Iowa State University Energy Economist Robert Wisner predicts that ethanol supply will match E-10 demand in the next two or three years, if not sooner. He warns that if the allowable blend is not increased, it is almost certain to not only halt construction of corn-starch ethanol plants but also to greatly curtail or halt investment in a cellulose ethanol industry. In an AgMRC Renewable Energy Newsletter article, Wisner wrote that calls for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to raise the allowed blend from E-10 to E-15 are running about 18 to 1.
But, Wisner says more research is needed to pin down firm answers to complex questions that must be answered before the EPA can grant an increase in the blend wall. EPA is required to base its decision on sound analysis, and the analysis is complex since higher ethanol blends may trigger unintended consequences.
Powered by iNet Solutions Group ©2011 All Rights Reserved.