By Kevin Hardy
Iowa’s 43 ethanol plants produced a record 4.1 billion gallons of ethanol in 2016, according to a state trade group.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association credits increases in gasoline demand, E10 blending and ethanol export opportunities for the slight uptick in production over 2015’s 4 billion gallons.
“Setting another annual ethanol production record is a testament to the efficiency and hard work of Iowa’s ethanol plants,” Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said in a news release. “However, Iowa has the resources, both in corn and plant capabilities, to do much more.”
Shaw said Iowa can unlock a “wealth of untapped potential” by moving beyond E10 to higher blends at the pump like E15. He said the federal government should relax regulatory barriers to higher blends of ethanol that protect petroleum producers.
Shaw pointed to the recently released Iowa Energy Plan, a report outlining the state’s energy needs over the next decade. Among other renewable energy priorities, the 100-page plan called for infrastructure upgrades to increase the availability of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.
The report said ethanol production in Iowa produces $2.253 billion in gross domestic product and supports nearly 9,000 jobs.
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