There is a big ‘shakeout’ brewing in the ethanol business. After strong state and federal backing in 2006, led by a desire to ‘free America from the grip of oil’, it seemed that ethanol production had peaked in 2007, leading to a perceived over-supply.
However, proponents argue that this over-supply is in fact merely a logistical bottleneck in getting the supplied ethanol to the places that it is demanded. With government support as strong as ever and the underlying aim of energy independence still so pressing, the budding ethanol industry looks set to continue apace.
What is clear however is that the funding of the industry is sure to change. We have now moved into the ‘next wave’ of ethanol finance.
With such uncertain but exciting times, Euromoney Seminars, Project Finance Magazine and Trade Finance Magazine are proud to present the 2nd Annual Ethanol Finance Americas Conference . The conference is timed to provide a review of the major paradigm shifts in the industry throughout 2007 and thus look ahead to how the industry will be financed throughout 2008 and beyond. Consolidation, M&A, investment in transportation and strong legislative pressure will be the themes of the year.
Booking your place ensures you can hear from and network with the leading authorities in and market-makers for the ethanol industry. Major topics for discussion include:
- What do the legislation and mandates made in 2007 mean for the ethanol industry?
- What will the next phase of ethanol financings look like?
- What role will hedge funds and private equity play?
- The future of tax, tariff and subsidy on ethanol in the USA
- The possibility of North American ethanol exports and any associated trade finance
- Can the US and Canada learn lessons from the burgeoning biofuels industry in Brazil?
- The future of ethanol transportation: Better rolling stock, biobutanol blending and the possibility of using the national liquid gasoline pipeline system
- Federal views on the future of the industry
By the beginning of 2008, a much less muddied picture of the industry should have emerged. With the Renewable Fuel Standard now announced the future of ethanol as a commodity should be assured.
Whatever your interest or involvement in this dynamic industry, we look forward to welcoming you in New York this January.