The greenhouse gas benefits of corn ethanol - assessing recent evidence
Lewandrowski, Jan; Rosenfeld, J; Pape, D; Hendrickson, T; Jaglo, K; Moffroid, K
| HERO ID | 10367823 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2020 |
| Title | The greenhouse gas benefits of corn ethanol - assessing recent evidence |
| Authors | Lewandrowski, Jan; Rosenfeld, J; Pape, D; Hendrickson, T; Jaglo, K; Moffroid, K |
| Journal | Biofuels |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Page Numbers | 361-375 |
| Abstract | In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a life-cycle analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production and combustion of corn ethanol. EPA projected that by 2022, the emissions profile of corn ethanol from a new refinery would be 21% lower than that of an energy equivalent quantity of gasoline. Since 2010, the 21% value has dominated policy discussions and federal regulations related to corn ethanol as a renewable fuel and a GHG mitigation option. It is now 2018 and new data, scientific studies, technical reports, and other information allow us to examine the emissions pathway corn-ethanol has actually followed since 2010. Using this information, we assess corn ethanol's current GHG profile at 39-43% lower than gasoline. We also develop two projected emissions scenarios for corn ethanol in 2022. These scenarios highlight opportunities to produce ethanol with emissions that are 47.0-70.0% lower than gasoline. Many countries are now developing or revising renewable energy policies. Typically, biofuel substitutes for gasoline are required to reduce GHG emissions by more than 21%. Our results could help position U.S. corn ethanol to compete in these new and growing markets. |
| Doi | 10.1080/17597269.2018.1546488 |
| Wosid | WOS:000521971500013 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | Ethanol; corn; greenhouse gas; life cycle analysis |