WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Ethanol’s role in decarbonizing global transportation took center stage Tuesday at the Global Ethanol Summit (GES) in Washington, D.C., where industry leaders and scientists explored new frontiers in sustainable fuel applications — from jet fuel to shipping. Former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz opened the day by emphasizing ethanol’s central role in the energy transition, calling it “the only scalable, low-carbon, affordable fuel available today.”
The day’s sessions reflected growing interest in ethanol’s compatibility with aviation, maritime, and advanced vehicle systems. Panels led by experts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Cruise Lines International Association, and Growth Energy examined both policy and infrastructure needs for scaling ethanol-to-jet (SAF) and marine fuel production. Industry leaders noted that more than 100 million tons of ethanol are already produced annually — a figure that could double as global shipping seeks cleaner fuels.
Airline representatives from Delta, United, and Airbus said collaboration will be essential to expand sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which currently accounts for less than 1 percent of U.S. jet fuel demand. “Every bit of that 22 billion gallons of annual jet fuel use is something the ethanol industry could eventually serve,” said Tom Michels of United Airlines.
GES concludes Wednesday with sessions focused on affordability and scaling the global bioeconomy — reinforcing the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council’s message that ethanol remains central to both environmental progress and rural prosperity.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Bioethanol continues to gain ground as the bridge fuel connecting agriculture, aviation, and maritime industries in the global shift toward lower-carbon energy.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
November 17, 2025 01:24 PM
·
The ACRE Act modestly reduces farmland borrowing costs now, with more savings possible once federal guidance clarifies which loans qualify.
November 15, 2025 03:00 PM
·
Manure from a hog farm is more than just waste; it is also becoming a key renewable resource for operations.
November 14, 2025 02:53 PM
·
The Dairy Checkoff’s new approach to consumer marketing helps farmers bridge the gap between physical vs. digital touchpoints and deliver more end sales.
November 14, 2025 01:52 PM
·
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
November 14, 2025 12:22 PM
·
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.
November 14, 2025 11:58 AM
·
AFBF economist Faith Parum breaks down the potential impact of the proposed policy change to allow year-round sales of E15 biofuel.
November 13, 2025 02:34 PM
·
The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.
November 13, 2025 02:22 PM
·
RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen digs into the details on how to make your rural property dreams a reality — and avoid a living nightmare.
November 13, 2025 01:24 PM
·
