corn-grain

Currently, the average price for a gallon of E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) is $2.67. That’s amazing if you think about it, since a gallon of ethanol requires about 16 lbs. of corn to produce.

After covering 22 of the most popular myths about biodiesel, I realized I’d only given lip service to a major issue: increasing food prices. If I use biodiesel made from soybeans right now, am I contributing to the larger problem of increasing commodity prices and starving poor people?

The Renewable Fuels Association estimates that in 2015 it will take 1/3 of the total US corn harvest to meet ethanol quotas. That means that a 16% increase in corn production will have to support a 234% increase in the amount of corn being turned into vehicle fuel.

There’s no doubt that growing corn-based ethanol has some serious problems: dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, controversy over increasing food prices, and questionable energy return. But how does the impact of ethanol production compare to not doing anything?

As controversial as corn-grain ethanol is, it may be offsetting high oil prices and saving consumers between 6 and 9¢ per gallon on fuel. See the story for more...

Range Fuels Inc. announced yesterday it has secured over $100 million in Series B funding, an investment that could make it the first company to seriously commercialize cellulosic ethanol.