The latest data from the Energy Information Administration show that U.S. ethanol production and consumption rose nearly two percent in 2023 to reach their highest levels since 2019, while the blend rate hit a record 10.39 percent, pushing further above the hypothetical 10-percent “blend wall,” according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Once again, the ethanol blend rate exceeded 10% …
Ethanol Industry Partners for Progress
Powered by Partnerships was the theme of the 2024 National Ethanol Conference last week in San Diego and the partners for the ethanol industry now include some brand new alliances and former adversaries. The Partnering for Progress panel at the conference included representatives from the petroleum industry, car makers, airlines, convenience stores, and farmers. Much of the conversation centered around …
Southwest Invests $30 Million in LanzaJet SAF Growth
Sustainable fuels technology company LanzaJet today announced a $30 million investment by Southwest Airlines for the development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility and collaborate on the corn stover to ethanol technology company SAFFiRE Renewables. LanzaJet plans to undertake project development efforts for the SAF production facility in the United States, with Southwest as the anchor SAF offtaker. The …
Ethanol Report on 29th NEC
The 29th National Ethanol Conference held in San Diego California last week may go down as one of the best and most timely industry meetings ever, setting the stage for major decisions that hang in the balance this year, including year-round availability of E15 and a revised GREET model that will determine ethanol’s role in sustainable aviation fuel. The Renewable …
RFA Chair Optimistic About Future for Ethanol
Renewable Fuels Association board chairman Erik Huschitt says there are both big challenges and big opportunities right now for the ethanol industry but he remains optimistic about the future. “I’m optimistic because I know science is on our side,” said Huschitt, who is CEO of Badger State Ethanol. “And I know that the brilliant people and the passion in this …
EPA Announces E15 Waiver Approval for 8 States in 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday approval of requests from state governors to remove the 1-psi volatility waiver for gasoline-ethanol blends containing 10 percent ethanol in their states, but delays the effective date to April 28, 2025. “After review of the emissions modeling results presented by the governors in their requests, EPA is removing the 1-psi waiver in the following …
#RFANEC 2024 Wraps Up in California
The Renewable Fuels Association wrapped up its 2024 National Ethanol Conference Wednesday in San Diego with RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper calling it one of the most successful ever. “This has been a great event, lots of energy, lots of enthusiasm coming out of this conference for the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Cooper. “We had the most people …
RFA Honors Argonne Scientist Michael Wang
At the 2024 National Ethanol Conference in San Diego, the Renewable Fuels Association presented its 2024 Award of Excellence to Dr. Michael Wang, an Argonne National Laboratory distinguished fellow, senior scientist, director of the Systems Assessment Center, and “Father of the Greet model.” At Argonne, Dr. Wang has led the development and applications of the GREET model for life-cycle analysis …
USTR Ag Negotiator Provides Ethanol Trade Outlook
The Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative spoke to attendees at the National Ethanol Conference this week about the trade outlook for ethanol. Ambassador Doug McKalip said had just returned from Guatemala where he spoke with government officials about ethanol. “It was clear to me that the government of Guatemala is very much dedicated to meeting its goal …
RFA Honors USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack
Following his remarks at the National Ethanol Conference today in San Diego, the Renewable Fuels Association presented its 2024 Industry Award to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in recognition of his many years championing renewable fuels both in Washington and at home in Iowa. In his time at USDA, Sec. Vilsack has been a strong and effective proponent of the …