Core Viewpoint - The UK bioethanol industry is at risk due to the US-UK trade agreement, which could jeopardize a proposed £250 million green fuel "super center" project unless government intervention occurs [1][2] Group 1: Industry Impact - The trade agreement signed on May 8 provides US ethanol producers with a tax-free quota of 1.4 billion liters, equivalent to the UK's annual bioethanol demand [1] - Two major UK bioethanol plants have indicated that such a large quota would force them to close [2] - The ABF Sugar-owned Vivergo plant is facing a deadline for negotiations with the government regarding its future, with potential layoffs for 160 employees if no agreement is reached [1][2] Group 2: Financial Implications - Prior to the US-UK trade agreement, the Vivergo plant was already losing between £30 million to £40 million annually, attributed to pollution permit regulations that favor US competitors [2] - Industry executives are calling for regulatory changes to increase the bioethanol blending ratio in gasoline from 10% to 15% and are requesting £75 million in annual short-term subsidies to offset losses during the transition [2] Group 3: Collaborative Efforts - The proposed collaboration between Vivergo and green hydrogen producer Melder Energy aims to create a "super center" that would utilize green hydrogen for grain drying in bioethanol production, while Vivergo would supply ethanol for sustainable aviation fuel [2] - Vivergo's general manager has highlighted that recent government decisions, including the trade agreement with the US, have severely threatened the survival of the bioethanol industry [2]