The USDA maintained its forecast for 2024-’25 corn use in ethanol in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, released Jan. 10. The forecast for 2024-’25 corn production was lowered, with the outlook for prices revised up.

The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) on Jan. 8 announced it has approved R$1 billion ($165.48 million) in financing to support an 82 MMly (21.66 MMgy) cellulosic ethanol project under development by Raizen Energia S/A in Andradina, Sao Paulo.

The Canadian government on Jan. 7 awarded more than $11 million to seven clean fuel and alternative fuel projects, including those focused on the production of renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other types of bioenergy.

U.S. fuel ethanol production was down nearly 1% the week ending Jan. 3, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on Jan. 8. Stocks of fuel ethanol expanded by more than 2% and exports were up nearly 57%.

The U.S. exported 187.6 million gallons of ethanol and 946,804 metric tons of distillers grains in November, according to data released by the USDA on Jan. 7. Exports of both products were up when compared to November 2023.

The U.K.’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate officially came into force on Jan. 1. By law, SAF must now account for at least 2% of all jet fuel in flights taking off from the U.K. The mandate is set to expand to 10% in 2030 and 22% in 2040.

U.S. operable biofuels production capacity increased slightly in October, with a small gain for ethanol, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on Dec. 31. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to October 2023.

The U.S. EPA on Dec. 19 released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data reporting that one new SRE petition has been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard during the past month. According to EPA, 131 SRE petitions are currently pending.

Ethanol groups are expressing disappointment in the updated short-term funding bill currently under consideration by congress, which has been stripped of language that would have allowed year-round E15 sales nationwide.

UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association, has announced sugarcane processing was down during the second have of November. Ethanol production was also down for the two-week period, but sales were up for the full month.