. If all 12 …

Biodiesel, Iowa RFA