6 Things You May Not Know About Ethanol
Tennessee Corn believes in creating opportunities to promote and sustain the long-term economic viability of Tennessee corn producers. Ethanol, which (in the U.S.) is primarily produced from the starch in corn grain, is one way to do this! Here are 6 things you may not have known about this powerful corn byproduct:
Today, nearly every gallon of gasoline in the U.S. contains a minimum of 10% ethanol derived from corn.
According to Ethanol Answers, ethanol replaces toxic chemicals in gasoline that have been known to cause cancer and smog. Higher blends of ethanol provide greater environmental and economic benefits for corn farmers. The production and use of corn ethanol decreases greenhouse gas emissions, allowing us all to breathe a little easier.
Corn ethanol has the ability to improve engine performance and reduce environmental impacts – all at a lower cost to consumers.
American-made ethanol supports a wide-range of jobs – from farmers to ethanol biorefinery managers to fuel researchers. Plant-based biofuel is the fastest-growing renewable energy technology, supporting thousands of jobs in the U.S.
When a bushel of field corn is used for ethanol production, biorefineries only use the starch in the corn. The protein, fat and fiber in the corn returns to livestock feed as what's called dried distiller grains (DDGs). That means each bushel of corn can actually be used twice – once for fuel and once for livestock feed!
More than 99% of the corn grown in the United States is field corn. Field corn is harvested when the kernels are fully matured and dried. Field corn is primarily used for livestock feed, ethanol production and other manufactured products. A small portion is processed for use as corn cereal, corn starch, corn oil and corn syrup.
This is just a small part of the potential ethanol holds for farmers and non-farmers alike. Learn more at Ethanol Answers!