DDGS Potentially Able To Power Ethanol Plant Operations
1/25/07
Ongoing research at the University of Minnesota is uncovering new means to utilize DDGS as a power source for ethanol manufacturers. DDGS, shorthand for Dried Distilled Grains with Solubles, are one of the byproducts of the manufacture of ethanol- and are produced by the ton during the regular operations of an Ethanol plant. Traditionally, the DDGS that are created from converting corn into ethanol have been sold as feed stock for livestock.
Advances in technology have opened up a new option for the use of DDGS as a sustainable biomass energy source for Ethanol operations. "Biomass" units are able to produce heat and/or energy utilizing organic and other byproducts as their fuel source. Through the burning of DDGS in specially designed units, ethanol plants could power their operations without the use of natural gas or other fossil fuels. Conversion to this form of power not only reduces energy costs substantially, but alleviates the need to store, transport, or otherwise dispose of DDGS at each facility.

A Growing Issue
As ethanol production increases, more and more DDGS are created- effectively lowering their market value. Conversely, increasing natural gas and fossil fuel prices result in higher energy costs for the production of ethanol. These factors in addition to the increase of competition in the ethanol marketplace are requiring plants to find leaner methods of production.

According to this ongoing research conducted by Professor Vance Morey, ethanol production plants could see substantial operational cost benefits from this fuel model.

Source: http://www.mrec.org/confer/2005_RenewableEnergy_Morey.pdf