Nationally, India produced 78.6 million gallons of ethanol in 2020. (Source: Gov. Uttar Predesh, TV India 25 July, 2021)
More Low-Carbon Energy News India, India Ethanol Blend, Ethanol,
Under the June 2019 expansion, E15 could be sold year-round without additional Reid vapor pressure (RVP) control rather than just eight months of the year. The one pound per square inch waiver for RVP was approved by EPA for year-round E10 sales in 1992, but not for E15.
The Court found that Congress "balanced wide-ranging economic, energy-security and geopolitical implications" and that the law "reflects a compromise, not simply a desire to maximize ethanol production at all costs" and that "Congress did not intend to allow ethanol blends higher than 10 pct to be widely sold year-round." (Source: Various Media, AgriNews, 18 July, 2021)
More Low-Carbon Energy News E10, E15, Ethanol Blend,
The Court noted "it's clear from federal law that Congress balanced 'wide-ranging economic, energy-security, and geopolitical implications' and that the wording of the law 'reflects a compromise, not simply a desire to maximize ethanol production at all costs."
The court concluded Congress did not intend to allow ethanol blends higher than 10 pct to be widely sold year-round, according the AP. (Source: EPA, Convenience Store News, 6 July, 2021)
More Low-Carbon Energy News E15 news, Ethanol Blend news, FES news,
"Oregon's diverse geography and unique landscape help make protecting the environment a clear priority for state policymakers. Plant-based renewable ethanol is 46 pct cleaner than traditional gasoline. This new law creates the pathway for higher blends of ethanol -- helping Oregon take meaningful steps to improve air quality and curb the effects of climate change by sustainably decarbonizing the light duty vehicles on Oregon's road today. Ethanol is also less expensive than gasoline, with E15 typically saving consumers three to 10 cents per gallon. By increasing the use of ethanol across the state, this law will also provide significant fuel savings for Oregon drivers," according to Joshua Shields, POET Senior VP.
A study by Air Improvement Resource, Inc. showed that Oregon could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 190,000 metric tpy by increasing the use of higher blends by switching from E10 gasoline to E15, according to the release. (Source: POET, PR, Website, 23 June, 2021) Contact: POET, Joshua Shields, Senior VP, (605) 965-2200, www.poet.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News POET, Ethanol Blends, E10, E15,
In other Indian ethanol news, Indian ethanol producer Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries Ltd. reports it plans to increase its ethanol production capacity from its currant 8 crore lpy to 15 crore lpy (39.626 million gpy) beginning in Jan., 2022.
The increases are slated for the company's Jawaharpur, Nigohi and Kolhapur plants and a new distillery to be established at Ramgarh, and are in response to the government's recently announced decision to raise the country's ethanol blending rate from 8 pct to 20 pct by 2025 . (Source: Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries Limited, PR, 16 June, 2021) Contact: Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries Limited, 011-23465100, www.dalmiasugar.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Hindustan Petroleum , Ethanol,
The increases are slated for the company's Jawaharpur, Nigohi and Kolhapur plants and a new distillery to be established at Ramgarh, and are in response to the government's
recently announced decision to raise the country's ethanol blending rate from 8 pct to 20 pct by 2025 .
(Source: Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries Limited, PR, 16 June, 2021) Contact: Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries Limited, 011-23465100, www.dalmiasugar.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Etanol, India Ethanol, Sugar Ethanol,
As previously reported, India's National Biofuel Policy 2018 targeted 20 pct blending of ethanol in petrol and 5 pct blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030. The blending percentage of ethanol with petrol has increased from 1.53 pct in 2013-14 to 8.5 pct in 2020-2.
India's ethanol production capacity is 684 crore litre (1,806,936,800 gallons). (Source: Office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 5 June, 2021)
More Low-Carbon Energy News India news, India Ethanol Blend news,
The law would have mandated restrictive warning labels on E15 fuel dispensers that would cause unnecessary confusion at the pump, deprive Hoosiers access to significant fuel savings, and destroy future demand for Indiana corn, according to the POET release. (Source: POET, PR, 27 Apr., 2021)
More Low-Carbon Energy News POET, Ethanol, Corn Ethanol, E15, Ethanol Blend,
The collaboration previously focused on techno-economic performance analysis, and the testing of empty fruit bunches and palm leaves.
Indonesia has a nationwide E10 ethanol blending mandate. (Source: Clariant, Website PR, 19 Apr., 2021)
Contact: Clariant, +41 61 469 63 63, Fax: +41 61 469 69 99, www.clariant.com; Pertamina, pcc135@pertamina.com, www.pertamina.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Clariant news, Pertamina news, Cellulosic Ethanol news,
Each of the second generation biorefineries will be able to produce 500,000 lpd of ethanol from spoilt and surplus food grain.
India's 2018 National Biofuels Policy calls for an ethanol blending rate of 10 pct by 2022 ramping up to 20 pct by 2030.
The country's ethanol production capacity, primary from sugar, stood at 4.26 billion litres in the fiscal year ending March 2020. (Source: Indian Oil Corp., PR, 26 Mar., 2021)
Contact: Indian Oil Corp., Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., www.iocl.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Indian Oil Corp., Ethanol,
The EPA under Trump issued 85 retroactive small refinery exemptions for the 2016-2018 compliance years, undercutting the renewable fuel volumes by a total of 4 billion gallons, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)
As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance
(Source: US EPA, 22 Feb., 2021)Contact: RFA, www.ethanolrfa.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News RFA, Renewable Fuel Standard, "Hardship Waiver", Ethanol Blend,
Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected demand for all liquid fuels last year, the EIA notes that biofuel consumption has not decreased as much as petroleum-based fuels. AEO2021's reference case, which represents the EIA's best assessment of how energy markets will operate through 2050, predicts that biofuels consumption will return to 2019 levels in 2021, slightly faster than petroleum-based transportation fuels. As a result, biofuels will account for an increasing share of the domestic fuel mix.
The EIA attributes the quicker rebound in biofuels consumption primarily to regulatory support, such as the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
In the AEO2021 reference case, the EIA projects that the percentage of biofuels blended into the U.S. transportation fuel pool will increase and slowly grow through 2050. In the event of high oil prices, the EIA expects the share of biofuels consumed in the U.S. would rise to a greater percentage as higher prices for gasoline and diesel would make biofuels more competitive.
Biodiesel production is expected to grow slightly in the reference case, maintaining a steady level of supply through 2050. Renewable diesel production is expected to grow at a higher rate. Ethanol consumption is expected to return to pre-COVID levels in later years of the projection period, steadily growing through 2050 because of higher ethanol blends making their way into the on-road transportation fuel, according to the EIA.
Domestic production of other biomass-derived liquids, including pyrolysis oils, biomass-derived Fischer-Tropsch liquids, biobutanol and renewable feedstocks used for the on-site production of diesel and gasoline, is expected to grow by 3.5 percent, reaching 90,000 bpd by 2050. The AEO2020 reference case predicted a 5.3 percent increase, which would equate to 110,000 bpd in 2050. (Source: EIA, 3 Feb., 2021)
Contact: EIA, www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo
More Low-Carbon Energy News EIA, Biofuel, Ethanol, Biodiesel,
According to POET Founder and CEO Jeff Broin, "Iowa has always been a major champion for biofuels, and we applaud Governor Reynolds for taking that forward-thinking leadership to the next level with E15. Passing legislation for an E15 standard could lay the foundation for the entire nation. E15 in Iowa would add nearly 30 million bushels of grain demand each year, grow thousands of jobs across the state and inject millions into Iowa’s economy," Broin continued.
"It would boost farm incomes across the Midwest, grow dependable domestic markets, and be a critical step in securing America's energy independence. Make no mistake -- we need to return to our roots and once again get our energy from the surface of the Earth, and America's farmers will play a pivotal role in the climate solution. Federal and state leaders looking to take action on climate and clean air should start with plant-based biofuels like bioethanol, which is 46 pct cleaner than gasoline from farm to freeway and displaces toxic chemicals in gasoline linked to cancer and other serious health problems," Broin concluded. (Source: POET, PR, 8 Feb., 2021)Contact: POET, Jeff Broin, CEO, (605) 965-2200, www.poet.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News POET, Biofuel, Ethanol, E15, Ethanol Blend ,
"In the first HBIIP funding opportunity, the Renewable Fuels Association was able to assist applicants secure funding in 22 states which will result in over $50 million in new ethanol infrastructure and bring almost 1,200 new blender dispensers to the marketplace. RFA was front-and-center once again on this second round, working up to the final hour to assist as many retailers as we could. In the end, we helped 11 companies in seven states submit applications for 47 locations that could result in 233 new higher blend dispensers where consumers can enjoy the benefits of higher ethanol blends.
"According to the USDA, HBIIP was created to increase significantly the sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by expanding the infrastructure for renewable fuels. The program is also intended to encourage a more comprehensive approach to market higher blends by sharing the costs related to building out biofuel-related infrastructure.
"For retailers, HBIIP can provide the extra support needed to bring higher blends into their marketplace. The cost-share grants provide up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs, not to exceed $3 million per applicant. The program will share the costs related to the upgrading of fuel dispensers (gas and diesel pumps), associated ancillary equipment, and other infrastructure necessary for a location to ensure the environmentally safe availability of fuel containing ethanol blends greater than 10 percent such as E15 and E85 or fuel containing biodiesel blends greater than 5 percent.
"We're looking forward to seeing this new round of grants announced and fulfilled, so we can help retailers move more low-carbon ethanol into fuel tanks around the country. For those retailers that might have missed out on this funding opportunity, there are some states and individual renewable fuel advocates that offer funding throughout the year. Please reach out to RFA for assistance in navigating these opportunities." (Source: Renewable Fuels Association , 3 Feb. 2021) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association,
Cassie Mullen, Dir. Market Development, www.ethanolrfa.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA, HBIIP, Renewable Fuels Association, Ethanol Blend,
ePURE represents the interests of European renewable ethanol producers to the EU institutions, industry stakeholders, the media, academia and the general public. ePURE speaks for 36 member companies and associations (including 19 ethanol producers), with around 50 plants in 16 EU Member countries, accounting for about 85 pct of EU renewable ethanol production. The organisation, established in 2010, promotes the beneficial uses of ethanol throughout Europe.
(Source: ePURE, PR 3 Jan., 2020) Contact: ePURE, Emmanuel Desplechin, Secretary-General, +32 2 657 6679, info@epure.org, www.epure.org; New E10 website,
www.e10info.eu
More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE, Ethanol Blend, E10,
The Canadian regulation is an initiative to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity of fuels and energy used in Canada and achieve a more than 20 million tpy reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Canadian Clean Fuel Standard aims for an average 15 pct (E15) ethanol-gasoline blend rate by 2030. (Source: Growth Energy, Dec, 2020) Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News E15, Growth Energy, Ethanol, Ethanol Blend, Canada Clan Fuels Standard,
The government previously targeted 10 pct ethanol blending by 2022 and 20 per cent by 2030.
As part of reworked plan on bio fuels, the ministry of road transport and highways has already published a draft notification for introducing the adoption of E20 fuel, ie, blend of 20 pct ethanol with petrol, and has sought comments from the public.
Apart from facilitating adoption of green fuel, E20 blending would also cut down India's crude oil import costs and boost the ethanol economy. (Source: IANS, PR, Punjab Times, 21 Dec., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News India, B20, Ethanol Blend,
As part of the new European Union (EU) Green Deal, many directives, including FQD, will be revised and the European Commission (EC) is expected to look at options to stimulate the uptake of renewable and low-emission fuels, as highlighted in the EU Climate Target Plan.
(Source: ADAC, PR, ePURE Website, Dec., 2020) Contact: ADAC, Karsten Schulze, +49 89 22 22 22, www.adac.de
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol Blend Rate,
Marketed to consumers as Unleaded 88, E15 is approved by the EPA for all light-duty vehicles model year 2001 and later, which is 95 pct of the vehicle fleet on the road today. Currently, 98 pct of all gasoline contains about 10 pct ethanol, but more than 2,200 retail locations are now offering E15, and in 2020 -- despite COVID-19 -- retail sites offering E15 have increased 10 pct. According to the AIR study, the higher ethanol blend would not only help achieve the nation's climate goals, but also offers individual states the opportunity to lead -- cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 1.88 million tpy in California alone.
Download the GHG Benefits of 15 pct Ethanol (E15)Use in the United States report HERE. (Source: Growth Energy, PR, 7 Dec., 2020) Contact: Growth Energy, Emily Skor, (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Growth Energy, Ethanol, Ethanol Blend, Carbon Emissions,
"We know about one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the province come from transportation, which is why increasing the amount of renewable content in gasoline is such an important step towards fighting climate change and driving down emissions," Environment Minister Hon. Jeff Yurek said. The proposed increments would be the equivalent of taking 300,000 cars off the road every year in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions.
Ontario aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 pct by 2030. (Source: Ontario Ministry of Environment, Woodstocj Sentinel Review, 26 Nov., 2020) Contact: Ontario Ministry of Environment, www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-environment-and-climate-change-resources
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol Bled, Ethanol,
"This announcement offers a welcome ray of hope during an otherwise rough year for America's farmers, retailers and biofuel producers. It represents a major milestone in our efforts to ensure more Americans can access cleaner and more affordable ethanol-blended fuel. We're grateful to Secretary Perdue, USDA, and our congressional champions who are working tirelessly to make higher ethanol blends a success.
We're especially proud of Growth Energy's incredible network of retail partners, who bring Unleaded88 (E15) to consumers across the nation and are paving the way for higher blends of ethanol," Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said. (Source: Growth Energy, PR, Oct., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News E15 news, Growth Energy news, Ethanol news, Ethanol Blend news, HBIIP news,
These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to recipients in 14 states. The initial $22 million in HBIIP investments are projected to increase ethanol demand by nearly 150 million gpy.
HBIIP helps transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities convert to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment and infrastructure. Eligible applicants are vehicle fueling facilities, including, but not limited to, local fueling stations/locations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities, fuel terminal operations, midstream partners and/or distribution facilities. Higher biofuel blends are fuels containing ethanol greater than 10 pct by volume and/or fuels containing biodiesel blends greater than 5 pct by volume.
Download HBIIP program details HERE.
(Source: USDA, 8 Oct., 2020) Contact: USDA Rural Dev., www.rd.usda.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA news, Ethanol Blend news, Biofuel Blend news,
"This growth has occurred during one of the most challenging fuel markets in the past 30 years, and is a testament to the strength of E15's growing popularity among American drivers" the Growth Energy release noted.
Growth Energy has developed the best practices for marketing and selling E15 based on consumer reaction at retail. Also, Growth Energy has been intimately involved in converting more than 2,000 retail sites to sell E15, which provides the organization with vast knowledge and experience in equipment compatibility, and regulatory requirements for offering higher biofuel blends, according to a release. (Source: Growth Energy, 30 Sept., 2020) Contact: Growth Energy, Mike O'Brian, VP Market Dev., (202) 545-4000, www.growthenergy.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News E15, Growth Energy, Ethanol, Ethanol Blend,
If passed into law, the act would transition country's gasoline supply to a higher octane so greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 40 to 43 pct while increasing fuel efficiency, according to the group release.
"When you pull up to the pump you would see a research octane number (RON) that we're advocating for which is 98 RON and it's aimed at increasing efficiency in engines. To increase efficiency in engines you have to have more octane and when you get to E25 and E30, that's really where we see the sweet spot for finding the most efficiencies", NCGA market development director Jeff Wilkerson said. (Source: NCGA, Contact: Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Jeff Wilkerson, Director of Market Development, www.NCGA.Com/Octane; Nebraska Corn Board, Roger Berry, Market Development, (402) 471-2676, www.nebraskacorn.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Nebraska Corn Board , Corn Ethanol, Ethanol, Ethanol Blend, Nebraska Corn Growers Association,
Use of E10 significantly reduces emissions from petrol cars and is sold in petrol stations in 13 EU Member States. Other countries are considering deploying E10 in order to help meet targets for renewable energy and greenhouse-gas reduction.
As Europeans continue to buy and drive mostly petrol cars, boosting the use of renewable ethanol in E10 or even higher blends will be vital to achieving emissions-reduction goals. E10 works in almost all petrol cars and can be sold in existing petrol stations. Petrol cars continue to lead sales figures of new cars in Europe and will be predominant on EU roads for a long time; renewable ethanol is the best carbon-abatement tool available for those vehicles, according to the ePUrE release. (Source: ePURE, PR, Website, 17 Sept., 2020) Contact: ePURE, Emmanuel Desplechin, Secretary-General, +32 2 657 6679, info@epure.org, www.epure.org, www.E10info.eu
More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE, E10, Ethanol, Ethanol Blend,
As previously reported, NCGA also recently partnered with the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), assisting fuel retailers in applying for the USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The $100 million program included $86 million to expand the availability of higher blends of ethanol, like E15 and E85.
NCGA support for this program helped deliver program awareness and technical assistance for applications representing more than 1,100 fuel dispensers across 21 states and 222 locations dispensing more than 250 million gallons of gasoline annually. (Source: NCGA, Sept., 2020) Contact: NCGA, PR, Wayne Fueling Systems, (512) 388-8311, www.wayne.com; National Corn Growers Assoc., Mark Palmer, Renewable Fuels Dir., (636) 733-9004, (636) 733-9005-fax, corninfo@ncga.com, www.ncga.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News National Corn Growers Association, Ethanol Blend, E15, E85 ,
The EPA is proposing to penalize the current Tier 3 test fuel that all automakers will use to meet CO2 emission standards because it contains 10 pct ethanol. This Tier 3 test fuel lowers CO2 emissions compared to the prior E0 test fuel from 1975. The EPA is creating this new penalty against ethanol by manipulating test procedures to inflate the tailpipe CO2 emissions of vehicles certified as using E10. Since the penalty would presumably increase with higher ethanol volumes, this rule would be a major disincentive for automakers to transition to higher ethanol blends.
"Basically ethanol can't win. First EPA ignores ethanol's ability to reduce toxic aromatics, and now it wants to penalize ethanol for being a more efficient, lower-carbon fuel additive. The EPA is making this more complicated than it needs to be. It's creating rules based on older, non-representative fuels in its testing. Plus, EPA has no authority to penalize a particular fuel. Automakers can take advantage of high octane ethanol but not if they are penalized before they even start. In short, let the market work," Urban Air President Dave VanderGriend commented.
"EPA's anti-ethanol bias is not limited to how it has badly mismanaged the Renewable Fuel Standard, it extends to the Agency's proposal to artificially inflate CO2 emissions from vehicles being tested on E10 blends for Tier 3 Test Fuel Procedures," ACE CEO Brian Jennings commented.
(Source: Urban Air Initiative, PR, 17 Aug., 2020) Contact: Urban Air Initiative, Dave VanderGriend, Pres., www. fixourfuel.com; Clean Fuels Development Coalition, 301-718-0077, www.cleanfuelsdc.org; American Coalition for Ethanol, Brian Jennings, (605) 334-3381, www.ethanol.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News RFS, American Coalition for Ethanol, ACE, Urban Air Initiative, Ethanol, Ethanol Blend,
According to Growth Energy, "Higher ethanol blends can be immediately deployed in existing vehicles to achieve immediate greenhouse gas reductions, reduce harmful air toxics, and reduce consumer costs at the pump. In fact, biofuels like ethanol have generated more than 75 percent of LCFS credits. Additionally, even with room to further improve greenhouse gas lifecycle modeling, CARB recognizes the significant improvement in ethanol's carbon intensity. As has been researched by the University of California -- Riverside and the University of Illinois, the use of more ethanol and ethanol-blended fuel reduces air toxics such as carbon monoxide, benzene, and other harmful particulates.'
Download Growth Energy's full comments HERE. Source: Growth Energy,CStore Decisions, Aug., 2020) Contact: Growth Energy, Chris Bliley, Senior VP Regulatory Affairs, www.growthenergy.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Growth Energy news, Biofuel news, CARB news,
For the same period, East Coast stocks rose 24,000 bpd, Gulf Coast stocks dropped 171,000 bpd and West Coast inventories fell 88,000 bpd.
Gasoline demand fell and the four-week rolling average of the refiner and blender net ethanol input dipped 1,000 bpd to 839,000 bpd for the same period while the weekly average declined 9,000 bpd to 844,000 bpd.
The four-week rolling average of the ethanol blending rate rose slightly from 9.66 to 9.69 pct. (Source: US Energy Information Administration, S&P, 5 Aug., 2020) Contact: Energy Information Administration, www.eia.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News EIA, Ethanol,
Renewable ethanol produced by ePURE members is refined from European feedstock and works at scale in petrol engines, which still power the majority of new cars being bought in the EU and will be predominant on the roads for the next decades. Promoting ethanol use in the EU -- by adopting E10 or higher ethanol blends; by increasing ambitions for renewables in transport; by taxing energy based on carbon intensity instead of volume -- would help Europe achieve its Green Deal transport decarbonisation goals, according to the ePURE release.
ePURE's membership includes 19 producing companies with around 50 refineries in 16 EU Member States, accounting for about 85 pct of EU renewable ethanol production. (Source: ePURE, BioFuels, 25 June, 2020)
Contact: ePURE, Emmanuel Desplechin, Secretary-General, +32 2 657 6679, info@epure.org, www.epure.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News ePURE, Ethanol, GHG, Greenhouse Gas, Carbon Emissions,
"We are writing to request further information about petitions reportedly received by the U.S. EPA from small refiners seeking exemption from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for past compliance years.
"The petitions in question were discussed during your testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on May 20, 2020. On the same day, U.S. DOE Under Secretary Mark Menezes confirmed that EPA is 'send[ing] over' past-year petitions for DOE review. Mr. Menezes described the petitions as 'gap filings' intended to reconstitute after-the-fact a continuous string of exemptions for select oil companies 'to be consistent with the Tenth Circuit decision.'
"This attempt to circumvent the courts and the RFS should be rejected out of hand. Even if EPA granted retroactive 'gap' exemptions without simultaneously returning the number of RINs associated with the exemption to the petitioner, such exemptions would be inconsistent with EPA's own policies and regulations, legal precedent, and Congressional intent.
"These 'gap filings' appear to be little more than the latest in a string of oil industry tactics designed to subvert the law and sidestep a court order to uphold the RFS.
Read the full letter HERE. (Source: Renewable Fuels Assoc., 9 June, 2020) Contact: RFA, www.fuelsamerica.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Association, RFS Waiver, RFS, RFA, Ethanol, Ethanol Blend,
As previously reported,
Indonesia has fuel-ethanol blending targets of 5-10 pct by 2020 and 20 pct across all transport and industry sectors by 2025. (Source: US Grains Council, Pertamina, Argus, June, 2020) Contact: US Grains Council, www.grains.org; Pertamina, pcc@pertamina.com, www.pertamina.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Pertamina news, Biofuel Blend news,
With the passage of either bill, Iowa will not only continue to support renewable fuels but put millions of dollars back into the road use tax fund each year for vital infrastructure projects, according to IRFA.
"If the legislature allows the biofuel tax differentials to expire, not only will it raise prices on consumers at the pump, it will also hurt Iowa's farmers and biofuels producers who are suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and trade disputes. Since the implementation of the current tax differential, we've seen biofuel blend sales increase dramatically, but with June 30 just around the corner, it is imperative the legislature take action now. Iowa cannot afford to take a step backward in promoting the use of renewable fuels," according to IRFA Policy Director Nathan Hohnstein,
(Source: Iowa Renewable Fuels Assoc., 27 May, 2020) Contact: IRFA, Nathan Hohnstein, Policy Director , (515) 252-6249,
(515) 225-0781 -- fax, www.iowarfa.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Biofuel,
Bolivia's Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy is responsible for policies, plans and regulations governing the country's energy sector in order to secure energy efficiency, security and sovereignty. The ministry's strategic objectives include changing the energy matrix, promoting the export of surplus power, managing resources and programs and consolidating the country's position as the region's main natural gas exporter. (Source: Bolivia Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy, PR, 25 May, 2020) Contact: Bolivia Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy, +591-2-2374051, +591-2-2374050,
info@hidrocarburos.gob.bo,
www3.hidrocarburos.gob.bo
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol blend news, Ethanol news, Biofuel news,
According to the USDA release, funds will be made directly available to assist transportation and fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities with converting to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends by sharing the costs related to and/or offering sales incentives for the installation of fuel pumps, related equipment and infrastructure. distribution facilities.
Of the total $100 million, $86 million will be available for implementation activities related to ethanol blends above E10 and $14 million will be available for implementation activities related to blends of biodiesel above B5. Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible projects costs, up to $5 million, are available to vehicle fueling facilities, including local fueling stations/locations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, fleet facilities, fuel terminal operations, midstream partners and/or distribution facilities.
The agency expects the $100 million in funding to support approximately 150 awards and provide assistance to approximately 1,500 locations.
As an aside, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper offered the following statement in response: "U.S. ethanol producers today are facing the worst economic conditions in the industry's 40-year history due to COVID-19, and they need immediate emergency relief to survive this catastrophe. Once the pandemic is over and fuel markets are showing signs of recovery, expanding infrastructure via the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program will be important to the long-term future of the ethanol industry and rural America. We thank the USDA for its efforts to support the future of renewable fuels."
(Source: USDA, May, 2020)Contact: USDA, Sonny Perdue, Sec., www.usda.gov; Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Association, USDA, Biofuel, Biofuel Blend,
Under 2006 legislation, the Philippines mandates a 10 pct bioethanol-gasoline blend rate. The energy Department noted "Let's use the ethanol to produce alcohol and since the price of oil is low, we can use 100 pct gasoline."
Under the country's Biofuels Act, prohibits the "diversion of biofuels, whether locally produced or imported, to purposes other than those envisioned in the Act."
(Source: Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association, Business World, 5 May, 2020)
Contact: Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association, www.facebook.com/pages/category/Nonprofit-Organization/Independent-Philippine-Petroleum-Companies-Association-IPPCA-120279771348470
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol, Ethanol Blend, Philippine Ethano, Biofuel Blendl Blend,
The legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Roger Marshall (R-KS), would provide funding for installing and converting fuel pump infrastructure to deliver higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.
The bill, given recent uncertainties in the renewable fuels industry, is more important than ever to fund infrastructure improvements and remove market barriers to accessing clean and renewable fuels. In addition to supporting the distribution of higher ethanol and biodiesel blends at fueling stations, the program could also be used to enhance pipelines and terminals to blend and carry ethanol and biodiesel.
Program grant funding could be used to incentivize the deployment of ethanol and biodiesel fueling infrastructure and convert existing infrastructure to deliver ethanol blends greater than 10 percent and biodiesel blends greater than 20 pct.
(Source: Office of Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, Website, 28 April, 2020)
(202) 225-2911, (319) 364-2288, www.finkenauer.house.gov
More Low-Carbon Energy News Biofuel, Ethanol, Biodiesel,
A low carbon, high octane standard would allow sales of 20 pct or higher ethanol blends.
Palmer says they hope to have legislation introduced in the House by late summer or early fall.
(Source: National Corn Growers Association, Brownfield Ag News, 21 April, 2020) Contact: National Corn Growers Assoc., Mark Palmer, Renewable Fuels Dir., (636) 733-9004, (636) 733-9005 -fax, corninfo@ncga.com, www.ncga.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News National Corn Growers Association, Low-Carbon Fuel, Coen, Corn Ethanol,
The blending regulation was first introduced at 2 pct in 2013 and raised to 3 pct in 2014 to comply with renewable energy policies, reduce import dependency in energy and support the agricultural sector.
On March 13, Turkey scrapped the requirement to include ethanol in gasoline as the ethanol will be used in a disinfectantbid as a measure against the spread of coronavirus.
(Source: Turkey Energy Market Regulatory Authority, Hurriyet Daily News, 14 Mar., 2020) Contact: Turkey Energy Market Regulatory Authority,www.erranet.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol Blend,
As part of a move to "decarbonize" transport, the introduction of E10 could have the equivalent impact on CO2 emissions as taking roughly 350,000 cars off the highway.
E10 was introduced in France in 2009 and is also used in Germany, Belgium, and Finland driven by EU targets for renewable fuel sources.
(Source: euronews.com, 3 Mar., 2020) Contact: UK Transport Secretary, Grant Schapps, www.gov.uk/government/people/grant-shapps
More Low-Carbon Energy News E10, Ethanol Blend,
The MoU calls for the exchange of information on the production and sustainable use of ethanol as well as encouraging and increasing investment in biofuels, bioelectricity, and biogas. I also aims to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help redirect the sugar surplus in India, which currently requires government subsidies to guarantee competitive prices in the international market.
India has set an Ethanol blending target of 10 pct by 2022 rising to 20 pct by 2030.
(Source: UNICA, EnergyInfraPost, 28 Feb., 2020)
Contact: Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, (202) 506 5299, (202)747-5836 - fax (Washington DC office), english.unica.com.br
More Low-Carbon Energy News Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, India, Etanol,
In his letter, the Governor emphasized the benefits of ethanol to the environment, the economy, and to family finances. He reminded the automakers that E15 is now available all twelve months of the year at gas stations throughout the United States. Additionally, he informed automakers about Nebraska's year-long, E30 demonstration program aimed at showing that conventional, non-flex-fuel, light-duty vehicles can safely run on E30.
(Source: Office of Gov. Governor Pete Ricketts, Media Release, 23 Feb., 2020) Contact: Office of Governor Pete Ricketts, 402-471-2244,
402-471-6031 - fax, www.governor.nebraska.gov › contact-governor
More Low-Carbon Energy News Ethanol Bleand, Ethanol, Biofuel, E20, E30, E40, E85,
Under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) refineries are presently required to blend 20.09 billion gallons of biofuel in 2020 – roughly 10 pct of projected crude oil production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
(Source: KLO, Various Media, Reuters, 20 Feb., 2020)
More Low-Carbon Energy News USDA news, RFS news, Ethanol news, Ethanol Blend news,
According to Reuters, the company's new game plan is in response to an uncertain ethanol market outlook, the Trump administration's continued issuance of RFS ethanol blending "hardship waivers" and an almost 20 pct drop in revenues from ethanol sales in 2019.
As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single waiver request for an exemption was denied.
(Source: Green Plains, Successful Farming, Feb., 2020)Contact: Green Plains, Jim Stark, VP-IR, (402) 884-8700, www.gpreinc.com
More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Plains Inc., DDGs, Ethanol, RFS,
The data also suggests that the impact of small refinery "hardship" waivers under the RFS took a toll on the industry. On a per-station basis, sales of E15 were lower in the first few months of 2019 than during the same period the year before. This change can be attributed to the fact that the EPA granted numerous exemptions under the RFS to small refineries, causing the price of RFS compliance credits (RINs) to fall. thus reducing the incentive for retailers to offer blends of fuel with higher ethanol content, reducing their ability to discount higher blends relative to gasoline.
The full RFA analysis is HERE (Source: RFA, 4 Feb., 2020)
Contact: RFA, Scott Richman, Economist, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, Ethanol, Ethanol Blend,
The court ruled the EPA cannot "extend” exemptions to any small refineries whose earlier, temporary exemptions had lapsed" as was the case in the three over ruled exemptions.
Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)noted: "The Court has affirmed our long-held position that EPA's recent practices and policies regarding small refinery exemption extensions were completely unlawful. And while the decision addresses three specific exemptions, the statutory interpretation issues resolved by the court apply much more broadly."
As previously noted, "hardship waivers" were intended for refineries producing 75,000 bpd or less and suffered "disproportionate economic hardship" from the costs of RFS compliance. The waiver frees the refineries from an obligation to provide the EPA with biofuels credits proving compliance. Under the now vanquished administrator Greg Pruitt's direction, the EPA handed out 54 exemptions over two years and not a single request for an exemption was denied.
(Source: Various Media, Agri-Pulse, 28 Jan., 2020) Contact: Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, (202) 289-3835, www.ethanolrfa.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, RFS, "Hardship" Waiver, Ethanol Blend,
Minnesota was the first state to require ethanol blended fuels to improve air quality.
With nearly 7,000 members, MCGA is one of the largest grassroots farm organizations in the United States. Working in close partnership with the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, MCGA identifies and promotes opportunities for Minnesota's 24,000 corn farmers while building connections with the non-farming public, according to the MCGA website.
(Source: Minnesota Corn Growers Association, KDHL Radio, Contact: Minnesota Corn Growers Association, 952-233-0333, www.mncorn.org; Better Fuel Initiative, www.betterfuel.org
More Low-Carbon Energy News Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Ethanol, B10, B15,