Ethanol

Robert Gumede plans to convert sugar producer Tongaat Hulett into an energy business producing electricity, ethanol, and industrial gas from cane.

India is expected to reduce sugar exports for at least three years due to El Niño-induced monsoon deficits and rising ethanol demand, impacting global markets. Lower sugarcane availability and domestic priorities may keep millions of tonnes off export, tightening supplies for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern importers.

North Carolina has sued Brenntag, a chemical company, over pollution in a nearby creek. The city of Durham has fined Brenntag $157,000 since 2023 for water contamination involving substances like acetone, ethanol, 1,4-dioxane, and mucilaginous goo.

Brazil is increasing the ethanol blend in ordinary gasoline from 30% to 32%, with a decision by the national energy council expected in June. The move aims to reduce gasoline imports and mitigate the impact of higher oil prices.

Sugar futures are rising as Brazilian mills shift production toward ethanol due to rainfall disrupting the sugarcane harvest and reducing the crop's sucrose content. This shift is tightening sugar supplies and extending a three-day price rally.

The US House passed a bill to allow year-round sales of E15 (15% ethanol blend), but its Senate passage remains uncertain due to opposition from environmental advocates and oil-producing states. The White House supports the measure, which aims to provide cheaper fuel alternatives and boost agricultural interests, though the EPA's temporary waivers for extended E15 sales were linked to the Iran war's impact on gas prices.

The US House passed a bill allowing year-round sales of E15 ethanol blend, but its future in the Senate remains uncertain. Proponents argue it offers a cheaper fuel alternative and benefits agriculture, while opponents include environmental advocates and lawmakers from oil-producing states. The EPA has issued waivers for extended E15 sales due to Middle East tensions.

Zimbabwe is conducting trials to blend ethanol and diesel in an effort to cut costs. The trials aim to reduce the country's fuel expenses. Zimbabwe hopes to achieve cost savings through this initiative.

The House is preparing to vote on a biofuel bill that would allow year-round sales of high-ethanol gasoline, typically restricted in summer due to smog concerns, and tie it to the Farm Bill for Senate consideration. The legislation also includes reforms to biofuel-related processes.

Brazil is increasing its ethanol fuel blend to mitigate the impact of the war on fuel supplies. The adjustment aims to reduce reliance on imported fuels, with ethanol processing facilities like the one in Piracicaba, Sao Paulo state, playing a key role.