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 …
Iowa Gov Chet Culver Celebrates 1st Biomass Harvest
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of dreams. And this has been a dream for many, many years,” began Iowa Governor Chet Culver during his presentation to kick off the largest global biomass harvesting pilot project in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Project Liberty, the dream of Jeff Broin, CEO of POET and his company, is less than two …
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 …
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 …