From flex fuels and carbon intensity to the future of ethanol and technological advancements, speakers at the American Coalition for Ethanol annual conference last week in Minneapolis continued to highlight ethanol’s unique advantages and overall value in the marketplace at home and abroad. 

A yearly event that attracts top ethanol leaders from around the country, the ACE conference provided a platform for discussions on critical domestic topics as well as sustainability and a bird’s eye view of ethanol globally.

Lyndsey Erb, U.S. Grains Council director of industry relations, spoke to attendees at the gathering to update the farmers, researchers and retailers in attendance about the organization’s and industry’s work to build global demand for distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. 

Erb gave an update on the Council’s market development work in markets including China, Mexico, India and Japan and presented information on current export rates and market conditions. Her presentation also highlighted the USGC’s work with the USDA in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and gave an overview of future developments in the region. 

“Increases in car ownership, fuel demand, inclusion rates and growing environmental concerns give ethanol a unique advantage in these markets,” Erb said. “Program partnership is critical to further development.” 

With more than 200 plants across the country and an abundant supply from which to export, the 2014/2015 marketing year saw the second largest quantity of ethanol ever shipped overseas, with more than 870 million gallons sold. This total reflects both an increase in engagement with global customers and a growing demand for ethanol overall. 

The USGC and its partners including Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and other corn and ethanol industry organizations including ACE are focused on promoting U.S. ethanol as a clean-burning source of fuel to buyers and end-users around the globe. 

To learn more about the USGC’s work with ethanol, click here.