Largest U.S. ethanol producers by capacity 2023 | Statista (2024)

Poet Biorefining is the largest ethanol producer in the United States. As of March 2023, the South Dakota-based company had an ethanol production capacity of 2.7 billion gallons per annum across 33 plants in the Midwest. Ethanol is used in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and as a biofuel.

U.S. fuel ethanol production

In 2022, U.S. ethanol producers reported an output of some 15.4 billion gallons of fuel ethanol. Fuel ethanol is specifically used as an additive in petroleum-based gasoline or as pure biofuel. In recent years, production seems to have stagnated, with annual volumes lower than the peak of more than 16 billion gallons reported in 2018. Iowa is the state with the largest number of ethanol biorefineries, followed by other Midwestern states.

The U.S.’ role in the global biofuel landscape

The U.S. is a biofuel producing powerhouse, contributing over 34 percent to global production of around 1.9 million barrels of oil equivalent. In 2022, the U.S. generated approximately 728,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, making it the leading biofuel producing country worldwide. Due to the feedstocks needed in ethanol and biodiesel production, namely starch, sugar, and oil crops, the largest biofuel producers are often those with great agricultural resources.

Largest U.S. ethanol producers by capacity 2023 | Statista (2024)

FAQs

Largest U.S. ethanol producers by capacity 2023 | Statista? ›

Iowa had by far the largest ethanol production capacity among all U.S. states in 2023, with an annual production of 4.81 billion gallons. That same year, Nebraska ranked second, with roughly half of Iowa's production. By comparison, North Dakota's ethanol production capacity amounted to 550 million gallons per year.

Who are the largest ethanol producers in the US? ›

Poet Biorefining is the largest ethanol producer in the United States. As of March 2023, the South Dakota-based company had an ethanol production capacity of 2.7 billion gallons per annum across 33 plants in the Midwest. Ethanol is used in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and as a biofuel.

Where does more than 90% of the ethanol produced in the US come from? ›

In the United States, 94% of ethanol is produced from the starch in corn grain. Energy is required to turn any raw feedstock into ethanol.

How many ethanol plants are there in the US? ›

In 2021, the number of ethanol plants in the United States stood at 192.

Who are the biggest ethanol producers? ›

The United States is the world's largest producer of ethanol, having produced over 15 billion gallons in 2021 and 2022. Together, the United States and Brazil produce 80% of the world's ethanol. The vast majority of U.S. ethanol is produced from corn, while Brazil primarily uses sugarcane.

Which company is the largest producer of ethanol? ›

Which are the biggest ethanol producing companies in India? Shree Renuka Sugars Private Limited is among the biggest ethanol making companies in india. It is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It comprises a distillery with a 600-litre daily capacity.

Who is the 5th largest producer of ethanol in the world? ›

India ranks fifth in ethanol production next to European Union, China, US and Brazil.

What is the chief source of ethanol in the United States? ›

Ethanol is made from biomass

Denaturants are added to ethanol to make fuel ethanol undrinkable. In the United States, nearly all fuel ethanol is produced from corn kernel starch, which is considered a conventional biofuel under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS).

Where is ethanol produced in the US? ›

Ethanol is a domestically produced alternative fuel most commonly made from corn in the United States. It is also made from cellulosic feedstocks, such as crop residues and wood—though this is not as common. U.S. ethanol plants are concentrated in the Midwest because of the proximity to corn production.

What state uses the most ethanol? ›

As the second largest motor vehicle market after California, it is unsurprising that both states are among the largest consumers of fuel ethanol. In 2021, the Texas transportation, commercial, and industrial sector consumed 35.5 million barrels of fuel ethanol compared with 34.1 million barrels in California.

What country uses the most ethanol? ›

In the countries that do, the amount consumed varies. Brazil was the world's largest consumer from 1981 to 2002 and the second largest, behind the United States, from 2003 to 2018. Excluding the United States and Brazil, China was the largest consumer of fuel ethanol from 2002 to 2018.

How much ethanol does the US produce a day? ›

Fuel ethanol production averaged 1.078 million barrels per day the week ending Feb. 23, down 6,000 barrels per day when compared to the 1.084 million barrels per day of production reported for the previous week. When compared to the same week of last year, production for the week ending Feb.

Are ethanol plants shutting down? ›

The industry has chosen to keep running. Domestic ethanol production has remained above the milestone 1 million b/d mark for the last nine weeks of 2022, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration.

Who is the third largest producer of ethanol in the world? ›

India is the third largest global ethanol producer and can build on its rapid growth.

How many ethanol plants are in each state? ›

Previous Issues
StatePlantsAnnual capacity (million gallons per year)
California3128
Colorado3160
Idaho160
Illinois131848
18 more rows

What is the main source of ethanol in the United States? ›

Ethanol is made from biomass

In the United States, nearly all fuel ethanol is produced from corn kernel starch, which is considered a conventional biofuel under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS). Ethanol has other potential sources aside from fermentating grain starch and sugars.

Which company is best for ethanol production? ›

List of Best Ethanol Stocks
  • Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd.
  • Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Ltd.
  • Dhampur Sugar Mills Ltd.
  • Dwarikesh Sugar Industries Ltd.
  • Triveni Engineering and Industries Ltd.
  • Globus Spirits Ltd.
Mar 26, 2024

Who is the world leader in ethanol fuel production and consumption? ›

The United States is the world leader in the supply and export of ethanol. The production of 15.6 billion gallons in 2023, representing 53 percent of global output, was nearly twice that of Brazil and ten times the European Union's ethanol production.

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