Domestic Fuel

Did you know that if Iowa were a country, it would be the fourth largest producer of corn in the world behind the U.S., China, and Brazil? Iowa also produces more than the entire European Union – comprised of 27 countries. And Iowa has a tiny footprint in comparison to America, U.S. and Brazil. Talk about producing more on less land!

Guess who told me this cool stuff. Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey who I had a chance to speak with during the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit.

Iowa is also the largest producer of corn-ethanol in the world with 41 plants producing between 3.5 and 4 billion gallons of fuel per year. This is enough fuel for the state to be energy independent said Northey. Last year Iowa produced 3.7 billion gallons of ethanol, and of the 3 million Iowans, drivers used about 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol and gasoline in 2012. So Iowa uses less than half of what the state produces in ethanol alone. Northey said if Iowa didn’t have to blend its gasoline with ethanol, the state wouldn’t need a drop of gasoline imported from other states or other countries and Iowa would still be able to export nearly half of the ethanol it produced.

“We would be the only state that would be a net-exporter of liquid fuels that doesn’t pump a barrel of oil from the ground,” said Northey.

On the biodiesel side, Northey said the state also uses less gallons of diesel than the total production of biodiesel. Like ethanol, Iowa is the largest producer of biodiesel in the country.

In last January, Senator Harkin announced that he would be retiring. I asked Northey for his thoughts on what Harkin’s retirement means to the biofuels industry. “I hope Iowa elects someone just as strong and just as vocal in his or her support of the biofuels industry,” he said.

Well, Bill fits those requirements. Will he be putting his hat in the ring?

You’ll have to listen to my interview with Bill to find out. You’ll also get some other cool biofuel facts about Iowa: Iowa Could Be Energy Independent Today

View the IRFA Renewable Fuels Summit Photo Album.

Tara Chandra with Growth Energy spends much of her time working in the organization’s public policy sector. She helps with their social media efforts and other educational efforts as well as helps their member’s with their policy and communication efforts. Chandra was at the 2013 Commodity Classic that took place in Kissimmee, Florida talking to growers from across the country in an effort to build their grassroots membership.

One area Chandra said she received a lot of questions about how to get more E15 at the pump. She said growers and consumers alike need to continue to ask their retailer to offer E15. Once the retailer is on the hook, organizations like Growth Energy can help them navigate the process of selling E15. At their booth Growth Energy featured one of their Flex-Fuel pumps that allow retailers to sell E10, E15 or E85 among other mid-level ethanol blends.

Chandra said Growth Energy will be all over the country this year spreading the good word about ethanol and encourages growers to join them in their efforts.

Listen to Jamie’s interview with Tara Chandra: Growers Asked to Join Grassroots Ethanol Efforts

2013 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Ethanol was high on the priority list for delegates to the National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress policy meeting last week during the 2013 Commodity Classic.

NCGA President Pam Johnson said they will continue to fight the attacks on both the Renewable Fuel Standard and the approval of E15 in the marketplace. “We will not let these attacks stand,” said Johnson. “We know our potential to produce is very great and we know that we need to continue to build that demand.”

NCGA notes that even with last year’s record drought, more corn growers than ever before had yields of 300 or higher on the National Corn Yield Contest, demonstrating the ability for farmers to meet the demand for corn in all markets, including both livestock feed and ethanol production.

Johnson says growers have been hit with demand destruction because of the drought but “we hope to plant a really great corn crop this year and get some of that back.”

Of course, getting a comprehensive five year farm bill passed this year after being delayed is really the top priority for corn farmers and NCGA supports fundamental changes to farm programs that include effective and affordable federal crop insurance that will provide assistance to growers only when it is most needed.

Listen to Pam Johnson summarize issues important to corn growers at the 2013 Commodity Classic: NCGA President Pam Johnson

2013 Commodity Classic Photo Album

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the National Biodiesel Board and much of the focus on their 10th annual NBB Conference and Expo held in Las Vegas was spent on reminiscing over the past 20 years and looking forward to the next 20 years.

“It’s amazing how far we’ve come in 20 years,” said Steve Howell, NBB’s Technical Director during the Biodiesel Vehicle Showcase. “Back when we started there was not one engine company that supported biodiesel. It just goes to show you that a lot of hard work, a lot of effort and a lot of cooperation between the engine companies, the petroleum companies, and the biodiesel companies got us to this place today.”

Howell said if it weren’t for the more than $50 million in investment in diesel engine technology, we would not be here today. And where is here? This year marks the year that more passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, school buses, equipment and medium to heavy duty trucks are being offered than ever before and many of them can use up to B20 biodiesel blends.

In order for the engine manufacturers to commit to developing and selling clean diesel vehicles that can run on biodiesel, they had to know it worked. And, said Howell, it works.

Learn more about the evolution of clean diesel technology by listening to Howell’s remarks: Clean Diesel Technology: A Winning Combination

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Trusting Big Oil with its claims about the dangers of ethanol is like trusting certain soft drink makers about claims against drinks that might be good for you.

“If Coke and Pepsi put out a study that said sugar-free Kool-Aid is bad for you, I’m sure people would question that,” says Senior Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Ron Lamberty, as he lamented the fact that most media aren’t questioning the American Petroleum Institute’s … aka Big Oil … claims against ethanol. “You spend all your time trying to correct something that wasn’t true in the first place. It’s been effective for them. That’s why they do it. The media [needs to do its job] and push back on these guys and ask them, ‘Why are they doing this?’”

Ron pointed out that API’s study that tried to show E15 would damage a vehicle is motivated by one thing: hanging on to your money spent on their non-renewable fuel.

“Nothing strikes more fear in [petroleum marketers'] hearts than seeing their customers across the street buying something from a competitor and that something is something they don’t sell.”

He encourages everyone to get the facts about ethanol at www.Ethanol.org and www.BYOEthanol.com.

Listen to more of Joanna’s interview with Ron at the recent Iowa Renewable Fuels Association conference here: Ron Lamberty

View the IRFA Renewable Fuels Summit Photo Album.

Navigating the regulatory compliance path of the Renewable Fuels Standard and the associated Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) can be a daunting task for ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuel producers. During the recent Iowa Renewable Fuels Associaton’s conference, Joanna caught up with Jim Ramm (pictured in the middle of the group) with EcoEngineers, a Des Moines-based firm that offers technical and regulatory compliance advice to producers of the green fuels.

“We help those producers to comply with the RFS and to particpate in RIN markets,” Jim said.

He added that RIN prices have gone up dramatically on the ethanol side of the house, and since those higher prices are a reflection of spiked corn prices and dropped ethanol production, it shows the RIN system is working. For biodiesel, RIN prices have dropped because supply increased after the renewal of the $1-a-gallon blender’s credit. It gets even more complicated when you start to factor in whether it is a cellulosic RIN and how fuel producers have to have quality assurance plans to qualify for certain types of RINs. That’s why EcoEngineers has been working since 2009 with producers to develop a web-based platform for RIN management.

“How do I as a producer generate the RINS, sell ‘em, match ‘em up with the sale,” as well as all of the other compliance issues that allows producers to remain in good standing with the RIN program are what his company works on. Recent stories of RIN fraud hurt the biodiesel RIN market, so quality assurance of those RINs has become more important than ever. “Producers want to differentiate their product and have a RIN that’s been vetted and approved by us.”

More information is available on the company website, www.EcoEngineers.us.

Listen to Joanna’s interview with Jim here: Jim Ramm

View the IRFA Renewable Fuels Summit Photo Album.

When you think of Las Vegas, you probably picture the bright lights, wild nightlife and gambling… probably not a home for environmentally friendly biodiesel innovation. But if you think about it, the gambling aspect really came out for a group that was an early adopter of the green fuel.

In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we talk to Russell Teall, President and Founder of Biodico; Gary H. Weinberg, who was with Haycock Petroleum and is now with Western Sierra Services; Frank Giordana, a transportation director with the Clark County School District; and James Morwood, Fleet Services Manager Support Services at the Las Vegas Valley Water District. These biodiesel pioneers gambled big on biodiesel and are now part of the group recognized with the Eye on Biodiesel: Inspiration award during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference and Expo. Listen to their story about how they overcame their own doubts about the green fuel and how all of what we’re now calling BioVegas came up big winners.

You can listen to the Domestic Fuel Cast here: Domestic Fuel Cast - Las Vegas Biodiesel Innovators

You can also subscribe to the DomesticFuel Cast here.

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

See more coverage on the Biodiesel Conference Blog

According to U.S. ethanol organizations, the European Commission (EC) is officially imposing a $83.03 per metric ton tariff on U.S. ethanol entering the European Union (EU).

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy issued a joint statement on the action.

“This tariff is outrageous and based on absolutely no facts or evidence of harm. An extensive investigation was conducted and there was no proof to substantiate the European Union’s protectionist claims of dumping. Imposing a country wide anti-dumping tariff is unprecedented and unfounded. This is blatant protectionism at its worst. This is absolutely not the final chapter. We will challenge this policy in every manner possible.”

During the recent National Ethanol Conference, the Secretary General of the European ethanol organization ePure was on a panel with RFA president and CEO Bob Dinneen, as well as representatives from other ethanol producing countries, including Canadian Renewable Fuels Association president Scott Thurlow pictured here between the other two.

On the panel, ePure’s Rob Vierhout was asked why they were pursuing trade actions against U.S. ethanol. “It’s completely legitimate what we are doing,” said Vierhout, who engaged in a back and forth with Dinneen about subsidies and dumping. Dinneen made the point at the time that a country wide anti-dumping tariff is protectionist. “That is a violation of WTO, a violation of every trade concept that has ever been established,” said Dinneen. “If there’s anti-dumping, you’re supposed to impose a fee to penalize the company that’s doing the dumping. You didn’t find any so you’re penalizing everybody.”

Listen to exchange between Vierhout and Dinneen here: ePure's Rob Vierhout and RFA's Dinneen

2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

Eight term Iowa congressman Leonard Boswell is continuing to support renewable fuels in his state despite losing his re-election bid in re-districting last year to Tom Latham.

Boswell attended the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit last month because it is something he says he cares deeply about. “I am so wound up in things like renewable fuels, it’s just one of my passions,” he said during an interview at the summit. “I will participate somehow.”

The former Democratic congressman, who is a farmer, was disappointed that Congress was unable to get a farm bill passed last year. “We need a farm bill, you can’t plan if you don’t know the rules,” said Boswell, who believes the House did have the votes to pass the bill that came out of the agriculture committee but they were never given the chance.

Listen to interview with Boswell here: Former Congressman Leonard Boswell

IRFA Renewable Fuels Summit Photo Album

Despite facing major challenges in 2012, the ethanol industry still created more than 380,000 jobs and $43 Billion in Gross Domestic Product, according to the latest analysis conducted by Cardno-ENTRIX and commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

“The study reaffirms that this is an important industry for the overall economy but more importantly for rural America,” said study author John Urbanchuk at the National Ethanol Conference where the study was released. According to Urbanchuk, the production of the estimated 13.3 billion gallons of ethanol in 2012 directly employed 87,292 Americans. An additional 295,969 Americans found work in positions indirectly affiliated with or induced by ethanol production. “Research and development activities are part of that as well,” he said. “That’s a very vital aspect of this entire industry as we move forward.”

Even with the drought last year, domestic ethanol production of 13.3 billion gallons was the second highest annual production level in history, helping to displace 465 million barrels of imported oil worth $47.2 billion.

Listen to my interview with Urbanchuk here: NEC 13 John Urbanchuk interview

2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

During the National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo, several Next Generation Scientists displayed their biodiesel research through “posters”. These budding scientists are smart, talented, creative and innovative. Did I mention they are innovative? These college students are conducting research that has never been done before and as it moves forward, should help improve biodiesel production. A bit of a plug- if you find the research interesting and of value to the industry, consider supporting the students’ continued work.

Here are several interviews with the Next Generation Scientists that discuss their research, why they became involved in the program, and advice for students who are still looking for their niche.

James Anderson, Southern Illinois University: James Anderson

Qingshi Tu, University of Cincinnati: Qingshi Tu

Nina De la Rosa, Florida International University: Nina De la Rosa

Namrata Dangol, University of Idaho: Namrata Dangol

Not sure you want to get involved in Next Generation Scientists? Then be sure to listen to Deval’s interview. Click here to learn more about becoming involved in Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel.

Deval Pandya, University of Texas at Arlington: Deval Pandya

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

This past year was a roller coaster but with some big achievements, said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board during her presentation at the 10th Annual Conference in Las Vegas. One big achievement: the increase of volume of biodiesel gallons as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). This, noted Steckel, reflects the ongoing growth of the biodiesel industry.

One of the biggest ongoing challenges is the efforts of the petroleum industry to end the RFS. Steckel said NBB is spending a lot of resources fighting these court cases, but she was proud to say they have been successful in winning the last three court cases. But the fight is not over.

She also addressed how devastating the RIN crisis has been for the industry and said NBB is working hard with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and petroleum industry to find a constructive solution. The industry will be seeing new regulations on this soon and NBB will continue to work with its membership to make sure the industry gets the best regulation possible.

Steckle encouraged the attendees to continue to be engaged as 2013 will be another pivotal year for the industry.

Listen to Anne Steckel’s full remarks here: Industry Engagement Critical

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

a href=”http://blog.biodieselconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/nbb-13-clemson1.jpg”>If you have a passion for biosystems engineering and biodiesel then you should consider going to college at Clemson University (or transferring there for your advanced degree). Why? Because three of the coolest biodiesel researchers and innovators are currently working together to advance biodiesel. The biodiesel gurus are all members of Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel (Seriously students, why haven’t you joined already?): Karthik Gopalakrish, David Thorton and Charles Griffin. These are three smart cookies.

In a nutshell, the team is researching carbon substrates and algae production to be used for biodiesel or other co-products such as animal feed, biochemicals, bioplastics, etc. In other words, they are looking at increasing lipids (more lipids mean more oil) using waste products from different biofuels industries. This poster looked at using ethanol waste, called xylol and biodiesel waste called glycerol. They have discovered some results that no other researchers have found and boy are they promising.

I was quite impressed with their research and offered to give them a funding plug: to support their research, visit their blog.

You’ll be impressed to when you listen to my interview with Karthik, Charles and Charles about their biodiesel research: Clemson's Biodiesel Guru's

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

What do Alex McCurdy, Michael Morgan and Robert Willis have in common? They all work in the same lab at Utah State University (USU) and are working on three integrated pieces of biodiesel research. They are members of Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel, and work in Lance Seefeldt’s lab, a professor in USU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and a principal faculty mentor on the interdisciplinary project.

Here are some fun facts: McCurdy, Morgan and Willis were all on the team that set a land speed record with a race car design all their own and it ran on 100 percent biodiesel developed by the team. The team is also perfecting the production of fuel using yeast and bacterial platforms and also developing fuel from cheese
waste, carbon dioxide and the sun using microalgae platforms.

Alex noted that the research team has recently succeeded in producing quantities of fuels from all of these sources that have superior properties in test engines, comparing favorably to biodiesel produced from soybeans. This research was featured by the three students during the poster session at the National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

Listen to an overview of Alex’s research: Biodiesel from Microalgae, Yeast & Bacteria

Listen to an overview of Robert’s research: Liquid, Liquid Lipid Extraction

Listen to an overview of Michael’s research (he is the dragster driver): Dragster Performs on Biodiesel

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Ethanol producers need to squeeze every penny out of their operations. But one expert in the field of corn oil wonders why some refiners aren’t trying to capture the corn oil produced when they make ethanol.

“It seems to be a fundamental piece of ethanol plant profitability,” Joe Riley, General Manager with FEC Solutions told Joanna during the recent Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Renewable Fuels Summit. He should know. His family has been operating in the fats and oils business for 26 years and lives in the heart of farming and ethanol production, Iowa.

With a potential to extract between 1.5 and 1.7 million gallons of corn oil from a 50 million-gallon-per-year ethanol plant, Joe questions why only about half of the refiners aren’t trying to capture that corn oil. “If you’re not extracting corn oil, you have to be asking yourself, “Why?” He said that worries of losing value in dried distillers grains (DDGs) have pretty much been answered, and with biodiesel operations expected to be using even more available oils, including corn, Joe pointed out that some refiners might be losing out on potential profit.

He does understand that some operators find it tricky to get the right market for their corn oil. That’s where FEC Solutions comes in. “Usually ethanol plants are really good at making and selling ethanol. We’re really good at selling oil… whether that’s in the feed industry, biodiesel industry, export markets, or specialty or oleo chemical markets.”

Find out more at their website, fecsolutions.com.

Listen to Joanna’s interview with Joe here: Joe Riley

View the IRFA Renewable Fuels Summit Photo Album.