Corn Residue as an Ethanol Feedstock: Regional Supply Analysis. Final Subcontract Report

摘要

The report presents a method to estimate the supply of corn residue as a feedstock for ethanol production via an acid hydrolysis process. The method was applied to a case study in central Illinois to estimate the feasibility of commercial ethanol production from corn residues. Central Illinois was selected for the analysis because its predominance of corn and soybean production and its high yields make it a particularly attractive feedstock supply region. A linear programming model of a representative case grain farm was constructed to evaluate the profitability potential of collecting the residue. The report provides an idea of the costs and logistical consideration of feedstock supply in central Illinois. While these results will be valid only for the case study site, the method can be applied to other areas with different production practices and can be used to estimate corn residue supply under other circumstances. 22 refs., 16 tabs. (ERA citation 11:050338)