NEC 2027

Virent and Virdia Make Jet Fuel From Trees

Cindy Zimmerman

Under a joint energy project, Virent and Virdia (formerly HCL CleanTech) this week announced the successful conversion of cellulosic pine tree sugars to drop-in hydrocarbon fuels.

The development is part of the BIRD Energy project, a joint program started in January 2011 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Israeli Ministry of National Infrastructure and the BIRD Foundation.

According to the companies, Virent used Virdia’s biomass-derived sugars to produce gasoline and jet fuel, the latter being sent to the U.S Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for analysis where it passed rigorous testing. “This fuel passed the most stringent specification tests we could throw at it (such as thermal stability) under some conditions where conventional jet fuels would fail,” said Tim Edwards of the Fuels Branch of the AFRL said, adding that the fuel is “worth further evaluation.”

Virdia’s CASE™ (Cold Acid Solvent Extraction) process uses low temperature, low pressure hydrolysis coupled with its closed loops of acid recovery and solvent extraction to produce high purity fractions of sugars and lignin. Virent’s BioForming platform utilizes a combination of catalytic processes to convert water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbons derived from biomass to non-oxygenated hydrocarbons that can be used as drop-in compounds in gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel. Virent’s BioForming platform catalysts and reactor systems are similar to those found in today’s petroleum oil refineries and petrochemical complexes.

advanced biofuels, aviation biofuels, biojet fuel, biomass

Ethanol Supporters Flock to DC for Biofuels Fly-in

Cindy Zimmerman

More than 60 grassroots members of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) are on Capitol Hill this week for the “Biofuels Beltway March” annual fly-in.

The ethanol advocates were greeted on Tuesday by U.S. Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE) and John Thune (R-SD) and they have nearly 200 meetings scheduled with Congressional representatives and staff over the course of two days to share ethanol information to lawmakers representing 47 states. The group’s priorities include highlighting the effectiveness of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), emphasizing how ethanol helps lower prices at the pump, the safety and affordability of E15 ethanol blends, and other issues such as oil subsidies and the clean octane value of ethanol.

“With gasoline prices and energy issues taking center stage in the national discussion recently, I can’t think of a better time our grassroots members to make the case for how ethanol is part of the solution to moderating pump prices and reducing our dependence on foreign oil,” said Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President of ACE.

Fly-in participants come from 13 different states, and represent a diverse group of ethanol plants and other companies with an interest in agriculture and the biofuels industry.

For members who are not able to be a part of the DC fly-in, ACE has for the second year organized a “Virtual Fly-In,” which makes it possible for ethanol supporters to send email messages to Members of Congress to coincide with the group’s face-to-face meeting. The messages urge Congress to continue to keep the Renewable Fuels Standard intact. Messages may be sent this week through ACE’s Legislative Action Center at www.capwiz.com/ethanol.

ACE, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Amyris Names New CFO

Joanna Schroeder

Steven R. Mills has been named as Amyris’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and will take over the reigns on May 2, 2012. He is replacing Jeryl L. Hillman who announced last August that he would be leaving the company. “Amyris is leading the way in an array of renewable chemicals and fuels. I’m looking forward to joining Amyris’s extraordinary team at a time when the Company is bringing its technology to full-scale production and commercialization,” said Mills.

Mills has a long career in the agricultural industry where he joined ADM in 1979 and served in several roles for the company. While there, he became the CFO in 2008 and in his most recent role Mills was the Senior Executive Vice President, Performance and Growth where he focused on business development.

“Steve’s three decade career at ADM brings the set of skills we need as we enter a new growth stage for our Company,” said John Melo, President & Chief Executive Officer of Amyris. “As we near completion of our first purpose-designed, industrial-scale renewable hydrocarbon plant, Steve’s tested financial and strategy expertise will help ensure Amyris remains on a strong path to meet our customer and investors expectations.”

advanced biofuels, Company Announcement

Ethanol Advocates Unite for RFS

Cindy Zimmerman

Eight ethanol-advocating organizations joined together to champion the success of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in a letter to Congressional leaders this week.

The letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Speaker John Boehner(R-OH) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) highlighted “ethanol’s proven ability to lower gas prices and reduce this country’s dependence upon foreign oil” and pointed out that any changes to the RFS “could dampen investment in the development of next generation biofuels.”

The groups signing the letter were the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC), Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the Energy Future Coalition, Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), and the 25×25 Alliance.

“Today, ethanol is approximately $1 cheaper than gasoline and blending ethanol into U.S. gasoline saves consumers at the pump,” the letter noted. “Thanks in part to the RFS, U.S. oil imports fell below 50 percent in 2010 for the first time since 1997, and, oil imports stand at just 45 percent today. Ethanol accounts for 81 percent of all new domestic fuel production since 2005.”

Ethanol advocates are also meeting with Congressional representatives this week on Capitol Hill to talk about the importance of renewable, domestic fuels. “This week, I am with a number of other corn growers and leaders in the biofuels industry in Washington to drive home the message that the ethanol industry is an important part of the rural economy and that it plays an important role in moving our nation’s energy independence forward,” said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer, a corn grower from Illinois. “The Renewable Fuel Standard is an important tool to help decrease our reliance on foreign oil by supporting jobs here at home.”

More than 60 grassroots members of the American Coalition for Ethanol are in Washington this week for the annual “Biofuels Beltway March.”

ACE, advanced biofuels, AEC, BIO, biofuels, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Growth Energy, NCGA, RFA

Dates for 2012 Process Optimization Seminar Announced

Joanna Schroeder

It may seem like only yesterday the last Process Optimization Seminar took place but the next seminar is right around the corner. You do not want to miss out; every past seminar has been sold out well before the deadline. This year’s conference will be taking place on July 17-18, 2012 at the Hilton President Kansas City.  The seminar is targeted for operators of ethanol plants and is focused on helping a plant achieve its highest level of profitability from its fermentation process.

The seminar features four separate areas of education:

  • Antimicrobials – This session will focus on solutions for and preventing infection and is sponsored by Phibro Ethanol Performance Group.
  • Water Treatment – This session will build on the basic of proper water treatment and is sponsored by Fremont Industries.
  • Yeast Management – This session will address the specific needs of the bioethanol producer in terms of fermentation performance and is sponsored by Fermentis.
  • Enzyme Management – This session will address optimization needs from an enzyme perspective in bioethanol processing facilities and is sponsored by Novozymes.

Attendees will be broken into groups and during the two-day seminar will attend each in-depth session. The knowledge gained by the operator will be able to be put to immediate use in the plant.

The Process Optimization Seminar is not just all about hard work and invaluable information, it is also about fun. All attendees will also have the opportunity to attend a Kansas City Royals versus Seattle Mariners game on July 17th and will watch the game in a suite at Kauffman Stadium. So don’t miss out! Early registration is now open for the investment of $325 and ends on July 6th. Registration after July 6th is $375 based on availability. You can register at  www.processoptimizationseminar.com.

biofuels, Education, Ethanol

Death Tax Unwelcome

Chuck Zimmerman

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What do you think is a fair “death tax” rate?” It is no surprise that common sense and fair thinking respondents said Zero – 66%; 35% over $5 million – 0% under (current) – 21%; Other – 8 % and 55% over $1 million – 0% under (pre 2001) – 5%. This really is one of the most unfair taxes we’ve got and in my opinion there should not be any tax on a person’s estate after death. What are your thoughts?

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Should ABC News be Liable for Job Losses due to Lean Beef Trimmings Story?” This is one of the worst examples of supposed “news” reporting I’ve seen lately. It shows how a desperate for ratings news network will not just distort facts but publish erroneous information. They have no credibility. However, a gullible public has embraced their misinformation. The result? Job layoffs for people with families to feed who were making a very safe and nutritious product. That’s twisted. Do you think ABC News should be held liable? Should the media be held accountable for the financial impact inaccurate news stories have on jobs and businesses? Another likely outcome of this debacle will be higher beef prices. Nice, huh?

If for some reason you don’t know what this is all about, here’s a link to the ABC News story and here’s where you can get the truth – BeefisBeef.com.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

ZimmPoll

Senators Urged to Extend Advanced Ethanol Initiatives

Cindy Zimmerman

Advanced ethanol producers are urging a Senate subcommittee to extend key cellulosic ethanol tax provisions set to expire at the end of 2012.

RFA AECWith the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure holding a hearing this week on expired and expiring energy tax incentives, the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) sent a letter to Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Ranking Member John Cornyn (R-TX) outlining the importance of two critical tax incentives.

“The Cellulosic Biofuels Producer Tax Credit (PTC) and the Special Depreciation Allowance for Cellulosic Biofuel Plant Property are vital to the ongoing development of the domestic advanced ethanol industry,” wrote Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the AEC. “With gas prices soaring, it is increasingly important to diversify U.S. motor fuel markets with viable and competitive alternatives to gasoline, such as advanced ethanol, that will offer American consumers greater choice at the pump.”

Coleman notes that several billion dollars have already been invested in the development of advanced biofuels “with the expectation that Congress will stay the course with regard to its commitment to the industry” and that “allowing the PTC and accelerated depreciation allowance to expire runs counter to the goals set forth by Congress to foster the development of advanced biofuels under the Renewable Fuels Standard.”

advanced biofuels, AEC, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Low Carbon Fuel Standard Could Double Gas Prices

Cindy Zimmerman

A new study released today by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) indicates that a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states could result in doubling gasoline prices and other negative economic impacts.

The study, “Analysis of the Economic Impact of a Regional Low Carbon Fuel Standard on Northeast/Mid-Atlantic States,” estimates that an LCFS over ten years would result in the loss of 147,000 jobs, decrease disposable income by $28.8 billion, and result in a combined negative economic impact of $306 billion.

Eleven Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (NE/MA) states have been evaluating the implementation of a LCFS through an initiative coordinated by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), which released a final report in August of last year – an analysis that CEA believes was “lacking in depth, methodology and analysis, and failed to account for the region’s energy needs.”

CEA Executive Vice President Michael Whatley said their study found that “NESCAUM relied on flawed assumptions about the market’s ability to secure an adequate supply of biofuels, the infrastructure needed to support that demand, and the projected replacement of existing vehicles. These findings further support an analysis conducted by IHS-CERA in October 2011 that found NESCAUM’s economic analysis to be deeply flawed and riddled with unrealistic assumptions regarding the availability and price of advanced biofuels, electric and natural gas powered vehicles during the timeframe of the potential LCFS mandate.”

Listen to or download comments from Whatley during a press conference this morning: CEA's Michael Whatley
Read the study here.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Electricity, Energy, Environment, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Oil

All-Florida Ag Show Announced

Joanna Schroeder

April 25-26, 2012 is the date for the new All-Florida Ag Show sponsored by Florida Grower and the Highland County Farm Bureau. The event will take place at the Highlands County Fair Convention Center in Sebring, Florida and will bring together a diverse group of agribusiness leaders ranging from fruits to vegetables to livestock to biofuels. There will also be a wide array of topics discussed during the show including labor, water, alternative energy, crop opportunities and more.

“The All Florida Ag Show is an important event to support as it provides a unique opportunity to anyone who has interest in Florida’s agriculture to meet under one roof and learn about new opportunities, as well as common challenges that our industry faces today and in the future,” stated Scott Kirouac, president of Highlands County Farm Bureau.

Several speakers have confirmed including Rich Budell, FDACS Water Policy Chief and Jack Payne, senior vice-president, UF/IFAS, John Hoblick, president, Florida Farm Bureau. In addition, Adam Putnam, Florida Agriculture Commissioner has been invited along with many other agricultural experts. There is also an expansive trade show area planned for the event.

For more information visit: www.allfloridaag.com.

biofuels, conferences, Ethanol, Ethanol News

New Funding For Biomass Research & Development

Joanna Schroeder

Yesterday in conjunction with Presidenta Obama’s visit to Ohio State University to discuss the administration’s strategy for American energy, he announced $35 million in new federal funding over the next three years for biomass research and development. The project is funded by the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) and will focus on the development of advanced biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products. The effort, aimed at reducing America’s use of oil while at the same time embracing a more environmental friendly fuel source, is joint initiative between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Energy Department (DOE).

In support of the program, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “USDA’s partnership with the Department of Energy aims to improve our country’s energy security and provide sustainable jobs in communities across the country.” Vilsack is a large supporter of homegrown renewable energy and biobased products that can be developed and produced by rural Americans.

The renewable energy industry advocates that green energy will bring green jobs to America and save Americans money. Secretary Chu said that these advanced technologies will both help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and save money for American consumers. He also stated, “Investing in next-generation biofuels helps boost the competitiveness of the U.S. biofuels industry, supports economic development in rural communities, and creates skilled jobs for American workers.”

The funding is allocated For fiscal year 2012 and applicants seeking BRDI funds must propose projects that integrate science and engineering research. Three technical areas will be considered and all projects must demonstrate technological advances in at least one category: feedstock development, biofuels and biobased products development and biofuels development analysis.

Subject to annual appropriations, the USDA and DOE have allocated $35 million over three years for the BRDI project. It is anticipated that the funding will support five to seven projects over the timeframe. Applications are being taken now and are due April 23, 2012 and must be submitted electronically. Winning projects will be announced by June 15, 2012. A description of the requirements, instructions and the application is available at www.fedconnect.net or  www.grants.gov under Reference Number DE-FOA-0000657.

advanced biofuels, bioenergy, biomass