The title A Push to Turn Agriculture and Farm Waste Into Fuel highlights a major shift in the way the United States views agriculture and farming. Congress passed the climate provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act in August, providing $140 billion in tax incentives, loans and grants to replace fossil fuels with cleaner renewable energy and lower emissions of carbon dioxide. To meet this goal, agricultural products and waste is being utilized to create low-carbon energy.
Gevo, a Colorado developer, has broken ground for Net-Zero 1, an $875 million ethanol and biodiesel plant to produce aviation fuel for jets taking off from Chicago’s two major airports. Gevo’s project will release 80 percent less carbon dioxide than a conventional plant. Gevo expects the Department of Energy to approve a $620 million loan guarantee to fund the plant production. Additionally, Congress approved $40 billion to the Department of Energy for loan guarantees to finance innovative carbon-reducing projects and Gevo was awarded a $30 million grant from the Department of Agriculture.
Greenfield Nitrogen is developing a $400 million plant near Garner, Iowa to produce zero-carbon fertilizer from ammonia. Like Gevo’s efforts, Greenfield Nitrogen’s project is receiving substantial assistance from the government including n a $3 tax credit for every kilogram of “green hydrogen”. Additionally, the company is set to receive a $30 million grant from the Department of Agriculture.
Roeselein Alternative Energy, a Missouri company, is building six biodigesters at large cattle and swine operations in Iowa and Missouri to produce methane for transportation fuel and electricity. With a $80 million carbon-reducing demonstration project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Roeslein Alternative Energy is looking to capture carbon in the atmosphere and convert this carbon into methane.
Geoff Cooper, the president and chief executive of the Renewable Fuels Association, has stated that almost every renewable energy producer in the country is looking to install new technology and expand their facilities. This effort has been met with some pushback from environmental groups who fear it will lead to an increase in pollution from farm waste. However, those in favor of these projects believe it will provide economic output, increase revenue and reduce carbon levels.
The person mentioned in the article is Geoff Cooper, the president and chief executive of the Renewable Fuels Association. Cooper has experienced a long career in the renewable energy industry working as an executive in a variety of companies in the past. As the president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, Cooper works to provide resources and lobby legislative support to increase the energy production from renewable energy sources.
The company mentioned in the article is Gevo, a Colorado developer. Gevo specializes in the production of biofuels from renewable resources such as wood chips, corncobs and wood waste. Using their innovative technology, Gevo produces low-carbon jet fuel with up to 80% less carbon dioxide output than traditional production methods. Gevo is leading the charge in transforming the aviation industry with their advanced technology and sustainable practices.
