USDA Releases Report on Ethanol, Greenhouse Gas Emissions

An analysis from the USDA finds that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with corn-based ethanol in the United States are about 43 percent lower than gasoline when measured on an energy equivalent basis. Unlike other studies of GHG benefits, this analysis reviewed how the industry and farm sectors performed over the past decade to assess the current GHG profile of corn-based ethanol.

“This report provides evidence that corn ethanol can be a GHG-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, while boosting farm economies,” said former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

The report found greater lifecycle GHG benefits from corn ethanol than a number of earlier studies, which were driven by improvements in ethanol production.

Between 2005 and 2015, ethanol production in the U.S. increased significantly—from 3.9 to 14.8 billion gallons per year. At the same time, advances in ethanol production technologies, such as the use of combined heat and power, using landfill gas for energy, and co-producing biodiesel helped reduce GHG emissions at ethanol refinery plants.

By 2022, given current trends, the GHG profile of corn-based ethanol is expected to be almost 50 percent lower than gasoline primarily due to improvements in corn yields, process fuel switching, and transportation efficiency.

Source: USDA