Research being done at Washington University in St. Louis could result in more efficient ethanol production. The research by adjunct professor of biology in Arts & Sciences Erik E. Nielsen, Ph.D. was published in a recent edition of The Journal of Cell Biology, according to a news release. Nielsen’s research is the first to identity some of the membrane trafficking …
More Domestic Fuel Use Forecast
In the latest Long Term Energy Outlook report issued by the Energy Information Administration, higher fossil fuel prices and public policy will generate a further shift toward alternative energy in the coming years. According to an AP story, U.S. ethanol use is expected to grow to 11.2 billion gallons in 2012 from 4 billion gallons in 2005. By 2030, ethanol …
Analyst Thinks Ethanol Forecasts Are Low
An energy industry analyst believes the government is underestimating the ethanol demand outlook. The Energy Information Administration’s annual energy outlook, issued Tuesday, projected that ethanol demand will more than double from today’s level to 11.2 billion gallons in 2012. According to an Associated Press report, Chris Shaw of the global financial firm UBS says that may be too low because, …
Ethanol Plant Breaks Ground in Washington State
Washington state is on track for it’s first ethanol plant. US Ethanol of Vancouver has announced that subsidiary Northwest Renewable broke ground Wednesday on a 55 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in Longview, Wash. When completed, the plant will be the first large-scale facility in the state of Washington to produce ethanol, an alternative fuel typically made from …
Surveys and Studies on Value of Ethanol
Several recent surveys and studies relating to ethanol provide some insight into what consumers think about ethanol, how biotechnology can help fill the demand for both food and fuel, and how domestic sources of energy like ethanol can help revitalize the rural economy. This “Fill Up Feel Good” podcast discusses the results of these studies. The “Fill up, Feel Good” …
Wind Powers Ethanol Plant
John Deere Wind Energy is helping to power up a farmer-owned ethanol plant in Winnebago, Minnesota. According to Agriculture Online, Corn Plus Cooperative is entering into a co-development relationship with John Deere to harness wind energy to help power their plant. When the wind farm is up and running at capacity, approximately 45% of the electric energy demand for the …
Cattlemen Urge Free Market For Ethanol
The Nebraska Cattlemen are all for ethanol, but not so much for mandates. The organization adopted resolutions addressing ethanol markets and mandates at it’s recent annual meeting, according to a news release. One resolution supports a transition to a market based approach for the usage and production of ethanol and opposes any additional federal or state mandates for ethanol usage …
Presidential Advisors Support Biofuels
The President’s Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST) has issued a report on the role of technology and emerging companies in helping to supply our nation’s energy needs. According to a release from the Renewable Fuels Association, the report concluded that biofuels like ethanol are a vital and readily available solution to help address America’s dependence on foreign …
Project Golden Switchgrass
A University of Rhode Island plant geneticist has launched “Project Golden Switchgrass” to develop “the variety of enhanced switchgrass that everyone needs” as an alternative crop to produce ethanol. According to a URI release, Albert Kausch is a world leader in developing transgenic grasses, having spent 20 years genetically modifying turf grasses, rice and corn. He is also an expert …
Prairie Ethanol Open For Business
Approximately 1,800 people attended Prairie Ethanol’s grand opening celebration for the 60 million gallone per year ethanol production facility Saturday near Mitchell, SD. According to a news release, the event included a Vanguard Squadron fly-over and a program featuring political dignitaries, industry representatives and company officials. U.S. Senator John Thune expressed his excitement about being part of the ongoing effort …