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Applications being accepted for USDA's Biomass Crop Assistance ProgramOn July 29, the USDA Farm Service Agency announced that biomass conversion facilities can begin signing up to participate in the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. The program, which was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, was created to support the production of eligible crops for the conversion to biofuels or bioenergy. BCAP accomplishes this by providing financial assistance to collect, harvest, store and transport eligible materials.READ MORE Chu examines modular cellulosic ethanol production facilityU.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu traveled to Rochester, Minn., on Aug. 3 to examine three renewable energy projects that are under development within the state, including a mobile self-contained ethanol plant that has been developed by Welcome, Minn.-based Easy Energy Systems Inc. Easy Energy Systems is an affiliate of Easy Automation Inc., North America's largest provider of feed software and automation. According to Easy Energy Systems' CEO Mark Gaalswyk, the company has designed its modular ethanol production technology to benefit Easy Automation's existing rural cooperative customers, as well as other entities world-wide that are interested in small-scale ethanol production.READ MORE Millions awarded for renewable energy researchThe U.S. DOE recently awarded over $600 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds for scientific projects aimed at advancing the country's development and use of alternative energy. "As global energy demand grows, there is an urgent need to reduce our dependence on imported oil and curtail greenhouse gas emissions," U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said.READ MORE South Dakota cooperative buys Marion ethanol plantCentral Farmers Co-op recently bought back the 110 MMgy ethanol plant it built in Marion, S.D., and has successfully been operating it the past five weeks. The plant is being renamed NuGen Energy LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Central Farmers Co-op. The facility was purchased from Marion Energy Investments LLC, the banking group that bought the plant out of bankruptcy when its owner VeraSun Energy Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last fall, said Steve Domm, general manager of Central Farmers Co-op.READ MORE Phibro sets record straight on antibiotic use in ethanol industryFor years antimicrobials have been used by the ethanol industry to control bacteria breakouts during the process and according to Tom Slunecka, vice president of marketing for PhibroChem Ethanol Performance Group, antimicrobials - both antibiotics and chemicals - are used by many facilities and are vital for good strong economic production of ethanol.READ MORE Guardian Energy to purchase Janesville, Minn.-based ethanol plantOn Aug. 4, AgStar Financial Services' lending group announced that Shakopee, Minn.-based Guardian Energy LLC has entered into an agreement to purchase its Janesville, Minn., ethanol plant. The 100 MMgy facility was acquired by AgStar's lending group through VeraSun Energy Corp.'s March 2009 bankruptcy. A binding purchase agreement has been signed and the sale is expected to close by September 15.READ MORE VeraSun to auction farm landAs part of VeraSun Energy Corp.'s efforts to maximize return for its creditors in relation to the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing earlier this year, the company plans to auction 1,600 acres of property located in Illinois on Sept. 10. The land to be sold was acquired by VeraSun over several years and was to be developed in support of its ethanol business.READ MORE DOE to fund higher ethanol blend projectsThe U.S. DOE announced Aug. 4 that it would be providing up to $5.5 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds to multiple projects aimed at increasing the use of ethanol blends up to E85. Areas of focus include infrastructure modifications at retail fueling locations and increasing public awareness on the benefits of ethanol use. The DOE anticipates awarding between 15 and 30 recipients grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 — $3.5 million total — for projects focused on infrastructure expansion.READ MORE |
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