Ferris: Ethanol from Corn is Net Gain on Energy

BioRefineries/Renewable Fuel Production, Business News/Analysis, Federal Agency/Executive Branch, Policy

August 25, 2010

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(Lansing State Journal) …A quick response from Tom’s major concern is that, yes, there is a major energy gain in producing corn-grain based ethanol, even though the energy content (BTUs) in pure ethanol (E-100) is only two-thirds that of gasoline.

Research for several years has supported this analysis and was amplified by a June 2010 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which concluded that the ratio is about 2.3 BTUs of ethanol for 1 BTU of energy inputs. This includes an allocation to the important by-product of dry mill ethanol production called distillers’ dried grain which is a substitute for corn grain and high protein meal in livestock rations.

This analysis, based on 2008 data, reflects major increases in the productivity in corn production and the conversion of corn grain into ethanol.

Still untapped from the corn plant are the cobs and the stalks. READ MORE

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