With COVID-19 and the concurrent drop in oil and biofuels prices, it is no secret that most biofuels plants, like most other businesses, are currently struggling.  Some have attempted to push their plants harder to reduce costs.  Others have converted to the sale of alcohol or re-examined their sale of biofuels co-products for additional revenue streams.  However, as in most downturns, it does appear that this will be a time of consolidation as biodiesel plant sales are occurring for those that simply cannot make it and are forced to sell, foreclosure, or auction.  In ethanol or biodiesel plant sales, foreclosures or auctions, it is important to hire the appropriate experts.  For the best results, it is good to seek firms that have large talent pools with experienced valuations and biodiesel equipment appraisal experts, and a good overall knowledge of the biofuels markets in general. Priced too high, the plant never sells.  Priced too low, money is left on the table. As Ben Franklin said, “an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest”.

In addition to assisting with evaluations, appraisals, and sales, larger renewable energy, and biochemical consulting firms have experts in biofuels and renewable fuels, and the more common areas like biomaterials, biomass and biomass power, feedstocks, and biotechnologies.  In these larger consulting groups, one will also find expertise in other biofuels like algae biofuels, aviation/bio jet fuels, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, advanced biofuels, biodiesel, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, renewable and biochemicals, biogas, syngas, biochar, bio coals, biobutanol, pyrolysis oil, and producer gas, wood pellets.  We also have experts in biotechnologies, as well as the more common areas like bio and renewable fuels, biomass and biomass power, feedstocks, biomaterials, and biochemicals.  These larger groups will also have expertise in other technologies like agitation systems, anaerobic digestion, beverage fermentation, bio-oil extraction, bioreactors, carbon capture, carbon storage, carbonization, catalysis, cellulosic ethanol, cleantech, combined heat and power, direct combustion, enzyme technologies, fermentation, Fischer-Tropsch, gasification, genetic engineering, hydrothermal,  nanotechnology, organosynthesis, power generation, pyrolysis, renewable technology due diligence, synthetic biology, thermochemical conversion, torrefaction, water treatment, and waste management.

Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s premier bioeconomy consulting group, with over 150 highly qualified experts serving in all these areas. We understand that times are tough, but we know like all tough times, this too shall pass. Our grants experts are constantly scouring the new legislation for possibilities.  Our experienced bioeconomy appraisers and valuations experts are gearing up for what they know will be an uptick in their work. Our experienced auction company stands ready to assist where needed. We must remain focused on the outcome, not the obstacles. Take a look at our experts and the services we provide.  Most of our experts are also available to advise and serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation matters.  We specialize in putting together full-service, interdisciplinary teams with one point of contact for larger projects.  Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.