Iowa this week approved nearly $5 million in grants to help fuel retailers offer higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel, continuing the state’s push to expand the use of renewable fuels, reports Energy.Agwired.com.
Under the state’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, grants worth $4,992,182 were awarded to 108 applicants. Close to 100 of the approved applications are aimed at increasing the availability of E15 ethanol at retail fuel stations, while 15 grants will support the introduction of B11 biodiesel at selected locations.
To be eligible for the program, biodiesel retailers must use the funded infrastructure to sell fuel blended with at least 11% biodiesel, known as B11. During colder months, retailers are permitted to sell lower blends such as B5. Ethanol retailers qualify for support if they offer E15 or higher blends.
Since the program began, more than $65 million has been awarded to support biofuel-related infrastructure across Iowa. The grants have helped fuel stations install or upgrade equipment needed to sell higher blends of renewable fuels.
The initiative has also encouraged significant private investment. Retailers across the state have invested an estimated $280 million of their own funds since the program was launched, helping them comply with Iowa’s E15 Access Standard law.
The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board, which oversees the program, includes voting members appointed by the Governor of Iowa.
