Industry

Renewable Fuels

As renewable fuels are a growing portion of our energy supply, our expertise has been honed. We’ve advised project development teams on green energy sources ranging from renewable sources to sustainable products. Our advisory work considers factors like raw material prices and availability, yields, processing requirements, technology feasibility, scale-up considerations, and more.

Case Studies

Defining Ethanol's "Cost-of-Production" - What's Included?

July 1, 2014

A "cost-of-production" price dispute emerged for ethanol supplied to a gasoline retailer within the context of the United States Government Renewable Fuel Standard. As the ethanol market matured and prices settled, the original formula was challenged as an inaccurate reflection of costs. Baker & O'Brien investigated the comprehensive ethanol plant production costs, products, and revenues, and provided an opinion to the arbitrators.

Sugar Not So Sweet When Fire Damages a Sugar Cane Mill

April 1, 2017

This article pertains to the basis for a business interruption insurance claim for a sugar cane mill that sustained production losses after an explosion and fire. We applied our process operations expertise to understand the basis of the claim as it pertained to sugar cane harvesting, mill operations, capacity utilization, reliability, operating costs, and bagasse utilization. Our expert report-used by the parties in subsequent negotiations-addressed the key point of whether damages had been remediated in an appropriate and timely manner.

Out in the Cold: Freeze Damage or Normal Wear and Tear?

October 1, 2015

A chemical process plant that had been idled through severe winter weather was discovered upon inspection some months later, with damaged piping and equipment. Baker & O'Brien was retained to review the detailed property loss insurance claim through analysis of equipment damages, interviews, examination of design, and operational and maintenance information. Our expert report proved instrumental in the owner and insurance company reaching a settlement.