The iconic variability-reduction system developed by Motorola in the 1980s is helping several U.S. ethanol plants and industry service providers boost operational performance and improve their bottom line results.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works held a hearing Dec. 11 to consider the U.S. EPA's proposed rule to set 2014 volume requirements under the renewable fuel standard. The hearing featured testimony from several stakeholders.
Murphy USA opened the first E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) station in Arkansas on Dec. 11. There are now more than 60 stations in 12 states registered to offer the higher level fuel blend.
There will come a time when Big Oil and the ethanol industry come together and realize that the feud that has now gone on for nearly 30 years must come to an end. Until that time, the fight goes on.
A study published by Agra CEAS Consulting shows that an uncertain policy environment in Europe is negatively impacting investment in first- and second-generation biofuels. Without additional investment, the E.U. is likely to miss its biofuel targets.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has released the December issue of its Short-Term Energy Outlook, maintaining the prior month's prediction that ethanol production will average 900,000 barrels per day in 2014.
Novozymes and Monsanto Co. have announced a long-term strategic alliance to transform research and commercialization of sustainable microbial products that will provide a new platform of solutions for growers around the world.
It is widely speculated that the EPA's proposed 2014 renewable volume obligations has rattled investor confidence in advanced biofuels, dampened retailer interest in E15 and E85, and placed added downward pressure on already low corn prices.
Rex American Resources Corp. has released its financial results for the third quarter of 2013, reporting a gross profit increase of 386 percent compared to the same period of last year. The company holds ownership interest in seven ethanol plants.
In an effort to increase awareness and understanding of the biofuels industry among both individuals and state and federal legislators, Patriot Renewable Fuels recently held a renewable fuel standard (RFS) roundtable and rally.
The negative agricultural impact of the U.S. EPA's proposal to lower the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard targets was the subject of a teleconference hosted by the Renewable Fuels Association.
The Oshkosh, Wis.-based Fox River Valley Ethanol plant has resumed operations. Ace Ethanol LLC purchased the 52 MMgy plant from Utica Energy LLC in August. The facility had been idle since September 2012.
Enerkem has announced that commissioning is gradually beginning at its full-scale municipal waste-to-biofuels and chemicals facility in Edmonton. This update was shared by Enerkem CEO Vincent Chornet at the Canadian Renewable Fuels Summit.
N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker have announced that Biochemtex will be locating its new cellulosic biofuels production operations in Sampson County, N.C., operating in the state as Carolina Cellulosic Biofuels.
A new government report highlights the economic importance of passing a comprehensive Farm Bill. It discusses many benefits of a strong Farm Bill, including those related to the bioeconomy and clean energy.
Profits in the ethanol supply chain have shifted in recent months and now accrue to the ethanol producer instead of the corn farmer. Retired Iowa State University extension agricultural economist Don Hofstrand took a closer look at the numbers.
The Federal Trade Commission has published its annual report on the status of domestic ethanol production, noting that 158 firms are either producing ethanol or are likely to begin producing ethanol in the next 12 to 18 months.
Green Plains Renewable Energy Inc. has announced that it completed the acquisition of two 110 MMgy ethanol plants previously owned by BioFuel Energy Corp. The plants are located in Wood River, Neb., and Fairmont, Minn.
The USDA's Commodity Credit Corp. has announced the results of an offer made on Nov. 14 to sell sugar to bioenergy producers under the Feedstock Flexibility Program. The CCC also published a new invitation to purchase sugar under the program.
Distillers grains exports are a big story this year, particularly in China, where appetite for the coproduct is expected to only grow. Domestically, prices are high, supported in part by growing export numbers.
An ethanol plant board member took a Jamaican vacation that featured ethanol education.
When considering consolidation, a current trend in the ethanol industry, there are three key factors to keep in mind to avoid surprises or mistakes. For those unfamiliar with the process, it can mean avoiding delays and getting the best price.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it's important to keep in mind that the American farmer produces the food that we eat daily and during holiday feasts. Unfortunately, farmers are too frequently criticized, unfairly and inaccurately.
With some government help, a certain fuel source could mean less or even no imports of imported oil. But is it really as wonderful as it sounds?
Dyadic International Inc. recently released financial results for the third quarter, reporting revenues of $3.5 million, up from $2.5 million for the same period of last year. The company also recently announced the award of a new U.S. patent.
The U.S. EPA has published renewable identification number (RIN) data for October, reporting that D3 cellulosic biofuel and D7 cellulosic diesel RINs were generated during the month. D3 and D7 RINs were also generated in June, July and September.
BioPower Operations Corp. has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Global Energy Crops Corp. entered into a 50-50 joint venture agreement with Alternative Green Today LLC to license the joint venture's cellulosic production technology.
In 2009, The U.S. Department of Energy awarded nearly $5 million to Genera Energy Inc. and the University of Tennessee to research and develop economical systems for bulk-handling and processing of chopped switchgrass. That project is now complete.
Biocatalyst producer Codexis Inc. recently released its financial results for the third quarter of 2013, reporting that it will immediately begin to wind down its CodeXyme cellulase enzyme program for the production of cellulosic sugars.
New and innovative technologies can mean significant energy, labor and parts savings for ethanol facilities aiming for greater profitability. Heat exchanger maintenance is one area producers can work to be more cost efficient.
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