Solazyme, Inc.
announced yesterday that commercial operations have commenced at both Archer
Daniels Midland Company (ADM)’s Clinton, Iowa facility, and the
downstream companion facility operated by American Natural Products in
Galva, Iowa (ANP). Highlighting the flexibility of Solazyme’s technology
platform, Solazyme, ADM and ANP have successfully manufactured three
distinct and unique Tailored oil products at the
facilities, and products are currently being sold and distributed in
both the U.S. and Brazil. Volumes shipped to Brazil are being utilized
for market development activity in advance of the opening of the
Solazyme Bunge Renewable Oils Moema facility. As stated previously,
production at the ADM and ANP facilities is expected to ramp to a
nameplate capacity of 20,000 MT/yr within 12-18 months, with targeted
potential expansion to 100,000 MT/yr in subsequent years.
“This is a critical milestone for Solazyme’s large scale commercial
manufacturing capabilities. The Solazyme, ADM and ANP teams have done an
excellent job bringing up commercial operations at the Iowa facilities
with Solazyme’s Tailored oil production technology. We have
already successfully produced three Tailored oil products
at scale and have begun selling these products into the North American
marketplace,” said Jonathan Wolfson, CEO Solazyme. “Consistent with our
stated plans, we are focused initially on ensuring consistent and
reliable operations as we build customer trust. While we acknowledge
that it is still early days, we look forward to the opportunity to
expand our production volume and the slate of oil products available.”
Truckloads of product are now shipping from the Iowa operations for use
in applications including lubricants, metalworking and home and personal
care. These shipments are being made pursuant to multiple supply
agreements as well as spot purchases, and include reorders.
In the high-performance lubricants and metalworking fluids industries,
Solazyme’s Renewable Tailored algal oils help to provide
outstanding performance and a sustainable solution with better
lubrication, surface tension and viscosity index, plus enhanced
stability at elevated temperature, pressure and speed. In home and
personal care, Solazyme’s Tailored algal oils offer better performance
and a more sustainable alternative to existing oils.
January 31, 2014
November 2013 Biodiesel Production Dips Lower
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Source : Energy Information Administration (EIA)
January 30, 2014
New Study Highlights Renewable Fuels Economic Impact In Iowa
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw today
stated Iowa’s renewable fuels industry has taken the best punches its
opponents can throw and is still fighting back to preserve a strong and
growing federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Shaw’s comments came
during today’s 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit at The Meadows
Conference Center at Prairie Meadows. In addition, IRFA released the
results of a new economic impact study to highlight the importance of
fighting for renewable fuels.
“While production and profits were sound, the renewable fuels industry took a pounding politically in 2013,” stated Shaw. “But I stand before you today to declare that the Iowa renewable fuels industry can take their punches and we are fighting back! No one here ever thought it would be easy to earn market share away from the world’s most powerful and profitable industry. The fact is, the world needs oil, but consumers also deserve the chance to choose lower cost renewable fuel blends. So, we will never stop fighting to put the option of E15, E85 and biodiesel in front of every American consumer.”
Responding to revelations that the White House told the EPA that setting the RFS number too low would result in “no harm, no foul” Shaw added: “That notion is truly out-of-touch – even for Washington, DC. Today, Iowa biodiesel plants sit idle waiting for the politicians to make up their minds. And if the EPA proposed rule moves forward, industry observers predict that 25 to 45 percent of US biodiesel production will shut down, costing thousands of jobs. Do you think those families agree that setting the RFS too low results in ‘no harm, no foul?’ As soon as word of the proposed 2014 RFS numbers leaked in the media the corn market plummeted. With corn prices at or below the cost of production, rural America is about to enter a period of reduced farm income, lower land values, and the inability to make a profit. Do you think a 5th generation farmer forced to auction off his family’s Century Farm agrees that setting the RFS too low results in ‘no harm, no foul?’ President Obama needs to keep his promise about supporting cleaner fuels, consumer choice, and cutting oil dependence. He needs to pick up the phone and call the EPA and simply state: Don’t mess with the RFS.”
Economic Impact Study Released During Summit
At the Summit, IRFA released a study conducted by ABF Economics economist John Urbanchuk highlighting the impact of the renewable fuels industry on Iowa’s economy. During 2013, spending on new cellulosic plant construction and research and development offset reduced spending on inputs due to lower commodity prices.
“The environment facing the renewable fuels industry improved modestly in 2013 and the economy of Iowa benefitted accordingly,” stated Urbanchuk. “Ethanol and biodiesel producers are part of a manufacturing sector that adds substantial value to agricultural commodities produced in Iowa.”
Based on the size and scope year-end, the renewable fuels industry had the following impacts on Iowa’s economy in 2013:
Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 42 ethanol
refineries capable of producing over 3.8 billion gallons annually,
with three cellulosic ethanol facilities currently under construction.
In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to
produce nearly 315 million gallons annually.
“While production and profits were sound, the renewable fuels industry took a pounding politically in 2013,” stated Shaw. “But I stand before you today to declare that the Iowa renewable fuels industry can take their punches and we are fighting back! No one here ever thought it would be easy to earn market share away from the world’s most powerful and profitable industry. The fact is, the world needs oil, but consumers also deserve the chance to choose lower cost renewable fuel blends. So, we will never stop fighting to put the option of E15, E85 and biodiesel in front of every American consumer.”
Responding to revelations that the White House told the EPA that setting the RFS number too low would result in “no harm, no foul” Shaw added: “That notion is truly out-of-touch – even for Washington, DC. Today, Iowa biodiesel plants sit idle waiting for the politicians to make up their minds. And if the EPA proposed rule moves forward, industry observers predict that 25 to 45 percent of US biodiesel production will shut down, costing thousands of jobs. Do you think those families agree that setting the RFS too low results in ‘no harm, no foul?’ As soon as word of the proposed 2014 RFS numbers leaked in the media the corn market plummeted. With corn prices at or below the cost of production, rural America is about to enter a period of reduced farm income, lower land values, and the inability to make a profit. Do you think a 5th generation farmer forced to auction off his family’s Century Farm agrees that setting the RFS too low results in ‘no harm, no foul?’ President Obama needs to keep his promise about supporting cleaner fuels, consumer choice, and cutting oil dependence. He needs to pick up the phone and call the EPA and simply state: Don’t mess with the RFS.”
Economic Impact Study Released During Summit
At the Summit, IRFA released a study conducted by ABF Economics economist John Urbanchuk highlighting the impact of the renewable fuels industry on Iowa’s economy. During 2013, spending on new cellulosic plant construction and research and development offset reduced spending on inputs due to lower commodity prices.
“The environment facing the renewable fuels industry improved modestly in 2013 and the economy of Iowa benefitted accordingly,” stated Urbanchuk. “Ethanol and biodiesel producers are part of a manufacturing sector that adds substantial value to agricultural commodities produced in Iowa.”
Based on the size and scope year-end, the renewable fuels industry had the following impacts on Iowa’s economy in 2013:
- Accounts for more than $5.5 billion, or about 4 percent, of Iowa GDP;
- Generates $4 billion of income for Iowa households; and
- Supports more than 62,000 jobs through the entire economy.
To view the full report, please click here.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent
the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters
the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa
through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure
development.
January 29, 2014
Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Prices 1/27/2014
The national average diesel fuel price was up three cents to $3.90 per gallon, two cents lower than last year at this time. Prices increased in all regions of the nation. The largest increase occurred on the East Coast where the price rose five cents to $4.00 per gallon. The Midwest price increased four cents to $3.87 per gallon and the West Coast price was $3.98 per gallon, up one cent from last week. Both the Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain prices were up a fraction of a penny to remain at $3.77 per gallon and $3.86 per gallon, respectively.
Source : EIA
REG Biodiesel Will Power Generators at Super Bowl Venue, NYC Celebrations
REG will provide as much as 15,000 gallons of biodiesel to fuel generators at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey during Super Bowl XLVIII, as well as powering more than 18 generators for events along Super Bowl Boulevard in New York City leading up to the Super Bowl.
“All of us at REG are excited and honored to help ‘green’ the Super Bowl with our high-quality, American made biodiesel,” said Daniel J. Oh, Renewable Energy Group, Inc. President and CEO. “We are proud to be working with the NFL to help in their environmental efforts and to promote biodiesel’s other benefits of energy security, energy diversity, and job creation to one of the largest sports audiences in the world.”
Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement that is enhancing the American energy complex and increasing energy and food security. Made from a diverse mix of feedstocks including recycled cooking oil, animal fats, waste greases and refined vegetable oils, biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions between 57 and 95 percent when compared to petroleum diesel.
“The NFL has been working on the 'greening' of the Super Bowl for 20 years and adding biofuels to our mix is one more step in that process,” said Jack Groh, NFL Environmental Program Director. “We have a comprehensive program that includes solid waste recycling, food recovery, repurposing of decor and construction materials, collection of books and sports equipment for children in need, urban forestry projects and renewable energy use. Integrating biodiesel is another way we can address the environmental impact of our activities at the Super Bowl.”
REG is partnering with two leading heating oil distributors in the region, Hart Energy for delivery to Times Square and Majka and Son’s for delivery to Metlife Stadium.
Based in Ames, Iowa, REG is North America’s leading biodiesel producer, with 257 million gallons of annual nameplate production capacity at eight biorefineries located in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Texas.