A University of Wisconsin-Madison research group at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center developed a strain of bacteria which could lead to more cost-effective cellulosic biofuels. The team’s findings were published online by the Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology on June 11.

The breakthrough has made it possible to perform genetic analysis on the bacteria, which has long been known to convert biomass to sugars. The team developed a way to mutate any gene with the bacteria, which should bring greater success to the difficult process of breaking down plant cell walls to extract sugar molecules for producing biofuels.

Also advancing the bio industry is Milwaukee-based Lallemand Ethanol Technology, which just introduced Thermosacc® GOLD, a new fresh-cake yeast better able to withstand fermentation. Thermosacc GOLD was designed to use sugars more efficiently and increase yield.

The WBIA is proud to see Wisconsin leading the way in the biofuels industry, and we hope this is just the beginning of Wisconsin’s contribution to the global movement toward bio power.

Even Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California and a high-profile Republican, has come out against off-shore drilling after the disaster, saying that the environmental impacts are not worth the potential economic gain. “You turn on the television and see this enormous disaster, you say to yourself, ‘Why would we want to take on that kind of risk?”‘ he said.

According to the EPA, biodiesel fuels are biodegradable.  This means that if a spill occurs, biodiesel breaks down into sugars and starches, rather than harsh chemicals, and is non-toxic to animal and marine life.

The US has the means to produce this safe fuel alternative, but has let tax credits expire that are essential to keeping this industry working.  In light of this disaster, it is more important than ever to renew these tax credits and help those who are providing safe, clean and affordable fuel for Americans.

Producing renewable sources of energy, like ethanol, here in the United States can help end our dependency on foreign oil. Here are some facts from the US Department of Energy:

 

• During the first six months of 2008, US ethanol production nearly equaled oil imports from Iraq. The US produced 101 million barrels of ethanol and imported 123 million barrels of Iraqi oil.
  
  
• Congress has directed the country to produce 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels, like ethanol, by 2022. That is more than the amount currently imported each year from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait combined.

 

• The US is already on track to meet the current mandate of 9 billion gallons of renewable energy production this year. Continuing that trend can help reduce the amount of foreign oil needing to be imported to the US from volatile regions around the world, such as the Middle East.

Biodiesel, a renewable fuel made right here in Wisconsin, has enormous global potential. Here are a few facts from a report from UW-Madison’s Center for Sustainability and Global Environment:

 

• Calculations suggest that the potential biodiesel production globally can amount to over 13 billion gallons annually, an increase of twenty-fold over current levels.

 

• The top-five potential producers – of which the United States is one – account for over 80 percent of that total, suggesting the possibility for huge economic growth for these nations.

 

• Over 12 billion gallons of the biodiesel produced by these nations could be sold profitably in the international community, helping other nations reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

E85, a renewable fuel comprised of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline that can be used in any flex fuel vehicle, is available at gas stations across the United States. Here are some facts:

 

• As of the start of 2008, there were over 1,400 fueling stations offering E85 in the United States. [Source: US Department of Energy, E85: An Alternative Fuel, http://afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ethanol/e85.html, accessed 9/30/08]
  
  
• To map out all of the E85 stations for any trip you want to take, you can get directions and a listing of all stations with E85 right from the Department of Energy at http://afdc.energy.gov/afdc/stations/find_route.php.

- Wisconsin agricultural exports rose 13% during the first six months of 2008, in part due to the production of ethanol and its co-products.
- Sales of dried distillers grains with sollubles (DDGS) increased 169% in the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007.
- Over $17 million worth of DDGS has been sold in Wisconsin in 2008 already, compared with a total of $19.2 million sold in 2007 and only $6 million in 2006.

According to new sales figures released today by Governor Jim Doyle, Wisconsin agricultural exports rose 13% during the first six months of 2008, led in part by a 169% increase in dried distillers grains with sollubles (DDGS) sales compared to the first six months of 2007.

DDGS exports have risen exponentially over the past few years, with $6 million sold in 2006, $19.2 million sold in 2007, and now $17 million sold in the first half of 2008 alone.

Biodiesel Basics #8: Biodiesel Exhaust is Less Offensive

 

The exhaust from biodiesel, a renewable fuel made right here in Wisconsin, is much less offensive than regular petroleum exhaust.  Here are some facts:

 

• Equipment operators have compared the smell of biodiesel exhaust to that of French fries. [Source: MSNBC, “Traveling Carnivals Like Smell of Biodiesel,” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13629857/]

 

• Biodiesel exhaust is safer than petroleum diesel exhaust. [Source: National Biodiesel Board, “Interesting Facts of Biodiesel,” http://www.biodiesel.org/markets/gen/]   

 

 “Biodiesel Basics” is a series of weekly facts from the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance highlighting the positive benefits of biodiesel production and use in Wisconsin.

 

The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance is a diverse group of businesses, environmental groups, and statewide and local organizations that have come together to build both public and legislative awareness of the Bio Industry in Wisconsin.

 

For more information about the Alliance, or to find out how to join, please visit our website: www.wisconsinbioindustry.com.

 

- 30 -

Tuesday Truth #13: E85 Widely Available

 

Wisconsin has over 141,500 vehicles that can use E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), a cleaner, renewable fuel. Where can consumers purchase E85? Here are some statistics:

 

• Wisconsin has over 95 stations across the state that currently offer E85. [Source: Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, http://power.wisconsin.gov/docview.asp?docid=11268&locid=131 , accessed 8/21/08]

 

• There are six more stations currently under construction in Wisconsin. [Source: Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, http://power.wisconsin.gov/docview.asp?docid=11268&locid=131 , accessed 8/21/08]

 

• Across the country, there are over 1,600 stations that offer E85, with more coming online every day. [Source: Ethanol Facts, http://www.ethanolfacts.com/ETHL2008/page.php?pgID=3, accessed 8/21/08]