Ethanol update: Increasing efficiency, ethanol in boat motors and new billboards
Every week, we’ll bring you the latest news on and notes on ethanol and biofuels from Minnesota and throughout the country. This week’s update covers the growing efficiency of ethanol production, fuels seminars that focus on ethanol and using ethanol in marine engines.
Efficiency increasing
A new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that corn ethanol yields continue to improve. “As the industry has grown, it has become more efficient, using fewer bushels of corn to produce a gallon of ethanol,” the report states.
Improved processing technology and better enzymes and yeast strains are two factors that have led to the increased output. Demand for ethanol is also growing as an octane (i.e. power) booster in gasoline. The full report is available here.
Clean air campaign in St. Paul
The American Lung Association of Minnesota and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association have teamed up to showcase the clean-air benefits of ethanol in St. Paul. A new ethanol billboard recently went up along the Lafayette Bridge outside of the St. Paul Saints new stadium. The Union Station and Robert St. stops on the light rail’s green line also feature ethanol posters like the one below.
Fuels seminars cover ethanol
In an effort to bring the facts about ethanol and biofuels to auto dealers and mechanics, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association has sponsored a series of fuels seminars in the Twin Cities region.
Here is a photo of Hoon Ge from MEG Corp, a leading fuel consulting company, talking ethanol and engine performance at one of the sessions in Minnetonka last week.
Ethanol and marine engines
Writing in “Ethanol Producer” magazine, Renewable Fuels Association CEO Bob Dinneen shoots down some myths and misinformation about using ethanol in boat motors and other marine engines as summer approaches.
Dinneen writes:
All boaters must know that E10 (10 percent ethanol, 90 percent gasoline, the standard blend of regular unleaded fuel) can safely be used in their marine engines. Oftentimes marine publications will exaggerate concerns about E15 marine use to vilify all ethanol blends; but E15 is not approved for use in these engines. However, E10 is perfectly fine for marine engines. It doesn’t matter whether their boat has a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, an in-board or out-board motor, or a built-in or portable fuel tank.
The complete column can be read here. Stay safe on the waters this summer!
Where to find higher ethanol blends
If you’re wondering where you can fill up with E15, E85 or other higher ethanol blends, go to www.mnfuels.com for a map and list of stations. You can also download the Minnesota Biofuels Association station locator app.
