Results for: Ethanol Production

Western Plains Energy has partnered with Whitefox Technologies to implement a cutting-edge membrane dehydration system, significantly reducing their carbon footprint and paving the way for a more sustainable future in ethanol production.

Western Plains Energy, a leading renewable energy producer, has successfully implemented Whitefox’s ICE® XL membrane dehydration system, resulting in a significant 50% reduction in steam usage and a 25% increase in production capacity. This groundbreaking innovation propels Western Plains closer to their net-zero emissions goal and marks a significant step towards sustainable ethanol production.

Skyven Technologies and Western New York Energy (WNYE) have joined forces to implement the Skyven Arcturus, the first industrial steam generating heat pump of its size in the United States. This innovative technology will reduce CO2 emissions at WNYE’s Medina facility by over 20,000 metric tons per year, showcasing a significant step towards a sustainable industrial future.

FS, a leading ethanol and animal nutrition producer in Brazil, has completed technical studies proving the geological viability of injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into the subsoil at its Lucas do Rio Verde facility. This breakthrough will make FS the world’s first ethanol producer with a negative carbon footprint and the first to implement BECCS (bioenergy production with carbon capture and storage) technology in ethanol production outside the U.S. The adoption of BECCS will prevent the release of approximately 423,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere annually, with the potential to scale up to over 1.8 million tons per year across FS’s operations. This innovative technology captures carbon and injects it into deep geological layers for safe storage for thousands of years, mitigating its impact on global warming. FS has been working on this project for four years, drilling a stratigraphic well to analyze rock formations. Studies confirmed the Diamantino rock formation’s suitability for CO2 injection at a depth of over 800 meters. FS aims to invest in equipment for capturing, dehydrating, compressing, and injecting CO2 underground once the activity is regulated. The project has received financial support from FINEP, a public agency promoting innovation. FS’s vision is to become the world’s largest producer of carbon-negative fuel, seeking to monetize the project through carbon credit sales and awaiting the approval of the legal framework by the Brazilian Senate.

In collaboration with industry associations, the Indian government is assessing ways to stabilize sugarcane production in the face of insufficient irrigation facilities and declining reservoir levels. The concerns stem from the impact of El Nino on monsoon rainfall, leading to prolonged dry spells in major sugarcane-producing states. To meet domestic consumption and ethanol blended with petrol (EBP) targets, the government is considering a range of measures, including enhancing irrigation resources, promoting drip irrigation systems, increasing the area under sugarcane cultivation, and exploring financial incentives for farmers. A committee consisting of industry representatives is advising the government on developing a sustainable plan to support the sector amidst climate challenges.

The food ministry has authorized sugar mills to transform their existing stocks of 670,000 tonnes of B-heavy molasses into ethanol. This decision aligns with the end of the sugarcane crushing season and supports India’s ambitious ethanol-blending targets. The directive aims to expedite payments to sugarcane farmers, enhancing their financial stability. The industry welcomes this move, which addresses legal challenges and unlocks the value of B-heavy molasses stocks.