A study released today by the National Corn Growers Association says that ethanol plants owned by local farmers provide more economic benefits for communities than those owned by absentee investors. The study, “Economic Impacts on the Farm Community of Cooperative Ownership of Ethanol Production,” concludes that, “Since a farmer-owned cooperative ethanol plant is literally a member of the community, the …
200 Million for Cilion
Officials with California-based Cilion announced this week they have raised over $200 million in capital financing to build multiple ethanol plants. Cilion was formed in June (see previous post) with a partnership between Western Milling and venture capital firm Khosla Ventures According to a press release, Cilion will operate modular, standardized 55 million gallons per year ethanol plants using India-based …
Agressive Expansion
According to this AP report out of Rio de Janeiro, “Brazil is aggressively expanding its sugarcane plantations and expects to more than double its annual exports of alcohol fuel, or ethanol, by 2010.” That’s according to Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy speaking at the Rio Oil and Gas Expo and Conference on Monday. Brazil is the world’s second-biggest producer …
Breaking More Ground
Thursday is the big day for a new ethanol plant in Michigan. US BioEnergy will celebrate the opening of Michigan’s third ethanol plant in Woodbury Thursday, Sept. 14. Mitch Irwin, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, will serve as master of ceremonies. Bob Dineen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association will speak along with company officials. US Bio Woodbury …
Full Flex Fuel Facts
Got a call today from FullFlex USA, a company in Idaho that sells a conversion system to make most any car a flex-fuel vehicle. Seems they saw the post on Flex Tek we did a while back (see previous post) and thought I might be interested in doing an interview about their system – and I was. According to their …