Western New York Energy has been investing in clean, renewable biofuels since they first opened their facility in 2007, making them the first biofuel plant to operate in the Northeast.
Over the past 13 years, they have consistently maintained their operations, purchasing locally produced corn, and now produce over 60 million gallons of ethanol each year.
Through a natural fermentation process, Western New York Energy transforms the starch from animal-grade corn into fuel-grade ethanol. This zero-waste process utilizes all parts of the corn kernel and in addition to clean, renewable ethanol also produce other high-quality co-products, including high protein animal feed, CO2 that is processed into beverage-grade CO2 and dry ice, and crude corn oil that can be used for biodiesel production or animal feed.
Western New York Energy’s use of corn has allowed them to partner with local corn growers, represented by the NY Corn and Soybean Growers Association. Increased ethanol production would increase demand for local corn, allowing growers to improve their operations. Furthermore, sustainable farming practices, combined with ethanol production could create a carbon sink, which would see carbon intensity go below zero.
Ethanol is 113 octane and is the cleanest burning, most economical octane available in the world. Ethanol is currently used as an octane booster in combustion engine vehicles in tandem with traditional gasoline. Today’s engines need higher octane fuel for higher performance, improved fuel efficiency, as well as reduced emissions.
The production and use of ethanol are cleaner than that of traditional fossil fuels, with at least 40-50% lower emissions than the production and use of gasoline.
The primary ethanol blend rate today in the United States is 10%, or E10. However, E15 (15% ethanol) which emits less harmful emissions and saves consumers money at the pump is a proven fuel that is available today in over 30 states and has been driven on over 20 billion miles. New York State approved E15 in late 2019 but retailers have been slow to adopt it, due to COVID restrictions and business challenges.
Improved availability of higher ethanol blends in New York can reduce our transportation emissions now in 94% of the current fleet.
Consumers in neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Ohio are already enjoying lower emissions and saving money at the pump with E15 today.
HOW A CLEAN FUEL STANDARD CAN HELP
A clean fuel standard would help Western New York Energy invest in new advanced technologies that further expand their existing facility and lower their carbon intensity. Expanded ethanol production would create more direct and indirect new jobs in Orleans County and Western New York, where their facility is located. It would allow them to continue their important role in supporting New York agriculture and the local economy.
Under a clean fuel standard, each fuel source is given a carbon-intensity score that measures the full life-cycle emissions of the fuel. Over time, the standard is reduced, helping to reduce pollution from the transportation sector.
Western New York Energy uses renewable hydroelectric power from Niagara Falls to power their operation, allowing them to produce high-grade ethanol with a lower carbon intensity than most other ethanol plants in the US.