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
Prepare for acute UAN risk and a brief urea shock; maintain steady ammonia and phosphate plans, and monitor potash basis on the coasts.
October 06, 2025 11:56 AM
·
“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
October 06, 2025 11:23 AM
·
Agricultural exports continue to be a key contributor to rural employment. However, rural businesses still struggle to fill numerous job openings.
October 06, 2025 10:46 AM
·
Farm debt is climbing to record levels at ag banks, reflecting pressure on crop producers’ finances even as livestock and land values lend stability to the sector.
October 03, 2025 03:53 PM
·
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
October 03, 2025 01:12 PM
·
Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.
October 03, 2025 10:50 AM
·
Beef demand could be influencing other economic sectors, as consumers adjust spending habits to prioritize higher-priced beef products.
October 02, 2025 01:39 PM
·
Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, and its impact on global agriculture and food security.
October 02, 2025 01:24 PM
·
October 02, 2025 12:59 PM
·
