From Field to Fuel Tank:
How Tennessee Farmers Turn Corn into Ethanol
Did you know that Tennessee farmers help turn corn into fuel? They do! Corn-based ethanol is grown, processed, and readily available right here in Tennessee. As a renewable fuel, unlike petroleum-based gasoline, ethanol reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decreases our dependence on foreign oil, and creates jobs in our state and beyond, revitalizing our rural communities.
So how does corn get turned into the low-carbon fuel choice that’s often the cheapest at the pump? Let’s dive into how Tennessee’s corn farmers help produce ethanol fuel.
Planting: It all starts with farmers planting corn in their fields, all while using practices that safeguard our environment for generations to come.
Growing: As the weeks pass, these seeds grow into tall, green corn stalks. Corn farmers ensure the plants get just the right amount of nutrients and protection from weeds and pests.
Sciencey Tid-Bit: Did you know that during the fermentation process of making ethanol, tiny microorganisms feed on the plant matter of corn? And guess what? One of the most abundant sources of plant matter found right here in Tennessee is CORN.
Harvesting: Come fall, farmers harvest the corn with a combine, collecting each kernel from the cob.
Converting Corn to Ethanol: Now, the magic happens. The harvested corn is transported to an ethanol plant, where it’s ground and mixed with water and enzymes, breaking down the starch into sugars. Yeast is added to ferment these sugars into alcohol. After fermentation, the mixture is distilled and purified to become ethanol. This ethanol is then blended with gasoline to make a cleaner-burning fuel that powers our vehicles, reducing our carbon footprint and supporting a greener future.
Understanding Ethanol Fuel Options at the Pump
When it comes to filling up your vehicle, there are a lot of “numbers” and fuel choices at the pump. Which one is the best for your vehicle? Let’s explore the options.
E85
This is a specialized fuel blend containing 51-85% ethanol for flex fuel vehicles. It’s the cleanest and most affordable option for flex fuel vehicles, benefiting your wallet and the environment. Check your owner’s manual before fueling with E85.
Unleaded88
(or E15)
This fuel contains up to 15% ethanol and is typically marked by a blue handle at the pump. It’s engine smart, earth kind, wallet-friendly, and can be used in vehicle models 2001 or newer.
Unleaded 87
(or E10)
A 10% ethanol blend approved for use in all vehicles and is the most commonly used fuel in the U.S.
Facts About Ethanol Fuel
Good for your engine - Ethanol has a higher octane rating, which means better engine performance and efficiency.
Good for your wallet - Ethanol is budget-friendly, giving you a more affordable option at the pump. Unleaded88 or E15 costs between 5 to 10 cents less per gallon than Unleaded 87 (E10).
Good for the environment - Ethanol is a low-carbon biofuel that can reduce GHG emissions by 43% compared to petroleum gas.
When it comes to choosing a fuel that’s kind to your engine, wallet, and the planet, corn-based ethanol grown by corn farmers right here in Tennessee is a golden choice to fuel all of your adventures!
Want to learn more about how corn is used in more than 4,000 everyday products, explore more uses of corn here.