Renewable energy includes many different forms of energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass/biofuels. Many farmers help to produce renewable energy by growing corn to make ethanol. Improved farming technologies have allowed farmers to increase yield more than 5 times since the 1930s on 20% less land with fewer inputs per acre. Ethanol is a cleaner, greener fuel utilized in gasohol blends to boost octane and reduce harmful emissions. In 2016 alone, it was estimated to have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 110 metric tons, equal to removing 20 million vehicles from the road. It creates three times more energy than the amount required to produce it, while consuming less water than nonrenewable fuels. Ethanol production also yields valuable high protein feed for livestock that is exported worldwide.
Resources on Nourish the Future
- The fermentation process produces equal parts carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol. (Fermentation factories lesson)
- Corn flour is broken down into simple sugars with the use of enzymes. (Ticketase lesson)
- The fermentation of corn produces high quality renewable fuel. (Ethanol: Corn mash and distillation lesson)
- Ethanol production results in a high protein livestock feed coproduct. (Ethanol: nutrient testing lesson)