It almost goes without saying these days that U.S. ethanol producers are hyper-focused on the transformational opportunities of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). At press time, the industry was buzzing with news about POET and Summit Carbon Solutions broadening their CCS partnership. It was a strong reminder that CO2 pipelines, while not a reality yet, remain poised to catapult our industry to a whole new level—SAF production and beyond. Waiting for what’s possible, however, isn’t for everyone, and many U.S. ethanol producers are opting to pursue what’s in reach today—opportunities that match their production profile, location, and objectives—like new uses for CO2 and increased plant efficiency. We cover those and other topics this month, while not overlooking the fact that momentous decisions are being made at this very moment about ethanol’s future role in SAF.In “Waiting for Takeoff,” on page 14, we present mixed reactions from the industry on the U.S. Treasury’s recent guidance on carbon-intensity modeling—specifically, the administration’s openness to accepting Aronne’s GREET model—with some tweaks—to be an alternative to the status quo CORSIA methodology, and what it all means for existing ethanol producers hoping to get in on the decarbonization of air travel. This was a tough assignment, with the biofuel and SAF sectors still deciphering the government’s intentions in January, and with material decisions from the U.S. EPA expected to land about a month after press time.In related reporting, we look at the relationship between carbon intensity (CI) reduction and the study of life cycle GHG emissions. In “Going Low to Send It High,” on page 22, we report on how the life cycle analysis of GHG emissions can be an essential tool for producers looking to sync up their technology investments and market ambitions.Indeed, that kind of decision making was necessary for each of the producers that show up in our cover story, “How CCU Platforms Stack Up,” on page 26, which looks at three unique carbon capture and utilization (CCU) platforms with active projects under development at U.S. ethanol plants. CCU is often framed as an alternative to CCS—something pursued when sequestration isn’t possible—but in reality, it is sometimes the most viable and profitable end-use of fermentation CO2. A CCU derivative currently getting a lot of attention is green methanol, which is being tapped by international shipping giant Maersk to repower its massive ocean-going vessels. As the CEO of one technology company recently conveyed, ethanol producers “could be sitting on a gold mine” if this takes off.Next, we go inside (quite literally) the industry’s hottest equipment in “Taming the Flame,” on page 32, which looks at the unique service—and craft—of refractory relining. Ethanol plants are running hard, and also rather hot, these days, which generally causes the linings inside equipment like rotary drum dryers and RTOs to wear out faster than they otherwise might. At least that was presumed to be the case before Refractory Service Inc. introduced a proprietary new method of doing its namesake work. The bottom line: clients are happy with the results.Enjoy the read.Author: Tom Bryan&nbsp; President and Editor

2024-02-06 - Doing What’s Possible While Waiting for What’s Next   (Ethanol Producer Magazine)

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The latest issue of Ethanol Producer Magazine addresses sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon intensity (CI) reducitons, and carbon capture and utilization (CCU). 

Doing What’s Possible While Waiting for What’s Next

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