Corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gases by 40 percent compared to gasoline, and can expand to 33 billion gallons by 2030, new studies find

The Illinois Corn Growers Association released two studies from the ProExporter Network and the University of Illinois’ Chicago’s Energy Resources Center, that conclude that US ethanol production has a superior net energy return compared to gasoline refining, and can grow in production vulme without impact on food prices. The life-cycle study conclued that ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent compared to gasoline, using a modern natural-gas based production plant.

The “Meeting US Energy Needs 2016–2030″ study concluded that corn yields will increase to 289 bushels per acre by 2030, providing enough corn for 33 billion gallons of ethanol without reducing the corn available for livestock and export needs.

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