The Argonne National Laboratory has published a report that indicates increased efficiency in American corn ethanol plants over the last seven years. This report originated with data collected by the Renewable Fuels Association between 2001 and 2006 from 22 facilities throughout the United States. Researchers have found increased efficiency for each gallon of ethanol produced based on criteria like water usage and consumption of electricity.
One area of concern for environmentalists about ethanol production is the various byproducts emitted from processing facilities. The Argonne National Laboratory report indicates that 23% of ethanol producers are reprocessing carbon dioxide for alternative uses. Most of the carbon dioxide captured during the creation of ethanol-based fuels is used for dry ice and powering processes for carbonated beverage bottling.
Another problem cited by alternative fuel experts is the amount of energy required to turn corn into ethanol fuel. This new report indicates that participating producers are drawing less energy off regional grids than ever before. There has been a 15.7% decrease in electrical use over the last seven years with some plants finding internal methods of generating energy. Observers of ethanol production should note the overall reduction in energy use noted by the laboratory’s report. A 21.8% decrease in energy use in dry mills and a 7.2% decrease within wet mills shows that the producers within the scope of this study are answering questions about excessive energy use.
The trend toward improved energy use within the ethanol industry dovetails with an increase in production due to government and corporate subsidies. Ethanol producers throughout the United States increased production of ethanol by 276% between 2001 and 2006. The promotion of ethanol use in the United States in the 21st century by the Bush Administration and Congress has meant an increase in production from 1.77 billion gallons in 2001 to 4.9 billion gallons in 2006.
This report is a mixed blessing for ethanol producers and advocates looking to make corn the prime mover in the alternative fuel movement. Politicians and observers will laud the promise of more efficient and cleaner ethanol factories as a step in the right direction. The flip side of the laboratory’s report is that there are 4,561 plants operating in the United States. The report’s sample is insufficient to apply findings to other facilities with variations in state laws and regional economies.
