What will an Obama presidency mean for ethanol and other biofuels? In August of 2007, when no one was really expecting him to even get the Democratic nomination, Obama headlined the grand opening of VeraSun’s Charles City, Iowa ethanol plant. At the time he said that ethanol “ultimately helps our national security because right now we’re sending billions of dollars …
Mini-Refiner Produces Ethanol and Biodiesel
Texas-based Allard Research and Development is now selling the “world’s first mini-refinery” for consumer use that produces both ethanol and biodiesel. This post from the gas2.0 blog says it can crank out up to 120 gallons per day of ethanol and 450 gallons per day of biodiesel: Consisting of two pieces of equipment — an ethanol boiler and the mini-refinery …
Ethanol Demand Continues to Outpace Production
According to the latest Energy Information Administration figures, ethanol facilities were producing 647,000 barrels per day in August, up from 614,000 in July. The Renewable Fuels Association reports that demand continued to outpace production, with demand in August calculated at 661,000 barrels per day, which exceeds 10 billion gallons a year. “This demand is approaching the legal limit of ethanol …
Biomass Ethanol Website Launched
A web site dedicated to the exchange of information on switchgrass and other biomass energy crops has been launched at BiomassConnections.com. “The focus of the site is to allow producers and stakeholders to openly share ideas and experiences gleaned from raising and marketing switchgrass and other biomass energy crops,” says site host and switchgrass farmer Andy Bater. “Our intention with …
VeraSun Receives Financing
One of the country’s largest ethanol producers is getting financing in place to maintain operations at 14 plants in eight states under Chapter 11 reorganization. VeraSun Energy Corporation reports it has received commitments for up to $215 million in debtor in possession financing and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court entered an interim order allowing VeraSun and its affiliates to borrow up …
Monsanto Invests in Sugarcane for Ethanol
Monsanto is moving into the sugarcane seed business. The company has announced that “in the face of long-term changes driving greater global demand for food and biofuel sources” they are investing in sugarcane “to diversify its existing core crop portfolio and to leverage its experience in bringing innovations to the agricultural marketplace through breeding and biotechnology.” Monsanto will be acquiring …
Ethanol Industry Urged to Vote
In this “Ethanol Report” podcast, Matt Hartwig of the Renewable Fuels Association talks about why it is important for the industry to be involved in the political process and why every needs to get out and vote. No endorsements from the RFA on who to vote for, by the way, just vote because elections on both the state and national …
Indiana Ethanol Plant Starts Up
The sun may be going down on one major ethanol producer, but a nice little 100 million gallon per year plant is just taking off in Indiana. Cardinal Ethanol in Randolf County, Indiana officially started grinding corn on Saturday in a very low key event, according to the Muncie StarPress.com. Indiana Congressman Mike Pence, local politicians, members of the press …