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CHS to Use Enogen Corn at Illinois Ethanol Plant

Ethanol Producer Magazine

January 8, 2017

By Syngenta

Syngenta has announced an agreement with CHS Inc. to use Enogen corn enzyme technology at its 130-million-gallon ethanol plant in Rochelle, Illinois. CHS is a premier ethanol producer, marketer and trader and one of the nation’s largest suppliers of ethanol-enhanced gasoline.

Enogen corn enzyme technology is an in-seed innovation available exclusively from Syngenta and features the first biotech corn output trait designed specifically to enhance ethanol production. Using modern biotechnology to deliver best-in-class alpha amylase enzyme directly in the grain, Enogen corn eliminates the need to add liquid alpha amylase and can help an ethanol plant significantly reduce the viscosity of its corn mash, improving plant performance. And, numerous trials have shown that Enogen hybrids perform equal to or better than other high-performing corn hybrids¹.

Enogen corn will provide the CHS Rochelle facility with an industry-leading enzyme for enhanced ethanol production while also supporting local growers and the community. Several million dollars in premiums are expected to be paid annually to growers raising Enogen corn, locally, for the CHS plant in Rochelle.

“CHS is focused on helping its farmer-owners grow,” said Mike Van Houten, CHS Rochelle facility manager. “The Enogen program provides benefits for our plant, but is also a big win for our local community with the premium to be paid on every bushel of Enogen corn brought to us.”

CHS ethanol plants manufacture the alcohol-based renewable fuel via an advanced fermenting and distilling process that efficiently converts corn into simple sugars. The resulting ethanol product is primarily used as a fuel that is commonly blended with gasoline to increase octane and improve emissions quality. The Rochelle plant is an 81-acre, dry mill corn-based operation and was acquired by CHS in June 2014.

“The CHS Rochelle facility is a large, sophisticated ethanol biorefinery,” said Glen Edwards, Enogen account manager for Syngenta. “We are excited to be working with the CHS team in Rochelle to help the facility there operate even more smoothly and efficiently. We are proud to be partnering with CHS help keep enzyme dollars local and invest in the local community. Syngenta is committed to the success of the ethanol industry through helping plants operate more efficiently and growers serve as enzyme suppliers.”

Read the original article: CHS to Use Enogen Corn at Illinois Ethanol Plant

U.S. Ethanol Exports Swell in November, as Brazil is Top Destination and China Returns to Market

Renewable Fuels Association

January 5, 2018

By Ann Lewis

U.S. ethanol exports totaled 107.2 million gallons (mg) in November, up 14% from October shipments, according to government data released this morning and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Despite the imposition of a tariff rate quota and 20% tariff in September, Brazil was the leading destination for U.S. ethanol exports for the first time in six months, receiving 28.1 mg. November also saw a small volume of denatured ethanol exported to China, which has not imported any U.S. fuel ethanol in the prior 10 months. Canada scaled back its imports of U.S. product to 24.2 mg, a 29% reduction from October. Exports to India perked up at 15.5 mg, a 17% increase, while shipments to the Philippines more than doubled to 9.9 mg. These four countries accounted for nearly three-fourths of all U.S. ethanol shipments in November. Exports to all destinations for the first eleven months of 2017 stood at 1.19 billion gallons, indicating a record annualized export volume of 1.30 billion gallons.

November exports of undenatured fuel ethanol rebounded by 23% to 52.8 mg, a four-month high. Brazil increased purchases by 117% to 28.1 mg, taking over half of U.S. undenatured shipments, while the Philippines imported 6.5 mg, up 41%. Meanwhile India cut its imports in half with 6.4 mg of undenatured fuel ethanol entering the country. Switzerland (3.2 mg) and Jamaica (2.8 mg) rounded out the top five largest markets for undenatured fuel product.

U.S. exports of denatured fuel ethanol decreased by 10% from October levels to 42.0 mg. Canada again took the lead with 23.3 mg, accounting for 55% of denatured fuel ethanol exports. The remaining denatured shipments were distributed to India (5.0 mg), the Philippines (3.4 mg), Colombia (3.3 mg), South Korea (3.1 mg), China (2.4 mg), and Mexico (1.5 mg).

Overseas sales of undenatured ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes increased by 41% to 3.2 mg, with Saudi Arabia receiving 2.7 mg, or 86% of the exports. November exports of denatured ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes jumped a whopping 407% to a 68-month high (running back to March 2012). The U.S. shipped 4.1 mg of denatured non-fuel product to both Nigeria and India, accounting for the bulk of overseas sales.

For the seventh straight month this year, the United States recorded meaningful fuel ethanol import volumes. The 20.7 mg of undenatured ethanol shipped in from Brazil in November is the largest volume to enter the country in 26 months. Monthly imports have only breached 20 mg four times over the past 50 months. Year-to-date fuel ethanol imports totaled 76.5 mg, a 127% increase over the same period last year. Annualized import volumes are estimated at 83.5 mg—roughly the volume imported in 2014.

Exports of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry mill ethanol plants—contracted 15% in November to a six-month low of 875,302 metric tons (mt), shipped to 35 countries. Mexico cut its purchases from October, although it still remained the lead destination with 144,415 mt in DDGS exports (16% of market share). Export expansion in Vietnam showed signs of slowing with a 2% increase at 103,834 mt (12% of the DDGS exports for the month). Other leading destinations included South Korea (86,983 mt, or 10%), Indonesia (76,200 mt, or 9%), and Thailand (73,917 mt, or 8%). Turkey cut its imports by half to 59,397 mt—its lowest purchase of U.S. DDGS in thirteen months. Total year-to-date DDGS exports to all countries stood at 10.1 mmt through November, indicating an annualized total of 11.03 mmt.

Read the original story: U.S. Ethanol Exports Swell in November, as Brazil is Top Destination and China Returns to Market

USGC Explores Potential for Ethanol Use in Indonesia, Thailand

January 1, 2018

By Holly Demaree

Representatives from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently traveled to Indonesia and Thailand to visit with ministry and industry officials and gain a better understanding of the opportunities for and challenges to expanded ethanol use in both markets.

“Indonesia is forecast to be the sixth largest gasoline market by 2022,” said Brian Healy, USGC manager of ethanol export market development. “Additionally, Indonesia has a goal for renewables to represent 23% of their energy mix by 2025 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 29% by 2030. Ethanol has a great opportunity to help Indonesia meet these ambitious goals.”

Indonesia instituted a national ethanol policy in 2006, but the mandate has largely gone unmet. The USGC engaged with Indonesia ministry officials in December to highlight the role of policy and trade in helping to develop a consistent supply chain for biofuels as well as capture the societal benefits of biofuels with regard to air quality and GHG emission reductions.

According to a life cycle analysis study released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in January 2017, GHG emissions associated with producing corn-based ethanol in the United States are 43% lower than gasoline on an energy equivalent basis. Additionally, U.S. corn-based ethanol is expected to help reduce emissions by more than 50% domestically in the next five years.

The mission also highlighted the competitiveness of U.S. ethanol as an octane enhancer, compared to MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether), aromatics or other sources.

Following meetings in Jakarta, the USGC traveled to Thailand to assess opportunities for biofuels in that market. Thailand has an effective national blend rate of 12%, utilizing domestically-sourced sugarcane and cassava-based ethanol. Domestic ethanol production is expected to total nearly 360 million gallons in 2017.

“Thailand has successfully differentiated ethanol products to consumers at the pump by using price incentives across grades of fuel and incentivizing the use of flexible fuel vehicles,” Healy said. “Thailand also produces flex fuel vehicles for its own domestic market and for export to regional markets. As a result, Thailand is a good collaborator to discuss engine technology and biofuels policy with regional partners.”

The partnership opportunities in Thailand and Indonesia are part of the USGC’s work to engage with government and industries around the world to assist in developing biofuels policies with a role for ethanol trade.

Read the original article: USGC Explores Potential for Ethanol Use in Indonesia, Thailand

Iowa Produces Record 4.2 Billion Gallons of Ethanol in 2017

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

December 28, 2017

Press Release

JOHNSTON, IA – Iowa’s 43 ethanol plants had another record breaking year, producing 4.2 billion gallons in 2017. The slight uptick in production from 4.1 billion gallons in 2016 is largely due to several plant expansions and increased demand of exports and higher blends like E15.

“Iowa continues to lead the country and the world in ethanol production and efficiency,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Several plant expansions just finished or will finish during the 1^st quarter of 2018, so production could jump again next year. That makes expanding export markets abroad and breaking down unnecessary barriers to E15 here at home top priorities.”

IRFA’s top state policy priority for 2018 is securing funding for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) to ensure more retailers have the equipment necessary to offer higher blends of ethanol now and in the future. However, coupled with RFIP funding, action at the federal level would create the best environment for retailers to move forward with E15.

“The EPA needs to provide the same regulatory treatment for E15 as all other ethanol blends,” added Shaw. “That step alone would draw many more retailers into offering the option of E15 to their customers. Also, as the world’s cheapest source of fuel octane, we’ll be working to continue to build on the record exports of 2017.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production with 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4 billion gallons annually – including nearly 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce over 380 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

How Refiners Can Lower the High Price of Renewable Fuel Credits: Invest

December 24, 2017

By James C. Greenwood

A group of oil state senators is asking biofuel and agricultural producers to accept changes to the renewable fuel standard (RFS) that are intended to help a small group of refiners comply with the program. The bipartisan RFS program has been U.S. law since 2005, requiring production and use of annually increasing volumes of biofuel in the U.S. transportation market.

The refiners want to lower the price of renewable identification numbers, or RINs, which are the credits they must accumulate to prove compliance with the program — every gallon of biofuel that is blended into transportation fuel generates one of these RIN credits.

It is important to note that past changes to the RFS program — made at the request of those same refiners — have done nothing at all to change the price of the compliance credits. One compliance strategy, though, has proven successful. Refiners that made modest investments in blending capacity, or in advanced and cellulosic biofuel technologies, have been able to comply with the program by generating their own RIN credits.

Congress has tried to give relief to small refiners that are unable to blend biofuels. Most recently, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment and Related Agencies firmly directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant small refiners exemptions from the program to ensure they “remain both competitive and profitable.” The agency has followed that direction and eased requirements for these hardship exemptions.

But EPA has also recognized — and categorically stated in the most recent RFS rule — that refiners are not harmed by complying with the program. Independent refiners recoup their compliance costs when they price their product for blenders; fuel blenders, in turn, recover their cost by blending biofuels and acquiring RIN credits. The refiners’ protests about high RIN costs are, in the agency’s understated opinion, unsupported by evidence and “unconvincing.”

Fortunately, EPA seems to have learned important lessons from when refiners cried wolf over the so-called blend wall. In 2013, independent refiners activated their champions in state governments, Congress and the White House to demand limits on ethanol blending because of high RIN prices.

In response, EPA delayed issuing RFS rules for two years as it sorted out the claims. The agency then used its authority to waive the biofuel blending requirements for those years and to create staggeringly large banks of surplus compliance credits. Those reserve RIN banks come from actual gallons of advanced biofuels produced and blended into the U.S. fuel supply — even though the agency’s waiver authority was based on a claim that there was an “inadequate supply” of the fuel.

The number of reserve advanced biofuel RIN credits that refiners have accumulated and rolled forward from year to year now exceeds the number that they can legally use to meet the 2018 biofuel blending requirements. And yet that RIN bank has no impact on the price of the credits.

Many refiners have made smart business decisions and investments in biofuel production and blending capacity to capture the value of fuel diversification and the RFS program. For example, Flint Hills Resources has acquired several ethanol biorefineries and worked with biotech company Edeniq to launch new technology to produce cellulosic ethanol in those same facilities. The RFS was designed to support that type of innovation and it has been a success. Although it’s legal for refiners to comply with the program simply by purchasing RIN credits from others who innovate (and blend biofuels beyond the compliance targets), it isn’t necessarily a good business decision.

The RFS was designed to encourage biofuel blending. Biotechnology and biorefinery companies have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in advanced biofuel R&D and innovation. A new RIN credit price control scheme to reward such recalcitrance on the part of a few refiners will only disrupt the market and further derail new technology and investment in advanced and cellulosic fuels. Moreover, it’s likely to hurt rather than help small refiners.

Our recommendation for a win-win solution for oil refiners and the biofuel industry is for more oil to should invest in blending infrastructure and advanced and cellulosic biofuel production capacity to capture RIN credit values. The refiners can diversify their product offering and improve their competitiveness by working to meet the goals of the RFS, rather than digging their heels in against it. The benefit of improved energy security and market competition would also provide a win for U.S. motor fuel consumers.

James C. Greenwood is president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. He represented Pennsylvania’s 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2005.

Read the original article: How Refiners Can Lower the High Price of Renewable Fuel Credits: Invest

Canada Releases Clean Fuel Standard Framework

Ethanol Producer Magazine

December 14, 2017

By Tim Albrecht

Environment and Climate Change Canada released the preliminary Clean Fuel Standard regulatory framework Dec. 13, according to a press release from non-profit Renewable Industries Canada.

The goal of the proposed framework is to achieve 30 million metric tons (33.1 million tons) in GHG emissions annually by 2030, which contributes to the country’s effort to achieve an overall GHG mitigation target of 30 percent reduction below 2005 levels.

The clean fuel standard will establish lifecycle carbon intensity requirements separately for liquid, gaseous and solid fuels that are used in transportation, industry and buildings. This performance-based approach will incent innovation, development and use of a broad range of low carbon fuels, energy sources and technologies.

“Our association supports the government of Canada’s objectives and is encouraged that, in the short term, the CGS’s intensity based targets will be backstopped by existing biofuel mandates. This combination of policy levers will help ensure that heightened demand for biofuels is met by increased domestic supply,” said RICanada Chairman Jim Grey.

Scott Lewis, vice chair of RICanada, and executive vice president of biofuel producer BIOX Corp., said, “The domestic biofuel industry has grown to the point where it is now generating gross economic benefits in excess of $3.5 billion to the Canadian economy each year. This announcement will also bring to Canada a credit trading market for biofuels that is essential in our ability to continue to bring low carbon fuels to consumers at competitive prices, while allowing for some flexibility in compliance.”

The framework builds on existing policy that mandates the blending of 5 percent ethanol and 2 percent biodiesel into Canada’s transportation fuels. The 2010 mandates have reduced GHG emissions by more than 4 million tons per year, which is the equivalent of removing 1 million cars from Canada’s roads each year.

Greenfield Global, a producer of corn-based bulk industrial alcohol, packaged alcohol and fuel ethanol, President and CEO Howard Field welcomed the next stage of the process, saying, “By harnessing the benefits of biofuels within a clean fuel standard, Canada can make even stronger inroads in tackling climate change. We look forward to continued work with the Government on this ambitious policy.”

A copy of the Clean Fuel Standard regulatory framework is available here.

Read the original article: Canada Releases Clean Fuel Standard Framework

Japan to Accept US Corn Ethanol

Ethanol Producer Magazine

December 19, 2017

By Tim Albrecht

Japan is likely to finalize a determination in January 2018 that will allow the use of U.S. ethanol in the production of bio-ethyl tert-butyl ether. The determination comes after several committee meetings to assess how ethanol would meet Japan’s greenhouse gas emission’s requirement of 50 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction.

The final decision will be followed by a period of public comment, after which implementation of the new regulation can occur as early as April of next year.

Japan’s Ministry of Trade, Economy and Industry began the assessment of the country’s biofuels policy from 2018 to 2022. METI formed an expert committee to discuss the future of biofuel introduction in Japan in March 2016. In 2017, the committee focused on GHG emission values of Brazilian and U.S. corn ethanol and gasoline.

In November, the committee discussed what methods can be put in place to ensure the sustainability of ethanol. For U.S. ethanol, the committee proposed the use of International Sustainability and Certification certificates and renewable identification numbers (RINs) to ensure traceability. The committee noted that the RIN can be used to trace ethanol back to ethanol plants.

Read the original article: Japan to Accept US Corn Ethanol

RFA Analysis Finds ‘Tremendous Progress’ Made Toward Meeting Energy, Environmental, Economic Goals of RFS2

Renewable Fuels Association

December 19, 2017

By Emily Druckman

WASHINGTON – Ten years ago today, Dec. 19, President George W. Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act, greatly expanding the scope and impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In the decade since passage, significant progress has been made towards greater energy security, cleaner air and boosting local economies, according to a new analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association, “The RFS2: Then and Now.”

The RFS requires oil companies to blend increasing volumes of renewable fuels with gasoline and diesel, culminating with 36 billion gallons in 2022.

“A decade after the RFS2 was adopted, tremendous progress has been made toward achieving the objectives of this landmark policy,” according to the analysis, which compares key data points from 2007 to 2017.

Among the highlights:

-The number of operational U.S. ethanol plants has nearly doubled from 110 in 2007 to 211 in 2017, a 92% increase, while U.S. ethanol production has grown 143% from 6.5 billion gallons in 2007 to 15.8 billion gallons in 2017;

-U.S. ethanol industry jobs grew 42% from 238,541 in 2007 to 339,176, with the value of industry output increasing 74% from $17.8 billion in 2007 to $31 billion in 2017;

-The production of advanced and cellulosic biofuel increased 469% from 490 million gallons in 2007 to 2.79 billion gallons in 2017;

-U.S. corn production grew 12% from 13 billion bushels in 2007 to 14.6 billion bushels in 2017, while corn acres planted fell 3% from 93.5 million acres in 2007 to 90.4 million acres in 2007 and average corn yields increased 16% from 150 bushels per acre in 2007 to 175.4 bushels per acre in 2017;

-The number of retail stations offering flex fuels like E85 increased 238% from 1,208 in 2007 to 4,077 in 2017, while the number of flex fuel vehicles on the road grew from 6.7 million in 2007 to 24.5 million in 2017, a 266% increase; and

-The greenhouse gas emissions avoided from using ethanol has increased 291% from 12.7 million tons CO2e in 2007 to 49.6 million tons CO2e in 2017.

Meanwhile, the doomsday outcomes threatened by RFS opponents have simply not materialized.

-U.S. cropland area fell 6% from 402 million acres in 2007 to 376 million acres in 2017, while U.S. grassland area has increased 5% from 1,296 thousand square miles to 1,359 thousand square miles.

-The deforestation rate in the Amazon fell 43% from 4,498 square miles in 2007 to 2,558 square miles in 2017;

-The greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soil management, urea fertilization, and liming fell 7% from 278.7 million metric tons CO2e in 2007 to 260.1 million metric tons CO2e in 2017;

-Overall food inflation was 4% in 2007, but 1% in 2017;

-Prices for red meat, poultry, fish, cereals and bakery items, and dairy were unchanged in 2017 from the previous year, as compared to a 3.8% increase in 2007; and

-World grain supply for coarse grains, wheat, and rice increased 31% to 3.23 billion metric tons in 2017, as compared to 2.46 billion metric tons in 2007.

“By any measure, RFS2 has been a huge success, bringing about greater consumer choice while helping to make the air cleaner, stimulate economic activity and enhance energy security,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “As this analysis shows, consumers have greatly benefitted from this vital program. These benefits have rippled throughout our economy and we look forward to even greater success of the RFS for years to come.”

The full analysis is available here.

Read the original press release: RFA Analysis Finds ‘Tremendous Progress’ Made Toward Meeting Energy, Environmental, Economic Goals of RFS2

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Newly Appointed Minnesota Senator Strong Supporter of Ethanol

December 15, 2017

By NAFB

The appointed U.S. Senator to take the place of Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota will “fiercely defend ethanol.”

The Washington Examiner reports Democrat Tina Smith will add another big voice of support for corn ethanol in Congress. Smith was appointed this week by Minnesota’s Governor to take the place of Franken, who resigned last week over allegations of sexual misconduct. Smith, now formally Minnesota Lieutenant Governor, said on September 16th last year while declaring the date as Ethanol Day, that ethanol is a “critical tool” in the state’s economic development toolbox. The ethanol industry generates nearly $5 billion for Minnesota’s economy and more than 18,000 jobs, according to Smith.

However, it is not clear how much she can do as her appointment lasts one year, after which Minnesota will hold a special election to choose a new senator to serve out the remainder of Franken’s term.

Read the original article: Newly Appointed Minnesota Senator Strong Supporter of Ethanol

Fischer: Standing Up for Rural America

Fremont Tribune

December 13, 2017

By Senator Deb Fischer

Shortly after the founding of our nation, American citizens engaged in a debate about what kind of country they and later generations would live in. No one understood the value of rural Americans more than Thomas Jefferson. Writing in a letter to John Jay, the author of the Declaration of Independence stated, “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.” Then serving as secretary of state, Jefferson understood that the products of rural America, through trade, would be our connection to the rest of world and lay the groundwork for our freedoms.

That sentiment still rings true today, and I am proud of the work done in the Senate and by the administration to support and promote the prosperity of rural America.

Nebraska is the second largest ethanol-producing state in the country with 25 ethanol plants that have the capacity to produce more than 2 billion gallons of renewable fuel annually. Biofuel contributes $5 billion to Nebraska’s economy every year, and Nebraskans fill more than 1,300 full-time jobs related to its production.

As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I was happy to see that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the finalized 2018 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) and 2019 biomass-based diesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The final rule set the total renewable fuel volume at 19.29 billion gallons. This included 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuel and 4.29 billion gallons of advanced biofuel.

These volumes provide clarity for Nebraska’s ag producers and innovators focused on the future of biofuels. Moreover, the final rule illustrates a commitment to rural America. It will continue to foster investment in the Americans who feed the world and provide renewable energy solutions to match our country’s energy needs.

Good agriculture policy also relies heavily on trade that is both smart and fair. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Nebraska ranks fifth in the country in the value of its agricultural exports. Over 90 thousand jobs rely on exporting Nebraska’s high-quality products through the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

I support fair trade because it helps Nebraskans provide for their families.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with President Trump at the White House and expressed my support for trade agreements. During our conversation, I highlighted the significant role the NAFTA plays in expanding agriculture exports and creating manufacturing jobs in the United States. I urged him to safeguard the competitive advantage our agriculture producers and manufacturers have worked so hard to build as his administration negotiates with our North American trade partners.

As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I also met with Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and again emphasized the value of NAFTA to rural America. I look forward to continuing these discussions with the president and his administration in the weeks to come.

Rural America puts food on tables all over the world and serves as the foundation for a healthy, growing economy. For our country to continue moving forward, we need to ensure that our farmers and livestock producers have stable and dependable markets for their products. I work every day to make sure that continues to happen.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

Read the original article: Fischer: Standing Up for Rural America

Green Plains to Use Enogen Corn from Syngenta

Ethanol Producer Magazine

December 8, 2017

By Syngenta

Syngenta has announced a partnership with Green Plains Inc. to expand its use of Enogen corn enzyme technology across its 1.5 billion gallon production platform.

Green Plains is one of the largest owners of ethanol production assets in the world, purchasing more than 500 million bushels of corn each year. Using Enogen corn as a portion of the feedstock enables alpha amylase to be delivered directly in the grain, eliminating the need to add a liquid form of the enzyme and significantly reducing the viscosity of the corn mash.

According to Green Plains President and CEO Todd Becker, the opportunity to enhance production and invest locally are key benefits of using Enogen corn.

“We have been using Enogen corn at a number of our locations for the past several years and have noted significant benefits, including enhanced yield and reduced energy costs,” Becker said. “Combining our focus to buy more corn directly from farmers and purchasing alpha amylase locally, in the form of high-quality grain for all of our plants, we believe Enogen will create value for our shareholders, growers and the communities where we do business.”

Enogen corn enzyme technology is an in-seed innovation available exclusively from Syngenta and features the first biotech corn output trait designed specifically to enhance ethanol production. Using modern biotechnology to deliver best-in-class alpha amylase enzyme directly in the grain, Enogen corn eliminates the need to add liquid alpha amylase and creates a win-win-win scenario by adding value for ethanol plants, corn growers and rural communities. Enogen is making dramatic gains not only in the field, but in ethanol plants, as well, and is helping to fuel enzyme innovation.

“Enogen is rapidly gaining popularity because of the value it delivers to ethanol producers and the opportunity it provides corn growers to be enzyme suppliers for their local ethanol plants,” said Jeff Oestmann, head of biofuels operations – Enogen at Syngenta. “Enogen corn enzyme technology creates increased profit potential for ethanol producers and corn growers while adding significant incremental value at the local level for communities that rely on their ethanol plant’s success.

“Syngenta is committed to the success of the U.S. ethanol industry and to helping ethanol plants adopt the best enzyme strategy. We are proud to have made a significant investment to bring this game-changing technology to market to help make ethanol more sustainable and to help plants differentiate their offerings and support their local communities by keeping enzyme dollars local,” Oestmann added.

Today, 97 percent of America’s motor fuel mix contains about 10 percent ethanol, and higher blends are increasingly available. These new consumer options have appeared, in part, due to the work of the ethanol industry in pushing for more options like E15 for consumers at the pump. Ethanol is helping America reduce its dependence on foreign oil, and is helping to create jobs that can’t be outsourced. Enogen not only helps keep enzyme dollars in local communities, it also supports the creation of jobs in the United States.

The robust alpha amylase enzyme found in Enogen grain helps an ethanol plant significantly reduce the viscosity of its corn mash and eliminates the need to add a liquid form of the enzyme. This breakthrough reduction can lead to unprecedented levels of solids loading, which directly contributes to increased throughput and yield, as well as critical cost savings from reduced natural gas, electricity and water usage.

Farmers who grow Enogen corn are eligible to earn an additional premium per Enogen bushel. And, numerous trials have shown that Enogen hybrids perform equal to or better than other high-performing corn hybrids.

Read the original story: Green Plains to Use Enogen Corn from Syngenta

Testing Being Performed as Part of FAA’s CLEEN Program to Promote the Use of Bio-Based Jet Fuels

December 11, 2017

Press Release

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ:GEVO), announced today that GE Aviation had commenced jet engine combustor component testing with a jet fuel comprised 100% of Gevo’s renewable alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) . The testing is being performed as part of the Federal Aviation Authority’s (FAA) Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise Program (CLEEN). CLEEN is the FAA's principal environmental effort to accelerate the development of new aircraft, engine technologies, and to advance sustainable alternative jet fuels, in conjunction with aviation industry leaders such as GE Aviation.

Specifically, this testing is designed to enable the greater displacement of petroleum-based jet fuel by bio-based alternative products. Bio-based hydrocarbon fuels have similar performance characteristics to the petroleum-based fuels used today, albeit with reductions in particulate matter and other air quality related emissions. Some bio-based jet fuels, such as Gevo’s ATJ, have the potential to improve performance, such as providing greater energy density which translates into better mileage.

GE Aviation is a part of General Electric Company, and is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft.

“GE Aviation’s collaboration with the FAA and Gevo under CLEEN is an excellent example of our long-standing commitment to sustainable aviation. Efforts such as this one are expected to help accelerate the transition from petroleum-based fuels to more environmentally friendly ones,” said Dr. Gurhan Andac, Engineering Leader, Aviation Fuels & Additives, GE Aviation.

“If we are truly going to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aviation, we need to be able to replace larger percentages of petroleum jet fuel with bio-based alternatives such as Gevo’s ATJ. The future is to replace the whole barrel of oil with bio-based hydrocarbons that stimulate the economy, mitigate GHG emissions, draw on abundant resources and enhance sustainability. We want to thank the FAA and GE Aviation for their vision in supporting projects like this one,” said Dr. Patrick Gruber, Gevo’s Chief Executive Officer.

About Gevo

Gevo is a leading renewable technology, chemical products, and next generation biofuels company. Gevo has developed proprietary technology that uses a combination of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering to focus primarily on the production of isobutanol, as well as related products from renewable feedstocks. Gevo’s strategy is to commercialize bio-based alternatives to petroleum-based products to allow for the optimization of fermentation facilities’ assets, with the ultimate goal of maximizing cash flows from the operation of those assets. Gevo produces isobutanol, ethanol and high-value animal feed at its fermentation plant in Luverne, MN. Gevo has also developed technology to produce hydrocarbon products from renewable alcohols. Gevo currently operates a biorefinery in Silsbee, TX, in collaboration with South Hampton Resources Inc., to produce renewable jet fuel, octane, and ingredients for plastics like polyester. Gevo has a marquee list of partners including The Coca-Cola Company, Toray Industries Inc. and Total SA, among others. Gevo is committed to a sustainable bio-based economy that meets society’s needs for plentiful food and clean air and water. Learn more at our website: www.gevo.com.

Read the original release: Testing Being Performed as Part of FAA’s CLEEN Program to Promote the Use of Bio-Based Jet Fuels

US Ethanol Industry Sets New Production Record

Ethanol Producer Magazine

December 7, 2017

By Erin Voegele

The U.S. ethanol industry set a new production record the week ending Dec. 1, with production averaging 1.108 million barrels per day, according to data published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The new production record breaks the one set in mid-November, when production averaged 1.074 million barrels per day the week ending Nov. 17.

EIA data shows the U.S. ethanol industry has set new records for weekly ethanol production five time so far this year, including three new records that were set in January, one that was set in November, and the current record set the week ending Dec. 1.

In its Short-Term Energy Outlook for November, the EIA predicted that ethanol production will average 1.03 million barrels per day this year, increasing to 1.04 million barrels per day next year.

Read the original article: US Ethanol Industry Sets New Production Record

U.S. Ethanol, DDGS Exports Up in October

December 7, 2017

U.S. ethanol exports totaled 93.6 million gal. in October, up 8% from September shipments, according to government data released this week and analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Assn.

Ann Lewis, research analyst for the association, noted that Canada was again the top destination for U.S. exports, at 33.9 million gal. (more than one-third of total exports) — an 18% increase over September. Spain was the second-leading market for U.S. ethanol in October, making its first meaningful purchase in 37 months and taking in 13.4 million gal. India's imports of U.S. ethanol fell 35% from September to 13.2 million gal., but that was good enough to rank third in October.

U.S. ethanol exports to all destinations for the first 10 months of 2017 stood at 1.09 billion gal., indicating an annualized export volume of 1.30 billion gal.

Four countries — Canada, Spain, India and Brazil — accounted for 78% of all shipments in October, while another 20% was parsed out among seven other markets.

Exports to Brazil in October ticked downward for the third straight month, which Lewis said was likely a result of the nation implementing a tariff rate quota and 20% tariff in September. U.S. shippers sent 12.9 million gal. of ethanol to Brazil, which was a 32% decrease from September.

According to the data, October exports of undenatured fuel ethanol decreased 12% to 43.0 million gal. — the lowest volume in 13 months — as the two largest undenatured markets significantly decreased their imports. The U.S. shipped 13.2 million gal. to India (down 35%) and 12.9 million gal. to Brazil (down 32%). The Philippines (4.6 million gal.), Mexico (3.0 million gal.) and Spain (2.9 million gal.) rounded out the top five largest markets for undenatured product.

U.S. exports of denatured fuel ethanol recovered in October, with a 47% increase to 46.6 million gal. Canada (32.9 million gal.) and Spain (10.5 million gal.) represented the lion's share of the denatured fuel ethanol export total, Lewis said.

Overseas sales of undenatured ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes decreased by a third to 2.2 million gal. Saudi Arabia purchased 1.7 million gal. (76% of exports), with the remaining volumes distributed to multiple countries. Exports of denatured ethanol for non-fuel, non-beverage purposes decreased 34% to 1.8 million gal., with Canada (900,000 gal.), Nigeria (400,000 gal.) and Mexico (400,000 gal.) as the primary customers.

Lewis also noted that the U.S. recorded meaningful fuel ethanol import volumes for the sixth straight month this year, with 2.9 million gal. of Brazilian undenatured ethanol on the books in October. Year-to-date fuel ethanol imports totaled 55.8 million gal., a 66% increase over the same period last year. Still, annualized import volumes are estimated at just 66.9 million gal.

Data also showed that exports of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) expanded 14% in October to 903,290 metric tons (mt), which Lewis said is the largest volume in seven months. The top three customers increased purchases over September levels, with Mexico remaining the top destination at 205,899 mt, up 15% from September. Other leading destinations included Turkey at 115,559 mt (up 35%), Vietnam at 102,004 mt, South Korea at 84,642 mt and Indonesia at 84,448 mt.

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Ontario Looks to Double Amount of Ethanol in Gasoline

CBC News Toronto

December 4, 2017

By Mike Crawley

The Ontario government is proposing to double the minimum amount of ethanol in gasoline, a step that would form one of the province's biggest moves toward hitting its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets.

The plan puts Ontario on track to become the first province to require fuel suppliers to put at least 10 per cent ethanol in regular gasoline, starting in 2020. The province's current minimum ethanol mandate is five per cent.

The proposed changes would reduce carbon emissions by about two megatonnes per year. That's the equivalent of taking about 130,000 cars off the roads, according to Chris Ballard, minister of the Environment and Climate Change.

"Increasing ethanol content in gasoline is a very significant step forward in helping us meet our targets," Ballard said Friday in an interview with CBC News. "We're trying to drive down what's coming out of people's tail pipes in terms of carbon content."

Ontario's proposal would require the ethanol that is blended into fuel to be 35 per cent lower in net greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline.

Transportation produces about one-third of Ontario's carbon emissions, more than any other sector.

"It's a really important move to make sure we're de-carbonizing our transportation sector," said Erin Flanagan, a director of policy for the Pembina Institute. "These kinds of policies make a lot of sense."

"This is really going to help spur investment in our industry," said Jim Grey, chief executive of IGPC Ethanol Inc. and chair of Renewable Industries Canada, the national association of biofuel producers.

"It is probably the most significant, and one of the quicker ways that the government can help move toward its target on GHG reductions," Grey said in a phone interview.

The federal government is in the midst of creating a new cleaner fuel standard that could involve mandating an increase in the minimum required ethanol content nationally, currently set at five per cent.

Canada's Ecofiscal Commission, an independent group of economic policy analysts, reported recently that while biofuels like ethanol have resulted in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, they have done so at a high cost to taxpayers and the economy.

The commission recommends governments phase out their ethanol content rules, rather than increase them as Ontario is doing. Their report argued that the quota gives an unfair advantage to ethanol producers and inhibits the development of other low-carbon technologies.

"Decarbonizing the transportation sector will involve many different and competing technologies; the technologies that prove the most effective and economically viable should win the day," said the report.

The Liberal government in Ontario mandated the five per cent minimum ethanol content rules in 2007. Since then, the government pumped some $500 million in public money into ethanol producers.

An ethanol company was the biggest corporate donor to the Ontario Liberal Party in recent years, a CBC News investigation found in 2016. GreenField Specialty Alcohols Inc., its related companies and its founder donated more than $480,000 to the party since 2007, while receiving more than $160 million in public funding.

On Thursday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that refiners must use 15 billion gallons of conventional renewable fuels (predominantly ethanol) next year, holding steady with the quota it set for 2017. There has been pressure on the Trump administration from oil-producing companies to reduce the renewable quota, while midwestern corn-producing states wanted to see an increase.

Some critics have blamed rising ethanol demand for soaring food prices, but the scientific evidence is unclear.

Read the original article: Ontario Looks to Double Amount of Ethanol in Gasoline

Sen. Klobuchar on EPA Release of Renewable Fuel Standard Requirements

Senator Amy Klobuchar

November 30, 2017

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement following the release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2018 and 2019 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements.

“Renewable fuels are a Minnesota-grown economic generator for our state and country. The Administration’s choice to maintain ethanol volume requirements for 2018 and 2019 is a good decision that underscores the importance of—and signals a commitment to—corn ethanol. However, failing to increase the blend targets of advanced biofuels hamstrings the growth we have seen in clean energy innovation, needlessly flat-lining a sector that creates good jobs and strengthens rural communities. A strong RFS means a strong economy, improved national security, prosperous rural communities, and U.S. leadership in the energy of the future. I’ll continue to work with the Administration to ensure that the standard is administered in a way that is good for Minnesota and rural communities across the country.”

For years, Klobuchar has led a bipartisan push for the EPA to release a stronger RFS to support American jobs and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Last November, the former Administration released a stronger final rule for 2017, which will require a record amount of biofuel to be mixed into our transportation fuel supply next year. Minnesota’s twenty ethanol plants and three biodiesel plants generate roughly $5 billion in combined economic output and have made our state the fourth-largest ethanol producing state in the country. In April, Klobuchar and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led a bipartisan group of 23 senators in urging the Administration to reject changes to the RFS that would upend stability and predictability for small businesses and rural communities.

Read the original release: Sen. Klobuchar on EPA Release of Renewable Fuel Standard Requirements

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