Nebraska's first ethanol plant reaches milestone

HASTINGS — Chief Ethanol Fuels, the state’s first commercial ethanol manufacturer, shipped the 1-billionth gallon produced at its Hastings plant in mid-February.

One of the first fuel ethanol plants in the U.S., Chief opened in 1984 with the capacity to produce 10 million gallons annually. This year, it is expected to produce nearly 70 million gallons.

“Chief Ethanol’s long history parallels the growth of the industry across the state and nation,” said Steve Hanson, chairman of the Nebraska Ethanol Board. “They have a distinguished record of adding value to our abundant corn supplies, providing jobs in their community and helping to drive the agricultural economy of Nebraska.”


According to Hanson, Nebraska is home to 25 ethanol plants that produce 2 billion gallons annually and employ 1,300 people.

“Chief’s success and leadership in the industry are major factors in Nebraska’s rank as the No. 2-producing state in the nation,” he said. “Without a doubt, renewable, home-grown ethanol is key to the nation’s energy future.”

Hanson said Chief is a major grain buyer in the state, providing a market for 25 million bushels of corn annually — about 80 percent of the crop grown in Adams County, where the facility is located.

In addition to fuel ethanol, he said the plant also markets high-protein distillers grains to local livestock feeders. More than one-third of the corn processed in the plant is returned to the feed sector in the form of distillers grain.

“Chief Ethanol Fuels continues to invest capital, create jobs and add value to Nebraska agricultural products and the economy. Nebraska is fortunate to host a portfolio of ethanol-producing plants that continue to stimulate the economy and stabilize our supply of renewable transportation fuels,” said Todd Sneller, administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board.

source: theindependent