In the News
Jul 7, 2022
The U.S. exported 147.06 million gallons of ethanol and 966,108 metric tons of distillers grains in May, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on July 7. Exports of ethanol were up when compared to May 2021, while distillers grains exports were down.
The 147.06 million gallons of ethanol exported in May was down when compared to the 185.19 million gallons exported in April, which was the highest reported monthly export level in four years. May exports, however, were more than double the 70.39 million gallons reported for the same month of last year.
The U.S. exported ethanol to more than 40 countries in May. Canada was the top destination at 41.8 million gallons, followed by South Korea at 19.33 million gallons and the Netherlands at 15.41 million gallons.
The value of U.S. ethanol exports reached $410.39 million in May, down from $496.02 million the previous month, but up from $159.32 million in May 2021.
The U.S. exported a total of 725.91 million gallons of ethanol during the first five months of 2022 at a value of $1.93 billion, compared to 582.36 million gallons exported during the same period of last year at a value of $1.06 billion.
The 966,108 metric tons of distillers grains exported in May was up when compared to the 813,749 metric tons exported in April, but down from 1.04 million metric tons exported in May 2021.
The U.S. exported distillers grains to approximately three dozen countries in May. Mexico was the top destination for U.S. distillers grains exports at 229,231 metric tons, followed by South Korea at 123,077 metric tons and Vietnam at 111,080 metric tons.
The value of U.S. distillers grains exports reached $311.85 million in May, up from both $243.12 million in April and $286.58 in May of last year.
Total U.S. distillers grains exports for the first five months of the year reached 4.66 million metric tons at a value of $1.36 billion, compared to 4.49 million metric tons exported during the same period of 2021 at a value of $1.18 billion.
Additional data is available on the USDA FAS website.
Read the original story here.
Jul 6, 2022
U.S. operable production capacity for ethanol and renewable diesel expanded in April, while biodiesel capacity fell slightly, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on July 5. Feedstock consumption was up when compared to April 2021.
Total capacity for ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel and other fuels, defined to include renewable heating oil, renewable jet fuel, renewable naphtha, renewable gasoline, and other biofuels and biointermediates, reached 21.479 billion gallons in April, up from both 21.022 billion gallons the previous month and 20.777 billion gallons in April 2021.
Ethanol capacity was at 17.34 billion gallons in April, up 17 MMgy when compared to the 17.323 billion gallons of capacity reported for March. Ethanol capacity, however, was down 56 MMgy when compared to the 17.396 billion gallons of capacity in place during the same month of last year.
Biodiesel capacity fell to 2.217 billion gallons in April, down 14 MMgy when compared to the 2.231 billion gallons of capacity reported for March. When compared to the 2.41 billion gallons of capacity in place in April 2021, biodiesel capacity was down 193 MMgy.
Capacity for renewable diesel and associated fuels expanded to 1.922 billion gallons in April, up 454 MMgy when compared to the 1.468 billion gallons of capacity in place the previous month. Renewable diesel capacity was up 951 MMgy when compared to the 971 MMgy of capacity in place in April 2021.
U.S. biofuel producers consumed an estimated 25.273 billion pounds of feedstock in April, down from 27.193 billion pounds the previous month, but up when compared to 24.243 billion pounds of feedstock consumed in April 2021.
Biofuel producers consumed 23.294 billion pounds of corn in April, down from 25.383 billion pounds the previous month, but up from 22.821 billion pounds in April 2021. Producers also consumed 164 million pounds of grain sorghum, up from 97 million pounds in March. The EIA withheld the volume of grain sorghum that went to biofuel production in April 2021 to avoid disclosure of individual company data.
According to the EIA, 839 million pounds of soybean oil was used to produce biofuels in April, down from 908 million pounds in March, but up when compared to the 700 million pounds consumed in April of last year. Approximately 211 million pounds of corn oil went to biofuel production in April, down slightly when compared to the 212 million pounds consumed in the previous month and flat when compared to the 211 million pounds consumed in April 2021. Biofuel producers also consumed 101 million pounds of canola oil in April. The volume of canola oil that went to biofuel production in March 2022 and April 2021 was withheld by the EIA to avoid disclosure of individual company data.
Biofuel producers also consumed 402 million pounds of yellow grease, 130 million pounds of beef tallow, 57 million pounds of white grease and 13 million pounds of poultry fat in April, compared to 338 million pounds, 127 million pounds 47 million pounds and 15 million pounds, respectively, in March. Biofuel producers consumed 248 million pounds of yellow grease, 93 million pounds of beef tallow, 64 million pounds of white grease, and 36 pounds of poultry fat in April 2021. Biofuel producers also consumed 3 million pounds of other waste fats, oils and greases in April 2021. The EIA withheld data on the consumption of other fats, oils and greases in April 2022 and March 2022 to avoid disclosing individual company data.
According to the EIA, biofuel producers also consumed 62 million pounds of feedstock classified as “other” recycled feeds and wastes in April, down from both 66 million pounds in March 63 million pounds in April 2021.
Additional data is available on the EIA website.
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Jun 27, 2022
Turkey is the largest buyer of U.S. distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in the Middle East region. However, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the U.S. Grains Council was unable to engage Turkish buyers via in-person programs for nearly two years.
In October 2021, in-person programming resumed when the Council invited a delegation of Turkish buyers to the United States to attend the Distillers’ Grains Technology Conference (DGTC). During the group’s travels, team members were able to learn about U.S. DDGS production, meet with a variety of suppliers and explore export channels. As a result of the program, the team members purchased more than $14 million of U.S. DDGS. The program was accomplished by using Agriculture Trade Promotion (ATP) funds provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The team, hosted by the Council and the Illinois Corn Growers Association, visited a U.S. corn farm, river elevators, and Marquis Energy, the largest single-site ethanol plant in the world. Additionally, the team met with agribusiness companies, including StoneX in Chicago, and toured a container port facility in Savannah, Georgia, where they were hosted by two DDGS exporters.
Turkey is a traditional importer of bulk DDGS but has recently bought increasing quantities of DDGS in containers, making the visit timely for evolving marketing opportunities in the Middle East region.
Following the port visit, the team attended the DGTC in Louisville, Kentucky, where they heard about emerging technologies in the corn co-product space, which will likely generate future demand for these products. During the conference, the Council organized individual meetings with U.S. agribusinesses, including CHS, Gavilon, The Andersons, Inc., and Louis Dreyfus Company. The meetings provided a private venue for attendees to conclude negotiations to purchase U.S. DDGS.
Following the trip, the team purchased 40,000 metric tons of U.S. corn co-products valued at more than $14 million. The Council invested $50,000 of ATP funds to execute this program. The resulting $14 million worth of business conducted yielded a return on investment of over $280 per $1 of ATP funds invested.
Read the original story here.
Jun 30, 2022
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) welcome Canada’s finalized Clean Fuel Regulations, an initiative to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of fuel and energy used in Canada and achieve more than 20 million tons of annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Canadian Clean Fuel Regulations will rely heavily on the use of low-carbon biofuels like ethanol. For example, the program has modeled compliance to include an average of 15 percent ethanol (E15) in gasoline by 2030.
“We applaud Canada for finalizing its Clean Fuel Regulations and leading the globe in putting a plan in place to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector through higher blends of biofuels,” the organizations said. “The Clean Fuel Regulations set Canada on a path toward better air quality, energy security, and carbon mitigation, all supported by rural communities, by setting the achievable goals of reducing more than 20 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions through a move to 15 percent ethanol in all gasoline by 2030. The Clean Fuel Regulations stand as testimony to the powerful impact biofuels can and will have for Canada’s transportation future.”
Background
In March 2021, the Council, Growth Energy and RFA submitted comments to Environment and Climate Change Canada regarding its proposed regulation.
Learn more about the Clean Fuel Regulations.
Read the original press release here.
Jun 28, 2022
A new study released today by the Department of Energy (DOE) found that the U.S. ethanol industry once again leads the nation in the share of its workforce that is comprised by military veterans, with one in every six employees previously serving in the armed forces. The DOE report also showed that the concentration of union workers in the ethanol industry is higher than the national average.
“Veterans make up 16% of the corn ethanol workforce, a higher concentration of veterans than any other energy technology and higher concentration than the 6% national average,” according to the report, which was prepared by DOE’s Office of Policy, Office of Energy Jobs. Across all energy sectors, veterans account for 9% of the workforce.
Meanwhile, ethanol industry workers represented by a union or labor agreement make up 7% of the industry workforce, higher than the national workforce average of 6%. The ethanol industry’s union worker density is identical to that of the petroleum fuels sector, according to the report.
“Today’s report from DOE confirms once again that the U.S. ethanol industry proudly leads the way in hiring military veterans,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, himself an Army veteran. “The ethanol industry’s values and priorities align extremely well with those of our women and men in uniform, so it’s no surprise that one out of every six ethanol industry workers is a veteran. Military veterans know that they can continue to protect their fellow Americans and serve their country by producing a homegrown, cleaner, greener, and more affordable renewable fuel.”
Cooper also noted that the DOE report underscores that progress is being made toward the industry goals of greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Females account for 30% of the ethanol industry workforce, well above the 25% average across all energy sectors.
- Workers with disabilities make up 4% of the ethanol industry workforce, double the average across all energy sectors.
- The portion of the ethanol industry workforce made up of Hispanic or Latino workers has grown from 9% in 2018 to 12% in 2022, while the share comprised of Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander workers has doubled from 1% to 2%.
The shares of workers identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native (1%), Asian (6%), Black or African American (5%), and two or more races (5%) have held steady since 2018.
Read the original story here.
Jun 17, 2022
Production and use of renewable ethanol from ePURE members reduced greenhouse-gas emissions by an average of 76.9 percent compared to fossil fuels in 2021, according to newly certified data. It was the tenth consecutive year in which EU renewable ethanol increased its GHG-reduction score.
The record-breaking figure comes at a crucial moment for EU energy and climate legislation as policymakers determine what role sustainable biofuels such as renewable ethanol can play in the drive to carbon-neutrality.
“The new data once again confirm what we have known for years: that renewable ethanol is the most cost-effective GHG-abatement solution the EU has,” said David Carpintero, director general of ePURE, the European renewable ethanol association.
“With Europeans continuing to buy and drive cars that run on liquid fuel, there is more than ever a need for a sustainable, renewable, socially inclusive solution. Phasing out sustainable biofuels such as renewable ethanol – as some policymakers want to do – doesn’t just go against common sense, it also opens the door for more reliance on fossil fuel. Nobody wants that.”
The record-high GHG-saving performance of ePURE members’ ethanol was also accompanied by significant production of animal feed (4.48 million metric tons) and of captured CO2 (1.05 million metric tons) – more ways in which ethanol production contributes to EU food security and offsets fossil fuel use. For the first time, ePURE members produced more animal feed co-products than renewable ethanol – more food than fuel. The 2021 findings were compiled from ePURE members and certified by auditing firm Copartner.
The new statistics also back up the findings of research from studio Gear Up comparing the full-life-cycle emissions of renewable fuel blends with hybrid and battery electric vehicles showing that renewable ethanol is EU’s most cost-effective solution for reducing car emissions.
ePURE’s membership includes 21 producing companies with around 50 refineries across the EU and UK, accounting for about 85 percent of EU renewable ethanol production.
Read the original story here.
Jun 13, 2022
Since August 2017, the U.S. ethanol industry has been in intense discussion with the Brazilian government about the country’s ethanol tariff rate quota (TRQ). On Dec. 14, 2020, the trade relationship became bitter when Brazil applied a 20 percent duty on all U.S. ethanol imports as a measure to protect the domestic industry after a difficult year of limited demand due to COVID-19 mobility restrictions.
Following the tariff imposition, the U.S. Grains Council undertook several strategies to reverse the decision, including approaching possible in-country partners that could share trade interests. The Council found a strategic ally in the Brazilian Association of Fuel Importers (ABICOM), which represents 85 percent of the fuel supply market.
After various meetings, ABICOM agreed to work with the Council to develop a formal request to the Brazilian Foreign Trade Chamber (CAMEX) to drop the 20 percent duty on U.S. ethanol imports as the best solution to alleviate supply shortages and the resultant price inflation in the north and northeast regions of Brazil.
ABICOM believed that by zeroing the duty, the country would guarantee a reduction of R$ 0.18 per liter ($0.15/gallon) in the gasoline prices at the pump. Once presented with the plea to the CAMEX, the Council helped the association reach the ministries involved in the decision to present its arguments, supported by its close relationship with key contacts in the Brazilian government. As a consequence, the Ministry of Economy performed its own analysis of the information provided, confirming the reductions in price ($0.16/gallon) and driving the Brazilian government to eliminate the duty on all ethanol imports until Dec. 31, 2022, as a measure to reduce inflation in the country.
Brazil is one of the largest ethanol export destinations for the U.S. ethanol industry, with 76 million gallons of ethanol purchased in 2021, valued at $153 million. With the elimination of the duty, it is expected that import levels will grow by 20 percent in 2022 over 2021 import levels.
In the past five years, the Council has invested $43,146 of USDA Market Access Program (MAP) funds and $116,431 of Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) program funds to support increased U.S. ethanol exports of $125.2 million, creating a return on investment (ROI) of $958 for every $1 invested.
Read the original story here.
Jun 16, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, a critical step toward addressing the rising costs of food, fuel and other household items in the United States. The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act is a package of bipartisan bills that will lower prices for families at the grocery aisle and the gas pump by giving America’s farmers the support and resources they need to thrive. The bill passed just two weeks after Representative Craig led her Democratic colleagues in urging the Speaker and Majority Leader to prioritize legislation that would address surging costs, which Rep. Craig and her colleagues identified as the most urgent challenge impacting their constituents.
The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act includes two of Representative Craig’s bills – the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act and the Strengthening the Agriculture and Food Supply Chain Act, which are both critical pieces of her ongoing effort to lower prices for Minnesotans.
“Every day, Americans are calling on their elected leaders to take decisive action to combat surging prices at the checkout line and at the pump. And today, we responded to that call by passing a major bipartisan bill to ensure the accessibility of affordable, homegrown American biofuels and to shore up the American food supply chain,” said Representative Craig. “Our bill will help to get food on the shelves faster, support economic growth in rural America and reduce our dependence on foreign oil – and I couldn’t have been prouder to champion this bipartisan effort in Congress.”
Earlier today, Craig spoke on the House floor in support of her legislation, urging her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support efforts to lower costs for working families. Craig’s remarks are available here.
The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act will help address supply chain risks, lower the cost of food and gas prices, strengthen the food supply chain and ensure robust competition in the meat and poultry sector. Contained in the package are two of Representative Craig’s bipartisan bills to support working families. Craig’s Year-Round Fuel Choice Act would permanently allow the year-round sale of E15, a biofuel alternative that lowers the average cost of fuel and can cost as much as forty cents per gallon less than regular gasoline. And the Strengthening the Agriculture and Food Supply Chain Act would create a task force dedicated to shoring up the agriculture and food supply chains in order to prevent bottlenecks and lower food costs.
Read the original press release here.
More...
Jun 15, 2022
U.S. fuel ethanol production expanded by 2 percent the week ending June 10, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on June 15. Weekly ending stocks of fuel ethanol were down nearly 2 percent.
Fuel ethanol production averaged 1.06 million barrels per day the week ending June 10, up 21,000 barrels per day when compared to the 1.039 million barrels of stocks reported for the previous week. When compared to the same week of last year, ethanol production for the week ending June 10 was up 35,000 barrels per day.
Weekly ending stocks of fuel ethanol fell to 23.197 million barrels the week ending June 10, down 439,000 barrels when compared the 23.636 million barrels of stocks reported for the previous week. When compared to the same week of last year, stocks for the week ending June 10 were up 2.595 million barrels.
Read the original story here.
Jun 7, 2022
DALLAS – Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC (“Navigator”) announced today that they have signed a Letter of Intent to provide carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) services to POET, the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, on Navigator’s Heartland Greenway system.
The agreement outlines Navigator’s integrated CCUS services for approximately five (5) million metric tons of POET’s biogenic CO2 annually and establishes a collaborative path for the development of a central carbon offset marketplace and carbon use logistics platform. The system will phase in 18 of POET’s bioprocessing facilities across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and is on schedule for operational in-service in 2025.
“We recognize that now is the time to take bold action to preserve our planet for future generations,” said Jeff Broin, POET Founder and CEO. “POET has been a leader in low-carbon biofuels and CO2 capture for commercial use for decades, and this project is another significant step in utilizing bioprocessing to accelerate our path to net-zero. We choose our partners carefully, and we believe Navigator has the expertise to deliver long-term value to rural America by further positioning agricultural commodities as a viable source of low-carbon liquid fuels to power our future.”
Both parties will leverage their respective expertise – relying on the unique breadth and scale of Navigator’s infrastructure development, construction, and operations and POET’s market-leading position in CO2 distribution, marketing, and logistics management. The joint efforts will create the largest combined distribution network for high-quality, biogenic CO2.
“This agreement is a testament to two industries coming together and using their resources to pave innovative pathways toward carbon neutrality and a more sustainable future. The breadth, scale, and technical acumen of each party’s platform is unmatched,” said Matt Vining, Chief Executive Officer of Navigator. “POET is an industry pioneer that has built a company on the pillars of safety, integrity, innovation, and being a good neighbor in the communities they call home, all of which align entirely with the culture and track record of Navigator. We look forward to this partnership with POET as we continue to fulfill our mission to provide sustainable carbon solutions to our communities, consumers, and customers.”
With the addition of POET to the platform, Navigator’s Heartland Greenway system will provide CCUS services for more than 30 industrial processors across the agriculture and food production value chains, representing over ten (10) million tons of annual CO2 emissions, including the two (2) largest bioethanol producers in the United States, in addition to highly efficient single-site production
facilities. Navigator’s unique platform will now mobilize efforts to deliver up to 15 million tons annually of CCUS services through new pipeline laterals and parallel development of multiple storage sites.
About Navigator CO2 Ventures
Navigator CO2 Ventures is a company developed and managed by the Navigator Energy Services management team with over 180 years of collective industry experience. The company specializes in CCUS, and the management team has safely constructed and operated over 1,300 miles of new infrastructure since being founded in 2012. We are committed to building and operating our projects to meet and exceed safety requirements while minimizing the collective impact on the environment, landowners, and the public during construction and ongoing operations. For more information about Navigator CO2 and the Heartland Greenway, visit our websites at: navigatorco2.com and heartlandgreenway.com.
About POET
POET’s vision is to create a world in sync with nature. As the world’s largest producer of biofuel and a global leader in sustainable bioproducts, POET creates plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels that unleash the regenerative power of agriculture and cultivate opportunities for America’s farm families. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Sioux Falls, POET operates 33 bioprocessing facilities across eight states and employs more than 2,200 team members. With a suite of bioproducts that includes Dakota Gold and NexPro feed, Voila? corn oil, purified alcohol, renewable CO2 and JIVE asphalt rejuvenator, POET nurtures an unceasing commitment to innovation and advances powerful, practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Today, POET holds more than 80 patents worldwide and continues to break new ground in biotechnology, yielding ever-cleaner and more efficient renewable energy. In 2021, POET released its inaugural Sustainability Report pledging carbon neutrality by 2050.
Read the original press release here.
Jun 7, 2022
April U.S. ethanol exports rocketed to a four-year high of 185.2 million gallons (mg). Shipments were up 48% from March and represented the third-largest monthly export volume on record. Canada logged a 17% increase in imports (40.1 mg, its second-largest volume on record) and maintained its status as our top customer for the thirteenth consecutive month (capturing 22% of April exports). U.S. ethanol exports to Brazil leapt to 30.0 mg (up from zero), the largest volume in two years. South Korea saw weaker sales in April, importing 23.5 mg (-7%). Other substantial markets included Singapore (tripled to a record high of 19.0 mg), the Netherlands (13.8 mg, +79%), the United Kingdom (12.8 mg, up from essentially zero), India (11.9 mg, -13%), and Peru (9.0 mg, +99%). Notably, China again was absent from our export market. Total U.S. ethanol exports for the first four months of 2022 were 577.2 mg, up 15% from the same period in 2021.
The U.S. did not log any meaningful imports of foreign ethanol in April (South Africa shipped 10,411 gallons of denatured fuel ethanol). Total year-to-date imports stand at 10.7 mg.
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, scaled back in April by 12% to 813,749 (mt), a 14-month low. While Mexico cut its imports of U.S. DDGS by a third to the lowest volume since Feb. 2021 (125,025 mt), it remained our top customer for the nineteenth consecutive month. Shipments also thinned to Vietnam (105,135 mt, -6%), South Korea (97,654 mt, -24%), and Canada (80,121 mt, -24%). Shipments to these four markets represented half of U.S. DDGS exports in April. Other larger customers included Indonesia (66,701 mt, -5%), Bangladesh (41,853 mt, +671% to a record high), Morocco (39,113 mt, a six-fold increase), Japan (35,907 mt, -46%), Colombia (doubled to 34,057 mt), and Spain (33,882 mt, up from zero). Year-to-date DDGS shipments totaled 3.7 million mt, up 8% from 2021.
Read the original story here.
USDA
Jun 3, 2022
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Department has provided $700 million to help lower costs and support biofuel producers who faced unexpected market losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are being made available through the Biofuel Producer Program, which was created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The investments include more than $486 million for 62 producers located in socially vulnerable communities.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to rebuilding the rural economy after the impacts of the pandemic,” Vilsack said. “That’s why USDA is targeting resources and investments to improve the strength and resiliency of America’s sustainable fuel markets. The investments we’re announcing today will pave the way to economic recovery for America’s biofuel producers, stimulate a critical market for U.S. farmers and ranchers, and support our nation’s transition to a clean-energy economy.”
USDA is making payments to 195 biofuel production facilities to support the maintenance and viability of a significant market for agricultural producers of products such as corn, soybean or biomass that supply biofuel production. These biofuel producers experienced unexpected market losses on a combined 3.7 billion gallons as a result of COVID–19.
For example:
- In Iowa, Southwest Renewable Energy LLC is receiving a payment of $3 million. It suffered a market loss on 14.3 million gallons of ethanol due to the pandemic.
- In Illinois, Adkins Energy is receiving a $774,000 payment. Its biomass-based diesel production suffered a market loss on almost 3.5 million gallons due to the pandemic.
- In Texas, White Energy Holding Company is receiving a $21 million payment for production at two facilities. Its ethanol production suffered a market loss on 98 million gallons due to the pandemic.
The investments USDA is making today will support biofuel producers in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
Read the original press release here.
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc
Jun 2, 2022
WILMINGTON, Del. – Jun. 02, 2022 - IFF’s Health & Biosciences division, is pleased to announce its collaboration with PROtect® LLC (PROtect) to deliver enhanced training to producers in the ethanol industry under the XCELIS® Ethanol Solutions platform.
PROtect works with a variety of industries throughout the U.S. and ensures companies are protected from unnecessary risks related to regulatory non-compliance, employee injury, liability, and property damage. The PROtect® Operator Training Package has been the leading training system for ethanol producers for many years. Through this collaboration, IFF will add critical training around the use of enzymes and yeast through PROtect’s program and improve the biotechnology expertise of ethanol producers.
“At IFF, we believe that as the ethanol production process becomes more complex, workforce training is paramount to future success. Our training materials will add to the operator experience in PROtect’s system and equip them with key understanding of the interdependencies of biotechnology in the plant and how their decisions will affect production outcomes,” said Dickens, North America sales leader.
Samantha Scott Allen, vice president of business development at PROtect stated, “By combining the PROtect® Operator Training Package with IFF’s expertise in bioscience, we can deliver significantly more value to the ethanol industry workforce. This collaboration reflects the commitment of both our companies in driving success at the production site and lays the groundwork for more comprehensive training products in the future”.
The new IFF training modules will be available in the PROtect® Operator Training package starting June 2022.
About PROtect® LLC
For a safe, reliable & compliant tomorrow. PROtect exists to protect companies from incidents, unplanned downtime, and regulatory non-compliance issues. Every service we provide helps our customers achieve that mission.
About IFF’s Health & Biosciences
Inspired by nature and distinguished by its world-class bioscience and microbiome capabilities, IFF’s Health & Biosciences division is a leading innovation partner for customers across a broad range of consumer product, industrial and agricultural sectors. IFF’s Health & Biosciences division works closely with our customers to enhance products – and their processes – to deliver safer, healthier and more sustainable solutions.
Welcome to IFF
At IFF (NYSE: IFF), an industry leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and scent, science and creativity meet to create essential solutions for a better world – from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. With the beauty of art and the precision of science, we are an international collective of thinkers who partners with customers to bring scents, tastes, experiences, ingredients and solutions for products the world craves. Together, we will do more good for people and planet. Learn more at iff.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Jun 1, 2022
DALLAS– Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) ("Southwest" or the "Company") today announces an investment into SAFFiRE Renewables, LLC (SAFFiRE), a company formed by D3MAX, LLC (D3MAX), as part of a Department of Energy (DOE)-backed project to develop and produce scalable, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Funded with a DOE grant matched by Southwest's investment, SAFFiRE is expected to utilize technology developed by the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to convert corn stover, a widely available waste feedstock in the U.S., into renewable ethanol that then would be upgraded into SAF.
In 2021, the DOE awarded D3MAX the only pilot-scale grant for SAF production, with a goal to scale technology that could commercialize SAF. According to NREL, this could produce significant quantities of cost-competitive SAF that could provide an 84 percent reduction in carbon intensity compared to conventional jet fuel on a lifecycle basis. Southwest's match of the DOE's grant supports phase one of the project, which is expected to include technology validation, preliminary design, and a business plan for a pilot plant.
"SAF is critical for decarbonizing the aviation sector," said Bob Jordan, Chief Executive Officer at Southwest®. "This is a unique opportunity to invest in what we believe could be game-changing technology that could facilitate the replacement of up to approximately five percent of our jet fuel with SAF by 2030, with the potential to significantly continue to scale beyond the decade. This first-of-its-kind investment is another step we are taking to address our environmental impact, and it also supports our efforts to partner with organizations and government entities to help our industry reach the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050."
In 2021, Southwest set a near-term goal to maintain carbon neutrality to 2019 levels while continuing to grow its operations, part of which includes replacing 10 percent of its total jet fuel consumption with SAF by 2030.
In addition to complementing Southwest's SAF goals and broader environmental sustainability efforts, this project supports the federal government's climate strategy, including an ambition for three billion gallons of SAF by 2030 through the SAF Grand Challenge.
"The Department of Energy is committed to turning our ambitious aviation decarbonization goals into realities through strong partnerships across the airline industry," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk. "Moving cutting-edge technology advances in sustainable aviation to production scale will save money, reduce carbon emissions, and reshape the future of the airline travel for the benefit of American consumers."
The pilot project is intended to validate the commercialization of this corn-stover-to-ethanol technology, which could lead to a follow-up phase. If phase one is successful, DOE and Southwest would have the opportunity to fund a second phase investment for the design, fabrication, installation, and operation of a pilot plant producing renewable ethanol utilizing technology developed by D3MAX and NREL. In phase two, the renewable ethanol is planned to be upgraded into SAF by LanzaJet, Inc., at its biorefinery currently under construction in Soperton, Georgia.
"We are extremely excited to be working with Southwest Airlines—they will be a great investor," said Mark Yancey, CEO of SAFFiRE. "SAFFiRE technology is expected to produce lower carbon SAF compared to conventional jet fuel on a lifecycle basis, which could become carbon negative with process improvements and carbon capture. If we are successful in developing and commercializing this technology, we project the technology can produce 7.5 billion gallons per year of SAF by 2040."
"NREL is thrilled to contribute its research and development expertise in biofuels to this exciting collaboration with Southwest Airlines, D3MAX, and DOE to potentially bring SAF to the market quickly and economically," said Adam Bratis, Associate Laboratory Director of BioEnergy Sciences & Technology at NREL.
Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world and remains focused on promoting a healthier planet, but the Company can't accomplish that alone. As described in its 10-Year Environmental Sustainability Plan, Southwest's plans to reduce, replace, offset, and partner are important next steps in the journey to build a holistic approach to improve its environmental sustainability. Learn more about these efforts by visiting swa.is/planetplan.
About SAFFiRE Renewables, LLC
SAFFiRE is an acronym for Sustainable Aviation Fuel From [i] Renewable Ethanol. Formed in 2022, SAFFiRE Renewables, LLC intends to first pilot, and then commercialize if the pilot is successful, proprietary technology to convert waste biomass like corn stover into renewable ethanol. SAFFiRE expects to exclusively license technology from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and D3MAX, LLC that, when combined, will enable the production of low-cost, low-carbon renewable ethanol. The renewable ethanol would then be upgraded into fully certified sustainable aviation fuel, utilizing alcohol-to-jet technology applied by prospective SAF producers. Learn more at http://www.saffirerenewables.com/.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co.operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its nearly 59,0002People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Learn more at Southwest.com/citizenship about how Southwest Airlines leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world.??
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Jun 1, 2022
Denison, IA, June 1, 2022 – Whitefox Technologies is pleased to announce that The Andersons, Inc. is currently installing the Whitefox ICE® membrane dehydration system at its ethanol plant located in Denison, IA. This is Whitefox’s eleventh installation in the U.S. and its fourth installation in Iowa. The installation project is in its last stages of completion and is due to be commissioned in October 2022.
Bill Krueger, President of The Andersons Trade and Processing, said, “We have been evaluating Whitefox technology for some time, and saw that the system aligned with our goals for upgrading the Denison plant which include lower steam use and energy cost per gallon. It also helps to drive our objective of reducing carbon intensity across our production facilities. I am excited that this project is now nearing completion as it addresses several of our strategic priorities.”
The Whitefox ICE® system treats existing recycle streams to free up and debottleneck distillation-dehydration capacity, enabling The Andersons and other producers to lower natural gas use, cut carbon emissions, improve plant cooling, and increase potential production capacity depending on the system design. Whitefox ICE® is integrated into existing corn ethanol production plants with minimal disruption and a small footprint.
Malcolm Rock, Whitefox COO, commented “The goal of this installation is to increase plant capacity while reducing steam consumption per gallon of ethanol produced. Our process engineers designed a tailored solution that fits the distinctive features of the Dension plant emphasising on de-bottlenecking the plant, integrating heat where possible and to avoid significant capital cost in future expansions. Together with The Andersons, I am pleased to see the final stages of the project coming together and look forward to start-up and commissioning in October this year. It has been a real pleasure to work with Bill Krueger, Rod Harris, and the team at the Denison plant.”
About The Andersons, Inc.
The Andersons is a publicly traded company with diverse interests encompassing a variety of agribusinesses. Their investment in ethanol is a natural extension of its core business competencies in grain operations, corn originations, and commodity processing.
They are a significant investor in, as well as manage the operations of, The Andersons Marathon Holdings LLC, located in Albion, MI; Logansport, IN; Greenville, OH; and Denison, IA. The Andersons originate more than 390 million bushels of corn, soybeans, and wheat annually through their relationships with thousands of customers in the Midwest. Their approach utilizes one-on-one business relationships while focusing on the development and execution of integrated commodity prices and production risk management plans.
About Whitefox Technologies Limited
Whitefox Technologies, with 22 years of industrial experience, is a leading solutions provider for fuel ethanol and other alcohol production processes. Specializing in technology development and process integration based on proprietary membrane solutions, its efficient designs reduce energy and water consumption in fuel ethanol and other renewable fuel and chemical production processes. Whitefox provides solutions for alcohol producers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America. www.whitefox.com@WhitefoxTech
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May 26, 2022
President Joseph Biden was in Japan for the first time during his presidency this week, where he met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. While there, President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida welcomed Japan’s commitment to reduce dependence on imported petroleum by 2030 through doubling demand for bioethanol, including sustainable aviation fuel and on-road fuel.
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) thanks U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel for his continued support in expanding the potential for ethanol use in Japan.
“Expansion of bioethanol use in Japan is a strategic goal for the Council,” said USGC Vice President Cary Sifferath. “Ambassador Emanuel and his team at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo have been an essential partner for USGC to discuss the benefits of increased biofuels use to the Japanese consumer and a way for Japan to meet its carbon reduction goals.”
USGC President and CEO Ryan LeGrand and Sifferath traveled to Tokyo this March for the first time in more than two years. While there, they met with Council staff and government and industry representatives, discussing the five commodities represented by the Council and the country’s continued support of their uses.
Ethanol was a major topic of discussion while in Japan, as the Council leaders met with several organizations and Ambassador Emanuel on the potential for the expanded use of ethanol in the country.
So far in the 2021/2022 marketing year, Japan ranks as the fourth-largest export market for U.S. coarse grains, co-products, ethanol and meat products, purchasing 7,521,368 metric tons (296,101,215 bushels in corn equivalent).
By maintaining partnerships with governments and organizations around the world, the Council can continue building on its mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.
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