Which Candidate is Best for #Biofuels?

Cindy Zimmerman August 25, 2016

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine at the Iowa State Fair with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

The Iowa State Fair was a lot quieter this year politically. Last year the fair played host to a total of 20 presidential candidates of both parties last summer while this year it was only the vice presidential candidates of the two major party nominees who visited the butter cow and ate pork with Hawkeye State political figures. Does that mean the candidates have forgotten their biofuels friends in the Midwest?

“Both candidates spent quite a bit of time in Iowa up to the Iowa caucuses the first of February,” said Monte Shaw with the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “In the general election, they kind of fly in, they do a big rally with thousands of people, and they fly out.”

Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton showed love to the ethanol industry during the primaries and Shaw says the ethanol industry is already working with both sides. “So whichever candidate wins, they’ll have this team that helps them transition into office and we’re communicating as an industry with both those teams,” said Shaw.

Republican VP candidate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad

Shaw believes the Congressional elections are as important, if not more so, than who becomes president. “We will have to keep our eyes on Congress,” he said. “After all, the RFS is the law of the land. For it to be modified or hurt, it would take an act of Congress.”

In this interview, Shaw also talks about attending the upcoming tour of Quad County Corn Processors with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Gov. Terry Branstad where the discussion will include the need for an RVP waiver for E15 and ethanol’s ability to add octane for high compression engines. Interview with Monte Shaw, Iowa RFA

Audio, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Iowa RFA, politics

Texas A&M Offers Biofuel Short Course

Joanna Schroeder August 24, 2016

A short course is being offered by the Processing Engineering R&D Center entitled, “Practical Short Course on Plant Operations and Process Engineering for Solvent Biofuel Facilities“. The Center is part of Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and is taking place October 16-19, 2016 at Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas. As part of the course, students will have access to live demonstrations held at pilot plants where they will see processing equipment in action.

“This course will focus on the fundamentals of the infrastructure, equipment, and process engineering unit operations required for success in modern, efficient, agricultural processing facilities,” said course organizer Rich Clough. “This will be helpful to new personnel as well as veterans in the industry. These folks may work in crush plants, fuel ethanol or biodiesel plants, corn wet/dry milling, or sugar beet operations. The common thread is that everyone from this sector deals with electrical power, PLCs, steam distribution, heat exchange, separations, conveyance systems, logistics and so on. We are fortunate to have a loyal lineup of instructors who are industry experts each with a career’s-worth of knowledge and experience to teach our attendees.”

There are several goals of the course including enabling students to receive comprehensive training in plant operations as well as to learn about and receive hands-on training in process engineering. In addition, participants will learn about emerging extraction/solvent plant and biofuel technologies. The course is geared towards supervisors and processing personnel from extraction plants, refineries, fuel ethanol and biodiesel plants, and individuals from other ag processing facilities interested in learning more about plant operations and process engineering.

“Everyone enjoys the demos, even experienced processors,” added Clough. “It’s exciting because some of our participants are seeing some types of equipment for the first time, and even our seasoned operators often learn something new.”

Biodiesel, biofuels, Education, Ethanol

#Ethanol Safety Seminars Scheduled

Joanna Schroeder August 24, 2016

More free ethanol safety seminars are on the docket taking place in Nebraska and Connecticut. Hosted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), attendees will learn proper training techniques that emergency responders and hazmat personnel need to effectively respond to an ethanol-related emergency. Certificates of Completion will be handed out to all attendees at the end of each safety seminar. The safety seminars are free and open to the public.

The Nebraska seminar will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2916 in Norfolk, from 9:00 am- 2:00 p CT, at the Lifelong Learning Center, Rooms C & D. The seminar will be held with help from an Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grant.

Additionally, there will be two seminars held in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, on Aug. 30, from 9:00 am–2:00 pm ET and from 5:30–10:00 pm ET. The event, held at the Connecticut Fire Academy, will be held with a grant from TRANSCAER and the Federal Railroad Administration.

“Safety is our number one goal, and these ethanol seminars provide excellent training for first responders and others who wants to attend,” said Steve Kramer, interim fire coordinator at Western Tech in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. “As a previous ethanol safety seminar attendee, these events are well worth the time.”

Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, safety

State Fair’s Focus on Agriculture

Jamie Johansen August 24, 2016

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Is agriculture still relevant at state fairs?”

I won’t disclose my age, but I will say I have never missed a Missouri State Fair. No, I am not a carney. I was there with my dad as he managed FFA shows and exhibits, I have exhibited my own cattle and more recently have attended as media. No matter the exact reason, they were all centered around agriculture. And luckily, our pollers agreed that agriculture does and should play a large role at state fairs across the county. I hope your memories of state fairs are as memorable as mine and you do your part to make sure agriculture isn’t lost at future fairs.

Here are the poll results:

Yes, plays a big role – 65%
Yes, but minor – 11%
No, should play larger role – 16%
No need for ag – 5%
Don’t know – 0%
Other – 3%

Our new ZimmPoll is live and asks the question, How important is immigration/farm labor to election?

One of the hot topics in this year’s presidential election has been immigration. Both sides of the line have mentioned it’s impact, but few can agree on a solution. Farmers and ranchers are in a constant struggle to find farm labor and immigration laws play a big part. Let us know how important immigration and farm labor are in our upcoming presidential election.

ZimmPoll

Octane Value Takes Center Stage During #ACE2016

Joanna Schroeder August 23, 2016

Higher octane. The automakers want it. Many consumers want it. But how to get it? Ethanol.

From left to right: ACE EVP Brian Jennings, Dave Hackett, Stillwater Associates and Kristy Moore, KMoore Consulting.

Many in the ethanol industry have begun to realize that one of the pathways forward for continued growth for ethanol is through higher ethanol blends such as E30, or as the lowest-cost, environmentally friendliest option for more octane. How to achieve this was the topic of the panel discussion, “Octane’s Value Proposition and Regulatory Path Forward,” that took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota recently during the 29th annual Ethanol Conference hosted by the American Coalition for Ethanol. Moderated by ACE’s Executive Vice President Brian Jennings, the panelists included Dave Hackett, president of Stillwater Associates and Kelly Moore, KMoore Consulting.

And in case you’re wondering exactly what is octane, octane is measuring knock and is set on a regional basis. Another fun fact: the price of octane at the pump has increased dramatically.

The discussion kicked off with a presentation from Dave Hackett who offered some very interesting nuggets of information. Refineries can make more octane during the refining process. Once complete, products are blended to delivery specifications. Refiners can also increase octane by blending ethanol and reducing blend stock. However, there are blending issues with octane, said Hackett, including different kinds of engines, non-linear octane blending effects and final gas blends are certified at the refinery. On the bright side, Hackett stressed that there is a demand to increase octane. Autos want more octane to meet fuel standards but to make this happen infrastructure will need to be improved and much, much more research will need to be done on higher ethanol blends such as E30.

Listen to the Dave Hackett’s presentation here: Dave Hackett Octane Presentation

Onward to some interesting information provided by Kristy Moore who joked that she is usually referred to as the “buzzkill”. During her remarks she took the audience through some regulatory challenges around octane including what is the most effective way to measure octane. For example, Europe measures octane differently than the U.S. She also contends that no-one really regulates octane. Only 19 states include octane requirements. By 2025, Moore said there will be new fuels in the vehicles and if these fuels are going to be higher blends of ethanol, then the industry must get the floor set so they can go up from here. Fortunately, the ethanol industry stand with the autos in terms of fuel strategy. As with Hackett, Moore also stressed the need for more research into higher ethanol blends, especially E30 where the sweet spot seems to reside.

Listen to Kristy Moore’s presentation here: Kristy Moore Octane Presentation

Ultimately the call to action of the panel? The ethanol industry needs to start funding research and joining committees and groups now that will pave the way for the future these higher ethanol blends.

Listen to the Octane’s Value Proposition Q&A here: Octane Value Proposition Panel Discussion

2016 ACE Annual Ethanol Conference Photo Album

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, Ethanol, Octane

GPRE to Purchase Abengoa #Ethanol Plants

Joanna Schroeder August 23, 2016

Green Plains Inc. (GPRE) has announced the successful bid for three of the U.S. ethanol plants for sale by Abengoa Bioenergy as part of the Spanish-based company’s bankruptcy. The company will purchase the Madison, Ill., Mount Vernon, Ind. and York, Neb. ethanol facilities, with combined annual production capacity of 236 million gallons per year, for approximately $237 million in cash, plus certain working capital adjustments.

“We continue to focus on making strategic investments in high quality assets as we expand our production footprint,” said Todd Becker, president and chief executive officer at Green Plains. “The Madison and Mount Vernon plants will give us access to the Mississippi River, supporting our new export terminal planned in Beaumont, Texas. In addition, we will broaden our product offering globally with industrial alcohol production at the York plant. These acquisitions further our commitment to deliver long-term value for both Green Plains Inc. and Green Plains Partners shareholders.”

Upon completion of the acquisitions, Green Plains will own and operate 17 dry mill ethanol facilities with combined production capacity of nearly 1.5 billion gallons per year.

The sale of all Abengoa assets are subject to review and approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court with a court hearing scheduled for August 29, 2016. Green Plains expects the acquisitions to be complete by the end of September 2016.

biofuels, Ethanol

How to Tell #Biofuel’s Sustainability Story

Joanna Schroeder August 22, 2016

Sustainability is a key topic in both the biofuels industry as well as among consumers. However, each person seems to have a different definition of what exactly sustainable means. Industry efforts have included ongoing tactics to improve the environmental footprint and the panel discussion, “What Does Sustainability Mean for Biofuel Producers Today? How Will It Affect Your Business Tomorrow?” covered the gambit during the 29th annual American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Conference. Emily Johannes, director of ResourceMax with K Coe Isom, began her presentation by noting that sustainable is not an end-state; it’s a journey.

She counseled attendees that their companies need to capture their environmental efforts and learn how to leverage them and get the story out to consumers. Johannes explained the the sustainability message has three legs to the stool: economics, social component and environmental.

“The future of biofuels in in the consumer,” said Johannes. “Generation Z – today’s teenagers – are talking now about the types of vehicles they are going to drive.”

She concluded her presentation with a reminder – sustainability is about people – and a tip. “It is important to set your own framework for sustainability and then create goals and initiatives to meet your sustainability goals.”

Listen to Emily Johannes’s presentation here: Sustainability and Biofuel Producers Presentation

2016 ACE Annual Ethanol Conference Photo Album

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, biofuels, Environment, Ethanol

Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy Celebrates 10 Years

Joanna Schroeder August 22, 2016

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy (PHAE) hosted a public celebration on Friday, August 19, 2016. The event featured a cookout and an open swim at the Armory in Phillipsburg.

PHAE CEO and General Manager Joe Kreutzer said the event served as a pat on the back to local residents for their support over the years. “Prairie Horizon Agri-Energy is proud to be celebrating its 10-year anniversary of producing ethanol. The vision started 13 years ago by a local group of individuals looking to bring jobs to the community. It quickly turned into not only jobs but a chance to be part of an industry that promoted home grown fuels, cleaned up the environment, and replaced oil.”

Kreutzer continued, “We would like to thank our employees, our investors, our community, and all of our industry partners that have made our first 10 years a success. We look forward to the next 10 years as we push to expand the ethanol industry and spread the word of the benefits of ethanol.”

Prairie Horizon is a limited liability corporation owned by 300 local investors. The plant employs thirty-five people and produces 40 million gallons of ethanol on a yearly basis.

biofuels, Ethanol

Webinar: Growing Your Business with #Biodiesel

Joanna Schroeder August 22, 2016

Fuel Marketer News and REG are hosting a webinar on September 22, 2016 at 1:30 CDT entitled, “Growing Your Business with Biodiesel Blended Fuel.” The webinar will focus on how to grow your business with biodiesel with a case study from Growmark on how they use biodiesel blended fuel to drive margin for their fuel business.

Speakers include REG’s Executive Director of Sales & Marketing Jon Scharing. He will offer an update on biodiesel demand in the coming years and how the RVO requirements and sustainability movement will impact demand. He will also discuss the implications this may have on travel centers. Scharing will be joined by Scott Long, manager of marketing and business development for Growmark. Long will discuss how biodiesel blended fuel offers fuel marketers opportunities to enhance their bottom line and expand their product offering. He will talk about the pros and cons to integrating biodiesel into their operation, how they market biodiesel to customers, issues regarding cold weather use and how biodiesel is helping grow their business.

All registrants will receive a free copy of the “Feedstock Flexibility – The Key to Delivering Reliable Biodiesel” white paper. Click here for this free webinar.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Education, GROWMARK, REG

#ACE2016 Discusses the Future of #Ethanol

Joanna Schroeder August 22, 2016

What is the future of ethanol? This was the topic of discussion during the recent 29th annual American Coalition for Ethanol Conference (ACE). The panel included Chad Friese, General Manager, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company; Delayne Johnson, Quad County Corn Processors CEO; and East Kansas Agri-Energy President and CEO Jeff Oestmann.

From Left to right: The Future of Ethanol panel during #ACE16 was moderated by ACE EVP Brian Jennings and included Delayne Johnson, CEO Quad County Corn Processors; Jeff Oestmann, President & CEO, East Kansas Agri-Energy; and Chad Friese, GM, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company.

One of the key topics was how to keep the ethanol industry, and thus an ethanol plant, profitable. Oestmann noted that Chippewa Valley has been profitable 19 out of 20 years even through all economic conditions. Why? Diversify. Diversify. Diversify, and manage risk. This sentiment was readily agreed upon by all the panelists.

Another question discussed included how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is affecting business. In the case of Quad County, Johnson said the EPA is making too many cellulosic waiver credits – around $1.33 per RIN. However, he is hoping that RINS increase to $2.00 next year and if this happens, it will create a $2 to $2.5 million dollar per year revenue stream.

When asked how to position ethanol for long-term success, Friese noted that the country needs to move to higher blends. “We can’t let the EPA continue to hide behind a blend wall. We can’t rely on an export market. We have to find a place for advanced to go into the market.

Listen to the full discussion here: Conversation about the Future of Ethanol

2016 ACE Annual Ethanol Conference Photo Album

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, biofuels, Cellulosic, E15, EPA, Ethanol

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