Researchers Work to Generate Ethanol from Sugar Beets

Most of the ethanol made and sold in this country comes from corn. But since ethanol comes from alcohol, and alcohol comes from sugar, some researchers think sugar beets would be a better idea.

A Fargo-based consulting group, NDSU researcher and Iowa-based technology firm are teaming up to build the first sugar beet biofuel processing plant in the state.

Sugar beets are a familiar crop in the Red River Valley. But if a Fargo-based company has its way they could be a vital part of the farming industry throughout the state.

"There isn`t a crop that we know of that can produce more ethanol or biofuels per acre than sugar-based crops," said Maynard Helgaas, Green Vision Group.

Instead of being bred for human consumption, these so-called "energy" beets will be bred for their ethanol potential.

"We`re looking at high yields, high sugar," explained Helgaas. "Impurities doesn`t make a difference."

They`re planning on building a demonstration plant to convert the energy beets into ethanol and say it should be a success.

NDSU agribusiness professor Dr. Cole Gustafson said: "It`s going to take less energy to produce than it does for a gallon of corn ethanol. Because it takes less energy, there`s less carbon emissions. Many people view that favorably."

It also takes about half as much water to make ethanol from sugar beets, since they are already 70 percent water. So they say this ethanol will have a lower carbon footprint and a lot of potential.

They hope to have the demonstration plant up and running by 2012. The site hasn`t yet been chosen.

source: kfyrtv