Today in Biofuels Opinion: “Why not elephant dung and World War Two-era fungus?”

From Fast Company: “Hemp, soy, mustard, sunflower and palm oil can all be used to make biofuels, so why not elephant dung and World War Two-era fungus? Copenhagen-based Danisco A/S is using the fungus, which was discovered during WWII eating soldier’s cotton tents, for its enzymes that break down plants for ethanol. Once ethanol is produced, Amsterdam food company CSM NV uses yeast developed from enzymes contained in elephant dung to manufacture biofuels.”

John Plaza, CEO of Imperium Renewables: “[Washington] state will miss by a year it’s goal of having biofuels comprise at least 20 percent of its fuel use in state vehicles and ferries — the deadline was June 1. Unfortunately, in the past 18 months, the state has sent mixed messages and pushed inconsistent policies regarding biofuels. This has had a chilling effect on investors, biofuel producers and farmers who are key to producing feedstocks needed for fuel.

“First, let me address the GA’s wonderfully bureaucratic justification for why the state will fail to hit its goal: “limited supply.” Since January, Imperium has been storing 2 million gallons of biodiesel at our Grays Harbor facility. (Ironically, the state included this volume in its calculations to determine that the state’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was being met.)

“For the GA to say there is “limited supply” of biodiesel is both wrong and misleading. Our facility is capable of producing 100 million gallons per year. But we need buyers. As long as the state chooses not to buy biodiesel from us, it is hypocritical for the GA to turn around and blame us for not making more.”

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