We have entered a new era of decarbonization and global climate action.
With that, we feel it is time to utilize a new word that embodies the only truly sustainable liquid fuel that can power the future. So, throughout this issue of Vital and in future communications from POET — and soon from the industry at large — you will begin to notice a new term: bioethanol.
As the worldwide need for immediate, affordable climate solutions grows more and more prevalent, we need to start thinking of the potential for biofuels to extend far beyond the Corn Belt. The term “bioethanol” has been used in countries across South America, Africa, and Europe for years, where it has been celebrated as a fuel choice for its benefits to the environment and human health. In the United States, however, we have always used the term “ethanol,” which doesn’t speak nearly as well to the consumers looking for a green alternative at the pump.
I believe it’s time we join the rest of the world. It’s time that we are all on the same page, using the same term and the best available solution to fight climate change together in the Renewable Revolution.
It’s critical that we educate the public that the “bioethanol” of today is the same “ethanol” of years past—but better. While it is still a renewable, plant-based, clean-burning fuel, significant improvements have been made in both the production process and the life cycle analysis of starch-based bioethanol.
In fact, according to a recent peer-reviewed study conducted by Environmental Health & Engineering (EH&E), one of the nation’s leading environmental and engineering companies, bioethanol now has 46% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional gasoline. Put simply, that means it is already 46% better from field to freeway, and that number is improving every year.
With continuous innovations in process technology and agricultural production practices, we believe bioethanol may even have the potential to become a carbon-neutral liquid fuel in the future. According to most scientists, we have no time to waste. Bioethanol is available, it’s affordable and it’s the only way to decarbonize the millions of vehicles that are already on the road today.
The key phrase to this name change is in the prefix “bio,” which means “life.” And I think that’s fitting, given our mission. What we do extends far beyond just fuel. We are creating life from life — taking nature’s solar panels and batteries, namely the corn leaves that capture the sun’s energy and the seeds that store it, and using them to fuel our world. We are harnessing the power of the living Earth God gave us and combining it with human ingenuity to create solutions that will enable life to continue on this planet for generations to come.
So, why bioethanol? Because as we look ahead, it’s a word that will play an integral role in achieving our goals. It’s the best term to describe the incredible things we do in this industry and the clean, green nature of our product. Please join me in making the change to bioethanol — a better word that will play a large part in creating a better future for us all!
