The Renewable Fuels Association announced today that the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference to be held February 16-18, 2021 will now be an all virtual format. “As RFA prepares to enter its 40th year in operation in 2021, the upcoming NEC will hold special meaning for our organization and the entire industry,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “While …
Discovering New Uses and Markets for Ethanol
The 2020 National Ethanol Conference included a panel discussion on new uses for ethanol, moderated by Erik Huschitt, CEO and General Manager of Badger State Ethanol, LLC. Panelists included Keegan O’Donnell, Gas Power Systems, New Product Engineering, General Electric; Prabhakar Nair, VP Business Development, LanzaTech; and BJ Johnson, CEO, ClearFlame Engines. O’Donnell shared some of the reasons GE is so …
Ethanol’s Competitiveness in the Octane Market
Those attending the 2020 National Ethanol Conference had the opportunity to hear a presentation by Roel Salazar, author of the weekly Argus Fuels and Octane Report. Salazar discussed different products in the fuels market and the variables that affect ethanol’s competitiveness in that market. “You can see how ethanol has a market price much lower than its blend value. It’s …
Focusing Forward: Stakeholders Roundtable Discussion
The closing panel at the Renewable Fuels Association National Ethanol Conference discussed how stakeholders are planning for the future, what opportunities they see, and how they can work together to achieve our mutual goals. Participants in the panel included: Geoff Cooper, President & CEO, Renewable Fuels Association; Shane Karr, Head of External Affairs, FCA US LLC; Jon Doggett, Chief Executive …
Global Clean Fuel Standards
In recent years, we have seen several countries beginning to develop clean fuel standards that can offer both opportunities and challenges for U.S. ethanol producers. A panel at the National Ethanol Conference focused on “The Emergence of International Clean Fuel Standards: Innovation Drivers or Industry Protectionism?” with insights on where global standards for clean fuel are headed. Renewable Fuels Association …
Beyond the Road Benefits of Ethanol
Off the road, on the racetrack, or in the water, the benefits of ethanol go beyond the highway. Attendees at the 25th National Ethanol Conference got to hear about ethanol’s success in recreational uses like off-road vehicles and boats, providing power, reduced emissions and lower fuel costs. They also got to see Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) flex-fuel Jeep Wrangler up …
NCGA President Filled With Ethanol Pride
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) president and Iowa farmer Kevin Ross had the chance last week to attend the National Ethanol Conference and celebrate recent wins with the industry, like the recent Tenth Circuit court decision. “Just a fabulous result for us and everybody in the industry,” said Ross during an interview last week at the National Ethanol Conference. “And …
Global Energy Markets and Geopolitics
Bob McNally of Rapidan Energy Group provided an update on global energy markets and geopolitics at the 2020 National Ethanol Conference. McNally served as the top international and domestic energy advisor for President George W. Bush, holding the posts of Special Assistant to the President on the National Economic Council and Senior Director for International Energy on the National Security …
25th #RFANEC Focuses Forward on Future
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) just concluded an annual meeting that will be remembered for many reasons, including an appearance by the 43rd President of the United States, and the celebration of recent significant victories for the ethanol industry as it focuses forward on the future. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says there is a lot of optimism and …
Economic Impact of Ethanol Still Strong in 2019
Despite numerous challenges last year, the ethanol industry still supported nearly 350,000 jobs and generated almost $43 billion in gross domestic product in 2019, according to the latest analysis conducted by ABF Economics and released at the National Ethanol Conference last week in Houston. “The U.S. ethanol industry was buffeted by several factors that forced producers to cut operating rates …