Fortiva® outpaces all other liquefaction technologies, resulting in starch conversion levels never before seen in the ethanol industry; Novozymes also reveals Innova® Force – the most advanced and flexible yeast, available in a cream or dry format.

Novozymes, the leading technology provider to the biofuel industries, today announces two major launches during the Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) to continue supporting the growth of the renewable fuel industry.

Fortiva is a new alpha-amylase technology that helps customers avoid having to choose between maximizing enzyme performance and operational efficiency. In yeast, Force continues to deliver on the promise to quickly bring innovative, robust, and reliable biological solutions to the market from the Innova yeast platform established last year.

“Fortiva and Innova Force both provide ethanol producers with the technology needed to push for greater profits in changing market conditions – and they underline Novozymes’ continued commitment to support the ethanol industry with innovation that makes a real, meaningful difference for the producer,” says Brian Brazeau, Vice President, Biofuels Commercial North America at Novozymes. “Novozymes has always spearheaded biological innovation for the ethanol industry; Fortiva and Force continue that journey with more to come as we work to unlock the full potential of biology.”

Fortiva: The highest starch solubilization in the industry by converting the most starch to useable sugars

High enzyme performance means maximizing the potential return on investment. Corn input costs are the highest variable cost for fuel ethanol producers and passing available starch from this input means lost opportunity and profit. Fortiva maximizes the conversion of corn inputs into profit in a very tight margin environment – creating on average 1% higher ethanol yield and 20% lower residual starch.

“This latest technology from Novozymes outpaces all other liquefaction technologies for input conversion and process efficiency,” says Brian Brazeau. “Bringing meaningful innovation to the market is something very important to our customers and to Novozymes. Recent transformational innovations, such as our patented thermostable protease, have returned significant value to ethanol producers and while thermostable protease was transformational, Fortiva is the next leap in amylase technology – beyond anything we have previously seen or developed in this space.”

A force to be reckoned with: Delivering the greatest tolerance of high ethanol concentrations and lowest residual starch

In 2018, Novozymes established an ambitious yeast platform, Innova. During its first year, Novozymes launched two new solutions from it – Drive and Lift – delivering industry-changing robustness to fermentation, aligned with customer needs for yeast, tolerant to fuel ethanol production demands – while eliminating bottlenecks and limitations created by all other yeasts.

Innova Force targets ethanol plants seeking flexibility to achieve operational targets without sacrificing robust performance. It allows producers to achieve throughput and yield targets without losing ethanol yield to common stressors, such as high temperature and organic acids. Force gives producers the flexibility to push for yield without compromise, and to choose the format that best fits their operation, dry or cream.

“The Innova platform, with the launch of Drive, Lift, and now Force, has been adopted as the most robust yeast in the marketplace. Novozymes’ yeast solutions enable ethanol producers to run their plants the way they want to – and not be boxed in by a one-size-fits-all product,” Brazeau comments. “Within 1.5 years of launching our first yeast, over one quarter of North American ethanol plants now use Novozymes’ yeast, clearly signaling the need for the performance, flexibility, and reliability Innova solutions deliver.”

Biofuels – blazing a new path for renewable, more sustainable energy

Since inception, the ethanol industry has continually increased efficiency, producing more gallons of renewable ethanol from fewer inputs, requiring less land and other inputs to create that energy.

“By leveraging the biological synergies and sustainability of our enzymes, yeast, and technical service platforms, Novozymes has reset performance expectations for ethanol production,” says Brian Brazeau. “The launches of the Innova Force fermentation solution and Fortiva, our newest liquefaction solution, together deliver the most holistic, sustainable, and advanced approach to ethanol production, all based on customer needs and our commitment to a better tomorrow using transformational biology.”

The post Novozymes announces all-new liquefaction platform and reveals next yeast technology appeared first on Think Bioenergy.

Innova® Lift responds to ethanol producers looking for greater stress tolerance and better yields.

Novozymes has launched its next yeast technology, Innova Lift, for the starch-based ethanol industry. The product follows the launch earlier this year of an ambitious yeast platform, Innova, and the first product, Drive.

“We are continuing to deliver on our promise to quickly bring innovative yeast and enzymes to a market that is clearly looking for exactly that,” says Brian Brazeau, Novozymes’ Vice President for Biofuels Commercial. “Lift targets ethanol plants with long fermentation times – delivering greater tolerance to common stressors such as high temperature and organic acids.”

An ethanol plant’s fermentation is a crucial part of securing better yields. However, the fermentation process is also tricky; even small spikes in temperature or organic acid levels can cause disruptions. Having the opportunity to use a robust yeast can help producers meet these two key challenges.

Innova Lift expresses a glucoamylase that is two times more effective at converting difficult-to-reach starch. When paired with advanced enzyme solutions, Lift also has the potential to significantly increase ethanol yields, reduce fermentation risks and eliminate costly inputs, while improving performance reliability.

Until now, yeast strains have remained largely unchanged

Novozymes’ new yeast platform, Innova, has been founded on new S. cerevisiae yeast – utilizing proprietary methods to enhance its ability to withstand the rigors of today’s ethanol production processes and goals.

“The ethanol industry has clearly been longing for new and reliable innovation for a very long time, not just updates of old products,” Brazeau adds.

Numerous ethanol plants have begun using Novozymes’ yeast since the introduction of the Innova platform and are realizing the benefits in productivity.

“By leveraging the synergies of our enzymes, yeast, and technical services, Novozymes has reset performance expectations for yeast and fermentation by delivering the most advanced and useful solutions, based on customer needs,” says Brian Brazeau.

Innova Lift: Key numbers

• Lift is targeted to plants with longer fermentation times, generally 57 hours or more – delivering greater tolerance to common causes of yeast stress, the opportunity for better yields, and eliminating costly yeast food, which is common amongst competitive cream yeast.
• Lift remains effective through fermentation temperature spikes up to 98°F (36.7°C) – significantly higher than the 94°F that most other yeasts can tolerate
• Producers can eliminate downtime, cut cooling costs and maximize the plants’ efficiency, whilst achieving up to 2-4% better yields, compared to conventional dry yeasts

The post Novozymes’ next yeast product lifts yields, robustness appeared first on Think Bioenergy.

The real-world science behind the innovation 

Yeast performance dictates how plants operate and how successful they are. But with the relatively recent introduction of new yeast technologies, it can be difficult to know what works best in your plant and what will help you to meet your specific goals.

That’s why, together with Biofuels Digest, we recently held a free webinar featuring three scientists from Novozymes. Over the course of about an hour, they explain the science behind some of the most common yeast claims and the practical implications for your process, including:

• What are the trade-offs of different yeast claims?
• What does “robustness” actually mean?
• What are the implications of advances in yeast technology on ethanol production?

To view the webinar, just click here.

Presenters

• Dave Hogsett, Director, Biofuel Yeast Strain Engineering and BioAg MOA Research, Novozymes
• Guillermo Coward-Kelly, Senior Staff Scientist, Novozymes
• Amanda Moser, Senior Scientist, Novozymes

The post [Webinar] Yeast, yield, and plant performance appeared first on Think Bioenergy.

We’re just a week away from the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW), the largest and longest running ethanol conference in the world.

This year’s expo in Omaha, NE will continue the annual tradition of insightful conversations and valuable networking opportunities, and the Novozymes team is excited for all the learning and development to kick off.

Don’t miss our 6 featured speakers

FEW will host more than 100 expert speakers across four different tracks. But we’re especially excited about the six speakers representing Novozymes who will share insights on a range of topics, from maximizing yeast performance to harnessing the power of data.

Check out the list below for Novozymes’ featured speakers and topics, as well as the times they’ll be on-hand at Booth 1020 to discuss your individual business needs:

• “Training the Ethanol Industry Workforce” with Kerry Greathouse, Associate Scientist, Technical Service, Biofuel
  • Tuesday, June 12 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Grand Ballroom A. Kerry will be at Booth 1020 from 5 to 5:30 p.m. following her presentation.

How much are you spending on training, and how might that money (and time) be better spent? Kerry will take a look at the impact training can have on your plant and the global opportunities currently available, both online and on-site.

• “Maximizing Yeast Performance by Using a Liquefaction Protease” with Patrick Mandulak, Scientist
  • Tuesday, June 12 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Room 216. Patrick will be at Booth 1020 from 5:30 to 6 p.m. following his presentation.

As the ethanol industry continues to push plants beyond design capacity, they need healthy yeast to tolerate increasingly stressful conditions. Patrick will show how adding a liquefaction protease can provide yeast with more efficient and effective nutritional benefits when compared with urea added to fermentation.

• “Novel Yeast Strains Reset Performance Expectations” with Dale Earls, Staff Scientist, Technical Service, Biofuel
  • Wednesday, June 13 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in Room 216. Dale will be at Booth 1020 from 12 to 12:30 p.m. following his presentation.

Process conditions can vary widely in an ethanol plant, exposing yeast to a variety of stressors. This a constant challenge for yeast in the marketplace. Dale will examine how new yeast strains are rising to meet that challenge.

• “Automated Reporting to Harness the Power of Data” with Elizabeth Waguespack, Scientist, Technical Service, Biofuel
  • Wednesday, June 13 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in Room 213. Elizabeth will be at Booth 1020 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. following her presentation.

How much time could you be saving by automating your reporting process? Elizabeth shows how automating, collating and organizing data from multiple sources can lead to more consistent reporting and better, more efficient decision making.

• “Continuous Improvement: Measurement System Analysis” with Derek Payne, Senior Research Associate
  • Wednesday, June 13 from 10:30 a.m. to Noon in Room 216. Derek will be at Booth 1020 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. following his presentation.

Ethanol producers rely on their data to make critical decisions daily. But what if the data is not telling them the whole truth? Derek explains how Measurement System Analysis (MSA) can help producers determine if the variation seen in the data is true to the process or noise from the equipment, methods or operators.

• “Advanced Yeast and Customized Enzymes for Increased Reliability and Production” with Hamid Rismani Yazdi, Senior Scientist
  • Wednesday, June 13 from 10:30 a.m. to Noon in Junior Ballroom 201. Hamid will be at Booth 1020 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. following his presentation.

Yeast is a key and highly sensitive element in the production of ethanol. In his presentation, Hamid will examine the pros and cons behind various engendered traits and popular modifications of yeast, and how the combination of advanced yeast with enzymes can help producers achieve optimized performance.

Stop by our booth for a chance to win!

As an added bonus, when you visit us at Booth 1020 to talk with our speakers, you can fill out a quick survey for a chance to win a $500 Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shop online shopping spree.

It goes without saying that we’re eagerly anticipating this year’s Fuel Ethanol Workshop. We look forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make the trip this year? Follow along on Twitter using #FEW18 or @NZ_Bioenergy.

The post Sneak preview of Novozymes at the 2018 Fuel Ethanol Workshop appeared first on Think Bioenergy.

As the temperature and humidity levels rise in the spring and summer months, ethanol plants must utilize their cooling towers to effectively deal with negative temperature effects on fermentation and ethanol yields. Temperature control during fermentation is critical for preventing yeast stress and impacting ethanol yield. To operate smoothly in higher temperatures, planning and process adjustments are required.

How does heat stress impact yeast health and performance?

Any environmental condition deviating from normal conditions can be considered a stressor. The inability to precisely control fermentation temperature is the most common factor impacting ethanol yield. Elevated fermentation temperatures are often a result of higher solids content, additional nitrogen, and more extensive ethanol production. Most of the heat generated during fermentation takes place between 10 and 30 hours into fermentation when the yeast activity is highest. Within the first 30 hours of fermentation the heat released can be up to 44,000 BTU (46,500 kJ) per 100 lbs of ethanol or 7450 BTU (7857 kJ) per 56-lb bushel (25.4 kg) of fermented corn. Heat removal from fermentation is often a bottleneck for most plants. It is imperative that plant incorporate enough cooling capacity to account for peak summer rates of production at the highest sugar levels possible.

The optimum fermentation temperature for yeast growth and activity is 32°C to 35°C (90°F to 95°F). Saccharomyces cerevisiae is tolerant of higher temperatures in the early stages of growth, but as ethanol levels rise and other conditions of stress occur the yeasts become even more stressed and many of the cells begin to die. The maximum temperature is not as critical on yeast health and activity as is the length of time spent at the higher temperature. For cells exposed to elevated growth temperatures there are a variety of possible target sites for heat-induced injury including proteins which can aggregate or denature, cell membrane damage, leading to permeability changes and ion leakage, ribosome breakdown, and DNA strand breakage. It has been speculated that the cell membrane is the target site for thermal damage and can ultimately lead to cell death. More recently it has been proposed that an important component of heat injury is the effect on cell membranes leading to increased fluidity and the permeability of the membrane to protons and other ions. Increased levels of ions can lead to delayed effects resulting in alteration of the composition of membrane proteins as well as lipid saturation.

1. Heat Shock Proteins (Hsp)

The heat shock response in yeast has been extensively studied. Yeast cells exhibit a rapid molecular response when they are exposed to elevated temperatures. Sub-lethal heat shock of yeast cells lead to the induction of synthesis for a specific set of proteins, the highly conserved group of heat shock proteins (Hsp). Chaperoning Hsp proteins prevent protein aggregation, ensure proper folding or re-folding of denatured proteins, and assist in the degradation of stress-damaged proteins. At normal cell growth conditions, the Hsp enzymes are expressed at low levels, but they are strongly induced when temperatures are elevated. Yeast cells respond by accumulating putative protecting compounds such as trehalose, enzymes such as catalase, and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, which permits trapping of superoxide radicals that increase under heat shock conditions.

The response of yeasts cells to elevated temperature that is not lethal leads to the rapid induction of substantially increased thermotolerance up to 45°C (113°F). This initial heat stress is accompanied by an accumulation of trehalose which, together with a specific Hsp, acts synergistically to confer thermos-protection by inducing heat shock proteins. These proteins are produced at high rates for about 30 min, then the rates decline to steady-state levels. Subsequently the cells will recover, resume growth at the elevated temperature and maintain thermotolerance. Since this process involves the shift of carbon metabolism away from ethanol fermentation towards increased glycolysis and accumulation of trehalose, ethanol yield will be decreased.

2. Trehalose

Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide that accumulates in yeast cells under conditions that reduce their growth rate. Trehalose is mostly produced and accumulates late in fermentation when stressors are high. This can often be seen in an elevated DP2 peak late in fermentation. Under stressful conditions yeast can accumulate trehalose up to 15% of the cell dry mass. While trehalose plays an important role in thermotolerance, it cannot assist in refolding damaged proteins. Trehalose is more effective in protecting proteins against denaturation and aggregation because of its unusual ability to alter the water environment surrounding proteins. Ethanol can substitute for water and alter the positioning of molecules on the cell membrane, influencing the interactions between lipids and proteins, and ultimately damage the structure and function of the membrane. During ethanol stress, trehalose functions as a chemical co-chaperone, which means that the increased trehalose prevents protein denaturation and the aggregation of misfolded proteins in the cell membrane. At high concentrations of ethanol, trehalose will displace the ethanol on the yeast membrane, and the subsequent formation of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of trehalose and the polar groups of lipids stabilize the cell membrane. Therefore, the accumulation of trehalose may create an optimal intracellular environment under ethanol stress conditions.

Trehalose also acts in vitro to protect enzymes from heat, and heat shock causes a very rapid accumulation of the disaccharide in the cytoplasm. Trehalose will accumulate transiently following heat shifts, and at temperatures above 40°C (104°F) it can accumulate to very high levels. It has been suggested that under conditions of heat stress there may be a recycling of trehalose since both systems for synthesis and degradation of trehalose are activated by mild heat stress and salt shock.

Under conditions of starvation, neutral trehalase is the main enzyme produced by the yeast to degrade accumulated trehalose to help restore nutrients such as metabolizable nitrogen compounds, phosphate and sulfate to cells starved for nutrients in the presence of glucose, or by adding fermentable sugars to cells in stationary phase.

What are some recommendations for dealing with temperature stress?

The easiest way to reduce fermentation temperature is to reduce the sugar level going into fermentation, thereby reducing yeast growth and activity. Another way to deal with higher temperatures is to incorporate temperature staging. Temperature staging is where the temperature is gradually reduced to lower levels than typical later in fermentation to remove the temperature stress and avoid premature yeast death. Here are some more recommendations that should be considered and implemented.

1. Chiller inspection

The cooling towers often do not provide sufficient cooling to run fermentation and downstream processes at the same capacity as during cooler months. To supplement the cooling requirements, many plants have chillers, which are refrigeration systems that focus cooling within the process. These chillers require a large amount of electricity to run, which adds to operational costs. However, the cost of operating a chiller is minimal when compared to lost production caused by fermenting at too high a temperature. It is recommended to have chillers inspected and in good working order prior to the hotter months.

2. Prepare for increased copper levels

Chillers can increase the copper content of cooling water blowdown, the water drained from cooling towers to remove mineral build-up. It is important to know your permitted copper levels prior to starting chillers. It is also recommended to discuss your permitted copper levels with water treatment vendors to avoid potential mishaps that could arise from the elevated copper levels.

3. Allocate chilled water resources

Since fermentation will demand much of the available chilled water, it is important to reserve some for distillation exchangers. It is important to confirm that the plant is effectively balancing cooling water between fermentation and downstream processes. We recommend plants develop a heat ex-change strategy by mapping out cooling tower control valves and open percentages. The plan should include prioritizing chilled water to fermentations during the highest metabolic state, which typically occurs 12 to 24 hours into fermentation.

4. Standardize chiller water allocation procedure

Standard procedures for all parts of the plant are important for reducing process variability. Minimizing the chance of excessively hot fermentations, temperatures ≥96°F (35.5°C), is critical. Hot fermentations will impact yeast growth and cause conditions that are more favorable to bacterial infection. Hot fermentations can lead to lower ethanol yield, increased organic acid concentrations, and higher remaining sugars.

5. Avoid repeatedly turning chiller on and off

Once the chiller is turned on, it is important to minimize the number of times the chiller is turned off and on. The greatest cost associated with running a chiller is the high peak electrical demand needed to turn it on. Once the chiller is on, it is recommended to leave it on.

6. Decrease corn solids loading

To help control yeast metabolism and fermentation temperatures, it is recommended to reduce corn solids. Checking the temperature forecast every 24 hours, along with planning solids loading accordingly, can help avoid yeast temperature stress. The higher the temperature, the lower the solids loading should be. It is also recommended to maintain the temperature of the mash entering the fermenter at 88°F (31°C). Starting at a lower temperature will help prevent the fermentation from getting to 96°F (35.5°C), thereby reducing the potential stress on the yeast.

7. Monitor supplemental nitrogen

The best way to ensure appropriate fermentation conditions is to give the yeast what they need at the time it is needed. During warmer months, plants must pay closer attention to how nitrogen is being dosed. Nitrogen will accelerate yeast metabolism and is critical in mitigating yeast stress. However, if too much nitrogen is dosed early on in fermentation, more heat will be produced. Regular monitoring and adaptation can help reduce temperature stress by slowing the fermentation down. It is recommended to consider using a protease to supply amino nitrogen that the yeast can utilize. This can also help combat heat stress, while reducing the need for supplemental nitrogen.

References

1. Ding, J., X. Huang, L. Zhang, N. Zhao, D. Yang, K. Zhang. (2009) Tolerance and stress response to ethanol in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 85:253-263.
2. Ingledew, W. M Chapter 10: Yeast stress in the fermentation process (The Alcohol Textbook 5th edition). 115-126.
3. Ma, M. and Z. L. Liu. (2010) Mechanisms of ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ap-plied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 87:829-845.
4. Zhao, X. Q. and F. W. Bai. (2009) Mechanisms of yeast stress tolerance and its manipulation for efficient fuel ethanol production. Journal of Biotechnology. 144:23-30.

The post [White Paper] Dealing with elevated fermentation temperatures and heat stress appeared first on Think Bioenergy.

President Donald Trump will allow year-round sales of renewable fuel with blends of 15% ethanol, or E15, as part of an emerging deal to make changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Republican senators—representing both biofuel and refiners’ interests—and the White House announced the deal on May 8 after a closed-door meeting, the latest in a series of White House sessions on ethanol.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently bans the 15% blend during the summer. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley called the agreement good news for farmers and drivers alike, saying it would increase ethanol production and consumer choice at the pump.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Trump tasked Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to work out the details of the plan, though no formal timeline has been set.

Linking RINs and ethanol exports

In a portion of the plan that was not clearly agreed upon, it was proposed by Senator Cruz to allow exported gallons of biofuel to qualify for a RIN. An export RIN would decrease the demand for ethanol and likely be viewed as a subsidy by U.S. global trading partners. Refiners argue that an export RIN would lower the price of RINs, minimizing their compliance costs.

The legality of this portion of the plan is also in question.

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, from the ethanol-producing state of Iowa and who was at the meeting, said she was happy about the E15 part of the deal, but had questions about the export part.

She said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt committed to not pursue the export piece of the deal in a letter sent to her in October.

“While I am still assessing the full implications of the president’s notion to attach Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) to exported ethanol, an idea Administrator Pruitt committed to not pursue in a letter last October, I am pleased that the president did not move forward with a RIN cap that would have destroyed demand, hurting both farmers and biofuel producers,” she said.

Industry reactions

Statements from those in the industry largely echoed Ernst’s.

“We are grateful the Administration will deliver on its promise for year-round E15 sales,” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said. “[However] attaching a RIN to ethanol exports would have a crippling impact on American agriculture – significantly reducing demand for ethanol and corn. Further, export RINs would be a clear violation of the RFS, which is intended to increase the domestic use of biofuels.”

Last fall, Growth Energy commissioned research that showed the damaging impacts of an export subsidy for biofuels. The analysis showed immense impact on jobs, rural economies, and corn prices, including an immediate drop of corn prices by 56 cents per bushel.

The portion of the plan that allows for year-round sale of E15, though, was roundly applauded.

“President Trump’s decision to allow the year-round sale of E15 at the pump and not cap Renewable Identification Number (RIN) prices is welcome news and comes at a critical time,” said Adam Monroe, Novozymes President, Americas. “In order for this decision to bring summer driving season relief as promised, the EPA must act immediately to enable swift regulatory change. This will allow the biofuel industry to deliver more low-carbon, low-cost renewable fuel that consumers demand year round.”

The post White House announces plan to allow year-round E15 sales appeared first on Think Bioenergy.

Report outlines the bio-economy opportunities for Australia, and sets out a 5-point strategy on how to grow the biofuels industry and highlights the need for a federal blending mandate.

Recently released research from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) reveals thousands of jobs and growth to regional economies could be delivered through greater use of ethanol-blended fuel (E10) and biodiesel-blended fuel. The entire nation also stands to benefit from a healthier environment and reduced emissions, as well as more independence in fuel production and supply.

QUT economists and scientists have outlined their findings in their “Biofuels to bioproducts: a growth industry for Australia” research paper.

Researchers said the report should spur Australian politicians and businesses into adopting a friendlier E10 policy framework. Some of the major findings include:

• Increased use of E10 could create 2,080 direct jobs and another 6,570 indirect jobs.
• More than $1.1 billion of additional annual income for regional Australia could be generated.
• The performance of fuels and vehicles will be improved, with bioethanol found to be the cleanest alternative for increasing the octane content of petrol. Similarly, the higher levels of cetane in biodiesel results in a cleaner burning fuel.
• Increasing biofuel use to 10% of total consumption can reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 8.9 million tonnes of CO2eq per year.
• Using E10 cuts exhaust particulate emissions by 26%. This delivers a range of health benefits for the community and helps reduce healthcare costs.
• Swapping 10% of national fuel consumption for domestically produced bioethanol could improve Australia’s balance of trade by approximately $1 billion annually.
• Using E10 could reduce petrol imports by around 18% each year, enhancing Australia’s energy security as well as its bottom line.

With current global consumption of all biofuels at 10.4%, Bioenergy Australia, a bioenergy advocacy group with members from the government, research, education and private sectors, regards an increase of E10 petrol to 10% as being a goal that can be easily attained if the political will exists.

More information on ‘Biofuels to bioproducts: a growth industry for Australia’ can be found at BioEnergyAustralia.org.au.

The post Report: Biofuels could be an economic boon for Australia appeared first on Think Bioenergy.

It has taken longer than hoped, but there is positive political momentum for advanced biofuels in Europe.

The EU is about to agree on its renewable energy policy for the period to 2030. The agreement on the new Renewable Energy Directive—also known as REDII—is a major milestone. It will provide some clarity on the role of biofuels in the EU energy mix for the next decade. So far, no other region has provided direction for investment in renewables within a similar timeframe.

Depending on negotiations between member states and the European Parliament, between 27% and 35% of the EU’s energy should come from renewables by 2030. The highest share will come from power generation, heating and cooling. But transport should contribute its fair share as well. Each member state will be required to ensure that 12-14% of renewables are used in transport.

Renewables in EU transport: a complex mix

Meeting the transport target is likely to take a complex mix. For the first time, this will include a minimum blending obligation for advanced biofuels. Biofuels made from used cooking oil and animal fats, renewable electricity used in electric vehicles and trains, and conventional biofuels will also contribute to the mix.

However, the role of conventional biofuels remains unclear at this stage. Today the maximum amount, known as the cap, is set at 7%. In the best-case scenario, it may remain at the same level. But it will be left up to member states to decide how much conventional biofuels to use within the 7% limit.

One key element that will impact conventional biofuels are so-called multipliers. These could include counting five times renewable electricity used in electric cars, double-counting for renewable electricity used in trains, and double counting for all non-conventional biofuels. Depending on the extent to which multipliers are used in REDII, they could artificially swell renewables’ contribution to transport. This would leave member states little or no incentive to use conventional biofuels.

First EU-wide mandate for advanced biofuels

The minimum blending obligation for advanced biofuels could be up to 3.6% for the period to 2030. Advanced biofuels in the EU are classified based on a list of feedstocks including ligno-cellulosic materials. Once agreed, this mandate should promote investments in cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels.

Based on input from key technology providers, E4tech recently developed scenarios for cellulosic ethanol deployment in the EU from 2021 to 2030. The central scenario concluded that 46 plants could be built by 2030 in Europe. These could produce around 2.75 billion liters of ethanol. This is equivalent to an estimated 4% blend of cellulosic ethanol in gasoline by volume by 2030.

Source, p. 11

A new era for the advanced biofuels industry?  

Clearly, the introduction of an EU-wide blending obligation is a major milestone. Several countries (Italy, Denmark, France, Germany and Slovakia) have already established binding targets for advanced biofuels. But none provide such a long-term perspective and so large a market. The obligation should lead to investments in advanced biofuels in the coming years and a ramp-up of production. But this will only happen if the obligation increases year-on-year between 2021 and 2030. It will also take compliance mechanisms, for example in the form of penalties. Mid-term review clauses that challenge the ambition level of the obligation would also create uncertainty. This uncertainty would impact the effectiveness of the instrument. Finally, conventional biofuels investments should be safeguarded. The objective is to grow the pool of low carbon fuels, not to replace sustainable conventional biofuels by advanced.

Europe is in a unique position to take the lead on advanced biofuels deployment. European technological leadership and expertise have transformed lignocellulosic materials and waste-streams into low carbon fuels. Investments have been made and are ongoing, including:

• St1 has started production at their 10 million liters/year cellulosic ethanol plant in Finland. Other projects based on St1’s Cellunolix technology have been announced to follow in Finland, Norway or Sweden.
• Enviral is planning a 63 million liters/year cellulosic ethanol project in Leopoldov, Slovakia. Clariant is working on a first-of-its-kind plant using their cellulosic technology in Romania.
• Chempolis, a Finnish technology developer, is exporting their process to India for a bamboo-to-ethanol production plant.
• Energochemica has licensed the Proesa technology from Beta Renewables to realize a 70 million liters/year cellulosic ethanol plant in Straszke, Slovakia.
• Renescience opened the world’s first commercial scale facility transforming waste into recyclables and energy in the UK in 2017, and further projects are in development worldwide.

Global political momentum

Other regions have also announced ambitious policies for biofuels, including advanced biofuels.

India decided last year on the implementation of an E10 mandate by 2022. The gap between current levels and E10 needs to be covered by cellulosic ethanol by 2022. This means that around 12 cellulosic ethanol plants need to be in operation by 2022.

China also intends to introduce a nationwide E10 mandate that would double ethanol volumes by 2020. Within this framework, the government has set a goal of opening an advanced biofuels demonstration plant by 2020. It has also established a clear timeline on the large-scale production of advanced biofuels by 2025.

Finally, Brazil’s Congress approved the RenovaBio program, which seeks to further boost the use of renewable fuels, including cellulosic ethanol. Brazil already has a mandated blend level of 27% ethanol in gasoline and extensive use of ethanol in flex-fuel vehicles.

More action needed to achieve the Paris Agreement

Despite these positive global developments, more efforts are needed to further deploy low carbon fuels in more geographies.  A recent report from EY on behalf of Michelin shows that sustainable biofuels have the most potential to decarbonize transport by 2030. Other solutions will also play an important role, but only a combination of solutions will deliver the necessary CO₂ reduction. Replacing gasoline and diesel with sustainable low carbon fuels is an important part of the solution.

The International Energy Agency points to the need for a tenfold increase from today’s levels in the share of biofuels in the transport mix by 2050. Otherwise, we will not be able to meet the Paris Agreement’s target of keeping global average temperatures from rising 2°C. This means a tripling of production by 2030, with advanced biofuels contributing two-thirds of that increase. This would mean advanced biofuel production levels by 2030 that are at least 50 times higher than current levels.

Source

To support this acceleration effort, the following initiatives were put in place as a follow-up to the Paris Agreement. They complement traditional country-level actions.

Below50 recruits consumer-facing companies to engage directly with the low-carbon fuel producers and promote ‘below50 fuels’. These fuels produce at least 50% less CO₂ emissions than conventional fossil fuels. The aim is to create demand by increasing the number of companies choosing below50 fuels. Large fleet owner UPS has joined the initiative.

The Biofuture Platform is a country-led, multi-stakeholder initiative that helps countries reach their climate targets. It enables international coordination on low carbon fuels and bioeconomy development. Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, India, the UK and US are among the 17 governments represented.

These initiatives demonstrate the growing momentum in action and awareness-raising activities. They communicate the importance of sustainable biofuels in addressing climate change. They also create new sustainable growth opportunities across the globe.

Effective policies and public private collaborations are needed for low carbon fuels to make their greatest contribution. We are at crossroads. Momentum has grown tremendously in both the public and private sectors, but we must continue to push for low carbon fuels to become the fuel of choice across the globe.

This article was first published in Biofuels International March/April 2018.
http://biofuels-news.com/  

The post Light at the end of the tunnel appeared first on Think Bioenergy.

While the Renewable Fuel Standard is playing a big role in headlines this week, news stories are also highlighting some interesting numbers connecting the biofuels industry with U.S. regional economies.

Biofuels boosting Minnesota, Iowa economies

In Minnesota, the ethanol industry remained robust in 2017, contributing $2.17 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP). A new study also found the state’s ethanol industry produced 1.2 billion gallons of ethanol, 3.9 million tons of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and 256 million pounds of corn oil in 2017.

This in turn, it said, generated $7.13 billion in gross sales for Minnesota businesses, supported 18,813 jobs, and contributed $1.54 billion to the state’s household income and paid $192 million in state and local taxes.

Meanwhile, another recent study found that, in 2017, the renewable fuels industry in Iowa supported roughly 50,000 jobs throughout the entire Iowa economy; generated more than $2.4 billion in household income for Iowans; and accounted for $5 billion, or 3.4%, of Iowa GDP.

Northey confirmed as farm groups urge Trump to maintain RFS

Bill Northey is at last free to take the job at the USDA that he was nominated for almost six months ago after Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) lifted his hold on the nomination and allowed the confirmation Tuesday.

The Senate confirmed Northey on a voice vote to become USDA’s undersecretary for farm production and conservation. Meanwhile, as Sens. Cruz, Pat Toomey (R-PA), Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa met with President Trump to discuss changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), farm groups urged Trump to maintain the program’s integrity.

The post Biofuels providing jobs, boosting state economies appeared first on Think Bioenergy.

As demand for ethanol in Brazil reaches new levels, another South American country, Ecuador, is also looking to increase its use of biofuels. These stories and more in your Think Bioenergy news roundup!

Report shows potential of emerging ethanol industry in Ecuador

A new report shows that Ecuador may be a promising new market for ethanol.

The country currently has an E5 mandate, and its domestic sugar industry is looking to expand to non-food products. In 2015, however, the government announced its intent to expand the ethanol mandate to E10.

According to the report, Ecuador produced approximately 83 million liters of ethanol last year. The fuel is currently available for sale in 41% of Ecuador’s gas stations.

The report indicates that Ecuador will need to significantly increase its ethanol production to meet the 10% blend goal. Estimates show approximately 314 million liters of ethanol would be needed to move the country’s blend rate from E5 to E10, in addition to the 83 million liters already produced.

Read the full article at Ethanol Producer Magazine.

US ethanol exports to Brazil surge as demand increases

The combination of U.S. ethanol prices at 14-year lows and soaring prices in Brazil has opened a wide arbitrage to import ethanol from the U.S.

Platts reports that ethanol imports surged in January to 164.6 million liters. Around 300 million liters are expected to be imported during Q1 despite the 20% tariff on imports above 600 million liters per year and 150 million liters per quarter.

Brazil’s increase in ethanol demand is boosted by the country’s economic recovery and a new program to raise biofuel use, and will initially be met by by corn-based fuel.

Read more at Hellenic Shipping News.

Data shows US added 268 MW of biomass capacity in 2017

New data released by the federal government shows the U.S. added 268 MW of biomass power capacity last year, more than double the 110 MW of biomass capacity that was installed in 2016.

As of the close of 2017, the U.S. had an estimated 1,188.59 GW of installed generating capacity in place. This includes 16.68 GW of biomass capacity, which accounts for 1.4% of total U.S. installed capacity.

The report also indicates that there are 244,057 MW of proposed capacity additions to be placed into service by January 2021, including 62 biomass units with a combined 890 MW of capacity.

Get more details from the report at Biomass Magazine.

The post US ethanol exports to Brazil surge as demand increases appeared first on Think Bioenergy.