Ethanol Producer Magazine

By Matt Thompson

June 11, 2019

Novozymes, a yeast and enzyme provider, announced this week at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo it’s new products: Fortiva, a new alpha-amylase, and Innova Force, a new yeast that is part of the Innova platform announced by Novozymes last year.

“With Force, we have an even stronger genetic backbone that delivers more robustness, but tolerates even higher temperatures than our previous yeasts, Drive and Lift, did,” said Brian Brazeau, vice president of biofuels commercial North America for Novozymes. “It has advanced enzyme activities that the industry would expect from Novozymes that the industry has never seen before, enabling more residual starch conversion, which ethanol producers would see as lower residual starch.”

Another innovation Force brings to the market is that it’s available in both dry and cream form. “We’re really excited to be able to bring customers the choice of being able to use dry yeast without having to compromise performance compared to cream,” Brazeau said.

Fortiva allows producers to use high temperatures during liquefaction, while maintaining enzyme performance, according to Brazeau “In the past, if ethanol producers wanted to run at higher temperatures, they could trade off with the overall performance of the enzyme and wouldn’t solubilize as much starch, which shows up for an ethanol producer as lower starch conversion and lower ethanol yields,” he said. “With our enzyme, they don’t have to make that tradeoff anymore.”

Brazeau said innovation at Novozymes continues. “We already have other next generation yeasts that we’re testing in the market, and we have a number of different enzyme molecules, both alpha-amylase and glucoamylases and complementary activities that we’re also testing in the market,” he said. “So, we are really pushing to bring even new innovations beyond these. This is certainly not the end.”

Read the original article: Novozymes Unveils New Alpha-Amylase, Yeast at FEW

DuPont

Press Release

June 11, 2019

DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (DuPont) has announced the launch of DuPont™ OPTIMASH® DCO+ for increased recovery of corn oil in dry grind ethanol plants. OPTIMASH® DCO+ provides a flexible solution for ethanol producers to increase corn oil yield without affecting downstream processes or the quality of distillers’ grains.

OPTIMASH® DCO+ is a patent-pending thermostable protease dosed into liquefaction, where it helps to liberate corn oil from the protein and fiber matrix of the corn kernel. Because it is a stand-alone product, ethanol producers can precisely dose OPTIMASH® DCO+ without having to change their alpha amylase.

“We strongly believe that the precision and performance offered by OPTIMASH® DCO+ is the right tool to help ethanol producers achieve additional profitability through greater corn oil yield,” said Troy Wilson, Global Industry Leader for the XCELIS™ Ethanol Solutions platform at DuPont. “We are excited to deliver this innovation for the ethanol industry.”

OPTIMASH® DCO+ is a part of the XCELIS™ Ethanol Solutions platform by DuPont.

About DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences

DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences applies expert science to advance market-driven, healthy and sustainable solutions for the food, beverage, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. We also use cutting-edge biotechnology across a range of markets to advance bio-based solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, while protecting our environment for future generations. We are innovative solvers who help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities. For more information: www.dupontnutritionandhealth.com or www.biosciences.dupont.com.

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food, and worker safety. More information can be found at www.dupont.com/.

Read the original press release: DuPont launches OPTIMASH® DCO+ at 2019 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo

Senator Amy Klobuchar

Press Release

June 11, 2019

Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led a group of 12 senators in urging Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler to cease issuing so-called “hardship” waivers. These waivers are intended to help small refineries by exempting obligated parties from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued dozens of waivers, including to some large and profitable oil companies, undermining the original intent of the RFS. In their letter, the senators also requested that the EPA immediately reallocate the remaining gallons and make public the information regarding any recipients of these exemptions.

Klobuchar and Duckworth were joined on the letter by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

“We are extremely concerned about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent actions to continue to improperly grant small refinery hardship waivers under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). EPA’s continued manipulation and misuse of the small refiner waiver authority is undermining the integrity of the RFS and disadvantaging farmers,” the senators wrote. “Rather than follow congressional intent in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and follow through on the promises made to rural America, the EPA and the Administration are providing waivers, in secret, to help some of the largest oil companies and refiners evade their compliance obligations under the Clean Air Act.”

“The small refiner waiver provision was not intended to undermine the RFS to the benefit of the most profitable oil companies in the world. We request that you cease issuing any further small refinery exemptions, immediately reallocate the remaining gallons, and make public the information regarding any recipients of these exemptions.”

The full text of the letter can be found below:

Dear Administrator Wheeler:

We are extremely concerned about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent actions to continue to improperly grant small refinery hardship waivers under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). EPA’s continued manipulation and misuse of the small refiner waiver authority is undermining the integrity of the RFS and disadvantaging farmers.

Biofuels are a key pathway toward decarbonizing the transportation sector while lowering gas prices, driving economic growth, and creating jobs. Every gallon of biofuels we use displaces a gallon of oil and cuts carbon emissions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that first generation biofuels cut greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent, and Argonne National Lab reports that cellulosic biofuels cut GHG emissions between 70 percent and 126 percent.

Competition also helps to reduce prices, and the gasoline market is no exception. As of June 7, 2019, the price of gas with 10 percent ethanol is 20 cents cheaper than gas without ethanol.

Yet, rather than follow congressional intent in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and follow through on the promises made to rural America, the EPA and the Administration are providing waivers, in secret, to help some of the largest oil companies and refiners evade their compliance obligations under the Clean Air Act.

Ethanol prices have fallen to their lowest levels in over a decade. Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN) prices are down more than 80 percent as compared to last year, providing massive relief to refiners choosing to buy credits to comply with the RFS rather than produce renewable fuels. In fact, one oil refiner re-allocated its savings from lower RIN prices and purchased three ethanol plants, calling into question why refineries really needed these savings if they were not being used to lower expenses or pay employees. 

Since 2017, refinery waivers have increased to the clear benefit of the oil industry. Over the last two years, more than 50 small refinery waivers have been issued, eliminating demand for more than 2.6 billion gallons of biofuels. There are 39 waiver applications currently awaiting action at EPA. If these are granted, it will only exacerbate this problem.

Every waiver granted negatively impacts the rural economy. At a time when farm family incomes are at their lowest levels since 2006, the improper issuance of small refinery waivers is hurting biofuel producers and farmers across the United States. In fact, Secretary of Agriculture Perdue described these waivers as “demand destruction.”

Finally, recent news reports indicate that the EPA’s proposal to make the names of refineries receiving the exemptions public may be in question due to White House interference in the regulatory process on behalf of refiners.

The small refiner waiver provision was not intended to undermine the RFS to the benefit of the most profitable oil companies in the world. We request that you cease issuing any further small refinery exemptions, immediately reallocate the remaining gallons, and make public the information regarding any recipients of these exemptions. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Sincerely,

Read the original press release: Klobuchar, Duckworth Lead Letter Urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Cease Issuing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) ‘Hardship’ Waivers

Senator Amy Klobuchar

June 6, 2019

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar hosted a discussion in Moorhead on the state of biofuels and issues facing Minnesota farmers with corn and soybean farmers, as well as representatives from the Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Farm Bureau, and the Minnesota Biofuels Association. Klobuchar discussed recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actions on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) including the continued misuse of small refinery hardship waivers and the final rule released last week allowing for the year-round sale of E15—something Klobuchar has worked to achieve for years—as well as her recent legislation to help reform financial rules for family farms facing financial hardship.  

“As the summer kicks off, the new rule for the year-round sale of E15 is great news for farmers and consumers across the country,” Klobuchar said. “The year-round sale of E15 will bring prices down at the pump, strengthen our homegrown energy economy, and decrease our dependence on foreign oil. I have been fighting for years to allow for the year-round sale of E15 and this announcement will ensure cleaner, more affordable fuel choices during the summer driving months and all year long.”

For years, Klobuchar has led a bipartisan push for the EPA to allow for the year-round sale of E15, including letters to the Administration urging them to expand waivers for the sale of E15 in the summer months. In February Klobuchar questioned Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue at a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing about whether the year-round E15 rule would be finalized by June 1. Klobuchar is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would amend the Clean Air Act to allow for the year-round sale of E15. She has also been a leader in the fight to strengthen the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to support American jobs and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Klobuchar and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have led bipartisan letters calling for a strong RFS as the EPA has worked toward finalizing its rules on biofuels volume requirements. In March 2018, Klobuchar and Grassley led a bipartisan group of 13 senators urging the Administration to cease issuing small refinery waivers and reject changes to the RFS that would upend stability and predictability for small businesses, and rural communities.

In March, Klobuchar introduced the bipartisan Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The legislation raises the Chapter 12 operating debt cap to $10 million. By raising the cap under Chapter 12 bankruptcy, which removes certain costly reorganization requirements intended for large corporations, more family farmers would be able to seek relief under the program. This legislation comes after several years of low commodity prices, stringent farm lending regulations and recent retaliatory tariffs have taken a toll on America’s agriculture producers. Farm bankruptcy rates in many farming regions across the country are at their highest point in a decade. In some places in 2018, farm bankruptcies doubled from the previous year. Debts held by farmers are nearing historic levels set in the 1980s, further financially extending farm operations.

Read the original press release: Klobuchar Highlights Fight to Strengthen Renewable Fuel Standard and Minnesota Farmer Protections

Sports Mole

June 4, 2019

With Formula E dominating motor racing's 'green' credentials, Auto Motor und Sport reports that with its new rules for 2021, Formula 1 wants to start to switch to carbon-neutral fuel.

It is believed F1 is prepared to argue that carbon-neutral fuel is in fact even 'greener' than electric power.

Already, the fuel used in F1 contains a small amount of biofuel, but it is claimed the authorities want this to rise to 20 per cent for 2021.

Then, the number will go up in 10 per cent increments every year.

"Let's put our foot in the door now," an engineer is quoted as saying. "Then the momentum will take over.

"If we do nothing, nothing will happen. Only those who start at 20 per cent will someday get to 100."

It is believed many of the fuel suppliers approve of the carbon-neutral fuel idea, as does Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul.

"There will be new forms of fuel coming up in the next few years, whether you are talking about more biofuel - so a different composition - or even synthetic fuel, coming from non-fossil sources," he said.

Read the original: F1 Eyes Carbon-Neutral Fuel for 2021

On May 31, the EPA extended a 1-psi reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver for E15 during the summer months, thus enabling E15 to be sold year-round. Minnesota’s Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith along with Rep. Collin Peterson issued the following statements:

Minneapolis, June 3 – Renewable energy consulting firm, EcoEngineers, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association as a vendor member.

“We are pleased to count EcoEngineers as a vendor member. EcoEngineers has helped the ethanol industry navigate complex and ever-changing compliance requirements over the years,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

Established in 2009, EcoEngineers was formed to assist the clean energy industry in, among others, carbon modeling and measurement, energy credit validations and quality control requirements.

“EcoEngineers is a renewable energy consulting firm celebrating 10 years of service to the biofuel industry in 2019.

“Our foundational mission was to help the biofuel producer navigate state and federal clean energy regulations like the Renewable Fuel Standard and Low Carbon Fuel Standard programs,” said Kathy Macbeth, director of sales and marketing at EcoEngineers.

She said the company’s core service offering has since been expanded to include audit, compliance management and consulting services.

The company has also built a deep bench of technical expertise and demonstrated its commitment to the ethanol industry by helping to pioneer the kernel fiber pathway, expanding production through EP3 (efficient producer petition process) and reducing the carbon intensity of ethanol production, Macbeth said.

Other services offered by EcoEngineers to the ethanol industry include energy management solutions, RIN management and compliance support, regulatory consulting, strategy development and advocacy support and Eco University training and education programs.

“We joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association to support Minnesota's biofuel producers connect to new markets, protect their investment and maximize the value of their energy credits,” Macbeth said.

Minneapolis, May 31 – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued its final rule that lifts the summertime ban on E15.

In its final rule, the EPA said it was extending a 1-psi reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver to E15 during the summer months.

“We are pleased that the EPA has finally lifted the RVP ban on E15. Drivers in Minnesota and elsewhere will finally get to use E15 during the busy summer driving season,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels).

The EPA said the RVP waiver for E15 will take effect immediately as “when the agency grants or recognizes an exemption or relieves a restriction, affected parties do not need a reasonable time to adjust because the effect is not adverse.”

In addition to lifting the summertime ban on E15, the EPA said it was finalizing reforms to the RINs market. These reforms include requiring public disclosure when RIN holdings exceed specified thresholds and the collection of additional data to improve transparency and EPA oversight.

“We will be working with fuel retailers to ensure they are aware of the EPA’s new rule so that drivers in Minnesota will be able to choose E15 on June 1,” Rudnicki said.

Hydrite Chemical

May 29, 2019

Press Release

Hydrite Chemical Co., an integrated manufacturer and supplier of chemicals and related services, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Hydri-Maize™ catalyzed bisulfite product line for scrubber applications.  Hydrite is proud to introduce an innovative formulation that will decrease plant emissions, decrease energy costs and freshwater consumption, and debottleneck operations for the fuel ethanol industry.     

All Hydri-Maize™ catalyzed bisulfite products are made in the USA by Hydrite.  These products are used for VOC abatement in CO2 scrubbers which can effectively help VOC reduction goals.  Hydrite’s new catalyzed bisulfite product line is designed to help reduce carbon footprint and improve operations.

Scott Cumming, Biofuels Product Manager for Hydrite, commented, “We are excited about the announcement and launch of the new Hydri-Maize™ catalyzed bisulfite product line.  Our catalyzed bisulfite line has already taken over 2 billion pounds of fresh water out of ethanol processes across the United States.  We look forward to taking out 2 billion more pounds.”

As a company with a strong commitment to sustainability, Hydrite Chemical Co. continues to invest in research, quality control, and training to offer products and systems that reduce water and energy usage and have a minimal impact on the environment. 

To learn more, visit our Biofuels page.

Read the original release: Hydrite Launches Innovative Formulation for Ethanol Industry

Aviation Pros

May 23, 2019

United Airlines today further strengthened its emerging reputation as the world's most environmentally conscious airline by renewing its contract with Boston-based World Energy, agreeing to purchase up to 10 million gallons of cost-competitive, commercial-scale, sustainable aviation biofuel over the next two years. The biofuel, which United currently uses to help sustainably power every flight departing its Los Angeles hub, achieves a greater than 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis.

United's contract renewal follows the airline's original purchase agreement in 2013, helping United make history in 2016 when it became the first airline in the world to use sustainable aviation biofuel on a continuous basis. United is currently the only U.S. airline to use biofuel in its regular operations. World Energy's biofuel is made from agricultural waste and has received sustainability certification from the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials.

World Energy recently announced that it will invest $350 million to fully convert its Paramount, California, facility to renewable diesel and sustainable aviation jet fuel, bringing its total capacity to more than 300 million gallons of production annually at that location, one of the company's six low-carbon fuel manufacturing plants.

"Investing in sustainable aviation biofuel is one of the most effective measures a commercial airline can take to reduce its impact on the environment," said Scott Kirby, United's president. "As leaders in this space, United and World Energy are setting an example for the industry on how innovators can work together to bring our customers, colleagues and communities toward a more sustainable future."

"Great companies lead," said Gene Gebolys, World Energy's chief executive officer. "We are honored to renew our commitment to United to advance their efforts to drive change to a lower carbon future."

United's contract renewal with World Energy will further assist the airline in achieving its recently announced commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050. United's pledge to reduce emissions by 50% relative to 2005 represents the equivalent of removing 4.5 million vehicles from the road, or the total number of cars in New York City and Los Angeles combined. United's biofuel supply agreements represent more than 50% of the commercial aviation industry's total agreements for sustainable aviation biofuel.

Read the original article: United Airlines Expands Commitment to Biofuel, Powering More Flights With More Biofuel Than Any Other U.S. Carrier