This summer, the U.S. Grains Council participated in the Pan American Conference on Biofuels held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a special focus on the opportunities for expansion of consumption and production of liquid biofuels in the region.

Juan Sebastian Diaz, USGC Latin America (LTA) regional ethanol consultant, participated in the first panel, “Experiences in the Development of Bioethanol for Fuel,” to discuss opportunities and challenges for adopting voluntary programs in the United States. Diaz stressed the importance of developing voluntary programs to complement mandatory programs that expand bioethanol consumption, enhance domestic capabilities and reduce prices at the pump while supporting federal government initiatives to reduce air contamination and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Along with Diaz, the panel included representatives from EPure and the Brazilian government who shared their experiences in the adoption of E85 in France and the flex fuel program in Brazil, respectively.

¨During the panel, the Council was able to demonstrate that ethanol has been able to find market niches inside the U.S., particularly in the adoption of E85 technologies, and its acceptance is getting stronger in those states setting ambitious decarbonization targets, Diaz said.

The event was also an opportunity to learn about the regional potential to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The aviation industry contributes significantly to the economies of Latin American countries, particularly in regional tourism and trade. Well-recognized airlines in the region, like LATAM, COPA, Azul and Avianca are considering the potential of SAF to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact and contribute to the region’s sustainable development.

“We believe that LTA countries are now embracing the potential of using SAF and are envisioning its production as a way to generate economic opportunities,” Diaz said. “During the panels, country representatives emphasized that LTA has abundant natural resources and the potential to produce sustainable feedstocks for SAF production. For the Council, we need to actively keep a leadership role to promote regulations around SAF with a role for trade.”

The Council engages governments and industries across the LTA and Caribbean regions to develop the ethanol market and promote sales of U.S. ethanol. USGC ethanol promotion efforts focus on at least four areas, including demonstrating the environmental and human health benefits of ethanol; working with local leaders to develop biofuels policies with a role for trade; addressing trade barriers and logistical constraints to imports; and showing ethanol’s value as a source of octane.