The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association recently recognized Absolute Energy, an ethanol production facility in St. Ansgar, Iowa, for producing its 1 billionth gallon of cleaner-burning, homegrown ethanol this month.

“Congratulations to Absolute Energy for reaching this incredible milestone,” said IRFA Director Monte Shaw.  “The ethanol produced by this locally-owned plant not only benefits the local economy but also increases our nation’s energy independence and reduces polluting emissions across the United States.  Their success is a win-win for the economy and our environment.”

Absolute Energy is a 125 million gallon per year ethanol production facility near the Iowa-Minnesota border. The company began production in 2008 and currently employs 45 local workers.  One billion gallons of ethanol is equivalent to 34,722 rail tanker car loads.

“We are thrilled with this achievement,” said Rick Schwarck, chairman, president and CEO of Absolute Energy.  “Absolute Energy has always been committed to being a good neighbor in our community and creating a positive environment for our employees.  We could not have reached this milestone without the support and commitment of our community, investors and workers.”

Schwarck estimates that Absolute Energy has ground more than 313 million bushels of corn and produced more than 2.6 million tons of distillers grains and 123 million pounds of corn oil since its inception.  The plant has employed 99 people throughout its production of 1 billion gallons, paying more than $28.3 million in wages to local workers.

Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4 billion gallons annually, including nearly 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity.  In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce more than 315 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry.  The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.