Biocognito Assists #Biobased Companies Enter Market

Joanna Schroeder June 10, 2016

Biobased was a hot topic at this year’s Corn Utilization Technology Conference (#CUTC16) and one person on hand who knows a lot about the emerging technologies in this space is Nathan Danielson, who works for Biocognito. The company is a small consulting firm that counsels businesses working to bring new technologies to the biomaterials space. He said that many of his clients are located in California because there is great interest in new materials and discovering new ways to use corn. He added that there are a lot of private investors that are excited about this area as well.

Danielson was very involved in the planning of this year’s CUTC conference and served as chair for two sessions. His panel focused on near-term and long-term technologies that have a significant potential to increase corn utilization from lab to commercialization. “One of the things I challenged the speakers to think about was how do you find a home for the next one billion bushels of corn,” said Danielson.

He is also chair of the poster committee with more than 40 posters on display. Danielson focuses on the student side of the presentations although there are also posters from companies. He said each year he walks away saying he can’t believe they just keep getting better and better. He has been chairing this committee for four years and has found that, “What I love about this session is that it show’s how bright the future is for this industry. When you get this many people with this talent and this dedication getting into the industry it makes me really happy to be a part of it.”

To learn more listen to Chuck Zimmerman’s interview with Nathan Danielson here: Interview with Danielson, Biocognito

Check out pictures from the conference: 2016 CUTC Photo Album.

Audio, biochemicals, biofuels, biomaterials, bioplastics, bioproducts, corn, CUTC

Iowa RFA Out in Force at @EPA #RFS Hearing

Cindy Zimmerman June 10, 2016

Representatives of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) nearly had a whole panel to themselves at the EPA hearing in Kansas City yesterday on proposed volume obligations for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

Testifying at the hearing were IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw, Managing Director Lucy Norton, Policy Director Grant Menke, and Communications Director T.J. Page. Many other members of the organization also testified at the event showing the strength of Iowa as the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production, with 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing more than 4 billion gallons annually, including 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity, and 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 315 million gallons annually.

Shaw stressed that those unable to make the hearing can still comment on the proposal. “All Iowans have a chance to ensure their voices are heard by visiting the IRFA website (www.IowaRFA.org) and signing a letter that urges the EPA to establish higher volumes of ethanol and biodiesel in the final RFS rule,” says Shaw, adding that the letter will be sent to EPA prior to the July 11, 2016 public comment deadline.

Listen to testimony from the IRFA staff here: Iowa RFA RFS Testimony

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NBB’s Anne Steckel Calls for More #Biodiesel

Joanna Schroeder June 9, 2016

Biofuel supporters from around the U.S. were in Kansas City, Missouri today to share their personal stories of how the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has benefited them, their communities and the country. The EPA held a hearing to collect comments about its 2018 proposed rule for biomass-based diesel volumes, the fuel category in which biodiesel supplies the majority of gallons.

Led by National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Chairman Ron Marr along with NBB Vice President Anne Steckel, the biodiesel industry had representatives from Louisiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Dakota and Rhode Island to give testimony. The group delivered the message that the biodiesel industry creates jobs while the renewable fuel reduces pollution and diversifies the country’s fuel mix, a move that strengthens U.S. energy security.

“Biodiesel is the most successful Advanced Biofuel in the nation, and plants like mine can do so much more with the right policy signals,” Marr, biodiesel manager at Minnesota Soybean Processors, said during his testimony. “Our industry is ready to expand production with new jobs and economic impact. By the EPA’s own analysis, biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 57 percent and as much as 86 percent. So if our nation is serious about cutting emissions in the transportation sector, this proposal needs to be strengthened to truly capture biodiesel’s potential while putting more Americans to work in the clean energy sector.”

According to NBB, biodiesel is the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide. It has made up the vast majority of Advanced Biofuel production under the RFS to date, and according to the EPA, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent to 86 percent compared with petroleum diesel. The EPA proposal would establish a 2.1-billion-gallon Biomass-based Diesel requirement in 2018, up from the 2-billion-gallon requirement for 2017. NBB has called for at least 2.5 billion gallons in 2018, as the industry is already on pace to exceed 2.1 billion gallons in 2016. There remains substantial unused production and distribution capacity in the United States.

Steckel stressed during her testimony, “Ending our dependence on fossil fuels is among the great challenges of our time. Changing the way we power our vehicles requires bold, aggressive action, and the RFS is the most effective policy we have for accomplishing that. The RFS is not a status quo policy. It was designed to drive investment and innovation by providing stability and incentives for the development of clean alternative fuels. But this proposal falls short of that goal.”

Listen to Chuck Zimmerman’s interview with Anne Steckel here: Interview with Anne Steckel, NBB

Listen to Anne Steckel’s testimony here: Anne Steckel, NBB #RFS Testimony

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Court Dumps EU #Ethanol Duty

Cindy Zimmerman June 9, 2016

Breaking news came from Europe today as ethanol supporters were gathered in Kansas City that a European court has ruled against the European Union’s (EU) countrywide 9.5 percent antidumping duty on all ethanol imported from the United States. The duty had been in place since February 2013.

Both the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy are pleased with the ruling that the five-year antidumping duty of $83.03 per metric ton was invalid. The trade organizations filed a joint complaint in May 2013, outlining violations by the European Commission in its antidumping investigation. The antidumping duty had effectively shut out U.S. ethanol producers from accessing the European market, which before the penalty was imposed had represented a 300-million-gallon market for our industry.

“The antidumping duty should have never been assessed,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “We feel vindicated and thank the EU General Court for its commonsense ruling.”

“From the beginning, we believed the implementation of an EU duty on imported ethanol violated EU law,” said Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO. “We would like to thank the EU General Court for its fair and logical ruling, and are pleased with their decision.”

However, the antidumping duty remains in place, pending a possible appeal by the EU. The EU has approximately two months to file an appeal.

Listen to Bob Dinneen’s comments on the ruling: RFA CEO Bob Dinneen on EU ruling

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Supporters Rally for #Biofuels at @EPA #RFS Hearing

Joanna Schroeder June 9, 2016

Ethanol advocates called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase ethanol and other biofuel volumes in next year’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) today. Fuels America held a press conference with several leading biofuel advocates that was kicked off with comments from Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, a long-time and vocal ethanol opponent.

“A strong RFS means more jobs here at home, greater energy security, and a cleaner environment,” said Gov. Ricketts. “The biofuels industry supports more than 852,000 American jobs and creates fuel we need to help our country become energy independent. It also stimulates investments in states like Nebraska, where we are on the forefront of research, development, and infrastructure for first- and second-generation biofuels.”

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen continued the ethanol success story by discussing how the RFS is the country’s most successful energy policy of all time. “The EPA’s proposed targets would needlessly undermine America’s most successful clean energy program,” said Dinneen. “At a minimum, we must hit the statutory levels set by Congress to slash U.S. dependence on foreign oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save consumers money at the pump. From any objective standpoint, the choice should be simple – more clean, American energy and less foreign oil.”

New Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor has hit the ground running and focused her remarks on the environmental benefits of biofuels. “Our call to action has never been more important,” said Skor. “Ethanol is an earth-friendly biofuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and displaces chemicals in gasoline that form potent carcinogens when burned. Most importantly, ethanol offers consumers affordable options and a choice at the gas pump. It’s vital that the EPA meet the statutory biofuel targets for America’s 2017 fuel mix.”

While Chip Bowling, a long-time Agvocate and president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) stressed the effect the RFS has had on farmers and their commitment to increasing ethanol fuel choices at the pump. “Farmers, along with the ethanol industry and U.S. Department of Agriculture, have invested millions in new ethanol pumps and fuel infrastructure so that drivers can access affordable, renewable fuel choices,” said Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “Now it’s up to the EPA to deliver on its promises. We have the resources to meet all our needs, spur investment in rural communities, and create more high-tech jobs.”

Listen to the full press conference here: Fuels America RFS Hearing Press Conference

Check out the EPA Hearing Photo Album.

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Missouri Ag Director Welcomes #RFS Hearing

Cindy Zimmerman June 9, 2016

Last year’s EPA hearing on proposed volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was held in Kansas City, Kansas – this year, the hearing moved across the river to the Missouri side of Kansas City and Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce was pleased to welcome everyone to the Show Me State.

“We appreciate EPA coming and listening to folks talk about the RFS, we really appreciate the fact that you’re in Missouri this year,” said Fordyce, who is also a corn, soybean and cattle farmer from the northwest part of the state.

Fordyce talked about Missouri’s leadership in the biofuels industry. “Missouri is the proud home of six ethanol plants,” he said. “We built a biodiesel plant right here in Kansas City.”

He also discussed how biofuels have helped all segments of the agriculture industry in Missouri, including livestock. Listen to his comments here: MO Ag Director Fordyce EPA hearing testimony

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Nebraska Governor Supports #RFS

Cindy Zimmerman June 9, 2016

The governor of Nebraska testified at the Environmental Protection Agency hearing in Kansas City today on the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) being implemented as intended by Congress. The governor also took part in a Fuels America press conference during the hearing this morning.

“The Renewable Fuel Standard is one of the most successful energy policies adopted by Congress,” said Gov. Pete Ricketts in his testimony. “The RFS laid a foundation for biofuels to provide consumers with renewable fuel choices in a market controlled by the petroleum industry.”

Listen to Gov. Ricketts’ testimony here: NE Gov. Ricketts EPA hearing testimony

Listen to a brief interview with Gov. Ricketts at the hearing here: Gov. Ricketts interview

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RFA on First Panel at EPA Hearing

Chuck Zimmerman June 9, 2016

Over 100 biofuels supporters are in Kansas City this morning for another public hearing on the EPA’s proposed volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Up on the first panel was Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen who woke everyone up with a strongly worded message to EPA.

“We encourage EPA to truly put the RFS ‘back on track’ and finalize the 2017 conventional renewable fuel renewable volume obligation (RVO) at the 15-billion-gallon statutory level. EPA’s proposed rule for the 2017 RVOs marks an improvement over the final rule for 2014-2016 RVOs, but it ultimately falls victim to the same legal malady that plagued your last rulemaking,” Dinneen testified. “Simply put, EPA continues to allege that ‘supply’ somehow equates to the capacity to distribute or consume renewable fuels. However, the statute does not allow EPA to consider imagined constraints on distribution when deciding whether to utilize a general waiver of the volumes. The intent of Congress was abundantly clear: if the physical supply of renewable fuel exists to satisfy statutory volumes, then EPA must enforce the consumption of those volumes. And it is beyond dispute that the industry is providing an adequate supply to meet the statutory mandate for conventional biofuels.”

Listen to Dinneen’s full testimony statement here: RFA CEO Bob Dinneen EPA hearing testimony

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Syngenta’s Enogen Tech Improves Corn to #Ethanol Output

Joanna Schroeder June 9, 2016

The 10th annual Corn Utilization Technology Conference (#CUTC16) took place in St. Louis this week and featured several corn technologies. One such advance is Enogen, developed by Syngenta. The product was designed to improve the conversion from starch to ethanol enabling facilities to produce more ethanol per bushel. Miloud Araba, head of technical services for Enogen, discussed the enzyme technology that makes more ethanol from corn happen.

Araba gave an update on Syngenta’s partnership with Quad County Corn Processors who developed a cellulosic production technology called Cellerate that produces more ethanol in the fiber of the kernel. He noted that one of the best things about the technology is that it offers an unusual combination: Cellerate increases ethanol and yield at the same time. Now add the Enogen technology and wow.

The ethanol industry has done extremely well, said Araba, and Cellerate is part of a great future. Being able to increase yields and ethanol production, he added, means growers don’t have far to go to offer more energy to the nation.

Even better, the new product is a good solution for everyone. “You’re not only bringing value to the ethanol plant, you’re bringing value to the farmer–the corn grower,” Araba explained. “In this case you’ve turned the farmer not only into a corn provider, but also an enzyme provider. And so this is what we like to call a win, win, win. A win for the community, a win for the farmer, and also a win for the ethanol plant.”

Araba added that he is hearing great feedback from participants at the conference because of the simplicity of the process. “Technologies do not have to be complex to bring a lot of value.”

Listen to Chuck Zimmerman’s interview with Miloud Araba here: Interview with Miloud Araba, Syngenta

Check out pictures from the conference: 2016 CUTC Photo Album.

advanced biofuels, Audio, corn, CUTC, enzymes, Ethanol, Syngenta

#Ethanol Research Director to Testify at Hearing

Cindy Zimmerman June 9, 2016

The Executive Director of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) in Illinois will be at the EPA hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in Kansas City today to repeat the same comments he has made at the last several hearings on the subject.

“Ironically, they are very similar to the comments I presented in 2015, in 2014 and in December of 2013,” says John Caupert, who directs the NCERC at Southern Illinois University. “When you have policy unrest, it creates market unrest; when you have market unrest, you have investment unrest, and when there is uncertainty and unrest in the investment community, investment in research, development and new technology deployment stops. This is the impact these proposed rulings are having on the investment community.”

Caupert was heading to Kansas City for the hearing today after spending two days at the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference in St. Louis where there was a lot of focus on research in corn ethanol area, particularly the concept of biorefineries creating multiple products from corn. “This is the one conference that truly brings industry, academia, government and trade all together with the common goal of creating value added opportunity and new uses for corn,” he said.

Listen to an interview with Caupert here and stay tuned for coverage of the hearing today: Interview John Caupert, NCERC

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