Ethanol Facts: What is Ethanol?

Ethanol is a high octane liquid fuel produced by the fermentation of plant sugars. In the United States, ethanol is usually made from corn, sorghum and other grain products. However, in the future other biomass resources such as forestry and agricultural waste, switchgrass, or crops especially for energy use will be used.

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a clear, colorless, flammable oxygenated fuel. When added to ordinary unleaded gasoline, ethanol increases the oxygen content of the fuel—helping it burn cleaner and cooler. Ethanol is typically blended with gasoline at volume levels of 5.7%, 7.7% or 10%. The use of ethanol blends up to and including 10% ethanol is approved by every major automaker in the world. Many vehicles can operate on blends of up to 85% ethanol (E85).

Ethanol offers a number of benefits to Nebraska and America:

Cleaner Air The use of ethanol in transportation fuel reduces toxic emissions in engine exhaust and reduces greenhouse gases (GHG) in emissions as well. Some experts have estimate ethanol lowers lifecycle GHG anywhere from 17% to 65%.

Reduced Dependence on Foreign Oil Ethanol is made from renewable resources we grow right here at home, thus reducing our dangerous dependence on imported oil.

Increased Value for Agriculture Ethanol production adds value to grain grown by American farmers, helping reduce federal subsidy payments and adding economic activity in rural areas of the country. High value livestock feed is a co-product of ethanol production and has fast become a feed of choice for cattle producers in Nebraska.

Higher Octane Ethanol adds two to three points of octane to ordinary unleaded gasoline, helping improve engine performance.

Gas Line De-Icer Ethanol suspends moisture in fuel lines, eliminating the need for gas tank additives in cold weather.

Cleaner Fuel Injectors Ethanol helps prevent the build-up of power-robbing deposits in fuel injection systems and keeps important engine components cleaner.