Biofuels

Biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel offer a renewable alternative to oil for liquid transportation fuels.  They can be made from virtually any agricultural crop or from recycled materials like restaurant grease and sewage sludge.  Corn ethanol and soy-based biodiesel have a positive net energy balance and burn more cleanly than gasoline and diesel.  Their use strengthens rural economies, decreases America's dependence on imported oil, reduces air and water pollution, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Want to make biofuels in Kentucky?  All fuels and fuel additives, whether made at home or in an industrial facilities, must meet state and federal requirements.  Read more about the rules and regulations that might apply at our Biofuel Considerations webpage.

What incentives does Kentucky have for biofuels?  Kentucky offers tax incentives for the production of biofuels as well as the construction/upgrade of biofuel facilities.  Visit Biofuel Considerations for a list of state incentives.

Where can I purchase alternative fuels for my vehicle?
The DOE maintains an interactive map to help locate alternative fueling stations across the U.S.  Visit the Alternative Fueling Station Locator.

Who's making biofuels in Kentucky? See our list of active facilities and proposed plants at the bottom of this page.

Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Kentucky agriculture is taking a leading role in efforts to provide motor fuel alternatives.

Biofuels in Kentucky  
Take a virtual tour of a biodiesel or ethanol plant and learn about biofuel production, use and research in Kentucky.  Hosted by UK's Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.

Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition
Kentucky's premier organization on clean fuels, clean fuel vehicles and who is using them in the region.

Kentucky Corn Grower's Association
Learn about ethanol promotion activities in the Commonwealth.

Kentucky Soybean Board & Association
Learn about biodiesel and other alternative uses for soybeans.

- Government Websites -
Biodiesel (DOE)
Biodiesel Fuel Publications (NREL)

- Industry Websites -
National Biodiesel Board
Biodiesel (Canadian Renewable Fuels Association) 

- Publications -
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service 
       Biodiesel Basics (PDF 262KB)
       How is biodiesel made? Why use biodiesel? 
       Biodiesel FAQs (PDF 219KB)
       Frequently Asked Questions about biodiesel fuel.

Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines
Features biodiesel basics, FAQs, and the most current biodiesel blending information.

Biodiesel Performance, Costs and Use (PDF 65KB)
An overview by the Energy Information Administration

- Government Websites -
Cellulosic Ethanol (Human Genome Project)

- Industry Websites -
Renewable Fuels Association
American Coalition for Ethanol
Ethanol Promotion and Information Council
National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition
Ethanol Facts (National Corn Grower's Association)

- Publications -
Industry Resources: Fuel Guidelines, Specifications & Procedures
A compilation of the key technical aspects of fuel grade ethanol and its traditional application as a fuel component.

Economic Impacts of Ethanol Production  (PDF 369KB)
An issue brief by Ethanol Across America.

Biofuels Myths and Facts (PDF 166 KB)
U.S. DOE fact sheet discusses common myths associated with biofuels.

  Ethanol Facilities

Company	Capacity	Location	Status
Commonwealth Agri-Energy	33 million	Hopkinsville	Active
Parallel Products	5 million	Louisville	Active

  Biodiesel Facilities

Company	Capacity	Location	Status
Griffin Industries	2 million	Butler	Active
Union County Biodiesel Co	5 million	Union Co	Active
Owensboro Grain	50 million	Owensboro	Active

Note: Some documents above are in Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) format.  Please click on the following link to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.