Mathematical models that describe how cells use enzymes to transform sugar have helped improve second generation biofuel production, but have failed to account for metabolic cost of producing those enzymes. A new model is helping solve that problem.
A report recently filed with the USDA FAS's Global Agricultural Information Network shows Peru was expected to produce and consume more ethanol in 2019 than it did in 2018. The country currently has a 7.8 percent ethanol mandate in place.
FROM THE FEBRUARY ISSUE: The Nebraska Ethanol Board offers workshops to help retailers learn more about E15 and higher blends. Other states offer help with grant application processes, or are pushing for for mid-level blends.
The phase one trade deal signed with China on Jan. 15 includes confidential sales targets for a full range of U.S. agricultural products, including grains, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol, according to the USGC.
U.S. Water Services Inc. and CTE Global Inc. have entered into a settlement agreement resolving their litigation involving U.S. Water's patents relating to the use of phytase to control mineral deposits in fuel ethanol plants.
An estimated 696 million liters (183.86 million gallons) of liquid biofuels were consumed the by the U.K. transportation sector during the third quarter of 2019, up 18 percent from the same period of 2018.
FROM THE FEBRUARY ISSUE: With a global rise in cyber threats—including within the ethanol industry—experts offer security tips and best practices.
FROM THE FEBRUARY ISSUE: EPA's MOVES model contains serious flaws and could heavily impact the industry as EPA conducts anti-backsliding study.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the 2020 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards to Elliott Oil Company of Ottumwa, Iowa, and Diamond Oil Company of Des Moines at the FuelIOWA Annual Meeting.
The U.S. EPA has released updated renewable identification number (RIN) generation data showing more than 1.74 billion RINs were generated under the Renewable Fuel Standard in December, bringing total RIN generation for 2019 to 19.75 billion.
FROM THE FEBRUARY ISSUE: Minnesota retailer recognized, USGC promotes manager of global ethanol programs, Gevo welcomes new CFO, Adhikari joins Lee Enterprises, and Iowa drivers help fund breast cancer research.
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service released November export data on Jan. 7, reporting the U.S exported approximately 107.28 million gallons of ethanol and 911,569 tons of distillers grains during the month.
The Mexico Supreme Court has ruled against a regulation allowing for higher ethanol content in gasoline, based on the way in which the Energy Regulatory Commission implemented the change in 2017. The ruleing was not against E10 itself.
Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, kicked off the 2020 IRFA Summit in Altoona, Iowa, by acknowledging the difficulties 2019 brought to the biofuels industry, but also expressing optimism for recent policy changes.
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Censky told attendees of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit that “there are some really positive things that are happening that are going to be great for the biofuels sector.�
Mexico's Supreme Court announced on Jan. 15 that it has determined the Energy Regulatory Commission's unilateral move to modify the country's fuel standard to allow 10 percent ethanol blends is unconstitutional.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds highlighted recent positive developments for the biofuels industry during the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association's 2020 summit. She also spoke about her plan to increase funding for the state's biofuel infrastrcuture program.
The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Jan. 16, reporting that five new SRE petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard for compliance year 2019, up from 16 petitions that had been filed as of Dec. 19.
The U.S. Senate passed legislation implementing the revised U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement on Jan. 16 by a vote of 89 to 10. The legislation will now be sent to President Trump for his signature.
The USDA on Jan. 16 launched a request for information (RFI) seeking public input to aid in the creation of its new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, which aims to expand the availability of ethanol and biodiesel.
Gevo Inc. has contracted with three dairies to provide manure that the company will convert into renewable natural gas (RNG). Combined, these three dairies expect to generate approximately 350,000 MMBTU biogas each year.
As the EU reframes important environment and energy legislation under the European Green Deal, it should not abandon clean, proven and cost-effective solutions such as sustainable renewable fuels and LPG.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration maintained its December forecast that U.S. ethanol production will average 1.03 million barrels per day in 2020 in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, published on Jan. 14.
President Trump signed a phase one trade agreement with China on Jan. 15. The agreement will take effect within 30 days and includes a commitment by China to purchase agricultural products over the next two years, including ethanol and DDGS.
As 2019 drew to a close, so did the second successful year of a workshop series the U.S. Grains Council has conducted with the Mexican Retailer Service Station Association to promote increased use of ethanol.
On Jan. 10, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a plan to provide up to $75 million over five years for research to develop sustainable bioenergy crops tolerant of environmental stress and resilient to changing environmental conditions.
RenovaBio, Brazil's new national biofuels policy, became official on Dec. 24. The program details a model for carbon emission reduction that improves the role of biofuels in Brazil's energy matrix, according to EcoEngineers.
Aemetis has purchased a partially complete ethanol plant in Kansas. While the company previously said it would convert the facility to cellulosic production, Aemetis Chairman and CEO Eric McAfee said there are currently no plans to build at the site.
The Renewable Fuels Association, in partnership with TRANSCAER, is hosting a free ethanol safety “Train the Trainer� webinar on Jan.14, for ethanol emergency response teams. This will be the first of four such webinars in 2020.
The American Coalition for Ethanol has appointed Nick Fosheim, former executive director of South Dakota's Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations, to serve as director of member and industry relations.
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