More Support for Ethanol

Yet another study, released today, confirms that corn-based ethanol helps reduce greenhouse gas significantly (39% today; up to 55% in 2015) and provides more energy than it takes to make it (42% more today; nearly double by 2015).

“The GHG emissions savings from ethanol production and use have more than doubled between 1995 and the projected level in 2015. This indicates the danger of making policy decision(s) based on historical data without taking into account learning experiences and the potential gains that can be expected as industries develop. The GHG emissions reductions in 2015 from corn ethanol would qualify as advanced biofuels under proposed US regulations.” (emphasis mine)

According to the news release, the paper found that GHG reductions have grown from approximately 26% in 1995 to over 39% today while projected GHG reductions from ethanol will reach nearly 55% in 2015 with the advent of new technology, process efficiencies and improved yields. Ethanol’s energy balance continues to improve as well, the paper found. For 2005, grain ethanol’s energy balance ratio was estimated at 1:1.42, meaning every unit of energy used to produce ethanol returned 1.42 units of usable energy to the consumer. By 2015, the energy balance ratio is expected to be 1:1.93, a 55% increase in energy efficiency in just 10 years.

You can download the entire report here. It was commissioned by IEA Bioenergy, an organization set up in 1978 by the International Energy Agency (IEA) with the aim of improving cooperation and information exchange between countries that have national programs in bioenergy research, development and deployment.

Post Update – Here is some audio from the press conference today announcing the report findings.

The participants are Bliss Baker of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance and report author Don O’Connor.