Nuseed Carinata Feedstock Grows Global Potential

Cindy Zimmerman January 5, 2021

The global potential for Nuseed’s Carinata as a renewable fuel feedstock is advancing with the harvest of a commercial crop currently underway in Argentina and of Nuseed R&D trial plots in Southern France.

“The Nuseed Carinata R&D plots show good potential, growing Nuseed Carinata hybrids between rotations in the same region as Europe’s largest biofuel producers would be a huge benefit,” said Alex Clayton, Nuseed Global Business Development Leader, Carinata. “The work we are doing now is the start of a strategy that will help ensure Nuseed Carinata hybrids grow well in what are typically unproductive periods in the crop cycle for growers in the EU.”

Nuseed is advancing Carinata hybrids that produce excellent non-food oil for renewable fuels and non-GM high protein meal for livestock feed, plus agronomic advantages including the huge biomass above ground and extensive root system. It’s the Nuseed Carinata plant structure that substantially removes carbon from the air where it’s harmful and sequesters it to where it’s desperately needed to improve soil health.

Carinata is an oilseed crop that is drought resistant, heat and frost tolerant, and can be refined into diesel and jet fuel, as well as a high protein meal for animal feed. The crop is currently being produced in the United States in two main production regions – the Southeast (GA, FL, AL, MS) and the Northern Plains (SD, ND, MT, NE).

Biodiesel, feedstocks, International

RFA Celebrating Four Decades in 2021

Cindy Zimmerman January 4, 2021

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is celebrating its 40th anniversary of biofuels policy leadership all year in 2021.

RFA was created in 1981 by a small group of innovative farmers and business leaders with the ambitious goal of growing production and demand for ethanol, a relatively unknown renewable fuel that was cleaner-burning, homegrown, and environmentally friendly. Four decades later, the U.S. ethanol industry has grown into a thriving and dynamic renewable energy powerhouse, and RFA continues to build upon the vision, leadership, and ingenuity of its founders.

“It’s no mistake that RFA has been nicknamed ‘the voice of the ethanol industry.’ In many ways, the story of RFA is the story of the ethanol industry itself,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. Since the founding of the organization, U.S. ethanol production has grown nearly 16,000 percent, from about 100 million gallons to the record high of 16.1 billion in 2018.

Through various publications and activities, RFA will celebrate its 40th anniversary all year long in 2021. The association will look back on the milestones of an industry that grew from just a handful of small plants in a few Corn Belt states to more than 200 sophisticated, high-tech biorefineries nationwide. Today’s ethanol industry supports almost 350,000 jobs and contributes more than $40 billion to the nation’s economy each year, a far cry from its humble beginnings.

biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

RFA Shares In and Out List for 2021

Cindy Zimmerman January 4, 2021

Once again, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Senior Strategic Advisor Bob Dinneen has prepared his annual tongue-in-cheek list of what’s out and what’s in as we begin this new year ever hopeful that brighter, healthier, and more prosperous days lie ahead.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

Ethanol Report 12-28-20

Cindy Zimmerman December 28, 2020

Like everyone else, ethanol producers will be happy to see the end of 2020 with hopeful hearts that 2021 will be a better year.

In this edition of the Ethanol Report, we take a ride back through the year starting with the high hopes for a great year in January and February, into the devastating impact of COVID-19 restrictions on travel in the spring, the continuing saga of small refinery waivers, celebrating 15 years of the RFS and increases in E15 availability, and ending the road with preparations to work with a new presidential administration.

Comments come from Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper, RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman, Senior Strategic Advisor Bob Dinneen, Vice President of Industry Affairs Robert White, Director Of Market Development Cassie Mullen, RFA board members Jeanne McCaherty with Guardian Energy, Randy Doyal with Al-Corn Clean Fuel, Neil Koehler with Pacific Ethanol, and Chuck Woodside of KAAPA Ethanol.

Ethanol Report 12-28-20 (27:11)

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Ames Adds New 100% Biodiesel Powered Trucks

Cindy Zimmerman December 23, 2020

Renewable Energy Group and Optimus Technologies recently partnered to help Ames, Iowa grow its fleet of sustainable vehicles.

The City of Ames is adding seven new all-purpose dump trucks to their fleet that have the Optimus Technologies advanced fuel system integrated into their new vehicle specification. The Optimus system enables the engines to operate year-round on 100 percent biodiesel (B100) produced by Renewable Energy Group (REG).

A pilot project was conducted this year with five trucks using Optimus’ Vector System, combined with REG’s B100 biodiesel. The Vector System is designed to enable trouble-free use of biodiesel in all engines in all operating conditions.

Even in the sub-zero operations the snowplows were subjected to while battling the harsh Iowa winter, the Vector System ensured that the vehicles performed flawlessly on biodiesel. One key feature of the Vector System is that it never inhibits the use of conventional diesel fuel; the system always starts and shuts down the engine on conventional diesel, operating on biodiesel only after the engine and fuel system achieve optimal operating conditions.

Biodiesel

COVID Relief Bill Passes with Aid for Biofuels Producers

Cindy Zimmerman December 22, 2020

Agricultural and biofuels groups as well as farm state lawmakers are pleased that the new COVID relief package passed by Congress last night includes help for producers excluded from previous aid legislation.

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) says relief includes the Paycheck Protection Program for Producers Act. “The bill also includes funding to allow the Department of Agriculture to provide additional assistance to ag producers who were dealing with a tough economy before the pandemic hit,” said Thune.

The bill explicitly makes producers of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel eligible for USDA assistance, at the discretion of the secretary. “Biofuel producers have suffered from the drop in fuel demand during the pandemic and I hope the secretary will ensure that they are able to receive assistance,” Thune said.

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) on COVID relief for agriculture :58

The bill also extends key tax provisions that support innovation and expansion in the renewable fuels industry, including the Second Generation Biofuel Producer Tax Credit, Alternative Fuel Refueling Property Credit, and the Section 45Q tax credit for carbon sequestration.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the aid is much needed. “More than half of the ethanol industry shut down during the extraordinary demand collapse in the spring, and producers across the country still have not fully recovered from that market shock. The pandemic has cost the industry nearly $4 billion in lost revenue to date, with losses expected to continue well into 2021.”

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings says they were hoping Congress would require USDA to make relief payments to biofuel producers, but he expects Agriculture Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack will be supportive. “Congress gave USDA flexibility to provide relief for biofuel producers in the last stimulus package, but USDA declined to exercise it. That is why job one in 2021 will be to work with incoming USDA Secretary Vilsack, upon his confirmation in the U.S. Senate, to get assistance to the industry in rapid fashion.”

ACE, Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, USDA

COVID Deal Includes Previously Excluded Biofuels

Cindy Zimmerman December 21, 2020

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) says the latest COVID relief deal moving through Congress this week has new provisions to provide help for food and agriculture sectors impacted by the pandemic restrictions, including biofuels.

In addition to a 15 percent increase in benefits for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for six months, Peterson pointed specifically to the inclusion of important support for those who were left out earlier assistance, including contract livestock and poultry growers, ethanol producers that saw a drop in demand, and livestock and poultry producers who had to depopulate herds and flocks as a result of supply chain disruptions.

Relief for biofuels producers would come from $11.2 billion for the USDA to be distributed by the Secretary with direction by Congress. Specific language says the Secretary “may make payments to producers of advanced biofuel, biomass-based diesel, cellulosic biofuel, conventional biofuel, or renewable fuels with market losses due to COVID-19.”

Read the full breakdown of the food and agriculture provisions in the bill.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Bob Sather Scholarships Available for NEC

Cindy Zimmerman December 21, 2020

Ace Ethanol co-founder Bob Sather with RFA CEO Geoff Cooper

Scholarships for students to attend the National Ethanol Conference will be offered by the Renewable Fuels Association in partnership with the Renewable Fuels Foundation once again for 2021, but this time with a new name honoring an ethanol industry pioneer.

Now in its 12th year, the program has been named in honor of Bob Sather, who was involved in education before helping to found Ace Ethanol in Wisconsin. Sather, who also chaired the Renewable Fuels Foundation, passed away in June 2020.

The 26th annual National Ethanol Conference will be held in an entirely digital format Feb. 16-18, 2021. Four scholarships are available to cover the cost of the conference registration fee, a $249 value. This year’s digital event, including online networking and on-demand content after the show, will allow students greater flexibility to participate.

Those interested should submit a 500-word essay explaining how their participation in the NEC will help them achieve their future goals. They should also submit one letter of recommendation and an up-to-date resume. Scholarships are only available to students who are attending a U.S. institution of higher learning or foreign students who are affiliated with the U.S. ethanol industry.

For full consideration, applications must be received by February 5.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

USDA Offers More Biofuels Infrastructure Grants

Cindy Zimmerman December 18, 2020

The U.S Department of Agriculture has announced another round of funding for its successful Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or HBIIP. Approximately $22 million is being made available for retailers to add higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85.

The application window will be open for 30 days starting December 21 and ending January 19. Ethanol organizations are offering help to retailers in the application process. Awards to successful applicants will be in the form of cost-share grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs, but not to exceed $3 million.

The Renewable Fuels Association is urging retailers to act quickly.

“We are very proud of our earlier work that helped fuel retailers across the country successfully apply for and receive funding under the HBIIP grant program, and the RFA staff is ready to roll up its sleeves again to help retailers tap into the remaining funds available,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Senior Vice President and Market Development Director Ron Lamberty hopes this new round provides a second chance for retailers who got started during the original 90-day time frame but couldn’t complete their grant applications before that window closed.

“We got feedback on the application process from marketers we worked with saying it took too long to gather the information they needed and get the ‘registrations’ they had to complete before they could even apply,” Lamberty said. “Those things are required to do business with the government, and most retailers weren’t expecting that.”

Click here for information about USDA’s HBIIP program.

ACE, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

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