The state’s ethanol production broke records in 2022, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The industry group reports a remarkable 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol were produced last year, up from the previous 4.4-billion-gallon record set in 2021. Observers credit rising nationwide fuel demand as pandemic-related restrictions lessened, Iowa plant efficiency, and ample corn supply for the upward trend. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw says, “Iowa continues to set the pace for ethanol production around the world. The attractive price of E15 and E85 drove sales during the 2022 gas price spike. Barring a recession, we expect ethanol demand to grow each year as Iowa and other states make progress in increasing access to E15.” Shaw notes Iowa plants are well-positioned to continue breaking records in 2023 and beyond. The IRFA report was compiled from information sourced from industry surveys, publicly available data, and other industry sources.
