Global Bioenergies and Clariant have announced the first isobutene production from a wheat straw hydrolysate, in the industrial pilot of Pomacle Bazancourt. This success is the result of a collaboration initiated more than 18 months ago, and has been made possible by combining Clariant’s proprietary process, allowing for the conversion of agricultural residues into sugar-rich hydrolysates, with Global Bioenergies’ proprietary process for the production of isobutene from various industrial-grade sugars.- Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest leisure travel company, has signed a framework agreement with Shell Western LNG B.V. to be its supplier of marine liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power the world’s first fully LNG-powered cruise ships. Under this framework agreement, Shell will initially supply Carnival Corporation’s AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises brands with fuel for two new LNG-powered ships expected to launch in 2019 with itineraries visiting popular northwest European and Mediterranean ports.
- The global white biotechnology market is expected to reach USD $487.08 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research. Rising awareness and emphasis for the adoption of greener and environment-friendly technologies in various end-use industries is expected to drive the market over the next eight years. Biofuels accounted for over 35% of the market in terms of revenue on account of rising government regulations to include the product in combination with conventional energy sources including diesel and gasoline. Rising biodiesel demand as a raw material for the manufacturing of resins, and polymers will fuel industry growth over the forecast period.
Retailers “Pink Out” at the Pump
During the month of October, Sheetz, Minnoco, Protec and Murphy USA are participating in the annual Pink Out program to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. For each gallon of E15 sold, two cents will be donated to a breast cancer organization. This year Growth Energy is joining the retailers for their promotion.
“We are proud to work with such great partners to bring awareness to breast cancer research and support wonderful organizations working to eradicate this terrible disease,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “Ethanol has replaced toxic, carcinogenic chemicals that were previously blended in gasoline, so ethanol has already helped in the fight against cancer in tangible ways. By partnering with leading retailers such as Sheetz, Minnoco, Protec and Murphy USA, this program ensures we continue to take up the fight on behalf of mothers, daughters and families everywhere.”
The Pink Out program will run through October at participating stations, with more than 720 dispensers included in the program in North Carolina, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas and Florida. Drivers who want to participate in this program should look for the pink nozzle handles and signage, and can find their nearest E15 station at GetEthanol.com.
Minnesota #Biodiesel Mandate Stands Firm
Minnesota has been and continues to be a leader in the support of biofuels and was the first state to pass a biodiesel mandate requiring B20 (20 percent biodiesel, 80 percent diesel), to be used in 2018. Last year a motley group of oil, gas, trucking, auto manufactures and dealers and trade groups, sued four key Minnesota state legislators directly tied to the biodiesel mandate. In the true fashion of supporting those who support you, several biodiesel associations (National Biodiesel Board, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Minnesota Biodiesel Council and Iowa Biodiesel Board) assisted the legislators in the lawsuit.
Lawsuit Background
The suit challenged the Minnesota Mandate on two grounds. First, they argue the mandate is preempted by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and that it was implemented in violation of the state’s Administrative Procedure Act (MAPA). The groups also called for an injunctive relief to the current use of B10 as part of the mandate and also for the future use of B20.
Biodiesel Mandate Background
The biodiesel mandate requires that 10 percent, or B10, be blended with #2 diesel from April to September 30 of each year and then lowers to B5 during the winter months. Due to lack of infrastructure in some areas of the state along with inadequate regulatory protocol, B10 was not implemented until July 1, 2014 when both challenges were deemed overcome. The mandate then requires the use of B20 between April-September beginning in 2018 and once again during cold months the blend level is reduced to B5. The only path to higher blends of biodiesel in winter months is if state officials determine several conditions are met, mainly that higher blends are suitable for year-round use in the state.
The Ruling
The case was heard in the United States District Court’s District of Minnesota and was ruled in favor of biodiesel. The judges upheld the biodiesel mandate in a ruling published on September 29, 2016. In regard to the RFS, the judges ruling stated that Minnesota’s mandate is not preempted by the RFS; rather it works in conjunction with the RFS.
Industry Response
In response to the ruling, the National Biodiesel Board released the following statement. “This is a significant victory that maintains the pathway to clean energy, renewable fuel and green jobs in Minnesota and across the country. The court’s ruling affirms biodiesel’s valuable role to help states move to renewable energy sources, promoting the rural economy and energy independence. We are pleased the District Court agreed with our position that America’s Advanced Biofuel is working both as a clear success story within the Renewable Fuel Standard and for states, which comes with it numerous benefits, including environmental.”
Theresia Gillie, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association president, said of the news, “We are very pleased to see the state and Minnesota Soybean’s motions were successful in dismissing the case against the state’s biodiesel mandate. Once again, Minnesota is at the forefront of energy independence and supporting renewable fuels. Nearly all engine manufacturers approve B20 for their engines and now Minnesotans are ready for the move to B20. We thank the State of Minnesota for their vehement defense of the biodiesel mandate.”
IA Retailers are “Pink at the Pump”
Beginning October 1, 2016, nearly 30 fuel retailers in Iowa are kicking off the “Pink at the Pump” campaign to raise funds for breast cancer as well as raise awareness about E15. These retailers have committed to donating 3 cents of every gallon of E15 sold during the month of October to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
“October is ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month,’ and it’s a perfect time for Iowa E15 retailers to join forces with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to raise awareness about breast cancer and cleaner-burning E15,” noted Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Managing Director Lucy Norton.
NBCF Senior Director of Development Danae Johnson said of the promotion, “Filling-up with E15 means you’re fueling your vehicle with a more environmentally-friendly fuel that contains less carcinogens than straight petroleum gasoline. Now, for the entire month of October, it also means you’re helping to combat breast cancer while seeing a lot of pink at participating Iowa E15 fueling locations. We appreciate the support of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and Iowa Corn this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”
“Many people have started eating healthier, but they don’t ever think about what they’re being exposed to with daily activities, like fueling their cars,” said breast cancer survivor and Kansas fuel retailer Cheryl Werth Near, who was featured in the documentary ‘Pump.’ “I’m a breast cancer survivor with no previous family history of breast cancer. The truth is gasoline is full of toxic aromatics. Ethanol has no toxins or carcinogens, so the higher the ethanol blend, the less toxic aromatics you are being exposed to when fueling your car. This makes E15 not only a healthier choice, but the higher octane choice that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves you money at the pump.”
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and Iowa Corn Promotion Board have teamed up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation for the “Pink at the Pump” campaign to help combat breast cancer with cleaner-burning fuels, like E15. For the entire month of October, participating locations will feature pink nozzle guards for E15, pink promotional t-shirts for staff, and many other pink point of sale materials.
DC Water Taps Into #Biodiesel
DC Water has been tapping into the benefits of biodiesel. All of its 230 diesel fleet vehicles are powered by a B20 blend of biodiesel. According to the company, between October 1, 2015-August 31, 2016 – the use of biodiesel displaced nearly 15,000 gallons of petroleum diesel providing an estimated 15 percent reduction in CO2, a 12 percent reduction in carbon monoxide, a 20 percent reduction in both hydrocarbon and sulfur dioxide and a 12 percent reduction in particulate matter.
Anthony Lancaster, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, DC Water. Photo credit: NBB
“Biodiesel just makes sense,” said Timothy Fitzgerald, Director Fleet Management for DC Water. “We switched to biodiesel in 2007 and have never looked back. It can be used in existing diesel engines, reduces emissions, and our drivers notice a big difference in fumes.”
DC Water uses a variety of vehicles in its fleet including sewer trucks, dump truck and crew cabs. Back in 2013, Government Fleet named DC Water one of the 100 Best Fleets for 2013. Because of his leadership, the National Biodiesel Board (NGG) has tapped Fitzgerald to be a Biodiesel Ambassador, a program also supported by the United Soybean Board.
In addition to using biodiesel, Fitzgerald has incorporated the use of fleet management software that helps monitor everything from emissions to driver safety. He also works with original equipment manufacturers to ensure that all vehicles are designed to meet clean-idling specifications.
The fleet division also shrank the environmental impact of its maintenance operations through the use of soy-biobased products, such as adhesive remover, hydraulic fluid, hand cleaner, grease and engine oil.
Fitzgerald added, “We look for opportunities to do right by the environment and our employees in every aspect of our operation – from the vehicles, to shop supplies, to building operation and maintenance.“
BioEnergy Bytes
- ABC Brisbane is reporting that the RACQ supports the E10 fuel education campaign released by the Queensland Government but wants motorists to continue to have choice at the bowser. The Government recently launched the E10 OK website, encouraging motorists to increase their use of biofuels to help both the environment and the economy. From January 2017, E10 fuel will have to make up at least 30 per cent of petrol available for sale at petrol stations across the state.
- American Airlines announced today that it has retained Ocean Park Advisors, a boutique investment bank with expertise in the renewable fuels industry, to assist with evaluating alternative jet fuels and identifying the most promising companies and technologies. American is seeking opportunities to make binding commitments to reliably source fuel that meets specifications and is priced at or near market prices for traditional jet fuel.
- Novamont, the Italy-based world leader in bioplastics, with 1,000 patents in biopolymers and biochemicals, announced they have opened the world’s first commercial-scale facility for the bio-based production of a major intermediate chemical, in Bottrighe (Adria), North East Italy. Novamont’s MATER-BIOTECH plant will produce 30,000 tons of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) per year from renewable sources. The new BDO plant uses Genomatica’s GENO BDO™ process technology to convert sugars to BDO.
- And in other Genomatica news, Ginkgo Bioworks and Genomatica have announced an alliance to more rapidly deliver biology-based solutions for the world’s highest-volume intermediate and specialty chemicals. The alliance is structured as a deep collaboration, with two-way sharing of technology and intellectual property, along with joint technology development, to provide a single unified offering to the market.
#Ethanol Report on Upcoming Export Exchange
With the recent action taken by China against imports of U.S. dried distillers grains (DDGS), the upcoming Export Exchange is more important than ever to expand export opportunities for the ethanol co-product used as livestock feed.
This year will be the third Export Exchange, an event sponsored every two years by the Renewable Fuels Association and the U.S. Grains Council to connect international buyers with domestic sellers of U.S. coarse grains and co-products. The Exchange will be held this year October 24-26 in Detroit, Michigan.
In this Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen talks about what’s on tap for this year’s event: Ethanol Report on Upcoming Export Exchange
More information on the Export Exchange can be found at ExportExchange.org.
Iowa Awards More Fueling Future Funds
Iowa has released the availability of nearly $350,000 in funds under the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative as announced by Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. Retailers who are interested can apply for the cost share funding to assist with the purchase and installation of blender pumps and underground storage tanks.
Applications must be received at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s office by 4 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2016. Pumps and tanks funded through this round of funding for the program are required to be operational by the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2017. Pumps and tanks funded through this program are required to be in operations for the intended purpose of dispensing higher blends of ethanol for at least 5-years from the date they enter service.
“Iowa retailers have shown a willingness to invest in infrastructure to deliver renewable fuels and customers have shown they are interested in choosing to increase the amount of clean burning, homegrown renewable fuels they use. Through this program we have supported the installation of more than 200 blender pumps and 16 underground storage tanks and now have some additional funds to add even more,” said Northey.
Iowa received a $5 million competitive grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) program to support the initiative. These funds must be matched by non-federal funds, including $2.5 million from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP). The fueling sites applying for assistance will also be required to provide a minimum of $2.5 million.
More information about the program, a copy of the application and other materials can be found here.
China Adds Anti-Subsidy Duties to US DDGS
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has announced it will now impose an anti-subsidy duty on U.S. imports of distillers’ dried grains (DDGS) (with or without solubles), in addition to the anti-dumping duties announced last week. The anti-subsidy duties will be implemented as of September 30 and range from 10 to 10.7 percent.
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are disappointed that China believes DDGS are being unfairly subsidized by U.S. government entities and have caused injury to the China’s DDGS industry. “U.S. DDGS have not caused any injury to China’s DDGS producers,” said a statement from the organizations. “This announcement is not a surprise given MOFCOM’s treatment of the U.S. DDGS industry last week.”
The groups “will continue cooperating fully with these investigations, and we remain hopeful that MOFCOM will find in its final determination that continued access for U.S. DDGS is in China’s interest.”
Neste Takes Leadership Role in EU Biojet Initiative
In 2011 the European Commission, along with other organizations, launched the European Advanced Biofuels Flightpath initiative to help the EU meet Paris Climate Agreement targets. It has been announced that Henrik Erämetsä, Head of Aviation Regulation at Neste has been appointed Co-Chair and will serve alongside Ruben Alblas from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Biofuel companies taking part in the initiative include Neste, Biochemtex, Honeywell UOP, Swedish Biofuels, and Total. Airlines involved are KLM, Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa.
Photo credit: Neste
“We are very happy that Neste’s leadership in biofuels industry was recognized by this important appointment,” said Kaisa Hietala, executive vice president in renewable products at Neste. “Henrik is a recognised expert in his field and has a vast experience in various energy related issues as well as from EU bodies. This initiative is a right step towards decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by making advanced biofuels a reality also in flying.”
The major goal of the Flightpath initiative is to get sustainably produced aviation biofuels to market faster. One tactic to reach this goal includes construction of advanced biofuel production biorefineries in Europe. In addition, the avaiation industry is calling for setting a target level to the amount of sustainable biofuels used in European civil aviation.
Erämetsä said of his appointment, “Aviation is the most rapidly growing segment of traffic. Sustainable biofuels along with reduced fuel consumption of aeroplanes and increased operational efficiency offer us means to lower the carbon footprint caused by increased aviation in the EU. They also contribute to reaching the IATA target of carbon-neutral growth of airline industry from 2020 and subsequent reduction of carbon emission. I am glad to be able to use my expertise in pursuing the targets.”