Assessment of the Economic, Technical, and Environmental Feasibility of Developing, Constructing, and Operating a 25-Million-Gallon-Per-Year Grain-Ethanol-Production Facility. Volume I. Executive Summary

摘要

The purpose of this study is to determine the economic, technical, and environmental feasibility of developing, constructing and operating a 25 million-gallon per year ethanol facility in northeastern Oklahoma. This project is reported in 4 volumes. This volume contains the executive summary. When this project was first conceived in late 1979, the key criterion seen for project success for an ethanol plant was the selection of a site that can provide (1) necessary grain, energy, and labor resources; (2) flexible transportation methods and alternatives for receiving and shipping; (3) nearby markets for products and by-products; (4) an existing environmental quality able to withstand the minor impacts of the process; and (5) a receptive and growing business and community environment. Having completed more than 17 months of research, including 7 1/2 months on this study, Fulton Energy Corporation concludes that the proposed site not only meets, but exceeds these criteria. The study has also demonstrated the ability to produce a high quality product at a reasonable and competitive price with or without federal assistance or state assistance in the form of tax exemptions. The study has shown that coal burning technologies are efficient, whether conventional burning methods or impressive new and innovative burning methods such as fluidized-bed combustion are used. This report demonstrates that both are feasible in the specific region although the conventional technologies appear to be easier to finance. All resources for the process are available nearby. The grains required come from carryover reserves, thus not impacting the food supply and the residual by-products are in high demand. (ERA citation 06:034473)