Studies conducted since the late 1970s have estimated the net energy value (NEV) of corn ethanol. However, variations in data and assumptions used among the studies have resulted in a wide range of estimates. This study identifies the factors causing this wide variation and develops a more consistent estimate. We conclude that the NEV of corn ethanol has been rising over time due to technological advances in ethanol conversion and increased efficiency in farm production. We show that corn ethanol is energy efficient as indicated by an energy output:input ratio of 1.34.
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Paper provided by United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service in its series Agricultural Economics Reports with number
34075.
Cited by: (explanations, Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.)
Outlaw, Joe L. & Anderson, David P. & Klose, Steven L. & Richardson, James W. & Herbst, Brian K. & Waller, Mark L. & Raulston, J. Marc & Sneary, Shannon L. & Gill, Robert C., 2003.
"An Economic Examination of Potential Ethanol Production in Texas,"
Working Papers
42707, Texas A&M University, Agricultural and Food Policy Center.
[Downloadable!]
Michiel Keyzer & Max Merbis & Roelf Voortman, 2008.
"The Biofuel Controversy,"
De Economist,
Springer, vol. 156(4), pages 507-527, December.
[Downloadable!] (restricted)