Ethanol Plant Reaches Capacity

By Shuffler, Jason

CLATSKANIE Cascade Grain’s newly built ethanol plant in Clatskanie – the largest producer of corn ethanol on the West Coast – is expected to reach full production in June. While that’s a milestone for Oregon, the merits of corn ethanol as part of the state’s sustainable energy initiatives remain debatable.

At full capacity, the plant will churn out 113.4 million gallons annually for local and out-of-state markets, says Charles Carlson, president of the Vancouver-based company. Cascade Grain’s operation will overtake California-based Pacific Ethanol’s plant in Boardman, which produces 40 million gallons a year.

But compared to other green fuel technologies, the corn ethanol industry leaves a larger carbon footprint and is less sustainable, says John Galloway of the Oregon Environmental Council.

“It’s not the ideal product,” says Lou Torres, an Oregon Department of Energy spokesman. Corn ethanol is 80% to 90% less efficient than other renewable fuelsources such as cellulosic ethanol made from switch grass, or biodiesel created from plant oils and animal fats, he says.

However, a renewable energy law signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski last summer mandated that all gas sold in the state be blended with 10% ethanol as soon as Oregon production reaches 40 million gallons a year.

Though corn ethanol may not be the best of alternative energy options, it’s the most feasible right now and good for the region’s long-term development plans for clean fuel and energy, Torres says.

“It continues growth in what we are trying to do, which is to have fuel made here at home,” he says.

Cascade Grain’s ethanol will also be sold to spirit distilleries throughout Oregon and the Northwest. The company plans to experiment with other renewable fuel technologies, including cellulosic ethanol and methane gas from solid waste, in the future, Carlson says.

Copyright MEDIAmerica, Inc. May 2008

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