Energy.AgWired.com https://energy.agwired.com News about domestic, alternative energy sources Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:38:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://energy.agwired.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/energy-briefs-150x150.jpg Energy.AgWired.com https://energy.agwired.com 32 32 91369431 Ag and Food Summit Features SAF Discussion https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/ag-and-food-summit-features-saf-discussion/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/ag-and-food-summit-features-saf-discussion/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:38:33 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108969 Read More]]>

Tim Obitts, Alder Renewables; Alan Weber, MARC-IV; Alex Menotti, LanzaJet

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) was the topic of two panels at Monday’s “2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit: Revitalizing Rural Revenues” in Washington D.C. and there was a lot of discussion surrounding the GREET model, changes in the RFS, carbon sequestration, corn ethanol, and new feedstocks.

Alder Renewables CEO Tim Obitts says agriculture holds the key to the future for SAF. “You are above ground oil wells,” said Obitts. His company’s technology can utilize a range of sustainable woody residues, agricultural byproducts, and next-generation energy crops like miscanthus to produce SAF.

Alan Weber has been involved in the biodiesel industry for over 30 years and as founding partner of MARC-IV he is excited about innovative new oilseeds like pennycress, camelina, and brasica carinata. “Each of them very unique in how they fit in a grower’s rotation but also similar in that they help to improve soil health and the second in that those crops are being grown on acres otherwise not in production.”

LanzaJet VP of Government Affairs Alex Menotti says getting the GREET model updated to include climate smart agriculture practices is only half the battle right now for getting corn ethanol to qualify for SAF. “The other half is EPA updating their own rules to recognize the climate benefits of corn ethanol and do things like enable CCS (carbon capture and storage) which is a key enabler for alcohol-to-jet,” said Menotti, who also noted that the top legislative priority for the industry right now is getting the IRA tax credits extended.

Listen to some of their discussion here:
Agri-Pulse Summit SAF Panel One 31:11

Kevin Welsh, Airlines for America; Gene Gebolys, World Energy; Amelia DeLuca, Delta Air Lines; and Dr. Patrick Gruber, Gevo

The second panel focused on the role of the airlines. “Sustainable aviation fuel is the only lever we have at this point to decarbonize,” said Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer, Delta Air Lines.

World Energy has been in advanced biofuels for over 25 years and is now on the forefront of SAF. “Ultimately, biofuels want to fly and the reason is, that’s where you can get the best value,” said CEO Gene Gebolys. “As we work to establish this market, it won’t be a SAF market, it will be a decarbonization market.”

The GREET model remains key to making it work. “If we’re getting paid for carbon abatement and it’s a virtual attribute, how the heck do you measure it? That’s where the GREET model comes in,” said Gevo CEO Dr. Patrick Gruber. “We like real data, real science, measured, reported, verified. That’s what we have to get to.”

The Ag and Food Policy Summit was a function of Agri-Pulse Communications.

Listen to the panel:
Agri-Pulse Summit SAF Panel Two 29:26

2024 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit Photo Album

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Biodiesel Day Celebrates Innovation https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/biodiesel-day-celebrates-innovation/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/biodiesel-day-celebrates-innovation/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:44:18 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108966 Read More]]> The clean fuels industry is celebrating National Biodiesel Day today on March 18, the birthday of diesel engine inventor Rudolf Diesel. The engine was originally designed to operate on peanut oil, as Diesel was a visionary who recognized the potential of vegetable oils as a renewable fuel source.

Clean Fuels Alliance America COO Doug Whitehead says Diesel’s pioneering spirit continues to inspire advancements in the modern-day clean fuels industry. “Demand is better than ever, as organizations continue to seek the lowest cost option to decarbonize using domestically produced feedstocks,” he said.

Emerging markets are increasing demand for clean fuels driving innovation in feedstock development. Winter cover crops and other annual oilseeds, such as pennycress and Brassica carinata, are being explored as alternative feedstocks to help meet rising demand. As new markets such as rail, marine and home heating oil continue toward decarbonization, low carbon fuels including biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions now, rather than waiting for future technology.

Happy Biodiesel Day!

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ACE Wraps Up 2024 DC Fly-in https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/ace-wraps-up-2024-dc-fly-in/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/ace-wraps-up-2024-dc-fly-in/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:25:02 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108954 Read More]]> The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) wrapped up its annual DC Fly-in last week, with dozens of members bringing their message to Capitol Hill when it comes to important topics for the industry.

CEO Brian Jennings was especially pleased members were able to hear from Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), sponsor of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023. “Probably the most important piece of legislation for our industry pending in Congress right now,” said Jennings. “The fact that we could meet with the primary author of the bill, she could help explain to us the roadblocks she sees in the path of her legislation, and then we could have our members go to Capitol Hill…that’s what this event is all about.”

Even though it is a presidential election year and nothing much may even get done, Jennings says it’s still important to show up. “There was also some feedback that maybe in the lame duck we could move something like an E15 bill,” he said. “If we fail to do the work between now and November we won’t have an opportunity to move anything in the lame duck.”

Wrap up with Brian Jennings, ACE 4:39

2024 ACE DC Fly-in Photo Album

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Volumes of E15 and E85 Set New Records in Minnesota https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/volumes-of-e15-and-e85-set-new-records-in-minnesota/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/volumes-of-e15-and-e85-set-new-records-in-minnesota/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:00:51 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108942 Read More]]> The latest data from the Minnesota Commerce Department shows sales of both E15 and E85 hit new records in 2023. The volume of E15 reported hit 127.6 million gallons, up 21 percent from 2022, while E85 sales were reported at 16.6 million gallons, up 8 percent from 2022 and the highest on record.

Al-Corn Clean Fuels CEO Thomas Harwood

When that news was released last week, the CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel in Claremont, Minnesota was in Washington, D.C. urging lawmakers to support year round E15 sales. “Really proud of the work we’re doing in the state of Minnesota to push E15 sales,” said Thomas Harwood. “That’s why it’s so critical that we get movement on year round E15. We’ve shown in Minnesota that we can do it and that it’ll benefit consumers.”

Thomas Harwood, Al-Corn Clean Fuels 3:26

“When it comes to expanding the use of ethanol, Minnesota continues to set an excellent example for the rest of the country to follow,” said Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Minnesota families understand the economic and environmental benefits of using higher blends like E15 and flex fuels like E85; they know that choosing these lower-cost, lower-carbon fuels supports local farmers and creates good-paying jobs across the state.”

Minnesota is one of the eight Midwest states where the year-round sales of E15 will be allowed, starting in 2025, but will still require a waiver from EPA to allow sales this summer.

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Sen. Grassley Meets with Ethanol Stakeholders https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/sen-grassley-meets-with-ethanol-stakeholders/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/18/sen-grassley-meets-with-ethanol-stakeholders/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:58:20 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108957 Read More]]>

Sen. Grassley meets with Iowa ethanol constituents during ACE Fly-in

One of the few members of Congress still left in town on Thursday afternoon last week was Iowa’s senior Senator Chuck Grassley, who was more than happy to meet with members of the American Coalition for Ethanol and talk about his favorite topic.

“It’s good for agriculture, it’s good for the environment, it’s good for good paying jobs in rural America, it’s good for our national defense…and everything about it is good, good, good,” Grassley said, repeating the phrase he has used for more than four decades now when it comes to the corn-based fuel his state produces more than any other.

Sen. Grassley is a co-sponsor of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023 and he is encouraged by the opportunities for ethanol in sustainable aviation fuel, but he is disappointed that the administration has delayed the release of updates for the GREET model to allow producers to take advantage of tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. “It’s a sad commentary because the delay as far as the formula is concerned is based on ignorance when you have this indirect land (use) factor in the formula,” said Grassley.

Sen. Grassley interview 3:07

2024 ACE DC Fly-in Photo Album

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New USDA Under Secretary Excited to Help Rural America https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/16/new-usda-under-secretary-excited-to-help-rural-america/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/16/new-usda-under-secretary-excited-to-help-rural-america/#respond Sat, 16 Mar 2024 11:01:50 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108948 Read More]]>

USDA Under Secretary Basil Gooden speaks to ACE members

The recently confirmed USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development told ethanol supporters last week that he is excited about the programs they have to help the people in rural America.

“One thing that I really want to make clear that I bring to this position as Under Secretary each day is my passion for rural America,” said Dr. Basil Gooden in remarks to the American Coalition for Ethanol annual DC Fly-in. “I grew up in rural America. I grew up on the same farm that we own and operate today.”

USDA Rural Development administers the Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program, better known as HBIIP, which received funding under the Inflation Reduction Act and in January awarded another $19 million to help increase the availability of higher blends. “That program is there to really, really boost the consumption of ethanol and it looks to actually boost it by about 1.2 billion gallons annually,” said Gooden.

Listen to Gooden’s remarks here:
Remarks from Basil Gooden, USDA 16:21

2024 ACE DC Fly-in Photo Album

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Irish Group Invests $500 Million in Aztalan Bio https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/15/irish-group-invests-500-million-in-aztalan-bio/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/15/irish-group-invests-500-million-in-aztalan-bio/#respond Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:04:01 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108938 Read More]]> Irish agribusiness group ClonBio announced this week a $500 million in Wisconsin biorefinery Aztalan Bio.

ClonBio contracted to purchase the plant in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin in 2022 and has invested $100 million in the acquisition and upgrading of the plant, which is now the largest grain processing facility in Wisconsin.

“We are thrilled with this monumental investment by our parent company, ClonBio Group Limited, marking a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize the biorefinery industry,” said Aztalan Bio CEO Jeff Oestmann. “With a staggering $500 million investment injection, we’re not only investing in our plant but also in the local community, with the creation of 1,000 new jobs on the horizon.”

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Year Round E15 Bill Hits Roadblock https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/14/year-round-e15-bill-hits-roadblock/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/14/year-round-e15-bill-hits-roadblock/#respond Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:56:10 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108931 Read More]]> Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) told members of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) meeting in Washington D.C. this week that her bill to allow year-round sales of E15 has hit a roadblock, in the form of Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE).

“Senator Carper, as you know, is chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee,” said Fischer. “We’ve reached out to him to try and do a markup of the bill…but I don’t think we are getting anywhere on that.”

Fischer says Carper is concerned about a refinery in his state and she considers it a “rather odd position” for him to take, considering the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023 has the support of not only the agriculture and ethanol industries, but also retailers and even Big Oil. “Would you have ever thought Big Oil was going to step up and get on a Fischer E15 bill? Never.”

Listen to Fischer’s remarks here:
ACE DC 24 remarks from Sen. Deb Fischer 18:35

2024 ACE DC Fly-in Photo Album

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New EPA Ag Office Head Addresses ACE Fly-in https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/14/new-epa-ag-office-head-addresses-ace-fly-in/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/14/new-epa-ag-office-head-addresses-ace-fly-in/#respond Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:46:18 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108927 Read More]]> The head of EPA’s new Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Rod Snyder addressed the 13th American Coalition for Ethanol DC Fly-in Thursday and had a lot to talk about of interest to ethanol stakeholders, not the least of which was updates to the GREET model for implementation of Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.

“It’s better to do something right than do to something fast,” said Snyder. “We’re looking at ways we can integrate additional greenhouse gas reducing activities as part of that modeling so I think for everyone in the room who is interested in getting this right and providing as many pathways as possible for qualification of the tax credit, this extra time is I think good news.”

Snyder said they still expect to have that guidance, as Secretary Vilsack said at Commodity Classic, within “weeks, not months” but ultimately the decision will be made by the Treasury Department.

Regarding retail sales of E15 this summer, “It is too early for me to speculate on what we can or should do for 2024 but I want to reassure you we are already talking with the Department of Energy about market conditions and how they compare to prior years and what sort of case can be made for what needs to be done for summer of 2024.”

Listen to Snyder’s comments here:
ACE DC 24 remarks from Rod Snyder, EPA 31:24

2024 ACE DC Fly-in Photo Album

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Record E85 Sales Save California Drivers $99 Million https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/13/record-e85-sales-save-california-drivers-99-million/ https://energy.agwired.com/2024/03/13/record-e85-sales-save-california-drivers-99-million/#respond Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:18:18 +0000 https://energy.agwired.com/?p=108920 Read More]]> The record use of E85 (up to 85% ethanol fuel) in California last year saved the state’s drivers $99 million in 2023, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 370,000 metric tons, according to a new analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association.

A record 118.5 million gallons of E85 were sold last year, up 14 percent over 2022 and nearly double the volume of 2021. According to E85prices.com, the average retail price of E85 in California in 2023 was $3.17 per gallon, compared to an average price of $5.01 per gallon for E10 gasoline—an average price discount of 37 percent. With 1.34 million FFVs on the road in California, the average FFV owner saved $74 on their annual fuel bill.

“E85 continues to be an increasingly popular fuel option for the Golden State,” said RFA Senior Vice President for Industry Relations and Market Development Robert White. “Thanks to the efforts of leading fuel marketers like Pearson Fuels and Propel Fuels, more Californians are taking advantage of the lowest-cost fuel available in the marketplace. By choosing E85, these drivers are making a positive impact on their communities by reducing carbon emissions and slashing the harmful tailpipe pollution that causes air quality and health concerns.”

The RFA analysis also found that E85 use in California last year resulted in the avoidance of 369,518 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions — equivalent to removing more than 82,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road for the entire year.

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