Pro Farmer Editors

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), American ethanol facilities produced more than 9.2 billion gallons of ethanol in 2008, up from some 6.5 billion gallons in 2007. On average, the U.S. ethanol industry produced 601,000 barrels per day (b/d).

EIA data for December showed an average of 656,000 b/d of ethanol production, down slightly from November of 2008 but up dramatically from the 489,000 b/d production rate from one year ago.

Ethanol demand, as calculated by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), also grew in 2008. According to RFA data, demand for ethanol averaged 630,000 b/d in 2008 or more than 9.5 billion gallons. By comparison, ethanol demand in 2007 averaged 446,000 b/d.

According to International Trade Commission data, imports of ethanol exceeded 500 million gallons in 2008, and increase of more than 100 million gallons from 2007. In December, ethanol imports totaled 20 million gallons.

“Despite the economic challenges facing this country and this industry in 2008, America’s ethanol producers still managed to meet the goals put before them and build the necessary foundation for a strong and robust future for renewable fuels,” said RFA President Bob Dinneen. “While challenges will still persist through 2009, this industry is poised to help lead this nation out of its economic downturn and provide the kind of economic, energy, and environmental stability that is desperately needed.”