The Global Ethanol Summit (GES) continued Tuesday with a focus on ethanol’s compatibility across emerging markets, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and marine fuel. Organized by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), GES featured industry leaders and experts gathered to discuss ethanol’s critical role in advancing a low-carbon future.
Ernest Moniz, founder and CEO of the EFI Foundation and former U.S. Secretary of Energy, opened the day emphasizing ethanol as “the pathway now toward a low carbon future and the key to energy transition.” He called ethanol “the only game in town” for scalable, affordable low-carbon fuels.
Panels and flash talks explored ethanol’s expanding applications. Discussions covered advanced vehicle compatibility, infrastructure needs, and policy considerations for marine fuel. Zoltan Szabo, secretary general of the Climate Ethanol Alliance, noted that maritime demand for ethanol could double or triple current production, highlighting ethanol’s low carbon, scalable and cost-effective qualities.
The summit also spotlighted ethanol-to-jet pathways for sustainable aviation fuel. Airline representatives from Airbus, Delta, United and Airlines for America discussed industry collaboration to grow SAF use. “SAF is a market opportunity for the agriculture sector,” said Tom Michels of United Airlines, noting less than 1% of the U.S.’s 22 billion gallons of jet fuel is currently SAF.
Closing sessions focused on scalable feedstocks for a global bioeconomy, with experts from research institutions and biofuel producers sharing insights.
Final day highlights trade, affordability and economic growth
GES wrapped up Wednesday with a focus on trade and economic growth under the theme “ethanol is affordable.” Ryan LeGrand, USGBC president and CEO, highlighted the summit’s spirit of global collaboration and commitment to decarbonizing transport and improving human health.
Speakers emphasized the advantages of U.S. ethanol commodities and the transparent export system that meets global grain needs. Sessions included a fireside chat on ethanol economics and a panel on trade, tariffs and global market access featuring industry leaders from Greenfield Global, ePURE, Aerovida Biofuels and the Colombian Association of Petroleum & Gas.
Trade delegations tour U.S. ethanol supply chain
Following the summit, nine international trade teams will tour corn-growing states to visit farming operations, ethanol plants, and port facilities. Delegations from China, the European Union, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Middle East, Latin America, and Taiwan will build networks with U.S. suppliers, reinforcing ethanol’s role in global markets.
