Eligible costs must be related to construction or repowering improvements, such as engineering design, equipment installation and professional fees. The application deadline for this program to receive funds for Fiscal Year 2012 is June 1, 2012. For additional details, please see pages 5232 through 5234 of the February 2, 2012, Federal Register.

Second, USDA also announced the availability of up to $25 million to make payments to advanced biofuels producers who expect to produce eligible advanced biofuels at any time during Fiscal Year 2012. To be eligible for these funds, an advanced biofuels producers must have enrolled in the program by October 31, 2011, even if the producer has an existing contract with the Agency.

Payments will be made to producers of advanced biofuels derived from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. These include cellulose, sugar and starch, crop residue, vegetative waste material, animal waste, food and yard waste, vegetable oil, animal fat, and biogas.

Contract payments will be made quarterly. For additional details, please see pages 5229 through 5232 of the February 2, 2012, Federal Register.

“President Obama has laid out a new era for American energy—an economy fueled by homegrown and alternative energy sources that will be designed and produced by American workers,” said Vilsack. “These programs support that vision by helping biorefineries use renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels and supporting advanced biofuel producers as they expand production.”

The event is organized by Fermentis, Fremont Industries, Novozymes and Phibro Ethanol Performance Group and is the seventh in a series that have been held in different areas of the country over the past two years. The seminars have been organized for both plant managers and operators. The number of participants in the seminars is kept intentionally small to allow for maximum educational opportunity and interaction.

If you missed this one, the next seminar will be held in the summer in Kansas City. Details will be coming soon.

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BBI International originally started as a bioenergy consulting firm in 1995 and has since grown into a media and events company focused on growing the bioenergy industry. Founded in 2009, NEAtech is a technology-based engineering and consulting firm specializing in advanced biofuels, biomass energy, and biotechnology projects. Having already helped hundreds of companies plan and execute successful projects, this new joint venture with NEAtech will reintroduce BBI International’s consulting service to thousands of new businesses worldwide.

Dr. Rafael Nieves and Mark Yancey of NEAtech, two experienced bioenergy consultants, are leading this group. Nieves has worked in the bioenergy sector for more than 28 years. He has extensive experience nationally and internationally managing bioenergy projects in the U.S., Mexico, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Australia, Philippines, Ghana, Armenia, Indonesia and the Ukraine.

Yancey has 35 years of experience in the fields of bioenergy and environmental engineering including extensive experience in project development and economic analysis for first and second generation biofuels facilities. His expertise is in the development of bioenergy projects including development of business strategies and financial, market and technical analyses of projects and renewable energy opportunities.

“We are excited about offering a consulting service to our customers,” said Joe Bryan, president and chief executive officer of BBI International. “This venture is the first step in helping companies associated with BBI International gain valuable insight on their current and future projects.”

“This venture will allow us to combine our expertise with BBI’s knowledge and resources,” said Nieves, CEO of NEAtech.

ZeaChem is further developing its integrated biorefinery through implementation of a second project to add the capability of using cellulosic biomass on the front end and converting ethyl acetate into ethanol on the back end. This separate “bookends” project is currently underway and supported by a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Once operational in 2012, it will result in the production of up to 250,000 gallons per year of cellulosic ethanol.

“Beginning operations at the core facility is another indication that ZeaChem continues to successfully execute its strategic roadmap,” said Jim Imbler, president and chief executive officer of ZeaChem. “Our phased development approach minimizes risk by allowing us to produce marketable products as we scale up our biorefining operations. We will continue to build out our biorefinery platform to produce a broad portfolio of sustainable and economical chemicals and fuels derived from cellulosic biomass.”

In addition to this work, ZeaChem, headquartered in Lakewood, Colo., has been named, “This Week’s Colorado Company to Watch,” for the company’s work in growing their business of building bio-refineries that produce advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals.

The Kinross facility will use Mascoma’s proprietary CBP technology platform, which has been developed by Mascoma over the past five years, to convert hardwood pulpwood into ethanol. Hardwood pulpwood is a selectively harvested, naturally regenerated feedstock and is an underutilized, abundant resource in the surrounding area. Construction of the Kinross facility is anticipated to start in the next three to six months and is expected to be completed by year-end 2013. Kinross Cellulosic Ethanol LLC, a joint venture formed by Mascoma and Valero, will develop and operate the Kinross facility.

“We are excited to apply our proprietary consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) technology platform to produce cellulosic ethanol on a commercial scale and thereby provide a low-cost, sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products,” said Bill Brady, President and CEO of Mascoma.

This year POET reduced water use by more than 770 million gallons compared to 2009 by using the company’s Total Water Recovery System at their 18th ethanol production facility, POET Biorefining in Chancellor, South Dakota.

“We’ve made reducing water use a priority at our plants, and it shows,” POET CEO Jeff Broin said. “I’m confident that we can reach our overall water use goal.”

Eighteen of POET’s 26 ethanol plants now have Total Water Recovery Systems under the company’s “Ingreenuity” initiative that was instituted in March 2010.

The $130 million plant is being developed by INEOS New Planet BioEnergy (INPB), a joint venture between INEOS Bio and New Planet Energy. The Indian River BioEnergy Center in Vero Beach, Florida, will convert yard, vegetative and household wastes into cellulosic ethanol and renewable power for the local community.

“We are excited to celebrate this important milestone, which moves advanced biofuels a step closer to achieving significant scale, enabling the U.S. to achieve a leading position in the bioenergy sector,” said Peter Williams, Chairman of INPB and CEO of INEOS Bio. “As part of our goal of advancing the biofuels industry, educating people about the benefits of this technology and creating demand for advanced biofuels, we will continue to license this world-changing technology to partners across the U.S. and beyond, bringing secure, renewable fuel and power to communities worldwide.”

When production starts in mid-2012, the Indian River BioEnergy Center will produce eight million gallons of bioethanol and six megawatts (gross) of renewable power, of which approximately two megawatts will be exported to the local community. This renewable electricity will be able to power approximately 1,400 homes. Located at a former citrus processing plant site in Vero Beach, Florida, the BioEnergy Center will provide 380 direct and indirect jobs (including 175 construction jobs) over the next two years and 50 full-time jobs in Indian River County where, current unemployment is at 13.6 percent, the 23rd highest metro area in the nation.

E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petroleum and can be used in over 8,000 FFVs across the area. The alternative fuel has been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign petroleum.

Mr. Pete’s used Protec Fuel’s turnkey program which included designing and managing the equipment conversion and fuel supply. “We are pleased to be assisting this station with their E85 infrastructure and supply of fuel,” said CEO of Protec Fuel, Todd Garner. “Mr. Pete’s is a prime location for Protec’s roll-out of new E85 dispenser imaging and we look forward to seeing additional sites with our specialized branding.”

The E85 site is also the first of its kind in the area. Located just north of Jacksonville and south of Savannah, the owner is excited to begin selling the product. “I’m looking forward to see how many green vehicles will use our new fuel,” noted owner of Mr. Pete’s, Al Coty. “I’m proud to carry the fuel – it’s keeping the money in this country and helping our economy.”

Mr. Pete’s and Protec Fuel have teamed up with the Clean Fuels Foundation through their National Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) Awareness Campaign to help market the station and gain additional exposure. “Support from the state government, a strong Clean Cities program, in-state 1st and 2nd generation ethanol production, and a strong existing refueling infrastructure placed Georgia on our key market list in this partnership,” said Burl Haigwood, Clean Fuels Foundation and Project Manager for the National FFV Awareness Campaign.

Mr. Pete’s is open seven days a week. The site offers a convenience store and pay at the pump option.

The facility originally began operations in 2008 as Greater Ohio Ethanol, but filed for bankruptcy protection later that year due to numerous operational challenges and adverse financial market conditions. The plant has been idle since November, 2008 and was acquired by PEA in March, 2009.

Guardian Lima also announced that it has selected Renewable Products Marketing Group (RPMG) as its ethanol and distillers grain marketing partner.

Following are the locations of the promotions, dates and times:

June 9 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Cenex Prairie Pride
Hwy 59 & 30
Slayton, MN

June 10 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Schmitty’s
100 Atlantic Ave.
Grove City, MN

Supporters for the events include: Meeker County Corn Growers, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, US Department of Energy Clean Cities, American Lung Association in MN & the Minnesota Clean Air Choice™ Team, Murray County Corn & Soybean Growers.

The Cenex Prairie Pride event will also have the Biofuels Bean Bag Toss, Clean Air Choice Plinko and fun prizes along with the E85 powered F150.

Visit CleanAirChoice.org for more information.

The New York State Biofuel Station Initiative was launched in May 2007 and the objective is to increase the number of retail E85 and biodiesel service stations in New York through a comprehensive approach of providing incentives to both mid-stream distribution terminals and retail stations.

“NYSERDA’s biofuel station initiative has been successful in building an alternative fuel infrastructure throughout New York with more than 130 retail gas stations participating and the first 45 currently open,” noted Jeffrey Gordon, Director of Communications, NYSERDA. “E85 is a domestically produced alternative fuel that affords consumers a choice at the gas pump over conventional gasoline, is more environmentally-friendly, will reduce our demand for imported oil, and will keep our energy dollars right here in New York. With continued support from our federal and State administrations, E85 ethanol will continue to play a role in NYSERDA’s efforts to help build a vibrant clean energy economy for the future.”

Approximately $4 million is still available for retail fueling stations. Growth Energy Market Development is supplying the stations with their pump imaging package that will allow for a consistent message across the state. Each kit will be reimbursed from the grant.

For more information regarding this program, click here.

“North Dakota’s agricultural economy and rural communities have directly benefited from the growth of the ethanol industry in our state,” Hoeven said. “Ethanol creates jobs and boosts income for our farmers.”

The North Dakota Ethanol Council includes representatives from all of the state’s major ethanol producers, including ADM Corn Processing, Walhalla; Blue Flint Ethanol, Underwood; Hankinson Renewable Energy, Hankinson; Red Trail Energy, LLC, Richardton; and Tharaldson Ethanol Plant, Casselton.

“As an industry, we are excited to have the Council established and staff hired,” says Jeff Zueger, NDEC chairman and Blue Flint Ethanol general manager. “These steps allow us to move forward with a coordinated effort to expand the ethanol industry in North Dakota.”

The new service plazas will be built on both sides of the turnpike in Ohio’s Williams County. Along with E85, the facilities will allow for recharging of electric cars and cable and Internet hookups for parked trucks. The stops will also feature gas pumps, restrooms, restaurants and gift shops. The new facilities should open next year.

Currently, Ohio has 64 E85 locations throughout the state. Although details have not yet been released, the Ohio Department of Development will be offering grants to assist with additional E85 retail infrastructure. These funds are allocated for the current state budget ending in July 2011.

Nebraska Corn Processing (NCP) is the name of the subsidiary that plans to resume production at the plant as quickly as possible this year. The plant was built in 2007 but was idled for much of 2009. “This acquisition will allow NCP to gain a foothold in the energy industry and to further invest in agriculture,” explained Cliff Meeuwsen, company president. “Our goal is to develop viable business opportunities that will benefit NCP, agriculture and the communities in which we reside.”

Zeeland Farm Services is an agricultural and transportation company serving the upper Midwest since 1950. The company’s Grain Division will provide commodity price risk management services to NCP while the Ingredients Division will market the animal feed co‐products that are produced from the plant to the livestock industry.

“Because ethanol is the only biofuel source with sufficient production and base feed stock to meet these mandates, it has been the most widely used by refiners to meet the new federal mandates,” said Chris Martin, spokesman for the Texas Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association. Mandated amounts of renewable fuels will increase each year between now and 2022, Martin said, thus the 10 percent ethanol mixture will eventually increase, probably to 15 percent.

Any vehicle on American roads can use E10 and should have no problem. Only flexible fuel vehicles can use higher blends of ethanol such as E85. There are currently 42 E85 stations in the state of Texas.

Additional in-store specials will be a 2-liter of Pepsi for 85 cents and 85 cents deluxe car wash with E85 purchase.

Event Supporters include the Stearns County Corn Growers, Kranz Super Stop (Holiday), Minnesota Corn Growers Association, American Lung Association in Minnesota and the Minnesota Clean Air Choice™.

There are now 361 E85 fueling locations in the state of Minnesota; the most E85 stations of any state.

Guardian Energy is a joint venture between ethanol plants in Little Falls, Benson, Claremont, and Winthrop, Minnesota as well as Mason City, Iowa and Minden, Nebraska that last week closed on the purchase of the 100 million gallon per year ethanol plant in Janesville.

“Drawing on the experience of its member plants, Guardian Energy is rapidly working to bring the facility on line this fall,” said interim CEO and Board President Randall Doyal. “We are actively recruiting and interviewing candidates from across the region to fill more than 45 new jobs. We will work closely with local farmers to create a new, value-added market for their corn, as well as with other local suppliers who are already at work completing the plant, putting the finishing touches on the plant site, and bringing in supplies necessary to operate the facility.” Doyal also serves as CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel.

Guardian Energy LLC is the cooperative effort six midwestern farmer owned ethanol plants which have a philosophy that the economic benefits of producing ethanol should stay in the local communities and that has been key to the success of each of the member plants involved in Guardian Energy. Guardian Energy negotiated with the banks holding the Janesville facility, and their negotiations led to the successful close and transfer of ownership to Guardian Energy on September 23.

The six facilities comprising Guardian Energy are Al-Corn Clean Fuel, Central Minnesota Ethanol, Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company, Golden Grain Energy, Heartland Corn Products, and KAPPA Ethanol.

The First Coop Association is one of many stations to take advantage of the Renewable Fuels Promotional Assistance Program sponsored by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and the Iowa Soybean Association. Through the Renewable Fuels Promotional Assistance Program, Iowa Corn and IRFA partners with retailers for grand openings for E85 and ethanol blender dispensers. Iowa Soybean and IRFA partners with retailers for grand openings for biodiesel dispensers.

Retailers interested in installing an E85 or biodiesel dispenser can apply for a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

There are currently 129 E85 facilities in the state of Iowa.

Guardian Energy LLC, headquartered in Shakopee, Minnesota recently entered into an agreement to purchase the 100-million gallon plant acquired by AgStar Financial Services’ lending group through VeraSun Energy’s bankruptcy in March of 2009. Guardian Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian Eagle Investments formed to own and operate this ethanol facility in Janesville. The group also founded Renewable Products Marketing Group, which will provide marketing services for the facility.

Renewable Products Marketing Group CEO Randy Hahn said, “Our group of farmer owned ethanol producers are very excited to see this purchase come together. We strongly believe that the value generated by converting our locally grown corn into renewable energy ought to stay here at home. We are committed to keeping this facility in the hands of local producers and farmers.”

AgStar has now found new owners for four of the six VeraSun plants they are representing. Another announcement is expected this week for a fifth plant in Dyersville, Iowa.

DOE will offer up to $3.5 million to 15 to 30 cost-shared projects that will expand the infrastructure of fueling locations up to 85 percent ethanol. This may include modifications, upgrades, or expansions of existing fuel pumps and other infrastructure at retail stations or the installation of new equipment to accommodate the higher ethanol blends.

DOE will also select up to five national campaign projects and fund up to $2 million in an effort to raise public awareness of the benefits, safety, and use requirements of higher ethanol blends up to E85. This effort will help promote the use of renewable fuels to decrease dependence on petroleum.

Applications for this funding is due by September 30, 2009. For more information, click here and enter Reference Number DE-FOA-0000125.

Addition of these plants will increase the Company’s ethanol production capacity by 45%, from 330 million to 480 million gallons per year.

“The acquisition of the plants in Central City and Ord lowers our cost of production and improves our ability to compete in the industry,” said Todd Becker, Green Plains’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “These plants are in excellent locations. Within the 14 contiguous counties surrounding Ord and Central City, there are over 300,000 cattle on feed and approximately 300 million bushels of corn grown annually.”

Sale of the facilities are expected to close in June and Green Plains plans to have the plants fully operational within 30-60 days of the sale closing.

The Homeland Energy Solutions will produce 100 million gallons of ethanol annually, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), which congratulated the company for its accomplisment this week.

“It’s been a difficult time for the ethanol industry, but Homeland Energy Solutions is proof that we are working through it and finding ways to succeed,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “This locally-owned ethanol refinery will buy Iowa corn and provide good paying jobs in rural Iowa. Homeland Energy Solutions is a welcome addition to Iowa’s growing industry.”

Homeland Energy Solutions Board Chair Steve Eastman said they are excited to start production. “And we are grateful that we missed the commodity boom and bust of 2008 that whiplashed so much of the ethanol industry,” said Eastman. “While margins remain tight, we feel well positioned going forward.”

Fagen, Inc., the Granite Falls, Minnesota design-build contractor, oversaw the construction and incorporated a process design provided by ICM, Inc. of Colwich, Kansas.

One Earth Energy, LLC officially organized as an Illinois based Limited Liability Company in November 2005. By acquiring ethanol mills on the cheap, big oil and other players could undercut firms such as One Earth Energy, which spent $166 million to build a plant for distilling corn into fuel.

“The challenge to compete with those new ownerships is they have a lower cost of production because they have less debt,” said Steve Kelly, president of One Earth Energy. Heavy debt loads and historically high corn prices have been lethal to independent ethanol firms.

According to the Los Angeles Times, before launching One Earth Energy, Steve Kelly worked down the road for the Alliance Grain Co. He estimates that the co-op stored about 3 million bushels of corn when he joined it in 1988. The figure reached almost 30 million bushels in 2005, so Alliance needed an outlet for its corn, and One Earth Energy was born.

“It always made sense to me to have the vertical integration, be part of that consumption chain after it leaves the farmer and the storage point,” said Kelly, noting that Alliance will supply One Earth Energy with corn.

“The Clean Energy Coalition is dedicated to increasing the number of E85 pumps in Michigan,” said Sean Reed, CEC executive director. “Through a grant from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DeLEG), we are providing infrastructure incentives for E85.”

In addition to the CEC grant, gas station owners can also apply for federal and state tax credits that significantly reduce the installation and qualified equipment costs. “Stations may be eligible for up to an additional $50,000 to be applied towards installation costs from other state and federal incentives,” said Reed. The federal government is offering a 50 percent tax credit of up to $50,000 and the Michigan Department of Treasury is offering a 30 percent tax credit up to $20,000.

The DeLEG Energy Office is also offering a $1,500 incentive to assist with the cost of designing and installing a highway exit sign that promotes the E85 pump, as well as paying the first year’s annual fee.

In total, the CEC was awarded $145,000 from the DeLEG and $20,000 from the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) to offer station owners the opportunity to sell E85. “I’m excited to work with the CEC to help bolster Michigan’s ethanol industry and increase the number of E85 pumps available to consumers,” said Pollok-Newsom. “Ethanol reduces our country’s need for foreign oil, supports our rural communities, and helps reduce harmful greenhouse gases.”

For more information or to apply for a grant from the CEC, visit www.cec.mi.org.

Enerkem Inc. of Montreal plans to build the plan in Pontotoc, Mississippi and has contracted with Three Rivers Solid Waste Management Authority to supply approximately 189,000 tons of unsorted municipal solid waste (MSW) per year as feedstock.

The plant is expected to cost $250 million and produce 20 million gallons per year of next-generation ethanol made from wood residues from regional forest and agricultural operations, as well as urban biomass such as municipal solid waste, construction and demolition debris, and treated wood. In addition to the biofuels production facility, the investment includes an upstream municipal solid waste recycling and pre-treatment center.

According to a release from VeraSun, Valero Renewable Fuels was selected as the successful bidder for assets contained in the “VSE Group”, in addition to ethanol production facilities in Albion, Neb., and Albert City, Iowa, following an auction in Wilmington, Del. The VSE Group consists of production facilities in Aurora, S.D.; Charles City, Fort Dodge and Hartley, Iowa, and Welcome, Minn., and a development site in Reynolds, Ind.

The auction began Monday but ended up continuing into Tuesday because a number of other bidders ended up participating in the process, including Archer Daniels Midland, although they did not acquire any assets.

The secured lenders for nine other VeraSun facilities submitted successful credit bids. The company hopes to close the deals in April. VeraSun had filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 of federal bankruptcy law late in October.

“Currently, retailers and local governments can receive grants to invest in E85 pumps and fuel tanks,” Alting said. “This legislation would allow school corporations and universities to also receive grants so they can install E85 fuel tanks on campuses.” Alting said since grants became available last year, more than $135,000 has been provided to various retailers.

Along with a Federal income tax credit for E85 infrastructure, Indiana also offers tax breaks and incentives for those who produce and/or use biofuels. Funding for these grants comes from corn check-off funds and has no cost to Indiana taxpayers.

There are currently 116 E85 fueling locations within the state of Indiana.

Rear Adm. Robert Bianchi, Commander, NEXCOM, and Captain Markham Rich, Commanding Officer, NAS Oceana hosted the ceremony with principal guests and speakers Congressman Glenn Nye, D-VA 2nd District and Bob Dinneen, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association.

NEXCOM awarded a public private venture (PPV) contract in April 2008 to Protec Fuels for the infrastructure development and supply of the E85. NEX Oceana is the first location developed under this contract.

With this grand opening, there will be three public access E85 stations in Virginia. The Navy Exchange Oceana facility will be the second public access E85 fuel facility in Virginia operated by the U.S. Navy/NEX.

The Navy is a leader in the use of alternative fuels, including ethanol and biodiesel, and operates the largest fleet of vehicles using alternative fuels in the state of Virginia. This venture will provide the needed access to E85 fuel for the Navy’s fleet of flex-fuel vehicles as well as to the general public.

These labels are offered at a member rate and non-member rate. The coalition also offers the mandatory pump labeling for these blends. Besides blend pump labels, the NEVC offers a complete “pump imaging package” for E85 fueling stations. A listing of all items offered for pump labeling can be found by clicking here.

The goal of the Green Island program is to help establish readily available “green island” refueling stations for B20 biodiesel and E85 ethanol no more than 100 miles apart along these corridors. This competitive grant program seeks to identify partner retail stations in areas where reasonably accessible and convenient retail biofuel stations are not in place. A minimum of 20 percent in nonfederal matching funds is required.

A statewide network of biofuel stations will encourage and expand the use of biofuels in Tennessee, which in turn will stimulate rural economic development, increase farm income, reduce vehicle emissions, help protect public health, and reduce dependence on petroleum.

Potential E85 and B20 retailers can view the solicitation by clicking here. Sumission is due by April 17, 2009.