The Energy Balance of Corn Ethanol: An Update

Hosein Shapouri, James A. Duffield and Michael Q. Wang

No 34075, Agricultural Economic Reports from United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service

Abstract: Studies conducted since the late 1970s have estimated the net energy value (NEV) of corn ethanol. However, variations in data and assumptions used among the studies have resulted in a wide range of estimates. This study identifies the factors causing this wide variation and develops a more consistent estimate. We conclude that the NEV of corn ethanol has been rising over time due to technological advances in ethanol conversion and increased efficiency in farm production. We show that corn ethanol is energy efficient as indicated by an energy output:input ratio of 1.34.

Keywords: Crop Production/Industries; Resource/Energy Economics and Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 19
Date: 2002
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (87)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:uerser:34075

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.34075

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