Interest in ethanol as fuel continues to rise. Most of the gasoline now sold in the United States is blended with some amount of fuel ethanol. These blends are named by their ethanol content. For example, a blend of 10% fuel ethanol and 90% gasoline (by volume) is known as E10 gasoline. In 2019, about 14.5 billion gallons of fuel ethanol were consumed in the United States, mostly in mixtures of E10 gasoline or less. The most common use of ethanol as a fuel is in mixtures of motor gasoline. Most of the gasoline sold in the United States contains some fuel ethanol. The exact amount may vary by region. In general, the ethanol content of motor gasoline does not exceed 10% by volume. Gasoline with 10% ethanol content is referred to as E10, and gasoline with 15% ethanol content is called E15. All gasoline vehicles can use E10. Currently, only light-duty vehicles with the model year 2001 or newer can use E15.
Ethanol as a fuel is a renewable alcohol fuel made from plant material, such as corn, sugar cane, grasses, or woody biomass. Using ethanol can reduce oil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol fuel use in the U.S. has increased dramatically from about 1.7 billion gallons in 2001 to about 14.4 billion in 2016 (the latest full year for which statistics are available). Twenty–five states now have operating ethanol facilities.
Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms certainly have experts in biofuels and renewable biofuels like bioethanol, biodiesel, and renewable diesel, and the more common areas like biomaterials, biomass, biomass power, feedstocks, and biotechnology. In these larger consulting groups, one will also find energy consultants in some specialty areas like other biofuels like algae biofuels, aviation/bio-jet fuels, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, advanced biofuels, biodiesel, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, renewable and biochemicals, biogas, syngas, biochar, bio coals, biobutanol, pyrolysis oil, producer gas, and wood pellets.
With over 150 consultants worldwide, Lee Enterprises Consulting has the diverse experts and geographical reach to assist in virtually any bioeconomy project. Our highly qualified teams bring a unique integration of technical, scientific, regulatory, and hands-on experience to any project. Look at our experts and the services we provide. Most of our experts are also available to advise and serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation matters. For the larger projects, we specialize in putting together full-service, interdisciplinary teams with one point of contact. See a video about LEC here. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.
