Ethanol Benefits and Considerations
Ethanol is a renewable, domestically produced transportation fuel. Whether used in low-level blends, such as E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline), or in E85 (a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season), ethanol helps reduce imported oil and greenhouse gas emissions. Like any alternative fuel, there are some considerations to take into account when contemplating the use of ethanol.
Energy Security
About two-thirds of U.S. petroleum demand is in the transportation sector. Approximately half of U.S. petroleum is imported. Depending heavily on foreign petroleum supplies puts the United States at risk for trade deficits, supply disruption, and price changes. The Renewable Fuels Association's 2012 Ethanol Industry Outlook calculated that in 2011 the ethanol industry replaced the gasoline produced from more than 485 million barrels of imported oil. Ethanol represents 25% of domestically produced and refined motor fuel for gasoline engines.
Fuel Economy and Performance
A gallon of ethanol contains less energy than a gallon of gasoline. The result is lower fuel economy than a gallon of gasoline. The amount of energy difference varies depending on the blend. For example, E85 has about 27% less energy per gallon than gasoline (mileage penalty lessens as ethanol content decreases). However, because ethanol is a high-octane fuel, it offers increased vehicle power and performance.
To learn more about fuel economy, GHG scores, and EPA smog scores for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), visit FuelEconomy.gov, or see the Clean Cities 2012 Vehicle Buyer's Guide.
Job Opportunities
Estimated Economic Impact of the U.S. Ethanol Industry
Source: Renewable Fuels Association (Graph Data)
Ethanol production creates jobs in rural areas where employment opportunities are needed. According to Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production in 2011 supported more than 400,000 jobs across the country, $42.4 billion to the gross domestic product, and $29.9 billion in household income. (See Estimated Economic Impact of the U.S. Ethanol Industry and Number and Production Capacity of Farmer- and Non-Farmer Owned Ethanol Plants.)
Lower Emissions
The carbon dioxide released when ethanol is burned is balanced by the carbon dioxide captured when the crops are grown to make ethanol. This differs from petroleum, which is made from plants that grew millions of years ago. On a life cycle analysis basis, corn-based ethanol production and use reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by up to 52% compared to gasoline production and use. Cellulosic ethanol use could reduce GHGs by as much as 86%.
Equipment and Availability
Low-level ethanol blends are already in more than 95% of the gasoline sold in the United States. Low-level blends require no special fueling equipment and can be used in any gasoline vehicle. E85 fueling equipment is only slightly different than petroleum fueling equipment, but the costs are higher. FFVs are available nationwide as standard equipment with no incremental costs, making them an affordable alternative fuel vehicle option. However, because most U.S. ethanol plants are concentrated in the Midwest, fueling stations offering E85 are predominately located in the Corn Belt states. More and more states are installing E85 every day. Find E85 fueling stations in your area.
