Daily Summary for Monday August 20th

Top Story: A California venture is working on a biofuel from microorganisms that yields 50% more energy from current ethanol feedstocks, uses 65% less energy in the process, can be transported by existing oil pipelines and used in non-flex-fuel engines

Producers: In Indiana, a new 60 million gallon ethanol facility is scheduled to open in three weeks….Groundbreaking took place at a 100-Million gallon of ethanol plant in North Dakota scheduled to begin producing in late 2008.

International: A 30 million gallon sugar cane ethanol project is underway in Peru with production commencing in 2008….A 25 million gallon biodiesel plant using cow tallow for feedstock begins operation this week in Brazil….Brazilian ethanol producer Cosan, has a successful IPO last week amidst stock market turmoil.

Policy: An article on the European Union Energy Roadmap points out that the EU, which upped its renewable energy target from 12% to 20% this year, only reached 6.4% by 2007. The EU had previously set a goal of 12% by 2010.

Research: The Houston Chronicle reports a 0.9% increase in Houston food prices in July which it attributes to the rising price of corn. June food prices in Houston rose 0.4%….The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board has launched a two-year study into the effect of biodiesel on vehicle emissions. The study focuses on vehicles using B20 fuels….In Michigan, Ford is awarding more than $2 million in grants for biofuel and flex fuel engine research.

Demand-side: In Canada, a biodiesel producer has put its canola-powered race car onto the drag racing circuit.

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