Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association
July 13, 2018
BY Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association
The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels) released its 2018 Half Year Report to its producer and vendor members at a networking event in Prior Lake, Minnesota, July 11.
The report gave members an overview of Minnesota's ethanol industry in the first six months of 2018 and the various initiatives MN Biofuels undertook to increase ethanol consumption in the state. Specifically, the report highlighted the progress MN Biofuels made in the fields of advocacy, communications, and fuel marketing and supply in the first half of the year.
"Our work in the first half of 2018 included reforming regulatory processes for ethanol producers, generating millions of ad impressions to drive consumers to E15 fuel dispensers and growing beyond the 14 brands and 284 fuel retailers who now offer E15 in Minnesota," said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Biofuels.
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He said these initiatives played a crucial role in the record volume of E15 sales in Minnesota this year.
According to data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, nearly 30 million gallons of E15 was sold in the state during the first five months of 2018, surpassing the total volume sold in 2017 (19.05 million gallons).
In May alone, E15 sales in Minnesota totaled 6.74 million gallons, a monthly record.
Nonetheless, Rudnicki said the industry also faced unprecedented challenges in the first half of the year.
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"Make no mistake, the current attacks on the RFS go to its very core. The seemingly illegal refinery waivers, if left to stand, can eviscerate the very foundation upon which the biofuel industry is built," he said.
Download MN Biofuels' 2018 Half Year Report here
The U.S. Energy Information Administration maintained its forecast for 2025 and 2026 biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released July 8.
XCF Global Inc. on July 10 shared its strategic plan to invest close to $1 billion in developing a network of SAF production facilities, expanding its U.S. footprint, and advancing its international growth strategy.
U.S. fuel ethanol capacity fell slightly in April, while biodiesel and renewable diesel capacity held steady, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on June 30. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to the previous month.
XCF Global Inc. on July 8 provided a production update on its flagship New Rise Reno facility, underscoring that the plant has successfully produced SAF, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha during its initial ramp-up.
The U.S. exported 31,160.5 metric tons of biodiesel and biodiesel blends of B30 and greater in May, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on July 3. Biodiesel imports were 2,226.2 metric tons for the month.