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As distillers grains production increases, producers and marketers are finding inventive ways to distribute the ethanol coproduct. Existing intermodal trade is providing a convenient opportunity to meet the demand in growing export markets.

If a seed industry representative's forecasts come to fruition, corn used for ethanol production will stay ahead of demand. Average corn yields have doubled in the past 30 years, and new biotechnology traits and research techniques may lead to similar advancements in the next 25 years.

Bacteria can cause big problems for ethanol producers. These microbes interfere with the vitality of yeast and reduce ethanol yields. Plant managers and so-called ethanol plant doctors talked with EPM about proactive ways to keep ethanol plants healthy.

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) held its 20th annual conference and trade show at St. Paul's Rivercentre, in the heart of Minnesota's capital city. With timely, varied topics and well-respected speakers, ACE took a few days in August to celebrate the industry it helped shape over the past 20 years.

In light of the massive growth in ethanol production projected for the next 18 months, establishing markets for higher blend levels and managing distribution is critical. Experts at the American Coalition for Ethanol's 20th annual conference and trade show discussed what the future holds.

Switchgrass has hogged the spotlight as a perennial grass suitable for cellulosic ethanol production in the United States. In Europe, however, miscanthus takes center stage. EPM looks at how the two compare.

For years researchers have strived to lower the cost of enzymes needed for cellulosic ethanol production. It appears they are finally zeroing in on that elusive goal. Cost-effective enzymes are now just part of a larger economic, technical and logistical puzzle representing the industry's next phase.

The use of distillers grains as a biomass power source could impact more than just the feed and energy markets. The ultimate deciding factor may be its effect on ethanol producers’ bottom lines.

With biofuels incentives in place to encourage local production, Hawaii's largest sugar producers intend to decrease the state's dependence on imported oil and stimulate economic growth.

Whitefox Technologies is a newcomer to the ethanol fuel market. However the company has been working with European industrial alcohol producers for years to make their production facilities more efficient through the use of its innovative permeable membrane ethanol dehydration technology.

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