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 …
Cali Takes Step to Support Corn Ethanol Producers
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has announced that it has approved three ethanol producers and four ethanol plants under its Ethanol Producers Incentive Program (CEPIP). If and when the program actually begins, it will pay an incentive to corn ethanol producers who are producing more than 10 million gallons per year and operating in the state; yet today, only one …
Gevo Prepares for IPO
Isobutanol company Gevo, Inc. has filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to its proposed initial public offering (IPO). The company has not disclosed how many shares it plans to offer nor when it will file for the IPO, but early estimates put the total worth of the IPO as high as $150 million. …
Seaweed Could be Another Ethanol Feedstock
The pursuit of new feedstocks for next generation ethanol has gone underwater. Seaweed has been getting quite a bit of attention for its potential in ethanol production, especially in Asia. Most recently, scientists from Tohoku University and Tohoku Electric Power announced they have developed a technology to efficiently generate ethanol from seaweed such as sea tangle and sea grape, according …
USDA Predicts Record Corn Crop
In the latest forecast issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), corn farmers are on track for a record corn crop and yield per acre for this year. The numbers are estimated to surpass the records set in 2009. USDA expects farmers to harvest 13.37 billion bushels, 2 percent larger than in 2009. They are also projecting 165 bushels …
Ethanol Production Strong, Exports Holding Steady
Ethanol production fell slightly for the week ending August 8, 2010 as compared to the week prior, yet remained strong totaling 866,000 barrels per day (b/d) or just shy of 36.4 million gallons per day. This according to Energy Information Administration (EIA) and reported by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The four-week average ending August 6, 2010 shows ethanol production …
Lallemand Embarks on New Yeast Project
Lallemand Ethanol Technology has announced an exclusive partnership with Xylogenics, a bioengineering company, to develop and commercialize genetically enhanced yeasts for first generation ethanol production. Lallemand is one of the leading yeast providers for the ethanol industry. “Xylogenics is thrilled to be partnering with Lallemand, a global leader in fermentation technology and we are looking forward to bringing our exciting …
Gevo Buys Ethanol Plant for Isobutanol
Denver-based chemical and biofuels company Gevo is buying a Minnesota ethanol plant to produce isobutanol. The company will acquire Agri-Energy’s ethanol production facility in Luverne, Minnesota and will begin mechanical retrofitting of the plant upon closing. Isobutanol production is expected to begin by the first quarter of 2012, but in the meantime, the facility will continue to produce ethanol. Company …
Ethanol Companies Post Strong 2nd Quarter Profits
Several companies that rely on ethanol as a part of their business have reported strong financial results for the 2nd Quarter. According to The Andersons earning reports, the company’s net income for the 2nd Quarter surpassed the $25 million mark, almost $10 million more than what was reported during the same quarter in 2009. The company attributes much of the …