Ethanol Facts: Net Energy Balance

A number of reputable, independent studies have underscored the undeniable fact that ethanol produces more energy than it takes to produce it—about 1.67 to 1. Studies by USDA, the University of Nebraska and Argonne National Laboratory, to name a few, have all determined that ethanol production yields about a third more energy that is used to grow, irrigate and harvest the corn; transport the corn; and manufacture the ethanol.

Significant advances in ethanol production have helped make this possible. Modern ethanol plants are producing 15% more ethanol from a bushel of corn—and using 20% less energy to do so—than just five years ago.