What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is grain alcohol produced from renewable sources, such as corn. It is a clean-burning fuel blended with gasoline to reduce harmful emissions and increase the octane of the fuel. The most common blends of fuel containing ethanol are E10, E20, E30 and E85 with the “E” representing the percentage of ethanol. E10 is safe to use in all vehicles and higher blends are suitable for flex fuel vehicles. North Dakota is a national leader in offering consumers a choice at the pump by installing more than 200 blender pumps across the state as a result of the North Dakota Biofuels Blender Pump Program.
The 3 E’s of Ethanol
- Economy
North Dakota’s ethanol industry contributes more than $300 million annually to the state’s economy. The United States’ ethanol industry adds $42.4 billion to the Gross Domestic Product and contributes $29.9 billion to household income and $8 billion in tax revenue. - Environment
Ethanol use reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30 to 50 percent compared to standard gasoline. Ethanol blends also reduce carbon monoxide emissions in vehicles by 10 to 30 percent. - Energy Independence
The ethanol used in the United States in 2011 displaced 485 million barrels of imported oil — more than the total 2011 crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia. This saved taxpayers $49.7 billion that would have been sent to foreign oil producers.
For more information on ethanol in North Dakota, visit the North Dakota Ethanol Council’s webpage.
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ND Ethanol Council Ethanol Fact Sheets 2018 (888.51 KB)
- Economic Impact of North Dakotas Ethanol Industry
Unleaded88
What Mechanics Are Saying
PEAK PERFORMANCE
Unleaded 88 provides an octane boost compared to regular 87 octane fuel, which helps modern engines achieve peak performance while reducing costs for the consumer. Modern engines that typically use 87 octane fuel will thrive on Unleaded 88.
MORE OCTANE, LESS MONEY
We have seen great success offering Unleaded 88 to our customers. Once they understand that they are getting more octane for less money, they continue to reach for it at the pump again and again. We also take pride in offering Unleaded 88 because it is kinder to the earth. It burns cleaner and reduces harmful emissions.
Find Ethanol in North Dakota
Nine out of 10 cars on the road – any car model from 2001 or newer – can use U88 (E15) to keep their engines revving. U88 is a high-performance fuel, with a naturally high octane that burns cleaner and cooler than regular gasoline. Americans are already driving a million miles a day on U88 and reaping these benefits every day – join them and see for yourself. Find a station offering U88 (E15), or other ethanol blends using the link below!
Ethanol & Small Engines
All small engine manufacturers in the United States approve the use of E10 (10 percent ethanol, 90 percent gasoline) in their equipment. A 10 percent ethanol blend is found in more than 95 percent of gasoline sold in the U.S. today. Manufacturers build products with the proper components to run on E10. For more information on E10 approvals by marine engine, motorcycle, off-road and small engine manufacturers visit the Renewable Fuel Association’s website. Learn more about ethanol and your small gas engines here.
Ethanol Series: AgWeek TV
Episode 1:
Corn is the third-ranked acreage crop in North Dakota, and much of it goes to ethanol production.
This episode aired originally on AgWeek TV on 1/12/2019.
Episode 2:
An ethanol plant is a market for corn, but also a source of high quality livestock feed. AgWeek TV’s Mikkel Pates recently toured the Dakota Spirit Plant at the Spiritwood Industrial Park, Spiritwood, ND.
This episode aired originally on AgWeek TV on 1/26/2019.
Episode 3:
A North Dakota businessman is one of ethanol’s biggest promoters. AgWeek TV’s Mikkel Pates talked to him about what fuels his support of ethanol.
This episode originally aired on AgWeek TV on 2/9/2019.
Episode 4:
Ethanol growth is a key factor in keeping corn farmers profitable. But as AgWeek TV’s Mikkel Pates found, ethanol promoters say there is plenty of room for growth, both in the U.S. and overseas.
This episode originally aired on AgWeek TV on 2/23/2019.