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Gillian Harrison - Whitefox

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Reflecting on Q1 2024 with Whitefox

2024 is off to a great start with half a dozen conferences under our belt, allowing us to approach this year with the latest industry insight and a renewed sense of commitment to our mission. Now more than ever, the global bioeconomy needs Whitefox!  

With several national and global commitments being made to decarbonize transportation and manufacturing, particularly in Sustainable Aviation Fuel and the role of biomass in manufacturing, there is a pressing need to reduce energy and water use at the plant-level.  

Our participation in several key industry events over the last three months has provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of bioeconomy solutions, and below is a summary of what we’ve learned.  

Here are our key industry insights, and how we at Whitefox are best placed to make a difference. 

Biomass: A Pillar of the Bioeconomy 

Our insights from the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference highlighted the significant potential of biomass. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technology Office’s (BETO) 2023 Billion-Ton Report shows availability of more than 1 billion ton of biomass annually in the U.S., demonstrating a clear path forward towards a robust global bioeconomy utilizing the resources already available. This abundance ensures the bio-based manufacturing sector has the necessary raw materials for development, from fuels to products. 

In case you missed it, our CEO Gillian Harrison has been named one of the honorees on The Digest’s 2024 Bioeconomy 500 list! We were also shortlisted within The Hottest Companies in the bioeconomy. It’s been a quarter of recognition, and we’re honored to be recognized for our role in our industry. 

Whitefox and ABLC at the ABLC Conference 2024
Whitefox - Striding Towards Net Zero Distillation with Western Plains

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Low CI Ethanol

A major focus area for the U.S. bioeconomy is the production of SAF, and the goal outlined in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), establishes a near-term standard of 3 billion gallons of U.S. national output by 2030. Whitefox’s technology plays a pivotal role by enabling ethanol producers to lower their Carbon Intensity (CI) scores, making their facilities a viable option for feedstock in SAF production. Achieving this ambitious goal requires a significant scale-up in production, and we’re here to support the industry every step of the way.

 

 

Supporting Rural Economies and Reducing Environmental Impact 

The bioeconomy’s growth isn’t just about technology; it’s also about people. By creating value-added products and diversifying revenue streams for farmers, Whitefox’s solutions contribute to building robust rural economies.

We learned at Growth Energy’s Executive Leadership Conference, the Renewable Fuels Association’s National Ethanol Conference, and the American Coalition for Ethanol’s Fly-In that farmers are poised to play a key role in decarbonizing ethanol production through carbon smart agricultural practices.

When paired with Whitefox solutions, these efforts will take ethanol producers carbon intensity scores that much lower, making Net Zero carbon emissions a near-term reality.   

 

Visiting ethanol producers in Brazil; our solutions reduce volume of Bagasse biomass for production, producing more green electricity and making more ethanol

Looking Ahead: Embracing Data and Modularization 

The importance of data in demonstrating the benefits of our solutions cannot be overstated. As we move forward, incorporating AI and modularization into our processes will allow us to deliver projects faster and more sustainably. Our goal is to eliminate the use of damaging materials and maximize the positive impact on the environment and our clients. 

The Whitefox Advantage: Efficiency, Reliability, Sustainability  

Over the last few months, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed catching up with several of our current customers and potential partners. Our installations across the US and Europe are a testament to the tangible results our technology delivers. By enhancing efficiency, reducing environmental footprints, and demonstrating proven success, Whitefox stands as a trusted partner in the industry’s transition towards a more sustainable and profitable future. 

 

The IGCP Ethanol Plant

IGCP Marking Whitefox’s first Installation in Canada  

With an agreement to install a Whitefox ICE® membrane dehydration system in their Aylmer, Ontario facility, this partnership with IGPC’s marks our first ICE project in Canada and aligns strategic objectives to lower carbon intensity and optimize energy usage.

Installation is planned in Quarter 4 of 2024 and this project supports IGPC’s goals to decarbonize and contributes to innovation in the Canadian biofuels market. This collaboration underscores Whitefox’s commitment to innovative energy solutions in the global biofuel sector. 

 

Building a Team Set to Steer Change  

Within the first part of the year, we are also proud to announce a series of internal promotions and the onboarding of our new Chair, Kathie Child-Villers, and new Managing Director, Leah Olson. These internal changes underscore our commitment to fostering a dynamic team culture where values are shared and elevated as we set out to further enhance our expertise, innovation and leadership. 

The Whitefox Team in Calgary

Join Us on the Journey to Net Zero  

As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the ethanol industry, Whitefox remains committed to innovation, partnership, and sustainability.  

We hold out hope that we can achieve the ambitious goals set for 2030 and beyond, creating a more abundant future for our partners, and our purpose to drive the bioeconomy forward.