Study evaluates ways to decarbonize ethanol industry

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A new study highlights how ethanol’s carbon impact can be reduced to accelerate decarbonization efforts in the transportation sector.

President and CEO of the Energy Futures Initiative Foundation Ernest Moniz, a former US Secretary of Energy, says low carbon liquid fuels are essential as part of a low-carbon economy.

“Ethanol hits all of those notes very, very well—it provides a secure domestic supply, serves the rural economy, and serves the essential low carbon transition for liquid fuels,” he explains.

Moniz told reporters during a call Friday ethanol’s carbon intensity today is about 40 percent lower than unblended gasoline.

Moniz says applying carbon capture to ethanol’s fermentation process, using low carbon energy at biorefineries, and cover crops stood out as significant low-cost pathways forward.

“That right now could take us to about a 90 percent reduction of carbon intensity in a decade or so, and to a somewhat negative result by mid-century,” he says.

The report says all nine pathways combined, which also includes advancements in renewable natural gas and hydrogen production, could lower the carbon intensity score of renewable vehicle fuels to near-net-zero by 2035 and to net-zero or negative emissions by 2050.

Researcher says additional policy measures are needed speed the adoption of decarbonizing the ethanol industry including extending the length of the 45Z clean fuels production tax credit.