#Ethanol Moving #America into Energy Independence

Joanna Schroeder June 21, 2016

Bill Couser is a fifth generation farmer and livestock operator from Nevada, Iowa. He is also one of the founders of Lincolnway Energy, a 50 million-per-year-gallon ethanol plant, and past president of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. We heard his story during his testimony at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renewable Fuel Standard (#RFS) hearing that recently took place in Kansas City, Missouri.

Couser began his testimony but saying that 9-11 started everything, and he recalls walking with his dad who said that he should be prepared for his country to ask him to do things he never imagined.

“We went around to communities across the country and we built these ethanol plants and we became on the way to energy independent. And we look at what happened to livestocks and farming operations as they saw those new feedstuffs that opened up new markets and made us more competitive across the the world and across our country. And also those dollars stayed home in main street America. Look what’s happened in our small community where businesses have grown.

Being the co-chair of ARF [America’s Renewable Future] these past few months and meeting all the presidential candidates, I understand the issues, and the facts they don’t understand about the RFS2 and what’s going on.”

He added that as a farmer and ethanol producer who survived through the 80s on government subsidies, today he is proud that he is no longer receiving subsidies either as a farmer or as an ethanol producer. Why? Because the RFS is a safety net, and that’s what he expects to be able to continue to use down the road.

Listen to more of Bill Couser’s testimonial story here: Bill Couser testimony at EPA hearing

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Awards Kick off the #FEW16

Chuck Zimmerman June 21, 2016

The opening general session of the 2016 Fuel Ethanol Workshop produced by BBI International kicked off with two key awards. First up was the High Octane Award presented to Tom Buis, Growth Energy, by Mike and Tom Bryan.

The High Octane Award acknowledges a person who has helped the ethanol industry mature and progress over the years. This award, established in 2000 by BBI International, recognizes a person whose passion and unstoppable pursuits have significantly benefited the ethanol industry. The High Octane Award honors a person for his or her passion and unstoppable pursuits that just seem to drive their daily routines and commitments.

The Award of Excellence was presented to Charles Abbas, Archer Daniels Midland, by Tom Bryan.

The Award of Excellence, established by BBI International in 2000, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the fuel ethanol industry through their research, technical advisory and/or development activities.

I’ll be here at the FEW for the duration and will be collecting interviews to share with you throughout the week.

You can find photos from the 2016 FEW here: 2016 FEW Photo Album

2015 Fuel Ethanol Workshop Photo Album

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FEW

DuPont Launches SYNERXIA Fermentation System

Joanna Schroeder June 21, 2016

Heading in to this year’s Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW), DuPont Industrial Biosciences has launched the SYNERXIA® Fermentation System to assist ethanol producers improve their yields by up to 2 percent while at the same time lowering total sugar levels at drop by up to 25 percent.

“We believe that the best technology delivers performance and is easy to use,” said Troy Wilson, global business leader, Grain Processing. “The SYNERXIA Fermentation System launched today is designed to do just that – deliver better performance and take the guesswork out of dosing glucoamylase with bioengineered yeast.”

DuPont says the system includes SYNERXIA® PRIME ADYT, a bioengineered yeast paired with the world’s only commercial dry trehalase. Compared to cream yeast, DuPont says its active dry yeast requires no special storage or handling. The system also includes, says DuPont, SYNERXIA® PRIME LC, a new glucoamylase blend that delivers three times the debranching activity of conventional glucoamylase. The glucoamylase included in the SYNERXIA Fermentation System liberates more glucose for the yeast to ferment, improving ethanol yield. Additional benefits include 20-25 percent lower sugar levels at drop and full end-to-end onsite technical support.

FEW Attendees will be able to learn more about the technology during a presentation by Vivek Sharma, one of the technology developers, on the FEW Innovation Stage Tuesday, June, 21 at 2:40 pm CT.

biofuels, enzymes, Ethanol, FEW

E15 250 Winner and Enogen Hospitality Visitor

Chuck Zimmerman June 20, 2016

The winner of Sunday’s American Ethanol E15 250 NASCAR Infity Race presented by Enogen is Sam Hornish, Jr. He’s pictured in the winner’s circle with his team and the Syngenta Enogen team. So congratulations to him and all the drivers who once again raced on an E15 blend of fuel.

Prior to the race Syngenta Enogen hosted a large number of farmers and other customers to the race and they received a special visit from Justin Allgaier, driver of the Brandt car. I spoke with Justin at the hospitality tent and you can watch the whole interview below.

Justin is a great advocate for American agriculture and not just because of his sponsor. He says, “Our agriculture industry is really what drives this whole nation.” He says he has even raced some cars that run on 90% ethanol! He knows there are a lot of misconceptions about ethanol and he’s glad to have the opportunity to help educate people about it.

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

Agribusiness, biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NASCAR, Racing, Syngenta, Video

#RFS is Glorious World Solution to Oil’s Grip

Joanna Schroeder June 20, 2016

The Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) is critical to giving investors the confidence to invest in advanced biofuels said Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Biofuels Council, during the #RFS Hearing hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Coleman focused his testimony on the perspectives of investments in second generation biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol.

“We want to innovate the fuel marketplace. But the problem we have, there’s two pieces of it – the global problem and the domestic problem. The global problem that we have from an investment perspective is OPEC is doing to us as it is doing to everybody right now. They are artificially driving down the price of oil to put frackers out of business in this country. And they have meetings once a month to decide whether they should take their hands off our neck or whether our industry and our oil rigs counts are down enough and the Saudi shares of oil are up enough. And for investors that see that at a macro scale don’t want to do that. It would be much more fun to get yelled at by their boss for making a mistake in real estate or bonds. And so there is this tremendous, macro global risk from an investment perspective that stems from the legality of collusion globally.

And on the domestic side we have to sell our product to the oil industry, that, believe it or not, does not want to reduce our dependence on oil.

So we have this double-edged problem. And the RFS is a glorious, best in the world solution to that problem because of one word: obligation. When the investors look at the RFS what they see is a perfect solution to that problem….So when it comes to why the #RFSMatters, the key is not just that the oil industry is required to use renewable fuels, but it’s that they can’t wriggle out of it.”

Listen to Brook Coleman’s testimony here: Brooke Coleman, Advanced Biofuels Council testimony at EPA hearing

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.@Novozymes Tells EPA #RFSWorks

Joanna Schroeder June 20, 2016

Kim Bertz lives in rural Missouri and is a wife, mother and farm wife who has worked for Novozymes for nine years. She recently testified at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and noted that as both a farmer and consumer, she understands first-hand the widespread benefits the RFS provides.

Bertz stated during her testimony, “I’m here appealing for you to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard (#RFS) as prescribed by the law. Your work is a responsibility to do what is right for our nation and for its future generations.

Fuel is the lifeblood of this resource rich nation enabling development, production of goods, services, people and industry to move about and across its borders. However, as America grows we need to increase our own inner strength and sustainability. We need to become less dependent on foreign countries.

I fully support the RFS compliance because increasing domestic renewable fuels leads to greater national security, more American jobs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and can further incent, broader, further reaching investment that enable the opportunities I describe above, giving our nation the much needed strength and ability to survive.”

Listen to Kim Bertz’s testimony here: Kim Bertz, Novozymes, testimony at EPA hearing

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Gevo to Supply Isobutanol for Blending for Gas

Joanna Schroeder June 20, 2016

Gevo has signed an agreement with Musket Corporation to supply isobutanol to be blended with gasoline in Musket fuel markets that are distributed under the Love’s Family of Companies brand. Initial target markets are expected to include the marine and off-road markets in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Musket is initially targeting retail pumps at Lake Havasu in Arizona, followed by other large marine markets such as Lake Powell, Lake Mead, as well as other large lakes in the western states. Later, Musket also anticipates expanding distribution into its core Oklahoma market.

The biofuel will be produced in Gevo’s Luverne, Minnesota biorefinery with plans to ship railcar quantities. Musket says as demand grows, it will increase quantities purchased.

Gasoline demand for the marine market in the U.S. is estimated to be approximately 1.7 billion gallons per year. Gevo says the National Marine Manufacturers Association has endorsed the use of its isobutanol in the marine fuel market because of the superior properties of isobutanol-blended gasolines, namely: prevent moisture absorption and phase separation; reduce engine corrosion; provide higher energy content; and contain a high octane rating.

“We believe Musket is an excellent partner to expand the use of isobutanol in gasoline blends, as our isobutanol production at Luverne builds. Musket and Love’s are significant players in fuel distribution and retail in the U.S., so they have great reach to get our isobutanol into the market,” said Dr. Patrick Gruber, Chief Executive Officer of Gevo.

biofuels, isobutanol

It’s #4Energy4Enogen at the #E15 Race

Joanna Schroeder June 19, 2016

It’s E15 race time at the Iowa Speedway today. The American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen kicked off this weekend with a press conference that included representatives from Syngenta, American Ethanol, Growth Energy and Quad County Corn Processors.

Syngenta and Growth Energy are working together for the fourth consecutive year with Iowa Speedway to demonstrate the value of E15 at the NASCAR XFINITY Series American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen on June 19, 2016.

Representing a wide array of ethanol supporters, from farmers to bioengineering firms, American Ethanol was established by Growth Energy in partnership with the National Corn Growers Association to increase awareness about the value of American-made ethanol.

“Ethanol is helping America reduce its dependence on foreign oil, lowering prices at the pump, improving the environment with lower emissions, and growing the economy with jobs that can’t be outsourced,” said Jack Bernens, head of Enogen at Syngenta. “The American Ethanol E15 250 is an excellent opportunity to engage consumers and help increase awareness for the benefits of Earth-friendly American ethanol. Syngenta is pleased to once again be working with Iowa Speedway, Growth Energy and the FFA to support the ethanol industry through our sponsorship of this signature event to tell ethanol’s story.”

Enogen® corn enzyme technology is an exclusive in-seed innovation from Syngenta and features the first biotech corn output trait designed specifically to enhance ethanol production. Syngenta is currently contracting with 20 ethanol plants in eight states with a combined production capacity of more than 1.5 billion gallons.

Last year, Syngenta announced it would donate one dollar for every acre planted with Enogen corn to the Prime the Pump Fund during 2015-16. Prime the Pump is helping high-volume, progressive-minded and industry-leading fuel retailers, who will demonstrate the performance, cost savings and profit opportunity of marketing higher ethanol blends such as E15. During race weekend, local FFA members will be engaging racegoers to help tell ethanol’s story and raise funds for the Prime the Pump Fund, which will be matched by Syngenta.

Retail partnerships like Prime the Pump are more important than ever as a strategy for growing demand for American ethanol, said Kelly Manning, vice president of development for Growth Energy.
“American ethanol has become an important success story,” Manning said. “For our industry to enjoy sustainable success, however, there needs to be an increase in ethanol demand. Looking ahead, retail partnerships will be key to expanding the availability for higher ethanol blends.”

Listen to or download the audio of the press conference here: Enogen Press Conference

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

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

.@Syngenta Delivers Innovation to the #RFS

Joanna Schroeder June 19, 2016

Cody Snyder, technical services manager for Enogen with Syngenta, expressed his concern to the EPA panel recently during the hearing on the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rules for 2017-2018. He began by stressing that a cut in the proposed corn-ethanol volumes will have a negative effect on rural economies. He noted that Syngenta, one of the globe’s largest companies, has one clear purpose: bringing plant potential to life. Snyder said improving crop protection and productivity while improving sustainability are key elements of their products, and their commitment to biofuels has demonstrated these objectives in action.

“Syngenta has demonstrated its commitment to the cellulosic industry through the development of Enogen corn enzyme technology and its partnership with Quad County Corn Processors and their state-of-the-art Cellerate process. Enogen is a perfect example of what the RFS has enabled through private investments of biofuels. Our company has dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars to the development of this revolutionary technology and its proven to provide a premium back to the farm economy and deliver unparalleled environmental benefits to the ethanol production process.”

He continued, “Trial results have concluded that for a 100 million-per-gallon ethanol plant, Enogen corn enabled efficiency improvements and saved more than 68 million gallons of water, nearly 10 million kilowatts of electricity, and more than 300 million btus of natural gas reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 100 million pounds…This partnership has enabled Syngenta to deliver innovation to the RFS, especially the RFS2,” Synder testified.

To learn more about Syngenta’s commitment to the ethanol industry and providing American’s homegrown renewable energy, listen to Cody Synder’s entire testimony here: Cody Synder, Syngenta, testimony at EPA hearing

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CE&P’s Sugarcane-to-Ethanol Plant Moves Forward

Joanna Schroeder June 17, 2016

California Ethanol & Power LLC (CE&P) proposed sugarcane-to-ethanol plant project is moving forward. To be located in Imperial Valley, California, CE&P has awarded the project management, engineering and construction contract to Technip, who will also serve as the contractor. The company says it plans have all finances in place in late 2016 with a ground-breaking following shortly thereafter.

“We look forward to providing CE&P with immediate local support for this project. Our technical team is backed by Technip’s global experience in ethanol technologies and plant construction which is a perfect match for this project,” said Jeroen Snijder, general manager and vice president of Technip Stone & Webster Process Technology’s center in Claremont.

David R. Rubenstein, president and CEO of CE&P, added, “Technip has decades of experience working in renewable energy, alcohol and water treatment. We look forward to having a worldwide long-term partner who will bring valuable expertise and efficiencies to our project. Together with Technip, we will collectively work toward our goal of building a facility that produces extremely low carbon ethanol, base-load renewable electricity, and pipeline quality biogas. The project will spur local economic and agricultural development in the form of sustainable crops and the resulting jobs generated from building a renewable energy facility.”

advanced biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol

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