Pacific Ethanol Launches Largest Biofuel Plant In California

Sacramento, CA (AHN) - Biofuel producer Pacific Ethanol Inc. launched its newest $150 million ethanol plant at the Port of Stockton capable of producing over 60 million gallons of the corn-based bio fuels annually- the largest in the state of California.

Pacific Ethanol targets the plant to process 21 million bushels of corn annually, 20 percent of which will be grown in the state. Aside from ethanol, the new facility will produce 500,000 tons of wet distillers grain to be used as feeds in local dairies.

Ethanol produced in the five operating biofuel plants of the state produce a total of 1 billion gallons annually, wherein the Pacific Ethanol has 20 percent of the market share.

During the process, corn is dried then mixed with water to yeast. The yeast will be fermented followed by removal of water. The product is a powerful alcohol that can burn in engines.

Gas in California is mandated to contain 6 percent ethanol, increasing the mix to 10 percent in 2010.