NCGA’s Yoder Hosts Economics and Energy Session at CUTC (5-15-06)

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) member Fred Yoder will address the myths surrounding the economics of ethanol at the Corn Utilization Technology Conference (CUTC) session “Economics and Energy Issues of Ethanol.” Yoder is chairing the session at CUTC in Dallas, June 5-7.

“In the history of biofuels, this may be the best time to discuss the economics of the industry,” said Yoder. “Ethanol has been under the public spotlight for several months now, and this session will put to rest some myths about ethanol’s economics and the net energy balance of corn ethanol.”

Four distinguished energy researchers will be featured on the session. Wally Tyner of Purdue University will discuss “Ethanol Economics in Energy Markets.” Bruce Dale of Michigan State University will talk about “Net Energy.” Hosein Shapouri of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will speak about “Net Energy Balance of Corn Ethanol.” Michael Wang of Argonne National Laboratories will present “Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.”

“These four scientists are leading researchers in the renewable energy field, and we’re happy to have them discuss this important issue,” Yoder said. “This session is a great way to wrap up CUTC.”

Yoder also added the session may address some aspects of cellulosic ethanol versus corn ethanol.

“There may be a future for cellulosic ethanol, but right now, corn is the feedstock of choice for ethanol production, and our research community should focus on improving and refining technologies pertaining to corn ethanol,” Yoder said. “Corn is still leaps and bounds ahead of cellulosic ethanol and offers immediate relief for our energy needs.”

CUTC is the premier technology conference on corn products and is becoming a better conference every time it is held, Yoder said.

“This conference focuses on more than corn as a source for ethanol,” he said. “It showcases corn used in so many value-added products, from chemicals to solvents to corn-based plastics. CUTC gives corn a stage to proclaim it is the feedstock of the future.”

For more information on CUTC and to register, visit www.corntechconf.org.