Southwest Airlines Invests in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Cindy Zimmerman

Southwest Airlines has announced an investment in a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pilot project supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Southwest is investing in SAFFiRE Renewables, a company formed by D3MAX, LLC (D3MAX), to develop and produce scalable, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Funded with a DOE grant matched by Southwest’s investment, SAFFiRE is expected to utilize technology developed by the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to convert corn stover, a widely available waste feedstock in the U.S., into renewable ethanol that then would be upgraded into SAF.

In 2021, the DOE awarded D3MAX the only pilot-scale grant for SAF production, with a goal to scale technology that could commercialize SAF. According to NREL, this could produce significant quantities of cost-competitive SAF that could provide an 84 percent reduction in carbon intensity compared to conventional jet fuel on a lifecycle basis. Southwest’s match of the DOE’s grant supports phase one of the project, which is expected to include technology validation, preliminary design, and a business plan for a pilot plant.

If the pilot project is successful in validating the commercialization of this corn-stover-to-ethanol technology, DOE and Southwest would have the opportunity to fund a second phase investment where the renewable ethanol would be upgraded into SAF by LanzaJet at its biorefinery currently under construction in Soperton, Georgia.

“We are extremely excited to be working with Southwest Airlines—they will be a great investor,” said Mark Yancey, CEO of SAFFiRE. “SAFFiRE technology is expected to produce lower carbon SAF compared to conventional jet fuel on a lifecycle basis, which could become carbon negative with process improvements and carbon capture. If we are successful in developing and commercializing this technology, we project the technology can produce 7.5 billion gallons per year of SAF by 2040.”

The DOE grant was part of $64 million awarded in September 2021 for 22 projects focused on developing technologies and processes that produce low-cost, low-carbon biofuels. The second part of this “Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries” funding opportunity announcement (FOA) was announced by DOE this week, offering an additional $59 million to support the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge goal of three billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel annually by 2030 and 35 billion gallons annually by 2050.

advanced biofuels, aviation biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News

RFA CEO Corrects Anti-Ethanol Fact Errors

Cindy Zimmerman

As the saying goes, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” In a recent Washington Times guest column, anti-ethanol critic Jerry Jung, founder of the group “ReThink Ethanol,” presents complete falsehoods about both ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard as facts in order to try and prove his opinion that ethanol is bad.

Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper attacked those falsehoods in a letter to the Washington Times, which the newspaper has not chosen to publish.

“How are we to trust Jung when he can’t even get basic facts about the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and ethanol correct?,” writes Cooper. “He claims the EPA “mandated” the production of 20.77 billion gallons of corn ethanol this year. No such mandate exists, nor has there ever been a requirement to use corn ethanol. Rather, EPA has proposed to require the use of 20.77 billion gallons of all renewable fuels under the RFS in 2022. Oil companies are free to choose the renewable fuel that makes the most sense for them to blend, be that biodiesel, biogas, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, cellulosic ethanol, or any number of other renewable fuels. Far from “mandating” corn ethanol, EPA in fact places a limit (of 15 billion gallons) on the amount of corn ethanol that can be used to fulfill the RFS requirements.”

Read the rest of Cooper’s letter here.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Opinion, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, RFS

POET Bioprocessing – Cloverdale Reopening in 2023

Cindy Zimmerman

POET will be reopening its bioprocessing facility in Cloverdale, Indiana, which was idled in 2019, now that federal and state policymakers have taken action to safeguard domestic markets for low-carbon biofuels.

The facility will create 50 full-time local jobs and generate demand for 34 million bushels of corn from Indiana farmers annually. Restarting the Cloverdale facility will bring POET’s network to a total of 34 bioprocessing plants across eight Midwest states, five of which are located in Indiana.

“We are very excited to be reopening our Cloverdale facility,” said Jeff Broin, POET Founder and CEO. “The plant will undergo significant upgrades to include the same industry-leading advantages operating at other POET plants, and we are confident it will be a strong asset to the POET portfolio. We are grateful to the Putnam County Council and the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation for supporting this investment.”

The plant was initially idled in 2019 due in part to the Environmental Protection Agency’s mismanagement of small refinery exemptions (SREs) which weakened the incentive for retailers to offer higher biofuel blends. The Biden Administration has made strides recently showing support for biofuels, including the waiver in April lifting outdated restrictions on E15 for this year. On the state level, Indiana’s strong support for E15 — including actions by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and legislature — was a key factor in POET’s decision to reinvest in the state.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, POET

INDYCAR Goes to 100% Renewable Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

2007 Indy 500 green flag sports “e” for ethanol

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES announced over the Indy 500 weekend that the 2023 season will be powered by 100% second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste made in Brazil.

Shell will produce a new race fuel “that is 100% comprised of feedstocks categorized as “renewable” under the applicable regulatory frameworks.”

The fuel developed by Shell is set to make the NTT INDYCAR SERIES the first United States-based motorsports series to power racing with 100% renewable race fuel and enables at least 60% greenhouse gas emissions reduction compared to fossil-based gasoline. “This race fuel development for INDYCAR is a great example of how fuels technology is pivotal in helping decarbonize the sport,” said Dr. Selda Gunsel, president of Shell Global Solutions. “Today’s development takes us one step closer to that goal.”

The second-generation ethanol will be sourced from Raízen, a Brazilian Joint-Venture created in 2011 by Shell and Cosan. Raízen is one of the largest sugarcane ethanol producers in the world and owner of the first commercial second-generation ethanol plant.

It was 15 years ago in 2007 that the Indy Racing League first started using 100% American made fuel grade ethanol instead of petroleum-based methanol. That was the result of efforts by the domestic ethanol industry, which at the time was riding a wave of popularity. Two years later the league made a deal with Brazil to supply the fuel, but switched to an 85 percent blend in 2012 which it has been since that time.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Indy Racing, Racing

FEW Expects Biggest Crowd Since 2009

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol Producer Magazine and BBI International are expecting the largest attendance since 2009 at the upcoming International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) June 13-15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The total number of attendees who are producers of ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, cellulosic ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel or other advanced biofuels is on pace to be close to 600 attendees. The total number of exhibitors inside the expo hall is currently at 340 and is expected to grow.

“This is a must-attend event if you are connected to the ethanol industry,” says John Nelson, vice president of operations, sales and marketing at BBI International. “We are extremely pleased with the excitement surrounding this year’s FEW and the numbers are proof that this will be one of the largest events to date. It will be the largest FEW since 2009.”

180 presentations fill the agenda at this year’s International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo, as well as the co-located events. All FEW registered attendees are able to attend the sessions for the Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Summit and the preconference events, the Carbon Capture & Storage Summit and Ethanol 101. Both preconference events are taking place Monday, June 13th.

“There is a massive amount of content for attendees this year, including sessions on sustainable aviation fuel,” said Tim Portz, program director for the FEW. “With the Carbon Capture Summit, Ethanol 101, and the Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Summit available to all attendees, this is the best place to be if you are interested in learning about biofuels technology advancements and policy that is directing the industry.”

Ethanol, FEW

Iowa Lowers Snow Removal Carbon Emissions with Biodiesel

Cindy Zimmerman

Ten Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) snowplows with Optimus Technologies’ advanced fuel system technology powered by 100% biodiesel (B100) helped clear over two feet of snow in the Des Moines area this past winter with near-zero carbon emissions.

Over the course of the season, the vehicles used over 9,000 gallons of biodiesel and successfully treated almost 55,000 miles of roadway, significantly lowering carbon emissions at the same time. Iowa’s DOT is leading the nation in B100 adoption in vehicles where there are no electric alternatives.

“The Iowa Department of Transportation is becoming a global leader in carbon reductions while taking the next steps forward toward the state’s sustainability goals,” said Todd Cogdill, Fleet Manager for the Iowa DOT. “This is coming to fruition as a result of Optimus’ advanced technology coupled with fuels produced right here in Iowa.”

The Iowa DOT is one of the original early adopters of biodiesel in its fleet. For more than 20 years, the Iowa DOT has utilized B20. The Vector System enables Iowa DOT to increase biodiesel usage to 100% by eliminating traditional issues associated with higher biodiesel blends, such as gelling, even in sub-zero temperatures. This project is another example of the Iowa DOT demonstrating its forward-looking leadership. In 2020 Iowa DOT launched an initial B100 test project with five upgraded trucks. Due to the success of the original project, Iowa DOT has since placed two additional orders, ordering a total of five new trucks equipped with the B100 technology, bringing the total to ten.

Read more from Optimus Technologies.

Biodiesel

RFA Launches Summer Fuel Giveaway Contest

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association is happy to be celebrating summer again by giving away free fuel starting on Memorial Day.

Our country is experiencing record fuel prices, and everyone is looking for a break at the pump. Ethanol has been providing savings for years, but even more so this summer as availability of E15 and E85 grows. To further highlight those savings and educate U.S. drivers on ethanol’s value proposition, the Renewable Fuels Association is again hosting its annual Ethanol Days of Summer Contest with weekly chances to win free fuel.

This year’s contest will be combined with RFA’s Pump up the Savings Challenge to allow consumers more ways to win. Each week RFA will award $250 in free fuel from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Find out more EthanolRFA.org/summer-contest.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

US Welcomes Japan’s Commitment to Double Ethanol Demand

Cindy Zimmerman

President Joe Biden met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Japan this week and released a statement on a number of issues, including ethanol.

Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden welcomed Japan’s commitment to take all available measures to double demand for bioethanol, including for sustainable aviation fuel and on-road fuel, by 2030 to reduce dependence on imported petroleum.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) thanked U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel for his continued support in expanding the potential for ethanol use in Japan.

“Expansion of bioethanol use in Japan is a strategic goal for the Council,” said USGC Vice President Cary Sifferath. “Ambassador Emanuel and his team at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo have been an essential partner for USGC to discuss the benefits of increased biofuels use to the Japanese consumer and a way for Japan to meet its carbon reduction goals.”

USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and Sifferath traveled to Tokyo this March for the first time in more than two years. While there, they met with Council staff and government and industry representatives, discussing the five commodities represented by the Council and the country’s continued support of their uses.

Ethanol was a major topic of discussion while in Japan, as the Council leaders met with several organizations and Ambassador Emanuel on the potential for the expanded use of ethanol in the country.

So far in the 2021/2022 marketing year, Japan ranks as the fourth-largest export market for U.S. coarse grains, co-products, ethanol and meat products, purchasing 7,521,368 metric tons (296,101,215 bushels in corn equivalent).

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, International, Trade, USGC

Turn up the Intensity for The ACE

Cindy Zimmerman

Turn down the intensity for carbon, turn it up for “The ACE.” Intensity is the theme for the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) 35th annual conference coming up August 10-12 in Omaha.

Katie Muckenhirn, ACE Vice President of Public Affairs, says they are branding the 35-year-old conference as The ACE. “It also stands for the American Conference on Ethanol,” she said.

This year’s ACE agenda will offer a lot of intensity. “It not only embodies this efficiency quest that producers have to drive down their carbon intensity scores, but also how the industry is really concentrating on new markets and growth opportunities.”

That incluees information on sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen market potential, carbon capture and storage, getting the most out of coproducts like distillers corn oil, carbon intensity scoring, hiring practices and labor challenges, IT security, driving value to agriculture through low carbon solutions, tax credits in new project investments, and more.

More on the agenda will be released over the coming months and there are still sponsorships availablle. Online event registration is open and reduced rate reservations are available at the event hotel: the Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District. All conference details can be found at ethanol.org/events/conference.

Alltech President and CEO Mark Lyons provides a preview.
Preview of 2022 ACE Conference - Katie Muckenhirn (6:19)

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News

RFA Concerned With EPA Candidates for RFS Review

Cindy Zimmerman

At least three of the 20 candidates the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to review the environmental impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for Congress have a serious bias against ethanol, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, and should not be considered.

In comments submitted this week, RFA urged EPA to exclude these candidates from consideration to serve on a peer review of the agency’s upcoming triennial report to Congress, since several of theM have “an obvious ideological bias against commercial agriculture and renewable fuels like ethanol.”

“RFA finds the proposed list to include a disproportionate number of candidates representing certain issue areas, and RFA has concerns about the group’s ability to complete a thorough review without complete and balanced representation,” RFS says in the comments.

Under the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, EPA is required to submit regular reports to Congress on the environmental and resource conservation impacts of the RFS, and as part of the process it recruits external candidates to peer-review the report before it is published. For its third report, following two earlier studies submitted in 2011 and 2018, EPA has proposed a list of 20 candidates from which the agency will select up to nine peer reviewers.

In the latest Ethanol Report podcast, RFA president and CEO Geoff Cooper says the main candidates for the committee they have concerns with have been involved with studies that have been debunked recently and in the past.

“EPA is recommending some candidates for this peer review that we believe are not qualified to conduct an objective or impartial review of an environmental assessment related to the RFS,” said Cooper. “And we just don’t think it’s fair or impartial or objective at all.”

The three candidates that RFA specifically objects to are Tyler J. Lark of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, whose previous work related to biofuels has suffered from known flaws and inaccuracies, which have been repeated by him in subsequent recent works.

Jason D. Hill of the University of Minnesota RFA says has shown “a similar history of bias, unwillingness to respond to legitimate critiques of his work, and unsupported and provocative statements about the RFS and corn ethanol.” A third candidate, Timothy D. Searchinger of Princeton University, has had his work on indirect land-use change thoroughly refuted and rejected by the scientific community. RFA encouraged EPA to remove Searchinger from further consideration, as he “cannot be considered impartial or fair-minded.”

RFA concluded by urging transparency in the triennial review process.,In the past, RFA has found significant issues in the prior two EPA triennial reports to Congress, involving some of the same candidates on the list EPA has proposed for this new review of the RFS.

Click here for an RFA analysis of the preliminary 2011 report, and here for a look at two studies that significantly question some of the key results of the 2018 review.

Environment, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, RFS