Ethanol – A Strong and Growing Market.
Ethanol remains a significant market for the growing corn supply. This clean burning fuel supports cleaner air, creates American jobs and is safe to use. Kentucky Corn works to ensure this market remains strong for both growers and consumers.
A Safe and Clean-burning Energy Source
Good for the Environment
- Ethanol replaces toxic chemicals in gasoline known to cause cancer and smog.
- The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest’s Clean Air Choice® program recognizes flex-fuel vehicles when fueled with E85, as good options to reduce exposure to harmful air pollutants.
- The production and use of corn ethanol decrease greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to removing 20 million cars from the road each year!
- Emissions from corn ethanol are 46% lower than gasoline, according to a 2021 Harvard report published by the Environmental Research Letters.
- Ethanol production has decreased its carbon footprint while increasing its energy efficiency, creating a greener and cleaner fuel than it was twenty years ago.
Good for Engine Performance
- Higher blends of ethanol provide a great source of octane for a vehicle’s engine.
- INDYCAR and NASCAR drivers have logged millions of miles racing on E85 and E15.
- 9 out of 10 cars on the road support using a 15% blend of ethanol, so fuel up with Unleaded88 or E15. American drivers have already logged over 20 billion miles being fueled by E15.
Kentucky Corn’s Investment Grows Demand
Ethanol Infrastructure
- Kentucky Corn works hard to bring mid-level blends to Kentucky retailers.
- It’s our strategy to build retail infrastructure for E15 is to show profit opportunity and commit to helping retailers source the fuel and navigate the complicated regulations and labeling requirements.
- In 2020, Kentucky Corn Promotion Council partnered with Casey’s General Stores to add Unleaded 88 to several retail locations in Kentucky.
- Throughout 2021, Kentucky Corn Promotion Council invested corn checkoff dollars in assisting Thorntons in installing more than 100 Unleaded88 handles on pumps at more than a dozen Louisville locations.
U.S. Markets
The state of California is home to nearly 15 percent of registered automobiles in the United States. But currently, the state does not allow E15 to be used; changing this policy requires the ethanol industry to convince regulating agencies in California about E15’s benefits to air quality. Beginning in 2021, Kentucky Corn participated with ethanol organizations, NCGA, and several other state corn grower associations to make it possible to develop peer-reviewed research at UC Riverside to prove the safety and benefits of E15. We coordinate our efforts with USCAR to benefit the California Air Resources Board to understand the tailpipe and evaporative emissions of 20 vehicles from various manufacturers and engine platforms to prove that E15 is safe for approval.
Global Markets
Kentucky Corn Promotion Council, in collaboration with partners, commissioned peer-reviewed studies to explain ethanol’s materials compatibility, engine efficiency, and air quality benefits to global leaders and policymakers. Farmer-directed corn checkoff funds place these experts with this information into the thought processes of decision-makers in places like Canada, Mexico, India and China.
Research
- Kentucky Corn Promotion Council’s research investments are committed to helping develop technology that can unlock ethanol for heavy-duty engine applications.
- ClearFlame’s engine technology retains the high torque, energy efficiency, and durability benefits currently associated with diesel engines yet eliminates the need for diesel fuel and its associated emissions challenges.
Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)
- Distillers grains are a co-product of the ethanol production process and a great, cost-effective feed ingredient that continues to be produced in large quantities by the ethanol industry. They are rich in the protein, fat, minerals and vitamins that animals need, making them a popular feed ingredient for livestock and poultry diets.
- The U.S. Grains Council has developed an all-inclusive guide for feeding DDGS. Learn how to incorporate it into rations, import the product and see the nutritional values. Check it out.