G20 Ministers Recognize Renewables Progress

Joanna Schroeder July 5, 2016

During a G20 Energy Ministers meeting in Beijing last week, energy ministers and other senior officials recognized recent progress made to increase the use of renewable energy. The review took place alongside the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to take stock of work completed under the G20 Toolkit of Voluntary Options for Renewable Energy Deployment, adopted last year at the first-ever G20 Energy Ministers meeting in Istanbul.

“The dramatic and ongoing shift in the global energy sector accelerated in 2015. Renewable energy costs have declined dramatically and will continue to do so, investment reached record levels, and global capacity additions set new record highs,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin. “Much of this can be attributed to the G20’s strong commitment to renewables.”

In 2015, Energy Ministers endorsed an 11-point Communiqué, including the adoption of a renewable energy toolkit, that assists countries in identifying and deploying renewable energy opportunities. The toolkit focuses on five areas including: Driving down technology costs; Exchanging good practices on enabling policy frameworks and power system integration; Mobilising finance through risk mitigation; Technology potentials and roadmaps; and Deployment of modern bioenergy. During the meeting, progress in each area was reviewed.

Of note, in April of this year IRENA released a paper, “Boosting Biofuels: sustainable Paths to Greater Energy Security,” which provides an overview of the challenges of scaling up biofuels and different means for G20 countries to overcome those challenges.

Building on the success already achieved through the toolkit, Energy Ministers are now considering a G20 Voluntary Action Plan on Renewable Energy to drive the continued expansion of renewable energy in G20 countries.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, bioenergy, Ethanol

Happy 4th of July

Joanna Schroeder July 4, 2016

ZimmComm

#Ethanol Helps Americans Celebrate Independence Day

Joanna Schroeder July 4, 2016

Food City supporting ethanol blended fuel at its retail station in Fairfield Glade, TN. Photo Credit: Joanna Schroeder

With gas prices predicted to be the lowest in many cities across the country since 2005, record travel is expected this July 4th weekend. The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) would like the 43 million travelers this holiday weekend to know that one reason they are saving money at the pump is because of homegrown #ethanol and more specifically the Renewable Fuel Standard (#RFS). The RFS, says ACE, provides consumers with an abundant supply of low-cost, high-octane ethanol that is blended with gasoline. This helps prove the benefits of ethanol extend far beyond rural America and in fact improves people’s lives nationwide.

“With economic anxiety gripping many parts of the world, American families traveling to celebrate our nation’s independence this weekend are saving between $700 and $1000 on gasoline this year compared to prior years,” said ACE Executive Vice President Brian Jennings. “The RFS is one reason for this relief at the pump because it ensures a domestic supply of low cost ethanol which also cuts greenhouse gas emissions because it is a low carbon, high-octane performance fuel. Since ethanol production also results in an abundance of nutritious and high-protein livestock feed, the RFS helps fuel and feed the nation.”

The Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) is reporting that for the 1st half of the year, gas prices nationwide averaged $2.04 a gallon which is inspiring motorists to take that car trip they may not have been able to afford in past years. It’s the second straight year that July gas price averages are under three dollars a gallon. Combine that with the recent International Food Policy Research Institute report showing that there isn’t a link between ethanol and rising food costs, these factors, says ACE, show that the RFS is working as intended despite what the critics want you to believe.

ACE, biofuels, Ethanol

#Enogen4Energy Committed to #Ethanol & #Farmers

Joanna Schroeder July 1, 2016

One theme for the very successful ethanol NASCAR race weekend at Iowa Speedway was #4Enogen4Energy – or seeing in action Syngenta’s commitment to the American ethanol industry and to American farmers. To learn more about Syngenta’s work in the ethanol industry and how it ties to innovative seeds for corn farmers, Chuck Zimmerman spoke with Ponsi Trivisvavet, president of Syngenta seeds in North America. This the fourth year of Syngenta’s sponsorship of the race known as the American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen.

It’s been a successful program according to Trivisvavet, but this year has been the most successful. Why? Farmers from across the Midwest descended to the Iowa Speedway and on Saturday night Trivisvavet said there were more than 600 growers spending time with Syngenta in their hospitality tent while on race day the number was well over 1,100.

“This is about ethanol. This is about farmers. This is about agriculture. And this is about ethanol and agriculture marrying together,” Trivisvavet noted.

In terms of using the race as a marketing platform for Enogen and Cellerate, Trivisvavet said this event is very critical for them. “The event itself is not about marketing. It’s not about sales. It’s about the long-term relationship we have between Syngenta and our customers and our customers and the ethanol industry. We have been investing significantly in our product Enogen and how we can turn around the whole market to look at the benefits and how we can help increase the yields of ethanol plants. So that is something we are really proud of.”

Trivisvavet added that the weekend was also a way to say thank you to Growth Energy, ethanol plants, farmers and all the people supporting them.

To learn more listen to Chuck’s interview with Ponsi Trivisvavet here: Interview with Ponsi Trivisvavet, President, Syngenta Seeds North America

You can find lots of photos from Iowa Speedway race weekend here: Enogen Syngenta NASCAR Photo Album

American Ethanol, Audio, corn, E15, Enogen, Ethanol, NASCAR, Syngenta

#Ethanol Wins The Race Every Time

Joanna Schroeder July 1, 2016

During the American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen NASCAR XFINITY Series race that recently took place at the Iowa Speedway, Chuck Zimmerman had a moment to catch his breath and chat with Syngenta newbie Marcos Castro, the marketing manager for Enogen. Castro joined the team about two months ago and said his role is to promote the Enogen brand and the Enogen technology.

“It’s a really great technology that we’ve created specifically for the ethanol industry that really creates value across the board,” noted Castro. He said he already enjoys working with ethanol plants and growers in the surrounding communities.

The NASCAR ethanol weekend was a first for Castro and he said that its a fantastic venue to promote ethanol, Enogen and Cellerate. “I’m blown away by the sheer opportunity to be a part of this because I’ve never seen in other sports the proximity of the fans and the whole community of racing. It’s really unique,” said Castro. “I was very fortunate to be a part of the different things going on today to see first hand the interaction between the race car drivers and everything going on, and I think this is a really good fit for what we’re trying to do – to take the message about ethanol to a broader audience.”

Chuck asked Marcos who was going to win and while Marcos hoped the best driver would win, he stressed, “I think ultimately ethanol is winning the race. NASCAR is really showing what a great fuel American grown ethanol is and what it is doing for communities and what it is doing for the country.”

To learn more listen to Chuck’s interview with Marcos Castro here: Interview with Marcos Castro, Enogen-Syngenta

You can find lots of photos from Iowa Speedway race weekend here: Enogen Syngenta NASCAR Photo Album

American Ethanol, Audio, corn, E15, Enogen, enzymes, Ethanol, NASCAR, Syngenta

NBF Elects New Board Member

Joanna Schroeder July 1, 2016

The National Biodiesel Foundation (NBF) has elected Lindsay Fitzgerald who works for Ames, Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group (REG), to its executive committee. NBF was created to advanced initiatives important to the commercial biodiesel industry.

“I am excited to be a part of such an amazing Foundation that focuses on biodiesel research and education. Over the past several years, REG has been a constant supporter and donor to the Foundation, and I have seen the benefits first hand,” said Fitzgerald. “Now is a perfect opportunity to become fully involved in the NBF’s daily activities and decision making.”

Fitzgerald is based out of Washington, DC and joins the NBF on behalf of REG. Prior to joining REG, she worked on Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) implementation at the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) as Director of Regulatory Affairs, and before that at the US Environmental Protection Agency.

“We thank Lindsay and REG for volunteering her time and experience to the Foundation. We look forward to working with her over the next several years,” added NBF President Mike Cunningham. “Through donations to the Foundation, we are able to support important research and educational activities needed for biodiesel’s growth.”

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel

Australia Invests in Biojet Fuel Production Biorefinery

Joanna Schroeder July 1, 2016

Australia is one step closer to opening its first biorefinery dedicated to producing biojet fuels and renewable diesel. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $2.4 million in funding support for Southern Oil Refining to develop and construct a biocrude and biofuel laboratory Yarwun, near Gladstone in Queensland. The lab-scale project will have the ability to grow into a commercial-scale biorefinery. The $5.3 million project is scheduled for completion in March 2019.

ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said there was clear potential for biofuel production and refining in Australia. “Our agricultural industries have an abundance of plant waste that can be ideal biocrude feedstock and there are several potential markets for selling green fuels including aviation, shipping and defense.” Frischknecht continued, “ARENA has previously supported Australian companies like Muradel and Licella to develop innovative technologies for producing biocrude but there is currently no way of refining this into large quantities of useable biofuels. A new biorefinery would be the first step in providing the missing link in the development of an Australian biofuels industry.”

Frischknecht said Southern Oil Refining has struck in-principle agreements with Muradel and Licella for the supply of biocrude for refining, demonstrating how ARENA-supported companies can work together towards achieving commercial outcomes pointing out that the economic opportunities of the project could be significant.

“The United States Navy has a 50 percent target for alternative energy sources by 2020 and the Royal Australian Navy has signed an agreement to explore using more environmentally friendly fuels, significantly increasing demand for green fuels,” said Frischkencht. “Major Australian airlines are also considering these fuels to meet industry-agreed emission reduction targets, with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia recently announcing a partnership to investigate options for locally-produced aviation biofuel.”

Frischknecht said the project would help to determine whether a compelling business case can be made for building a biorefinery capable of producing renewable diesel and jet fuels. As part of the project, the lab will characterize ideal biocrudes and biofuels as the basis for creating the refinery blueprint as well as develop new protocols for the conversion of biocrudes to drop-in-fuels.

advanced biofuels, aviation biofuels, biojet fuel

It’s cookout season – What do you bring to the table?

Jamie Johansen July 1, 2016

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What does Brexit mean for ag?”

It’s been about a week since the United Kingdom voted themselves out of the European Union. I will have to agree with the majority in this poll. It is too early to tell the complete global impact this decision will have on the agricultural industry. The value of the Euro is in question and markets are down around the world. The rest is yet to be seen.

Here are the poll results:

Major consequences – 11%
No impact at all – 16%
Too early to tell – 63%
Don’t know – 5%
Don’t care – 5%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What cookout cuisine do you bring to the table?

The holidays bring family and friends together and those get togethers are always centered around food. The 4th of July is typically all about cookouts. America’s favorite foods remain affordable for the 2016 grilling season. When it comes to cookouts, what do you bring to the table?

ZimmPoll

Iowa Home of American Ethanol #Enogen4Energy

Joanna Schroeder June 30, 2016

#4Energy4Enogen was a hot, fun summer weekend that took place at the Iowa Speedway during the American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen race weekend. Ethanol supporter, NASCAR fan and vice president of market development for Growth Energy Kelly Manning (#Kelly4President – some of the race fans nominated Kelly for President during the weekend) told Chuck Zimmerman that activities around the race and all-around ethanol weekend are extensive.

“This is the best track for us. Frankly it’s in the backyard of one hundred ethanol plants and thousands of farmers and there is lot’s of product being produced in this area, so Iowa Speedway is like home to our program. These folks are a good operation,” Manning said. He noted that ever since Growth Energy/American Ethanol began in NASCAR about six years ago, it was to showcase NASCAR cars and trucks running on 15 percent ethanol. “And really back then this was the proving ground to make sure they can run on the track effectively with a high octane, a high horsepower fuel, and that same fuel can be used in your passenger car.”

Ethanol truly came to life this weekend and one element of ethanol showcase was driver Ty Dillion in the No. 3 Kum & Go E15 NASCAR race car.

American Ethanol was formed about six years ago (Growth Energy was formed in 2009) and even before then Syngenta has been passionate about the industry and what they could do for biofuels, said Manning who continued, “They were the first large scale ag company that invested in Growth Energy and got behind all of our efforts. We’re out there working side by side with them and excited to help promote their products such as Enogen and Cellerate.”

Manning added that now is still the time to promote E15 (the cars are filled up with a green E15 ring) and by the end of the year there will be more than 1,000 retail locations offering consumers the choice of E15 at the pump.

To learn more about American Ethanol’s promotion of E15 and Growth Energy’s long-term partnership with Syngenta, listen to Chuck’s interview with Kelly Manning here: Interview with Kelly Manning, Growth Energy

You can find lots of photos from Iowa Speedway race weekend here: Enogen Syngenta NASCAR Photo Album

American Ethanol, Audio, E15, Enogen, Ethanol, Growth Energy, NASCAR, Syngenta

Brookhaven Nat’l Lab Engineers Plants with Less Lignin

Joanna Schroeder June 30, 2016

Brookhaven National Laboratory is working on the challenge of converting lignin into biofuels and other bioproducts. A research team is looking at the possibility of engineering plants with less lignin. The idea is not new – other research teams have tried but their work resulted in weaker plants and stunted growth, reducing the plants ability to be used as a biomass feedstock.

Postdoctoral associate Yuanheng Cai, biological research associate Xuebin Zhang, and plant biochemist Chang-Jun Liu in the Brookhaven Lab greenhouse with transgenic trees designed to improve biofuel production.

However, led by Chang-Jun Liu, the lead author on the project, they have discovered a novel enzyme involved in lignin synthesis in aspen trees that increases access to biofuel building blocks without altering plant growth. Their research, published in Nature Communications, resulted in an almost 50 percent increase in ethanol yield from healthy aspen trees whose woody biomass released 62 percent more simple sugars than native plants.

“Our study provides a useful strategy for tailoring woody biomass for bio-based applications,” said Jun Liu who notes that lignin makes up about 20 percent of aspen’s woody structures, with cellulose and hemicellulose polymers making up approximately 45 and 25 percent, along with other minor components. “The lignin forms a barrier of sorts around the other polymers. Digestive enzymes can’t get through to break down the cellulose and hemicellulose to release their simple sugars.”

In this study, the scientists explored a creative new strategy for modifying lignin’s structure based on detailed analysis of enzyme structures that were previously solved by Liu’s group using x-rays. The scientists used biochemical analyses to identify a variant of monolignol 4-O-methyltransferase that had a slight chemical “preference” for reacting with one specific type of lignin precursor. The scientists reasoned that this variant had the potential to depress the formation of a particular lignin component.

To test this idea, they transplanted the gene for this variant into a strain of fast-growing aspen trees. The scientists then grew the altered aspen trees alongside untreated control trees in a greenhouse on Brookhaven’s property.

The trees that produced the engineered enzyme had slightly less total lignin in their cell walls. But on further analysis, the scientists found that these trees also had dramatically altered lignin structure, with a significant reduction in the level of one of the two major types of lignin components normally found in aspen trees. Read More

advanced biofuels, biomass, Research

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