Growth Energy, Front Range Give to Veterans

Joanna Schroeder

Growth Energy and Front Range EnergyGrowth Energy Cares, the charitable arm of Growth Energy, and Front Range Energy have donated $125,000 to five veterans’ organizations. The announcement was made during the Growth Energy/Front Range Energy annual golf tournament in Windsor, Colorado. The organizations include the Vail Veterans Program, Hire Heroes USA, Homes for Our Troops, The Fitch Foundation, and WYCO Veterans Alliance. One hundred percent of the tournament’s sponsor contributions will go toward donations to these charities.

The two ethanol groups note that the American ethanol industry’s success has resulted in a reduction to America’s dependence on foreign oil. This industry has created a cleaner, homegrown fuel. Every gallon of clean-burning ethanol decreases the nation’s dependence on oil—one truckload of American ethanol displaces more than 60 barrels of imported oil. The U.S. has cut imports by more than half since the Renewable Fuel Standard was enacted.

“We have always focused on supporting organizations centered on helping our troops and veterans and their families. We are proud to continue doing our part for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for us all and to have a great partner in Front Range Energy in this effort,” said Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO. “Our ability to produce fuel right here at home is the best way to guarantee our service members’ safety while also moving our country forward with a cleaner, less expensive, higher performing fuel choice.”

Dan Sanders, Front Range Energy vice president, added, “Every gallon of American ethanol we produce at Front Range Energy is one gallon less that we have to import and moves us closer to energy independence. I am proud that Front Range Energy can once again host a great event and give back to the soldiers and the families that do so much to secure our freedoms. We pride ourselves on being a very patriotic industry and I can see no better way to give back than to donate to such worthy charities that help our heroes.”

biofuels, Ethanol, Growth Energy

NBB Launches #Biodiesel Media Campaign

Joanna Schroeder

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has launched a new advertising campaign, “More is Less“. The ad show that Americans can reduce carbon emissions and other pollution by using more biodiesel in vehicles and fleets. “Using more biodiesel means less fossil fuel, less carbon emissions, less carcinogens, less environmental impact,” said Donnell Rehagen, NBB’s Chief Operation Officer and Interim CEO. “Even if you don’t drive a diesel vehicle or operate heavy machinery, we are showing consumers that biodiesel is working for you, cleaning the air and improving the environment.”

More is LessBiodiesel is the most commonly used alternative fuel option for fleets with data from the 2016 Fleet Purchasing Outlook study finding 18 percent of fleets use biodiesel today up from 15 percent in 2015. The study also found that more fleets are planning to acquire or continue to use biodiesel than any other alternative fuel option. NBB says demand has been fueled by biodiesel’s low carbon fuel status and its reduction of GHGs by as much as 80 percent or more when compared to petroleum diesel.

Produced by PCI Communications, the 30-second television commercial features Medford Township (New Jersey) Public School buses weaving their way through town while a narrator explains the district’s history with biodiesel. In May, the EPA presented Medford with the 2016 Environmental Champion Award at a ceremony in New York City. The award honors Medford’s outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality and public health. Medford’s leadership in the use of biodiesel alone has eliminated 123,376 pounds of smog-forming emissions, 2,408 pounds of diesel particulate matter and reduced its fleet operation costs by over $170,000.

The 2016 NBB campaign also includes a refreshed website. Additional vignettes include:

  • City of New York: In 2013, New York City planned for their 9,000 diesel-powered municipal fleet vehicles to biodiesel blends. It began with the Parks Department, which found compliance so easy it soon upped its biodiesel use to B-20 in its vehicles. Other departments followed suit, including the Department of Sanitation, which began using biodiesel in all of its fleet vehicles. With Sanitation consuming 80% of New York City’s fleet fuel, its move to biodiesel has paid dividends. The city has experienced a 19% reduction in carbon emissions since 2005, on track to reaching an 80 percent reduction by 2050.
  • Salt River Project, electricity provider to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area: Biodiesel provides power for more than 900 of the company’s vehicles. Since its biodiesel pilot program began in 1999, SRP has converted 41% of its fleet to B-20. Of its nearly 2,300 vehicles, 950 run on biodiesel. By using more B20 in its fleet, SRP has saved money and upheld its environmental stewardship.

In addition to the stories of biodiesel use from local enthusiasts, visitors to the website are invited to learn more about biodiesel and even take a fun quiz to “Test Your Bio-Q.”

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, NBB

High Octane, Low Carb #Biofuels Better for Fuel Economy

Joanna Schroeder

USDA photo by Lance Cheung.

USDA photo by Lance Cheung.

Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader, Tom Daschle, is leading an effort to ensure that high octane, low carbon fuels are part of EPA’s midterm evaluation of the progress of federal fuel economy standards. Daschle was the author of the reformulated and oxygenated fuel provisions of the Clean Air Act, and also the lead sponsor of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), today arguably the most effective energy policy ever enacted in the U.S. Now Daschle is coordinating an effort that includes support from the Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC), Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and Fuel Freedom Foundation along with several other fuel related organizations that support the use of biofuels to meet such goals as energy security, rural development, climate change reduction strategies, higher octane and improved fuel economy standards.

According to the former South Dakota lawmaker, this is not an effort to form another organization but rather an alliance of stakeholders that are hoping to be part of the process that, says Daschle, will dictate how vehicles and fuels evolve over the next several decades. The new organization, High Octane Low Carbon Alliance, will work directly with legislators and government officials.

As noted in the final Rule published in August of 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are required to conduct a midterm evaluation of the stringent mileage and carbon reduction requirements for vehicles. This federal requirement culminates in a 54 mile per gallon standard by the year 2025, and tailpipe emissions of 163 grams per mile of carbon.

Given the long lead time of the original rulemaking and the projections of circumstances 13 years in to the future, regulators and automakers agreed to conduct this midterm evaluation of the progress of the program, and the likelihood of success. EPA says it will be a “collaborative, robust, and transparent process” that will begin with a Technical Assessment Report to be issued this month and open for public comment.

This Ford C-Max uses E15 and an electric motor to improve fuel economy. And yes, this is my car and it loves E15.

This Ford C-Max uses ethanol and an electric motor to improve fuel economy. And yes, this is my car and it loves E15 and I love my fuel efficiency.

“Low oil prices, a slow to develop electric vehicle market, and continued low consumer confidence have all combined to challenge the assumptions in the original rulemaking,” said Daschle. “In short, we simply are not going to achieve the kinds of CO2 reductions hoped for without some new approaches. The good news is that automakers are clearly telling us they can do much more with conventional vehicles if they had higher octane, low carbon fuels. This allows them to make small bore, high compression engines requiring little change in consumer purchase and fueling but achieving greater efficiency and performance, all while reducing carbon emissions.”

The organization, with Daschle’s policy expertise and vast understanding of renewable energy, will work closely with the White House and appropriate federal agencies to encourage a regulatory agenda that promotes an orderly transition to the widespread availability of high octane fuels and ensure that the EPA and NHTSA include these fuels as part of the midterm evaluation.

Daschle said that this is a finite, mission specific effort and the individual members of the Alliance will continue to promote their various fuel programs and agendas as the Alliance work continues. The final determination by EPA as to whether the original standards are appropriate and achievable is due in 2018.

Alternative Vehicles, automotive, biofuels, Car Makers, Carbon, EPA, Ethanol, Legislation

ACE Conference to Focus on #Ethanol Plant Profits

Joanna Schroeder

During this year’s American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Conference, ethanol producers will learn strategies to improve their bottom line. The annual event is taking place in Minneapolis, Minnesota August 8-10, 2016. This year there will be a series of breakout sessions with technical speakers who will go in-depth about pressing ethanol industry topics.

ACE logoThe breakout sessions will kick off Tuesday, August 9, 2016 in the afternoon, following the morning general session and lunch. The first round of breakouts includes a panel on how ethanol producers can make more money by improving carbon intensity. There will also be speakers discussing compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act, as well as an overview of safety regulations impacting ethanol production facilities.

Round two of breakouts feature a presentation by Kristy Moore, a technical expert, on fuel quality regulations impacting the future of E15 and flex fuels, a discussion of new co-processing technologies, and a session specifically-designed for plant boards of directors on how to improve the bottom line.

The final round of breakout sessions will cover policies and trends impacting global ethanol demand, another breakout specifically for boards of directors titled “Board Pitfalls: When to say no, when to seek advice, and why you can’t do it all,” and a session on how to take advantage of online/digital content to be a better advocate of ethanol in a changing world.

To learn more about the breakout sessions and conference agenda, or to register to attend the ACE Conference, click here.

ACE previously announced that the conference general session will include a panel discussion on octane, an energy market keynote by Tom Kloza for the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), discussion of efforts underway to develop export demand for ethanol and DDGs, and a ‘Progress at the Pump’ panel featuring retailers discussing the outlook for E15 and flex fuel sales.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, E15, Ethanol

Report: Crop-Based #Biofuels Don’t Impact Food Supply

Joanna Schroeder

A recently released report finds that biofuels from crops do not harm food supplies. “Reconciling food security and bioenergy: priorities for action,” was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the World Bank along with several other international organizations. According to the findings, “The high-profile expansion of ethanol production in the United States and Brazil, in tandem with a global price spike in food and commodities in 2007–2008, led many to contend that a causal relationship exists between biofuels expansion and food insecurity.”

coverThe report authors continue, “The apparent short-term correlations are often cited as evidence of negative impacts of biofuels on food security. There are several problems with such assertions. First, many studies attribute the food price spikes in 2008 primarily to other factors such as oil prices, economic growth, currency exchange rates and trade policies. Speculation in food commodities also contributed to price spikes in 2008 and 2011. Second, the correlations did not persist as global biofuel consumption continued to grow and cereal prices fell or showed distinct patterns over the last six years, driven by oil price, national agricultural policies and exchange rates.”

The research identified several conclusions, one being that while the 2012 U.S. drought caused some ethanol plants to reduce output or temporarily shut:

“[t]hanks, in part, to the ethanol ‘supply cushion’ and market flexibility, there was not a notable jump in commodity prices as the 2012–2013 crop was harvested, despite a drought affecting 80% of U.S. agricultural land.”

“These findings reflect what the U.S. ethanol industry has been saying for some time — there is no correlation between the growth of biofuels and food supplies,” said Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “Last year, farmers harvested a corn crop of 13.6 billion bushels, the third-largest ever. When grain stocks and ethanol co-products are properly considered, more grain is available for food and feed today than ever before. Meantime, one-third of every bushel of grain that enters the ethanol process is enhanced and returned to the feed market, most often in the form of distillers grains, corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal.”

Dinneen concluded, “This report should end the debate with those that continue to perpetuate the outdated and inaccurate ‘food versus fuel’ myth. There is clearly more than enough ethanol to feed and fuel the world.”

advanced biofuels, biofuels, corn, Ethanol, food and fuel, Research, RFA

American Ethanol E15 250 NASCAR Race Preview

Joanna Schroeder

The American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen is set to hit the track this weekend at Iowa Speedway in Newton. The race, where all drivers compete using E15, a 15 percent ethanol blend, leaves the starting line on Sunday, June 19 at 12:30 pm CT. The NASCAR XFINITY Series race is part of Wide Opening Weekend at the speedway and this is the fifth consecutive year that American Ethanol and Enogen have sponsored the race. To get the scoop on events this weekend, I was able to speak with Chris Tingle, head of marketing for Enogen at Syngenta via Skpye.

American-Ethanol-E15-250-presented-by-Enogen-Event-LogoHe said that this race in particular, but the series in general, has had a great effect on getting the benefits of ethanol in front of consumers. The race is also a great way to mingle with growers who use Enogen corn or are considering making the switch to the technology that is specifically designed for ethanol production. For those attending the race, if you look outside the gate as you enter the track they will have a tailgating tent with beverages, snacks and prizes. They will have a second area set up inside the track as well.

Tingle explains that when planting the Enogen trait, not only does the grower see some positive benefits, like less use of water among others, when it is used in the ethanol production process, the Enogen corn serves as the enzyme, thus eliminating the need to add a separate enzyme to the process. This reduces costs while increasing efficiency and ultimately for the ethanol producer, saves money. “it’s a win, win, win,” says Tingle.

Syngenta has always been committed to growers and since the explosion of the ethanol industry, the company has been a champion of support. Tingle says that they created a program where they donated $1 for every acre planted with Enogen corn enzyme technology. Over the past several years, more than $600,000 has been donated to the Prime the Pump program that assists retailers install infrastructure to see higher blends of ethanol. Checks as part of the program were presented at previous races. In addition there will be an announcement on another ethanol-Enogen program during the race.

“Syngenta is committed beyond our product. We see the ethanol industry as a needed market for U.S. corn growers. Literally 35-40 percent of corn grown in the U.S. goes to ethanol and if we don’t support and sustain the industry, we just lost a market opportunity for growers and the ethanol industry is general, says Tingle.

To learn more about Syngenta’s sponsorship, the American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen and what to expect this weekend, and more about Enogen, listen to my interview with Chris Tingle:
Prerace Interview with Chris Tingle, Enogen

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

New Ethanol Terminal Slated for Texas

Joanna Schroeder

Screen Shot 2016-06-15 at 11.04.55 AMGreen Plains, Inc. (GPRE) continues its growth with a new joint venture with Jefferson Gulf Coast Energy Partners to construct and operate an intermodal export and import fuels terminal at Jefferson’s existing terminal located in Beaumont, Texas. It’s anticipated that the 50/50 joint partnership investment for Phase I development will be $55 million. The first phase, expected to be finished during the second quarter of 2017, will focus on adding storage and throughput capabilities for multiple grades of ethanol. Going forward, the companies plan on adding capabilities to add other liquids products such as liquid hydrocarbons, vegetable oils and other non-liquid commodities.

“Once completed, we believe this terminal will provide Green Plains and other customers with significant advantages over other locations,” said Todd Becker, President and CEO of Green Plains. “As demand for the products we produce continues to grow both globally and domestically, we want to create a world class solution to service our customers. Access to three Class I railroads, barges and inbound/outbound vessels positions the terminal with transportation and cost advantages that will make this a successful partnership. This terminal will be one of the most modern and efficient solutions in the U.S.”

The joint venture’s terminal will have direct access to multiple transportation options including Aframax vessels, inland and coastwise barges, trucks, and unit trains with direct mainline service from the Union Pacific, BNSF and KCS railroads. GPRE says Phase I development will leverage existing infrastructure at the Jefferson terminal and is expected to include approximately 500,000 barrels of storage with expansion potential of up to 1,000,000 barrels.

“We are excited to be partnering with one of the largest ethanol producers and traders in North America. This project will add the necessary infrastructure at Jefferson Beaumont to distribute ethanol to markets worldwide,” added Greg Binion, President and CEO of Jefferson, a subsidiary of Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC. “Green Plains Trade Group will be the anchor customer of the joint venture, and the terminal is expected to serve other ethanol exporters as well. We are confident that Jefferson’s multimodal capabilities and sustainable cost-advantaged logistics will contribute to the success of this joint venture.”

biofuels, Ethanol, Exports

NFU Calls on Lawmakers to Stop Undermining #Biofuels

Joanna Schroeder

House lawmakers met this week to debate the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for FY2017 and one of the provisions up for debate is to exempt the U.S. military from biofuels use. The National Farmers Union (NFU) is calling on legislators to stop undermining national security and adopt the benefits of advanced biofuels.

National Farmers Union logo“Biofuels aid national security by reducing our nation’s foreign energy dependence and contributing to our Administration’s broader climate goals. The recurring attempts to quietly neutralize biofuels through the defense appropriations process are disappointing,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “I am hopeful this provision will be successfully removed in further negotiations over the bill.”

The appropriations bill, as written, would exempt the military from Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which prohibits federal agencies from making bulk purchases of synthetic fuels with a larger greenhouse gas footprint than traditional petroleum. However, especially in the advanced biofuels industry, the military’s use of biofuels has been a long-standing source of encouragement for new technologies. These technologies, says NFU, that are held out of transportation fuel markets by the exploitative practices of Big Oil.

Johnson concluded, “Section 526 is an important aspect of the Energy Independence and Security Act, one that has tremendous implications for family farmers’ ability to protect food security in a changing climate. I encourage lawmakers to carefully weigh the benefits of biofuels as they consider this provision.”

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Cellulosic, Ethanol, military, NFU

GRFA Calls on COP21 Parties to Take Action

Joanna Schroeder

The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) is calling on countries who have adopted the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) climate agreement to take immediate action. Of 195 attending countries, 177 have signed the official agreement. Bliss Baker, GRFA president, is calling for increased use of biofuels blending as part of these countries’ national carbon reduction plans. The transportation sector produces an estimated 25-30 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Baker says that biofuels, such as ethanol, are a cost-effective and immediate option for adoption and deployment.

GRFA logo“The GRFA is encouraged by the support for strong action to address climate change coming out of COP21” said Baker. “But if we are to have any hope of meeting the ambitious targets laid out in that agreement, substantial action is going to have to be taken soon. Biofuels represent a significant step in the right direction that governments can take today.”

GRFA cites that of the 162 intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) submitted to date, more than 60 recognized the advantages of biofuels-supportive policies by including them in their carbon emission reduction plans.

Baker pointed out that in addition to the parties to the agreement at COP21, third party groups like the B Team coalition of chief executives and the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition have expressed their support for strong public emissions reduction policies that will provide the predictability necessary for the private sector to be able to develop long-term plans.

“Introducing biofuels supportive policies to reduce emissions from the transportation sector in the short and medium term just makes sense.” Baker added, “The biofuels industry will have a significant role to play in international efforts to transition away from carbon-intensive fossil fuels in the transport sector, and the GRFA looks forward to working with governments to develop policies to achieve those goals.”

biofuels, Climate Change, Ethanol, International

Formulae SAE Races to Lincoln on #Ethanol

Joanna Schroeder

HM_Formula_SAE_CompetitionFormulae SAE is racing into Lincoln with some of the racecars fueled by ethanol. Universities from around the world will race their custom Formula-style cars at Lincoln Air Park June 15-18, 2016 during the Formula SAE series. One of the competitors is the Husker Motorsports team that is being sponsored by the Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) and races on E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline). The teams have a choice to use E85 or unleaded gasoline.

“E85 provides several technical advantages over gasoline,” said Charles Lee, a junior mechanical engineering major and the team’s lead powertrain engineer. “The high ‘latent heat of vaporization’ of ethanol creates a cooling effect to the combustion process, and the high octane rating makes E85 the ideal choice for an efficient, powerful engine. Aside from the technical benefits, we use E85 to help support Nebraskans.”

The Lincoln Formula SAE competition started in 2013 with only seven teams in the combustion category competing with E85. This year, 20 cars will race with E85 in their tanks.

Husker_Motorsports_Building_Car“Higher ethanol blends have become widely accepted as racing fuels, and it’s great to see students from across the world choosing to race on E85,” said Megan Grimes, Nebraska Ethanol Board public relations coordinator. “The cleaner-burning, higher octane benefits of ethanol is why NASCAR now races on E15.”

This year’s competition will include 100 teams – 80 combustion and 20 electric – from all over the world. According to James Peck, a senior mechanical engineering major and the team’s project manager, the size and diversity of the event makes it a great experience.

“Although we’re competing against one another, the atmosphere is always friendly and helpful,” he said. “Everyone is willing to talk about their car or help by lending tools, parts and materials. It’s an honor being the host team because we represent our sponsors locally and university fans can come watch the race.”

E85, Ethanol, Racing