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Structuring Global Ethanol Markets

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Structuring Global Ethanol Markets

Switzerland
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About GEA

An International Platform
for Ethanol Deployment

The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) is an international non-profit organization established in Switzerland in 2025. GEA acts as a coordination and execution platform — aligning supply, demand, regulation, and investment to transform ethanol into a scalable global solution across transport, energy, and industrial sectors.

2025
Founded, Switzerland
Non-Profit
Swiss Association
Global
Cross-Sector Reach

Our Mission

Accelerate ethanol deployment through coordinated industry action, technical expertise, and engagement with international regulatory frameworks.

Our Vision

A global energy system where ethanol plays a key role in reducing emissions, strengthening energy security, and enabling sustainable industrial development.

What We Do

Sector initiatives, working groups, real-world pilots, and coordinated engagement with international regulatory bodies to structure ethanol markets.

Latest News

Updates & Announcements

Press & Media

GEA and DNV Launch Three-Year Ethanol Data Intelligence Partnership

24 August 2026The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) and DNV are pleased to announce the launch of a three-year Ethanol Data Intelligence Partnership, marking an important expansion of their collaboration in ethanol research and data intelligence.Under the partnership, GEA will develop and provide comprehensive ethanol fuel data intelligence for integration into DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform. The initiative will progressively build a structured global database of ethanol production facilities, covering key information including locations, production capacities, feedstocks and raw materials, fuel and output categories, based on documented and traceable sources.The collaboration represents an important step in the development of GEA’s research and data intelligence capabilities and aims to improve visibility and transparency across the global ethanol industry.Commenting on the partnership, Sylvain Zurcher, President of the Global Ethanol Association, said:“With Morten Jacobsen, our Secretary General, and on behalf of our association, we are very pleased to develop this new capability, which further reinforces our role as an international coordination and execution platform for the ethanol industry.”Zurcher added:“Through this collaboration, we are establishing the research infrastructure needed to map ethanol production facilities globally from a fuel-grade perspective and transform fragmented information into structured and traceable market intelligence. By providing greater visibility into areas such as production capacity, feedstocks, fuel categories and other fields of research, our objective is to help reduce information asymmetries for market participants and support better-informed decisions across the ethanol value chain.”Nathaniel Frithiof, Sales Lead Digital Products, DNV, said:“As we have expanded and added new assets to the AFI platform we have always looked to build around the provision of high quality, verifiable data. And from our first meeting with GEA we have been very impressed by their commitment to providing the industry with solid insights on ethanol and the way they have already been able to build a solid network within the industry. This is looking to be a very productive partnership, and we are positive that this new data intelligence from GEA will enable our AFI customers to explore new shipping fuel pathways with confidence.”This new capability complements GEA’s existing work across its marine and aviation sector initiatives, project groups, policy engagement and market-development activities, further supporting the Association’s work to advance the development and adoption of ethanol across sectors and industries.

Aug 24, 2026
2026
Association News

Global Ethanol Association Announces Collaboration with Sachin Lokhande to Support Its Aviation Program

The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) is pleased to announce a collaboration with Mr. Sachin Lokhande, who will support GEA's Aviation Program as an industry advisor and consultant. In this capacity, he will represent the association at selected industry events, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) is pleased to announce a collaboration with Mr. Sachin Lokhande, who will support GEA's Aviation Program as an industry advisor and consultant. In this capacity, he will represent the association at selected industry events, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.This collaboration reflects GEA's commitment to strengthening its aviation activities by drawing on experienced industry professionals who can contribute their expertise, industry insight, and international networks while maintaining their existing professional responsibilities.Sachin is Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Arrow Carbon and brings nearly 30 years of international leadership experience spanning engineering, technology commercialization, project development, and strategic partnerships across the energy and sustainable fuels sectors.Throughout his career, Sachin has held senior leadership positions at LanzaJet, Bolder Industries, and Honeywell UOP, where he has contributed to the development and commercialization of innovative low-carbon technologies. His expertise includes Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) sustainable aviation fuel, project origination and development, engineering, feedstock strategy, government engagement, business development, and the advancement of sustainable aviation fuel ecosystems.During his time at LanzaJet, Sachin worked closely with governments, airlines, airports, project developers, investors, technology providers, consultants, and industry organizations to help advance ATJ sustainable aviation fuel projects across international markets. His combination of technical expertise, commercial insight, and extensive industry relationships will further strengthen GEA's engagement with the global aviation community.Through its Aviation Program, GEA aims to advance renewable ethanol as a strategic feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel, strengthen collaboration across the aviation value chain, and help accelerate the development and commercialization of scalable Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) pathways. Sachin will contribute to these objectives on a flexible, project-oriented basis, providing strategic advice, industry representation, and stakeholder engagement where his experience and expertise can create the greatest value for GEA and its members."We are delighted to collaborate with Sachin. His extensive international experience, technical expertise, and deep understanding of the sustainable aviation fuels sector will provide valuable support as GEA continues to expand its aviation activities and strengthen engagement with stakeholders across the industry. We look forward to working together to advance ethanol's role as a strategic pathway for the decarbonization of aviation."GEA looks forward to working closely with Sachin as the association continues to develop its Aviation Program, strengthen collaboration across the global sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem, and advance ethanol's role in the decarbonization of aviation.

Jul 29, 2026
Association News

Global Ethanol Association Awarded U.S. Maritime Consultancy Engagement

Global Ethanol Association is pleased to announce that it has been awarded an important consultancy engagement focused on developing a credible, near-term commercialisation pathway for U.S.-produced ethanol as a marine fuel.

Global Ethanol Association Awarded U.S. Maritime Consultancy EngagementGlobal Ethanol Association (GEA) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded an important consultancy engagement focused on developing a credible, near-term commercialisation pathway for U.S.-produced ethanol as a marine fuel.The work will assess demand arising from European maritime regulations, identify suitable vessels and Europe–U.S. shipping routes, and evaluate the supply-chain, commercial, infrastructure and bunkering conditions required to enable the practical adoption of ethanol by the shipping industry.The consultancy will also include engagement with maritime stakeholders and an assessment of the steps required to establish ethanol bunkering capabilities at selected U.S. ports, with the ultimate objective of supporting an ethanol bunkering operation at a major U.S. port.Due to contractual confidentiality obligations, the identity of the client and further details of the engagement cannot be disclosed.This appointment reflects the growing recognition of GEA’s expertise in ethanol market development, maritime decarbonisation and the practical deployment of sustainable marine fuels.

May 28, 2026
Policy & Regulatory Engagement

GEA Formally Engages with the European Commission's Cabinet for Agriculture and Food

Recent exchanges between GEA and the Cabinet of European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen concerning energy security and domestic ethanol production have been formally recorded within the European Commission's transparency framework.

The request for a meeting was initiated by GEA following public statements by Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen highlighting the need to reassess the role of crop-based biofuels in the context of declining grain prices, agricultural competitiveness, and Europe’s energy security objectives. In his remarks, Commissioner Hansen underlined the economic challenges faced by European farmers due to sustained low cereal prices and suggested that existing policy constraints on the use of agricultural feedstocks for renewable fuel production merit renewed consideration.In light of these developments, GEA sought an exchange with the Cabinet of Commissioner Christophe Hansen to discuss the contribution of domestically produced renewable ethanol to the European Union's strategic priorities. Discussions focused on the role of the European ethanol sector in creating stable demand for EU-grown cereals, supporting farm incomes and rural development, enhancing energy security through reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, and contributing to the decarbonisation of the transport sector. The exchange also provided an opportunity to present industry perspectives on how future EU policy frameworks could better align agricultural, energy, climate and industrial objectives while strengthening the Union’s strategic autonomy.GEA was joined at the initial meeting by founding member Edeniq, which contributed technical expertise on the role of corn kernel fiber as a potential feedstock for advanced biofuels under RED III.

Apr 8, 2026
Project Groups & Sector Initiatives

Accelerating Ethanol-to-Jet Supply for Aviation Decarbonization

The Global Ethanol Association has launched a dedicated program under its Aviation Fuel Sector Initiative to accelerate the availability and scale-up of ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) as a compliant, bankable, and globally scalable solution for aviation decarbonization.

Accelerating Ethanol-to-Jet Supply for Aviation DecarbonizationThe Global Ethanol Association has launched a dedicated program under its Aviation Fuel Sector Initiative to accelerate the availability and scale-up of ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) as a compliant, bankable, and globally scalable solution for aviation decarbonization.Sustainable aviation fuel demand is no longer speculative. Regulatory frameworks such as ReFuelEU Aviation, national SAF blending mandates, and airline climate obligations are creating structural, mandatory demand. The critical challenge now is supply readiness, ensuring sufficient volumes of certified, cost-effective ethanol-derived aviation fuel are available on time to meet these requirements.GEA’s Aviation Fuel Sector Initiative focuses on unlocking ETJ supply, de-risking investment, and translating existing policy demand into operational and commercial reality. The program will bring together ethanol producers, technology providers, fuel suppliers, airlines, policymakers, certification bodies, and financiers to accelerate credible project pipelines, secure regulatory certainty, enable investment, and support long-term commercial deployment.Organizations engaged in advancing scalable, compliant SAF solutions and interested in helping move ethanol-to-jet from readiness to delivery are welcome to connect for further discussion.mailto: aviation@globalethanol.org

Jan 23, 2026
Association News

GEA and IFGE Sign Strategic Memorandum of Understanding

The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) and the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen international cooperation in advancing ethanol as a sustainable, low-carbon fuel.

Global Ethanol Association and Indian Federation of Green Energy Sign Strategic Memorandum of UnderstandingThe Global Ethanol Association (GEA) and the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen international cooperation in advancing ethanol as a sustainable, low-carbon fuel.The agreement was signed by Mr. Sanjay Ganjoo, Director General of IFGE, and Mr. Morten Thomas Jacobsen, Secretary General of GEA, marking an important milestone in fostering closer collaboration between the two organizations.The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of ethanol across the maritime, road transport, and aviation sectors by promoting international cooperation, policy dialogue, market development, and the exchange of technical expertise and best practices.Through this collaboration, GEA and IFGE will work together to:Promote the sustainable use of ethanol as a renewable transport fuel.Support the development of enabling regulatory and policy frameworks.Facilitate knowledge sharing and technical cooperation between industry stakeholders.Encourage investment and commercial opportunities across global ethanol value chains.Strengthen international collaboration to advance the energy transition.India has emerged as one of the world's leading ethanol-producing and ethanol-consuming nations, with ambitious blending targets and a rapidly expanding biofuels industry. By combining IFGE's strong presence in India with GEA's international network of industry leaders, technology providers, fuel producers, investors, and policymakers, the partnership creates a platform for accelerating the global deployment of sustainable ethanol solutions."This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared commitment to building international partnerships that support practical and commercially viable decarbonisation pathways," said Morten Thomas Jacobsen, Secretary General of the Global Ethanol Association. "India has become a global leader in ethanol development, and we are delighted to work alongside IFGE to advance common objectives."The Global Ethanol Association looks forward to working closely with IFGE on future initiatives, industry events, research activities, and collaborative projects that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable global transport sector.For more information: https://lnkd.in/dNTXfjKm

Dec 25, 2025
Press & Media

Global Ethanol Association Featured in Leading Chinese Maritime Publication

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new article in China Ship Survey (“中国船检”), a prominent maritime industry journal under the China Classification Society (CCS). The piece features an in-depth written interview with our two co-founders, who shared insights on the global role of ethanol in decarbonizing transport, strengthening energy security, and supporting sustainable maritime solutions.

Global Ethanol Association Featured in Leading Chinese Maritime PublicationWe are pleased to announce the publication of a new article in China Ship Survey (“中国船检”), a prominent maritime industry journal under the China Classification Society (CCS). The piece features an in-depth written interview with our two co-founders, who shared insights on the global role of ethanol in decarbonizing transport, strengthening energy security, and supporting sustainable maritime solutions.We are also pleased to share that an English version of the article is available here, and is also published on their WeChat platform: https://lnkd.in/eSVUzXvCWe would like to extend our sincere thanks to the editorial team at China Ship Survey for their professionalism and their growing interest in low-carbon fuels. This exchange reflects the increasing international momentum behind sustainable ethanol and the importance of global collaboration to achieve climate and energy goals.As the demand for clean energy solutions accelerates across all sectors, including shipping, we look forward to continued dialogue and cooperation with partners in China and around the world.Advancing sustainable fuel ethanol. Strengthening global partnerships.

Dec 1, 2025
Events & Conferences

Global Ethanol Summit 2025 in Washington, D.C.

Global Ethanol Summit 2025 begins on October 19th in Washington, D.C.!

GEA Participates in the Global Ethanol Summit 2025 in Washington, D.C.October 19, 2025The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) is participating in the Global Ethanol Summit 2025, taking place in Washington, D.C., and bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and trade stakeholders from across the international ethanol value chain.The Summit provides an important platform for discussions on the role of ethanol in expanding global trade, developing new markets and applications, and supporting the transition toward renewable and lower-emission solutions across multiple sectors.As part of the opening programme, Morten Thomas Jacobsen, Co-Founder and Secretary General of the Global Ethanol Association, will participate as a speaker in the “Ethanol 101: Agriculture, Ethanol Fundamentals, and New Applications” session.The session will address ethanol fundamentals, developments in agriculture and production, and the expanding range of applications for ethanol. Morten Jacobsen will join representatives from POET, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and the Renewable Fuels Association.GEA's participation reflects the Association's commitment to working internationally with industry stakeholders to support market development and broaden the role of ethanol across sectors and applications.Global Ethanol Summit 2025Washington, D.C.19 October 2025

Oct 19, 2025
Policy & Regulatory Engagement

Statement from the Global Ethanol Association after IMO MEPC/ES.2 vote delay

The decision to defer final adoption of the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI for a year, which would have established a global mechanism for pricing and regulating greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, is a reminder that time is precious. We have only one planet, and every delay makes the challenge harder.

Statement from the Global Ethanol Association after IMO MEPC/ES.2 vote delayIf the decarbonization of the shipping industry were a single voyage on calm waters, there would be no debate. But real progress is rarely smooth sailing.The decision to defer final adoption of the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI for a year, which would have established a global mechanism for pricing and regulating greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, is a reminder that time is precious. We have only one planet, and every delay makes the challenge harder.The maritime energy transition isn’t a burden, it’s a growth engine. It will mobilize trillions in investment and generate millions of new jobs worldwide, powering innovation far beyond the docks. Decarbonization isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for the global economy.We continue to expect the shipping industry to lead other hard-to-abate sectors by building a coordinated and binding decarbonization framework. But the path to net zero cannot stop at sector borders. Real progress depends on shared decarbonization, when industries collaborate, technologies align, and innovation multiplies its impact. Our planet moves forward when we unite, not when we compete.Ethanol has, and will continue to have, an important role to play in this journey. We are pioneering ethanol onto the global stage of the maritime industry through our first flagship program, demonstrating it as a scalable, low-carbon solution that exists today and can be accelerated.Let’s use this extra year not to delay progress, but to accelerate collaboration. The transition cannot wait.— Global Ethanol Association

Oct 17, 2025
Events & Conferences

Ethanol: The Next Wave in Sustainable Marine Fuels

The marine fuel market urgently needs low-emission solutions, and ethanol is ready to deliver. Join the Global Ethanol Association for an exclusive online webinar.

Ethanol: The Next Wave in Sustainable Marine FuelsSeptember 9, 2025The Global Ethanol Association (GEA) will host an international webinar on 17 September 2025, focused on the emerging role of ethanol as a sustainable marine fuel and the opportunities associated with its adoption by the global shipping industry.Entitled “Ethanol: The Next Wave in Sustainable Marine Fuels,” the session will examine some of the key conditions required to support the development of ethanol as a viable marine fuel, including market activation and demand creation, global supply chain development, security of supply and availability for shipowners, and compliance with international emissions regulations.The webinar has attracted significant interest from across the international maritime, energy and ethanol value chains. Participants will include representatives from leading companies and organisations across several continents, including NORDEN, Oldendorff Carriers, TotalEnergies, bp, Raízen, Vale, MPC Container Ships, Uni-Tankers, Hamilton Clark, Agroicone, the U.S. Grains Council and the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, among others.The diversity of participating organisations, spanning shipping, energy, ethanol production, commodities, agriculture and maritime decarbonisation, reflects the growing industry interest in ethanol's potential role in the transition toward lower-emission marine fuels.The session will be led by Morten Thomas Jacobsen, Co-Founder and Secretary General of the Global Ethanol Association and Head of Marine Sector Activities.Through its Marine Sector Initiative, GEA is working with stakeholders across the ethanol and maritime value chains to advance the development, availability and adoption of ethanol as a marine fuel in global markets.Event details17 September 2025 | 17:00–17:45 CET | Online

Sep 9, 2025

Sector Initiatives

Unlocking Ethanol at Scale

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Marine Fuel

Marine Fuel Sector Initiative

A structured program designed to enable the adoption of ethanol as a marine fuel at scale. Combining coordinated industry action, technical validation, and regulatory engagement to accelerate from pilot projects to commercial deployment.

  • Pilots & Demonstrations
  • Regulatory & Standards Development
  • Scalability & Market Readiness
  • Global Stakeholder Collaboration
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Aviation Fuel

Aviation Fuel Sector Initiative

A structured program focused on enabling large-scale deployment of ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) pathways. Aligning project development, regulatory frameworks, and investment conditions to translate mandated SAF demand into scalable, bankable supply.

  • Supply Activation & Project Development
  • Regulatory Certainty & Compliance Alignment
  • Investment De-Risking & Market Readiness
  • Commercial & Stakeholder Coordination

Working Groups & Projects

From Strategy to
Implementation

GEA's working groups bridge the gap between technical feasibility, market development, and regulatory recognition — delivering real-world impact through structured flagship initiatives.

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Brazil Ethanol Export Development

Building global supply chains connecting Brazilian ethanol production to demand markets across Europe, Asia, and beyond — from supply aggregation to commercial structuring.

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Ethanol–Methanol Marine Fuel Blend Trial

Demonstrating ethanol's operational feasibility in shipping through real-world vessel trials in Northern Europe, generating regulatory and industry data.

Ethanol production facility aerial view
Policy engagement

Policy & Institutional Engagement

Engaging Across
Policy Levels

GEA actively contributes to international and regional policy processes by providing coordinated, science-based industry input and technical expertise.

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International

Supporting global maritime frameworks for alternative fuels, safety, and emissions. GEA's application for IMO consultative status is under review by the IMO Council, with a decision expected in July 2026.

IMO Application Pending
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European Union

Engaging with European institutions on energy security, domestic production, and industrial competitiveness. Recent exchanges with the European Commission have been formally registered within EU institutional processes.

EC Engagement Active
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Industry

Coordinating stakeholders and delivering data-driven insights through working groups and sector initiatives. GEA's engagement is science-based, transparent, and aligned with international regulatory processes.

Technical Expertise

Membership

Why Join GEA

Working Groups

Participate in technical and operational working groups — structured environments for pre-competitive collaboration, data sharing, and coordinated project development.

Sector Initiatives

Access GEA's Marine and Aviation programs — long-term strategic initiatives designed to unlock ethanol deployment at scale across transport sectors.

Policy Representation

Contribute to coordinated industry positions at the IMO, European Commission, and other international bodies — with science-based, transparent engagement.

Market Intelligence

Access confidential technical data, industry analysis, and project outputs developed within GEA's secure member platform — covering fuels, logistics, and regulatory frameworks.

Contact

Get in Touch

For membership enquiries, partnerships, or any questions about GEA's work — reach out to our Secretariat.

GEA Secretariat

Head Office
Chemin du Vivier 6
CH-2016 Cortaillod, Switzerland