An estimated $1.7 billion was invested in biofuels R&D in the U.S. in 2013. Roughly a quarter of that, or about $435 million, was in Iowa, according to the ABF Economics report completed in 2014. 

Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels

Emmetsburg

• Ramping up to 20 MMgy now.
• 5 MMgy expansion expected.
• About 285,000 tons of biomass will be needed annually.
• 30,000 yards of  concrete, 1,500 tons of structural steel used in plant.

SOURCE: POET LLC

DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol LLC

Nevada

• 30 MMgy at full capacity.
• Construction completion expected in Q1 2015.
• 150 jobs for seasonal collection, transportation and feedstock storage.
• 375,000 tons of corn stover gathered yearly.
• 500 local farmers will supply feedstock.

SOURCE: DUPONT

Quad County Corn Processors

Galva

• Feedstock: corn kernel  fiber.
• 2 MMgy bolt on to 30 MMgy corn-ethanol plant.
• Produces about 6,500 gallons of cellulosic ethanol daily.
• Generated 500,000 D3 RINs as of mid-November.
• Four jobs added, one for each shift.

SOURCE: QUAD COUNTY

BioProcess Algae

Shenandoah

• Uses water, heat and CO2  recycled from Green Plain Renewable Energy’s ethanol plant.
• Five acres of greenhouses currently growing algae. 
• Operating continuously since 2009.

SOURCE: GREEN PLAINS

Learn more about the ethanol industry in Iowa and Iowa's biofuels mobile education center by clicking on the links. 

Author: Holly Jessen
Managing Editor, Ethanol Producer Magazine
701-738-4946
hjessen@bbiinternational.com