How many ethanol plants are in SD?
13 ethanol plants
Overall, South Dakota’s fuel ethanol industry annually generates over $1.1 billion in economic activity in the state. There are currently 13 ethanol plants operating in the state, and they produce approximately 726 mgy (million gallons per year) in total, which is 8.5% of the nation’s ethanol supply.
Are ethanol plants renewable?
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from various plant materials collectively known as “biomass.” More than 98% of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol, typically E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline), to oxygenate the fuel, which reduces air pollution.
Who is the largest ethanol producer in the United States?
Poet Biorefining
Poet Biorefining is the largest ethanol producer in the United States. As of 2020, the South Dakota-based company has a ethanol production capacity of two billion gallons per annum across 27 plants in the Midwest.
How many producers do we have in SD?
There are 46,000 producers in South Dakota on 31,800 farms.
Why is corn ethanol bad?
By driving up the price of food and gas and causing costly engine damage, corn ethanol has been bad news for consumers. What’s more, burning corn ethanol in gasoline releases more benzene, a known carcinogen, and other toxic air pollutants that have been linked to asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments.
What plant produces the most ethanol?
Corn
Corn is the leading U.S. crop and serves as the feedstock for most domestic ethanol production. Corn ethanol meets the renewable fuel category of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which is limited to 15 billion gallons.
What crops are grown in SD?
Agriculture is the number one industry in South Dakota. Farmers and ranchers grow soybeans, field corn, wheat, sunflowers, alfalfa, vegetables and other crops. They also raise beef cattle, dairy cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep and more.