Category Archive: Ethanol/Biofuels

1. USDA Raises Forecast for Corn Crop

   September 12, 2014 Leave a Comment

   The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) increased the forecast for this year’s corn crop to an expected record 14.395 billion bushel crop. The ethanol industry is projected to use 5.125 billion bushels of this year’s crop, holding steady from last year’s numbers. If the projected crop estimates are accurate, 2014 will set the 5th record corn production level in the last twelve years. The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to reduce the 2014 renewable fuel standard volumes by more than 1 million gallons. Read more in Ethanol Producer Magazine.

2. New Ethanol Plant First-of-a-Kind

   August 14, 2014 Leave a Comment

   Dakota Spirit AgEnergy is under construction near Spiritwood, ND, and is the first ethanol plant to be approved for construction under new federal guidelines for corn ethanol plants that require a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The facility is owned by Midwest AgEnergy Group, which also owns Blue Flint Ethanol, near Underwood, ND. Great River Energy is the majority owner of Midwest AgEnergy Group. Read more in Ethanol Producer Magazine.

3. Federal Rules on Rail Transport Open for Comment

   July 25, 2014 Leave a Comment

   The federal Department of Transportation released proposed regulations for comment this week regarding rail car requirements and safety guidelines for the transport of certain types of flammable liquids, including petroleum and ethanol. Industry officials, Senators Hoeven and Heitmamp and Governor Dalrymple lauded the new proposal. The North Dakota Ethanol Council is concerned that the rail industry won’t be able to meet the demand for new rail cars without disruption to rail service. Read more in the Bakken Breakout.

4. North Dakota Ranked High in New Clean-Tech Report

   July 18, 2014 Leave a Comment

   A clean-tech research and advisory firm – Clean Edge – released a new Clean Tech Leadership Index this week, which details state and metro level rankings for clean and renewable energy. The report ranks North Dakota 2nd in the nation in wind energy, based on the percentage of peak capacity. North Dakota is also ranked 6th in utility-scale clean electricity generation. Download the Clean Tech report here.

5. Senators, Renewable Fuels Association Question Ethanol Blocking Tactics

   July 11, 2014 Leave a Comment

   The Renewable Fuels Association issued a report this week alleging questionable tactics by the oil industry to prevent sales of E-15 and E-85 at gas station franchises across the country. US Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tom Harkin are calling for a federal investigation into the allegations. Read more in Prairie Business Magazine.

6. New Ethanol Plant Approved to Buy Corn

   June 19, 2014 Leave a Comment

   Dakota Spirit AgEnergy (DSA), under construction near Spiritwood, ND, has received approval from the North Dakota Public Service Commission to begin purchasing corn. The ethanol plant is slated to begin operations in April 2015. DSA plants to construct a permanent corn storage facility near Spiritwood. Read more in the Crookston Times.

7. GPEC Annual Energy Report Now Available

   June 11, 2014 Leave a Comment

   The 4th Annual “Spotlight on North Dakota Energy” is now available. You can request a printed copy or view the publication online at www.energynd.com/spotlight.

8. Bright Future for Bio-Industry

   May 30, 2014 Leave a Comment

   North Dakota State University hosted the Future of the Bio-Industry Action Summit last week, and presenters showcased growing potential for bio-based products and industries.  Fargo consultant Neil Doty told the audience that 40 percent of North Dakota’s corn crop is currently used in ethanol production.  Doty noted that the global market for fermented products from corn is more than $22 billion.  Retired USDA Economist Marv Duncan said that for the bio-products industry to be successful, it must meet the test of “price, performance and measurable environmental benefits.”  Read more in the Grand Forks Herald.

    

9. ND Alliance for Renewable Energy Elects Officers

   May 23, 2014 Leave a Comment

   The North Dakota Alliance for Renewable Energy has re-elected Kim Christianson, Bismarck, to another term as President.  Ken Hellevang and Warren Enyart were also re-elected to their posts as Vice-President and Secretary, respectively.  In addition to officer elections, NDARE has retained Riverwind Consulting, West Fargo, to provide staffing services for the organization.  Read more on NDARE’s website.

    

10. Strata-X Energy begins project in North Dakota

    February 28, 2014 Leave a Comment

    The Sleeping Giant gas project, over 145,000 acres, has been drilled for the first time. The gas project is composed of shallow gas, and four permits were taken out last year by Strata-X Energy, in collaboration with Major Drilling Co. The permits that were issued are rare for this region. Read all of the details in the Bismarck Tribune.