Ethanol Briefs

UNICA of Brazil Joins Global Renewable Fuels Alliance

STREATOR, Ill. (DTN) -- The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance welcomed UNICA, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, as its newest member on Monday, July 13.

"Brazil is truly a trailblazer in the global biofuels industry, not only as one of the world's largest producers of biofuels, but one of the first," said Bliss Baker, spokesperson for the GRFA. "As the largest ethanol producer in Brazil, we are honored to have UNICA join our ranks to represent the industry on the world stage."

UNICA is the largest organization in Brazil representing sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity producers. It was created in 1997, following a consolidation process involving regional organizations in the State of Sao Paulo after government deregulation of the sugar and ethanol sectors. UNICA members produce more than 50% of all ethanol output from Brazil and 60% of overall sugar production.

"We look forward to working with the other members of over 44 biofuel producing countries to collectively promote the expanded use of renewable fuels throughout the world and advocate for sound public policy and responsible research," said Elizabeth Farina, UNICA president.

The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biofuel-friendly policies internationally. Alliance members represent over 65% of the global biofuels production from 44 countries.

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Ergon BioFuels Returns to Full Ethanol Production Capacity

STREATOR, Ill. (DTN) -- Ergon BioFuels LLC, said in a news release on Monday, June 22, that its 60-million-gallon-per-year ethanol plant in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is back to full operation following a brief suspension in services to facilitate renovations and upgrades.

The plant was originally established in 2007. On Dec. 31, 2013, the facility became a wholly owned subsidiary of Ergon BioSciences, Inc., and was rebranded as Ergon Biofuels.

The installation of processing upgrades has led to increased ethanol yields and improved dried distillers' grain. Implementation of new technology, set for completion at the end of this summer, will allow for the production of corn oil, used in biodiesel.

"The improvements made to the Vicksburg facility reaffirm Ergon's commitment to producing biomass energy in Mississippi," Craig Busbea, general manager for EBF said.

Ergon, Inc. is a privately held company that operates under business segments of refining and marketing; asphalt and emulsions; transportation and terminaling; oil and gas and real estate.

(BM/AG)

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