
Get the latest data on ethanol and biodiesel availability and demand from our leading expert in national and statewide renewable fuels policy. Whether affected by over-production, high feedstock prices or transportation hurdles, biofuels economics are always shifting and policy makers are starting to take notice. We’ll give the latest intelligence on where ethanol and biodiesel demand is headed and why.
Our expert instructor will delve into the factors
affecting Brazilian and Caribbean ethanol imports into the U.S. and how national policy in Washington, D.C. and Brazil is likely to alter arbitrage economics. Bob will also discuss how much volume might come from the ever-expanding Caribbean Basin Initiative capacity and explore China and India’s likely export demand.
The high corn prices predicted by some for 2007 failed to materialize despite the ethanol industry’s record demand for the feedstock. More and more acreage is being devoted to growing corn not destined for livestock feed. However, with ethanol production capacity skyrocketing, will corn farmers be able to hold the line or will corn exceed well beyond $6/bushel? And with growing concern being voiced by livestock owners and consumers, will policy hold sway over energy issues?
Revenue from distillers dried grains (DDGs) is essential to ethanol production economics. Ross will explore the DDGs marketplace, including supply, demand and price implications. He’ll also give an overview of the byproduct export picture with an eye toward what the next five years will hold.
Ethanol and biodiesel have unique properties that require special handling and storage. Not knowing the facts can result in damaged tanks, contaminated product, violations of federal clean air rules and worse, angry customers. As many challenges as biofuel poses, there are many opportunities for up-blending, octane enhancement, stretching of fuel supplies and taking advantage of federal and state tax breaks. We’ll show you how to handle both the product and the system to your best advantage.
Ethanol values have now fallen well in line with gasoline to encourage discretionary blending in non-mandated motor fuel markets. The federal blending tax credit is established and in place. So why aren’t more fuel suppliers blending with ethanol? Meanwhile, biodiesel remains priced out of the market. We’ll explore the economic barriers that might keep marketers out of the biofuels business.
The RFS and the Renewable Identification Number system adopted by EPA to implement it presents great challenges for refiners, importers and producers. It also holds hidden opportunities for biofuel blenders. Drawing on his many years of experience with biofuels policy, Ron will explain the RINs system, how you can best comply with the law and how you may use the credits to your advantage.
The excise tax blending credit for ethanol was extended to biodiesel as part of the Jobs Act of 2005, but Congress left out most of the details of the program. Consequently, blenders were left scratching their heads as to what qualified for the credit, who exactly is the “blender of record,” and how they should file to ensure they collected what was owed them in a timely manner. Get the answers you need to take full advantage of both federal and state tax incentives that can make all the difference for profitable blending.
© 2008 OPIS
-- Robert Reiser, VP Operations, Condon Oil Co.
Ethanol & Biodiesel Graduates