The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association announced that Iowa's 41 ethanol plants produced 3.7 billion gallons during 2012, matching 2011 production. It's estimated the state will have produced about 28 percent of U.S. ethanol in 2012.
Western Plains Energy LLC is preparing to start up an anaerobic digestion system. When full capacity is reached in March, the digesters will produce enough methane to completely refire the plant's thermal oxidizer and boiler.
News that a nearly 10 percent anti-dumping duty will likely be imposed on U.S. ethanol imports to EU countries was confirmed by a majority vote of EU member countries on Dec. 20, bringing the matter one step closer to finalization.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has recognized Thorntons Inc. as the winner of the 2012 Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy Leadership Award. It recognizes those who have exemplified leadership and innovation in the bioenergy industry.
Pacific Ethanol has agreed to increase its ownership interest in four ethanol plants and is taking steps to improve its debt position, it said Dec. 19. The company has now agreed to purchase $21.54 million of ethanol plant secured debt.
The Peterson Farm Brothers are at it again, having posted another video on YouTube. The videos are fun to watch, and would be a good thing to share over the holidays with family and friends.
Lux Research has published top-10 lists of 2012's top emerging technology companies, as well as emerging companies to watch in 2013. Biorefining companies, including Solazyme, Itaconix and Beta Renewables, top this year's lists.
Green Plains Renewable Energy Inc. has announced that BlendStar LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, has completed construction and has begun operations at its 96-car unit train terminal in Birmingham, Ala.
The Advanced Ethanol Council on Dec. 19 released a nearly 20-page report profiling U.S. and Canadian cellulosic biofuels facilities and development projects. In addition, it contains information about efforts in other countries.
For the first time since the renewable identification number (RIN) system was established, there will be no RIN carryover on this year's production, due to high corn prices and reduced ethanol production levels, but stocks will not be depleted.
With new funding in hand, Proterro Inc. is poised to take its sucrose-producing process to the pilot stage, using full scale-bioreactors. The company expects the process can produce fermentation-ready sugar at a cost of less than 5 cents per pound.
The latest data on ethanol exports and imports released by the U.S. Census Bureau show that, through October, U.S. ethanol exports are at 643.3 million gallons. Ethanol imports are during the same period measured nearly 390 million gallons.
Woodland Biofuels is on track to begin producing cellulosic ethanol early in the year, CEO Greg Nuttall said. The company has made progress as well on the financial front, announcing an investment from the MaRS Cleantech Fund LP.
Propel Fuels has closed on the initial phase of its Series D round of funding with $11 million in equity capital from existing investors and $10 million in debt financing from CapX Partners. The funding will allow Propel to accelerate expansion.
BP Biofuels has announced that it plans to invest $350 million to expand its ethanol processing capacity of Tropical, one of its sugarcane processing ventures in Brazil. The expansion is scheduled to start next year.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration has released its December Short Term Energy Outlook, showing that ethanol production is expected to remain near current levels through mid-2013, but will return to pre-drought levels by the end of the year.
The EU announced it will not oppose a European Commission decision to terminate the anti-subsidy proceeding concerning imports of U.S. ethanol and to terminate the registration of U.S. ethanol importers. An anti-dumping investigation is ongoing.
Flint Hills Resources LLC announced Dec. 7 that it finalized the acquisition of a 115 MMgy Fairmont, Neb., ethanol plant, formerly owned by Advanced BioEnergy LLC. The purchase brings Flint Hills total production capacity to 550 MMgy.
Although ePURE, the European Producers Union of Renewable Ethanol, is happy with the direction things are going with the anti-dumping investigation against imported U.S. ethanol, it isn't commenting specifically on whether duties will be imposed.
Verenium Corp., an industrial biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of high-performance enzymes, announced on Dec. 10 the signing of a $22.5 million secured debt financing with Athyrium Opportunities Fund.
Chromatin Inc. announced a successful grain sorghum trial for both a California ethanol producer and new sorghum grower. L and R Mussi Farms of Stockton, Calif., produced 40 acres of sorghum that was harvested and delivered to Pacific Ethanol.
Rex American Resources Corp. recently released the financial results for its third fiscal quarter, the three months ended Oct. 31. While the the price of corn is currently having a negative impact on the company, its CEO predicts a better 2013.
The Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy are reacting to news that the European Commission on Dec. 6 issued a general disclosure document containing a proposed ruling on the anti-dumping investigation of U.S. ethanol exports to Europe.
The U.K. Department for Business, Innovation & Skills recently declared the U.K. Green Investment Bank plc open for business. The entity is the world's first investment bank dedicated solely to green investments.
Investors or a buyer are being sought for Amaizeingly Green LP, which produces ethanol, pet food ingredients, livestock feed and fertilizer. The company idled ethanol production in July but is continuing to produce fertilizer and some animal feed.
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