Students Present Research at Ethanol Conference

Joanna Schroeder

Several University of Minnesota students are giving the ethanol industry a preview of their cutting-edge research in biofuels, biochemicals and bioproducts during the 27th Annual Ethanol Conference in Minneapolis. One such student is Sahana Ramanna who is a PhD student who is working on improving the pre-treatment technologies used for biomass, specifically Aspen.

Sahana RammanaRamanna explained that one of the most difficult and energy intensive parts of converting biomass (aka cellulose) to sugar is in the initial phase. Using 3D imaging, similar to the technology used for brain scans, she and her team are able to test “pre-treatment” strategies and see how it affects the structure of the biomass.

Ultimately, Ramanna said they are looking to increase the amount of biomass that can be converted into biofuels and other biochemicals and products, thus increasing the amount of biofuels. In addition, the processes they are looking at would significantly improve the energy efficiency during this process. Next steps – refining the process for Aspen and then testing it on other forms of biomass.

Listen to Sahana Ramanna discuss her research here: Interview with Sahana Ramanna

Another student I spoke with is just beginning his PhD studies and has spent the last year working on an interesting biofuels project. Joseph Molde works in the BioTechnology Institute and he and his team are working on a process called hydrothernmal carbinization using distillers grains (DDGs), a bi-product of ethanol production.

Joseph Molde U of MWhat is really neat is the process is producing two new possible co-products: liquid carbon and biochar. The liquid carbon can be used as an organic fertilizer on fields, while the biochar can be used in various applications including biomaterials and biochemicals. Molde said that similar research has been taking place in Europe, but not much has been done with biochar here in the states.

Molde also noted that the process improves efficiency throughout the production process – just one more way the ethanol industry is working to improve its technology and environmental footprint – while also adding valuable additional co-products to an ethanol plant’s portfolio. He said they are scaling up the technology now and that he hopes to see it in commercial scale application in the next five to 10 years.

Listen to Joseph Molde discuss his research here: Interview with Joseph Molde

View the 27th Annual Ethanol Conference photo album.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, advanced biofuels, Audio, biomass, biomaterials, Cellulosic, Distillers Grains, Ethanol

Minnesota Gov Mark Dayton Kicks Off 27th ACE Conf

Joanna Schroeder

Minnesota Gov Mark DaytonThe 27th Annual Ethanol Conference kicked off last night with some brief remarks from Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) annual event, taking place at the Depot Renaissance Hotel, began with hundreds of ethanol advocates who heard from Governor Dayton that he appreciated ethanol producers, “for what you are doing,” to boost the nation’s energy independence, lower gas prices, and clean the environment.

Governor Dayton noted that ethanol enjoys overwhelming bi-partisan support in the Minnesota legislature “because we know it is good for Minnesota and the nation”. He noted that Minnesota is the nation’s fourth largest ethanol producing state and there is support for higher blends of ethanol, such as E15 and E85. He also advocated that every vehicle should be a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), capable of burning higher blends of ethanol so consumers can have a choice at the pump.

Check out the 27th Annual Ethanol Conference photo album.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, biofuels, E15, E85, Ethanol

New Leaders for Next Gen. Scientists for Biodiesel

John Davis

nbb-logoNew leadership for the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel have been chosen. This National Biodiesel Board program aims to educate young scientists with factual information about biodiesel.

Selected through a competitive application process, the new co-chairs are:
• James Anderson, Southern Illinois University, a PhD student in Agricultural Science
• Katie Heil, University of Colorado – Boulder, an undergraduate in Electrical Engineering
• Mike Morgan, Utah State University, an undergraduate in Biochemistry

They join senior co-chair Dan Browne, a graduate research assistant in the Dept. of Biochemistry & Biophysics at Texas A&M University. They replace three previous co-chairs who have graduated from their studies.

“By engaging with student scientists, our industry has not only learned about their upcoming research, but has opened new lines of communication with their professors and university researchers,” said Don Scott, NBB’s director of sustainability. “The new co-chairs are passionate, energetic and innovative, and will do a great job taking this program to the next level.”

The program was first launched in 2010 and has led to increased communication and collaboration between the biodiesel industry and colleges and universities involved in biodiesel research.

Biodiesel, NBB

Sales Up But Revenues Down for Biodiesel’s REG

John Davis

reg-logoBiodiesel behemoth Renewable Energy Group (REG) says while sales of its biomass-based diesel are up, revenues have fallen. The company released its second quarter 2014 financial results, showing REG sold 11 percent more biodiesel than the same time a year earlier. But revenues of $332.9 million are a decrease of 13 percent and an adjusted EBITDA decreased by 86 percent.

“Our second quarter results demonstrate the resilience of our business in the face of challenging market conditions,” said Daniel J. Oh, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe the industry has worked through the excess inventory from year-end and we have seen demand increase since the first quarter.”

Oh continued, “During second quarter, REG demonstrated its ability to operate an expanding business while also investing for future growth. On top of ramping up gallons sold 63% from first quarter, we executed a complex series of transactions in order to acquire Syntroleum and Dynamic Fuels. Integration of both are underway and we are excited about the new employees, technology and products added to REG. With these acquisitions, our total assets now exceed $1 billion.”

You can read more details of the report here.

Biodiesel, REG

Increasing Ethanol Yield

Cindy Zimmerman

cutc-14-novozymesOne way enzyme technology can help ethanol plants is by yielding more ethanol per bushel of corn.

At the recent Corn Utilization and Technology Conference, Nathan Kreel with Novozymes talked about Olexa, a unique enzyme designed for oil recovery. “We developed it mainly to enhance corn oil extraction for the customer, but we are seeing there are a lot of other benefits,” he said. That includes an increase in ethanol yield, better yeast health, and more efficient fermentation.

“The most important thing is that we see back end process improvements with an average of 13% oil increase,” Kreel said. “It’s a simple drop-in product that is added right to the fermentation and you can see improvements right when it’s used.”

Learn more in this interview: Interview with Nathan Kreel, Novozymes

2014 CUTC Photo Album

Audio, corn, CUTC, enzymes, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Novozymes

Oxygenate from Ethanol and Corn

Cindy Zimmerman

xfxF Technologies Inc. is an advanced biofuel company that has developed a chemical process to convert corn or biomass plus alcohol (especially ethanol or methanol) into an oxygenate that can be blended with gasoline and diesel.

cutc-14-rob-randle“It’s a completely chemical process – no enzymes, no bacteria, no fermentation,” said Bob Randle of xF Technologies, who spoke at the recent Corn Utilization and Technology Conference. The end products are furoates – from either ethanol, methanol or butanol – that can then be used as oxygenates for fuel transportation to improve mileage, reduce emissions, increase lubricity, and more.

Randle says the technology offers co-location and add-on opportunities for ethanol and corn wet milling plants. “Because our primary feedstocks are corn and ethanol, or biomass and ethanol,” he said. “We can also be co-located with a cellulosic ethanol plant as well.”

Learn more in this interview: Interview with Bob Randle, xF Technologies

2014 CUTC Photo Album

advanced biofuels, Audio, Cellulosic, corn, CUTC, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA

PERC Consolidates Propane Info on One Website

John Davis

PERCUsers of propane will now be able to find information on the clean fuel consolidated on one website. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announced it is combining information that used to be available on several sites, including autogasusa.org, agpropane.com, poweredbypropane.com, and usepropane.com, into one place Propane.com, where customers can find information on propane’s many uses in transportation, commercial landscaping, agriculture, residential, and industrial markets.

PERC hopes the consolidated web presence will promote a “one-fuel solution” by encouraging business and residential customers currently using or considering propane in one application to explore new fuel-efficient equipment for other uses as well.

“Propane.com gives our industry a chance to showcase the versatility of propane, and the economic and environmental benefits of using this American-made fuel across top performing markets,” says Roy Willis, president and CEO of PERC. “The consolidation also gives propane customers the opportunity to realize all the technologies available for their home, fleet, or business.”

The previous sites managed by PERC still exist but redirect to Propane.com. Customers can also use the “Find a Propane Retailer” application on the site to locate their nearest retailer by zip code and services provided.

Propane

Pacific Ethanol Gets $3 Mil Grant for Sorghum

John Davis

Pacific Ethanol logoCalifornia-based Pacific Ethanol, Inc. received a $3 million grant from the California Energy Commission to develop sorghum as a feedstock for ethanol. This company news release says it will work with Chromatin, Inc., CSU Fresno’s Center for Irrigation Technology and the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

This undertaking also includes the California In-State Sorghum Program to support a lasting expansion in California’s ability to produce low-carbon ethanol from in-state feedstock that meets both the renewable fuel and greenhouse gas reduction goals stipulated under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and California’s Low-Carbon Fuel Standard.

Neil Koehler, the company’s president and CEO, stated: “We are honored to receive this important grant, which supports Pacific Ethanol’s collaboration with California Agriculture and the other ethanol producers in California toward the long-term development of sorghum feedstock for advanced biofuel production at both our Madera and Stockton California facilities.”

Pacific Ethanol is the leading producer and marketer of low-carbon renewable fuels in the Western United States with four ethanol production facilities capable of producing a total of 200 million gallons each year.

Ethanol, sorghum

Murphy USA Expands E15, E85 and Biodiesel Iowa Offerings

John Davis

logo-murphy-usaFuels retailer Murphy USA expands its list of stations offering E15, E85 and biodiesel in Iowa. The move to convert stations in Fort Dodge, Mason City, Clinton and Davenport, along with the previously converted Indianola location, won praise from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA).

“It’s exciting to welcome four more Murphy USA fueling sites to the growing list of stations in Iowa providing more American-made fuel choices to motorists,” stated IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton. “With five Murphy USA stations already converted, and another two stations on the way, motorists in seven large Iowa cities will have greater access to cleaner-burning, lower-cost ethanol and biodiesel blends.”

“Murphy USA is excited to expand our product offerings with E15 and E85,” stated Murphy UA Senior Retail Fuel Supply Specialist Jennifer Forbess. “We proudly support communities across the state of Iowa who have called for higher ethanol blends such as E15 and E85. Murphy USA will continue to pursue opportunities to offer the fuels our customer’s desire.”

The newly converted Murphy USA fueling sites are located at:

3010 1st Ave., South in Fort Dodge, IA
4059 4th St., SW in Mason City, IA
5805 Elmore Ave. in Davenport, IA
2346 Virginia Ave. in Clinton, IA

To meet summertime fuel regulations, E15 will initially be sold to flex-fuel vehicles throughout the summer driving season at Murphy USA locations and will be offered as a registered fuel to 2001 and newer vehicles starting in mid-September.

Murphy USA has 1,200 stations in 23 states. The chain already offers E10, a 10 percent ethanol blend, in three grades of gasoline at Iowa stations.

Biodiesel, E15, E85

Ethanol on the Road to Sturgis

Leah Guffey

Fueled with Pride 2014 Motorcycle RallyMany bikes are already rolling into the Black Hills of South Dakota ahead of the 74th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which officially kicks off on Monday. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) will once again be there at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip campground to promote ethanol to the motorcycle set. Approximately 500,000 motorcyclists from all over the world gather in Sturgis, S.D., for the week-long rally that offers a unique opportunity to promote the benefits of high-octane, low-cost ethanol.

Robert White, director of market development for RFA, says this year marks the 6th year that RFA has been involved in the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the Free Fuel Happy Hours are back by popular demand, offering motorcycle riders a free tank of E10 93-octane fuel. The fuel is brought in specifically for the rally and riders can receive their free tank at 1–4 pm Tuesday-Thursday, August 5-7. Robert says that they really just want to help educate the riders about using E10 in their bikes.

I’ll be attending the rally this year with RFA and looking forward to the Legends Ride as well as spending time at the Buffalo Chip Campground that turns into quite the entertainment junction where many of the concerts will be taking place. Domestic Fuel will have all your coverage from Sturgis Motorcycle Rally once again. Stay tuned!

Interview with Robert White, RFA
Ethanol, Ethanol News, Motorcycle, RFA, Sturgis