US corn-based ethanol reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 43% compared to 2005-era gasoline, according to a report, released in January by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The report found the lifecycle GHG benefits from corn ethanol could be greater than shown in a number of earlier studies. This is because of various improvements in ethanol production, from the corn field to the ethanol refinery.

By 2022, corn-based ethanol is expected to achieve an almost 50% lower GHG profile than gasoline. Reduction of as much as 76% is possible with the widespread adoption of efficiency and conservation practices. According to the study, the indirect land use change emissions are much lower than previously projected.

"This report provides evidence that corn ethanol can be a GHG-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, while boosting farm economies," said now former US agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack.

 

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