America's ethanol industry continues to grow as evidenced by two new ethanol facilities officially opening for business this week. RFA Producer Member Abengoa Bioenergy, a global leader in ethanol production, opened new facilities in in Madison, Illinois and Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Illinois Congressman Jerry Costello and Indiana Congressman Brad Ellsworth attended their state's opening and spoke to the crowd as the Keynote speakers. Abengoa Bioenergy President and CEO Javier Salgado was also a special speaker and honored guest at each of these events.
[caption id="attachment_5113" align="alignleft" width="300"] (L to R) Abengoa Bioenergy VP, Chris Standlee, Congressman Jerry Costello (IL), Abengoa Bioenergy President and CEO Javier Sagado[/caption]
Each of these plants will contribute 90 million gallons of ethanol to the marketplace annually. In addition, each plant will produce 300,000 tons per year of the high protein ethanol co-product dried distillers grains (DDGs). These DDGs are used primarily in feedstock for not only in the U.S., but also internationally, with an increasing amount of exports to countries including Canada, Mexico and China.
As both new ethanol facilities are located in the "Corn-Belt", they will help support the local farmers and businesses by purchasing their 32 million bushels of corn per year primarily from their local sources. Helping the job market, the plants will also employ about 60 new employees at each location. During the two year construction process, hundreds of jobs were provided to local labor forces workers.
(L to R) Abengoa Bioenergy President and CEO Javier Salgado and Congressman Brad Ellsworth (IN)
As we continue to increase production and use of ethanol here at home, we can reduce demand for imported fuels by millions of barrels. We can become a more energy dependent country. Congratulations to Abengoa Bioenergy for helping us move forward to a more dependent and alternative fueled future.
For more information on Abengoa Bioenergy, you can visit their website at www.abengoabioenergy.com
