Which crop has the highest bioethanol yield in the United States?

Annual U.S. production of bioethanol, primarily produced from corn starch in the Midwest, rose to 57 billion liters 2021, which fulfilled required conventional biofuel target set forth by Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) 2007. At same time, fell short cellulosic or advanced 79 liters. The growth bioenergy grasses (e.g., Miscanthus switchgrass) across Central Eastern has potential feed enhanced bioethanol and, if successful, increase renewable fuel volumes. However, water consumption climate change its extremes are critical concerns grass productivity. These compounded demands on potentially productive land areas devoted producing biofuels. This is a fundamental Food-Energy-Water System (FEWS) nexus challenge. We apply computational framework estimate yield conversion U.S., based crop field studies technology analysis for three crops—corn, Miscanthus, two cultivars switchgrass (Cave-in-Rock Alamo). current study identifies regions where each highest Center While growing requires more than corn, one advantage they have as source that control nitrogen leaching relative corn. Bioenergy also maintain steadily high productivity under extreme conditions, such drought heatwaves year 2012 over because perennial season deeper denser roots can ameliorate soil stress. ethanol could be using energy grasses, their practical success becoming remains limited socio-economic operational constraints regarding competition with food production.