Ethanol Report on Trade Mission to Peru

Cindy Zimmerman

ethanol-report-adThe Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) was part of a recent trade mission to Peru led by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack which included discussions about increasing cooperation with that country when it comes to ethanol production and exports. The March 13-15 trip went to Lima and the Piura region, where cane-based ethanol is produced, and featured meetings with ministry of energy officials and a biofuels roundtable with ethanol producers and fuel distributors.

RFA General Counsel Ed Hubbard was among nearly 40 industry and government representatives on the trip. In this edition of the Ethanol Report, Hubbard talks about the mission and opportunities with Peru to expand ethanol

Listen to it here: Ethanol Report on Trade Mission to Peru

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Exports, International, RFA

USDA Reports Positive for #Corn Supplies

Cindy Zimmerman

USDAThe 2016 Prospective Plantings report out today from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) shows farmers expect to plant more corn than expected this year.

U.S. corn growers expect to plant 93.6 million acres to corn this year, the first increase in corn planted acreage since 2012 and, if realized, will be the third largest corn acreage since 1944. Farmers in 41 out of the 48 states expect to either maintain or increase the number of acres they plant to corn. Growers in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and North Dakota expect to increase their corn acreage by 400,000 or more acres in 2016. Assuming the five-year average 91.3 percent harvest rate and the projected 25-year trend yield of 165.4 bushels per acre is achieved, farmers will harvest 14.13 billion bushels, nearing the production record of 14.2 billion bushels set in 2014, according to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).

In addition, the new grain stocks report increases corn stocks in all positions as of March 1 by one percent compared to this time last year. Stocks totaled 7.81 billion bushels and of the that, 4.34 billion bushels were stored on farms, down 1 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 3.47 billion bushels, are up 3 percent from a year ago.

“U.S. farmers produced an abundant crop in 2015. Given the strong carryover entering this growing season, we may see quite a large corn supply at harvest should weather prove favorable in 2016,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling. “While many factors may change the reality on the ground as planting progresses, American corn supplies should remain ample for the year to come. Given the impact this continues to have on prices, the work being done at NCGA to grow demand will prove even more important as we work to find markets for our product and remain profitable into the future.”

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen says the planting intentions show that American farmers are continuing to hold up their end of the deal when it comes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “They’ve made the investments and planting decisions necessary to provide adequate supplies of grain to meet all demands, including the feedstock needed to produce the 15 billion gallons of ethanol required in 2016 under the RFS statute,” commented Dinneen. “But by slashing the RFS requirements for 2016 below statutory levels, the Administration isn’t honoring its commitment to our nation’s farmers and is contributing to great economic uncertainty in the agriculture sector.”

Dinneen adds that the report underscores the importance of getting the RFS back on track and growing corn demand.

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA, RFA, RFS, USDA

Consumers Insulted by #Ethanol Poll

Joanna Schroeder

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen reacted today to a poll released by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) saying consumer awareness and knowledge of how to use higher ethanol blends remains relatively unchanged. The poll also found that consumers do not pay attention to the fuels they use. Dinneen pointed out that there has never been even one case of misfueling or engine damage since E15 was introduced into the marketplace. He also noted that E15 is sold at less than 2 percent of gas stations nationwide and the majority of people polled live nowhere near a station that sells E15. Dinneen added that education will come with more widespread use of higher ethanol blends including E15.

dreamstime_xs_55164057“By law, all gasoline station pumps must post clearly labeled signs indicating what fuel is being dispensed and what vehicles can operate on those fuels,” explained Dinneen. “For higher ethanol blends above 10 percent, only flexible fuel vehicles and 2001 and later model year vehicles are approved — not small engines, lawnmowers or any other off-road vehicle. This has been the case since EPA gave final approval to E15 in 2012, four years ago.”

Dinneen continued, “OPEI’s poll is insulting to consumers. OPEI seems to think the average consumer is stupid enough to purposely ignore a very clear label and knowingly violate the law to save a few cents per gallon on a typically low-volume fill up for small engines.

“E10 is sold at nearly every single gasoline station in the U.S. and has been used in small engines for decades. All major small engine manufacturers approve and warranty the use of E10 in their equipment.

“Ethanol blends are typically the lowest-cost fuel option at retail gasoline stations and E15 has generally been even cheaper than E10. That is good news for consumers. However, consumers are still smart enough to know they should use only approved fuels for their equipment.Read More

biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

NexSteppe CEO Anna Rath Wins BIO Award

Joanna Schroeder

Anna Rath Next SteppeThis year’s 2016 BIO Rosalind Franklin Award is being given to Anna Rath, CEO of NexSteppe. The award is given to an outstanding woman in the field of industrial biotechnology. According to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), who presents the honor, Rath’s work led to a biotech breakthrough. Her research is focused on developing scalable and sustainable bioenergy feedstocks. The award will be officialy presented during the 2016 World Congress taking place April 17-20, 2016 in San Diego, California.

“Much like Rosalind Franklin, Anna Rath’s passion for science and strong work ethic has led to one of the greatest breakthroughs in industrial biotechnology. Optimizing crops for renewable energy has spurred the growth of the biofuels, biopower, and biobased product industries,” said Brent Erickson, executive vice president for BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section. “BIO is pleased to present Anna this year with the Rosalind Franklin Award and we are looking forward to her delivering what are anticipated to be inspiring remarks.”

“I’m extremely honored to be chosen for this award and flattered by the extraordinary company of former award winners,” said Rath. “NexSteppe is committed to enabling the bioeconomy by providing high-quality, cost-effective, scalable and reliable feedstocks for the entire range of biopower, biogas, advanced and cellulosic biofuels and biobased products. As the commercial scale of these industries grows, so too does the need for and focus on the availability of these sustainable and dependable raw materials. We are excited to be doing our part to help drive the continued growth and development of the bioeconomy.”

Karla Shepard Rubinger, executive director of the Rosalind Franklin Society added, “We know that this Award honors all women in science, and provides a role model for those who will no doubt follow in her footsteps, Next Steps!”

advanced biofuels, BIO, biochemicals, biogas, biomass, biomaterials, Cellulosic, Ethanol

GRFA Offers Political Support to Lower Emissions

Joanna Schroeder

The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) has sent letters to leaders in 47 countries that have committed to combating climate change offering support for meeting emission reductions. Based on the agreement signed during the climate talks in December, global CO2 emission reductions of 80 percent by 2050 are required. Of this, it is estimated that the transportation sector produces 25-30% of the world’s GHG emissions. According to Bliss Baker, GRFA president, redection tailpipe emissions is a priority for national governments as they revise their Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) plans as countries lead up to the 2020 implementation date of the COP21 agreement.

GRFA logo“These countries deserve credit for their pledged contributions to the ambitious international efforts to reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions as part of the COP21 agreement,” Baker said.

“National governments have a real opportunity to lead by example in developing enhanced biofuel-friendly policies that encourage the development of new technologies and support the production of renewable fuels with the smallest possible footprint,” continued Baker. “The GRFA encourages national governments to highlight the significant environmental and economic benefits that ethanol-supportive policies are making, and will continue to make, in order to encourage other countries to pursue domestic opportunities presented by biofuels.”

In its letter, the GRFA offered the expertise of its members to work with government leaders in the development of forward-thinking policies that maximize the advantages of biofuel technologies that are demonstrated to be effective, affordable and immediately available.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Climate Change, Ethanol

Anitox Expands Fermentation Business

Joanna Schroeder

Nick Braden, Commercial Director, Anitox

Nick Braden, Commercial Director, Anitox

Anitox is expanding its fermentation division and as part of its efforts has created two new roles. Nick Braden has been appointed to the newly created Commercial Director position where he will lead OptimOH operations, heading-up the sales, marketing and technical teams. Braden joins Anitox from Monsanto and previously ADM where he served in various sales and commercial leadership roles.

“Our objective is for OptimOH to become the market-leading bacterial control tool for antibiotic free fermentation,” said Braden. “We’re expanding our footprint and investing in partners, research and development. We are also adding top talent to an already-strong team to push toward global expansion of our fermentation business.”

Also joining the Fermentation division in the new role of Technical Services Manager is Matt Wilson. Wilson has developed his career through various technical roles, most recently at Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits.

Anitox Chief Operating Officer Roger Mann said of the fermentation division expansion, “Anitox values its relationship with the biofuel and fermentation sectors. OptimOH has the power to increase ethanol yield by protecting against microbial contaminants earlier in the fermentation process. Its proven thermostability means it can be applied earlier in the production process than other products on the market, minimizing potential loss of yield. The addition of Nick and Matt to our team is a major commitment to the growth of our Fermentation business unit. It underlines our dedication to this industry.”

biofuels, Ethanol

Caribbean’s Largest Solar Array Goes Live

Joanna Schroeder

The largest solar array in the Caribbean is now producing energy. Monte Plata is a 33.4 MW PV solar array located in the Dominican Republic that will produce more than 50,000 megawatt hours of energy each year. The “power switch” was turned on by Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina. The project was designed and deployed by Dubai-based Phanes Group along with partners General Energy Solutions and Soventix.

Monte Plata Aerial ViewMonte Plata’s 132,000 solar panels triple the number of solar panels in the Dominican Republic. Once phase two of the project is complete by the end of 2016, the array’s total capacity will rise to 67 MW, increasing the photovoltaic power output in the country fivefold.

“This project is a demonstration of how multiple stakeholders can work together to co-develop solar projects that are viable and bankable in emerging markets – successfully delivering access to energy and unlocking huge economic opportunities for remote communities,” said Martin Haupts, CEO of Phanes Group.

The country has been challenged with inadequate power supply that includes high transmission and distribution losses that exceed 30 percent. In addition, the country spends on average more than $4 billion each year on fossil fuel imports to operate petroleum, coal and natural gas fueled power plants.

“With much of the Caribbean challenged by expensive fuel imports, solar has the ability to liberate these island nations from economic and energy dependency, increasing the energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while helping elevate communities,” added Haupts. “Phanes Group is delighted to have played a central role in delivering this breakthrough project, and we remain committed and excited about PV’s opportunities across the emerging world.”

Clean Energy, Electricity, Solar

Wind Energy Provides $7.3B in Health Savings

Joanna Schroeder

According to a new report from the American Wind Energy Association, U.S. wind farms reduced electric power carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 132 million metric tons in 2015. In addition, wind energy reduces other harmful air pollutants including smog-causing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which helps reduce rates of asthma and other respiratory issues. Electricity generated by wind in 2015 displaced an estimated 176,000 metric tons of SO2 and 106,000 metric tons of NOx, representing $7.3 billion in avoided health costs last year.

wind energy health“Americans will be able to breathe easier and live longer thanks to clean energy produced by American wind power,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “Clean air benefits from wind power totaled $7.3 billion last year, without even including the value of carbon savings, and the industry also attracts thousands of quality jobs and billions of dollars in private investment to the U.S. economy. With wind power, states don’t have to make a trade-off between clean air and strong economic growth.”

Based on costs assumptions provided by the Harvard School of Public Health study, the tons of SO2 and NOx pollution avoided in 2015 carry a public health monetary value of more than $5.4 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively. At the start of 2016, there were 9,400 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity under construction, which is expected to reduce another 23 million metric tons of CO2 emissions each year when operational, and cut overall power sector CO2 emissions by an additional one percent.

The 132 million metric tons in CO2 reductions in 2015 are equivalent to eliminating all power sector carbon dioxide emissions in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Colorado last year.

This data is an early look at AWEA’s 2015 U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report. The report will provide a comprehensive update on the state of the U.S. wind market, job numbers, state-by-state comparisons, and more.

Clean Energy, Electricity, Wind

Clean Energy Jobs Continue to Rise

Joanna Schroeder

Clean energy jobs continue to rise with a new report from Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) showing more than 2.5 million jobs in the clean energy industry across all 50 states. “Clean Jobs in America,” is based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics information and new data from the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as a comprehensive survey of tens of thousands of businesses across the country. The report provides detailed breakdowns of clean energy jobs not previously available.

Screen Shot 2016-03-29 at 9.54.32 AMAccording to the findings, energy efficiency is by far the nation’s largest clean energy sector employer, with nearly 1.9 million Americans while nearly 414,000 people work in renewable energy. The top renewable sectors were solar with 299,000 workers (including nearly 209,000 who work on solar full-time or close to full time, as The Solar Foundation noted in its 2015 job census) and wind with 77,000 workers.

“Clean energy is no longer a niche business – it’s a big-time job creator,” said Dan Smolen, managing director of The Green Suits, a Virginia-based talent recruitment and career development firm. “Our lawmakers need to realize that – and put policies in place, right now, to help the sector grow even more.”

Additional report findings include:

  • 328,000 people work in the energy efficient lighting industry. Another 162,000 help build Energy Star appliances.
  • Nearly 170,000 Americans work in the advanced vehicle industry, including 107,000 who work on hybrids and electric vehicles. Strength in this industry is due in part to new fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles and trucks.
  • More people work in clean energy than sectors like real estate and agriculture, and many more work in clean energy than work in dirty energy industries like oil, gas and coal extraction.

“America’s clean energy jobs market is massive,” said Philip Jordan, vice president and principal at BW Research Partnership whose organization conducted the analysis. “It ranks right up there with some of the biggest industries in the country – including real estate, management, and agriculture. When we spoke with clean energy employers nationwide, we were struck by their responsiveness to state- and federal-level policies as well as their optimism.” Jordan added, “It’s clear that by shoring up clean energy policies, lawmakers have a big opportunity to attract even more clean energy jobs to their own backyards.”

Clean Energy, Solar, Wind

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDF1Edeniq and Aemetis, Inc., an advanced renewable fuels and renewable chemicals company, have announced they have entered into a License Agreement under which Aemetis will deploy Edeniq’s Pathway technology at its 60 million gallon per year ethanol production facility located in Keyes, California.
  • According to the Deccan Herald, The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has planned to run 1,800 of its 8,300 buses on biodiesel. The select buses will run on 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel. Currently, all KSRTC buses are running on 100% diesel. The KSRTC made the decision to reduce the diesel component after a series of trials and tests it carried out with biodiesel were successful.
  • Pankaj Lal, assistant professor of Earth and Environmental Studies with Montclair State University, was recently awarded a five-year, $450,000 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant from the National Science Foundation to explore sustainable bioenergy solutions in the Midwestern and Southern United States. Titled “Exploring Place-Based Opportunities for Bioenergy Sustainability,” Lal’s CAREER project will focus on place-based policy solutions that develop forest- and agriculture-based bioenergy as a fossil fuel alternative. His solutions will be based on analysis of factors such as location suitability, socioeconomic uncertainty and environmental impact.
  • Reuters is reporting that the Brazilian president has signed into law a proposal passed by both legislative houses to boost the biodiesel blend to 7%, to 8% in 2017 and 10% in 2019. Simultaneously, the government will undergo B15 trials over the next three years to ensure that the national fleet can operate with higher blends. The national biodiesel industry has been calling for such a policy to absorb their fuel into the domestic market and help create demand to boost production closer to their installed production capacity.
Bioenergy Bytes