Global ethanol production continues to rise

An organization called the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance has released some interesting projections on ethanol. World ethanol production for 2009 is estimated at 73.9 billion litres. The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance is predicting a 16.2 per cent production increase this year for a total production of 85.9 billion litres. The United States is still the world leader in ethanol manufacturing. Last year, the U.S. produced more than 60 per cent of the world total. The alliance says biofuel production will quickly move beyond the use of only grains and oilseeds. Commercialization of cellulosic ethanol is described as imminent with dozens of companies working on these next-generation technologies. It is expected that 2010 will see the first commercial cellulose ethanol production in at least three different countries. Ethanol production isn’t always profitable and there are critics who argue its sustainability and environmental merit. However, there’s no doubt that ethanol production in the U.S. and in countries around the world continues to increase. I’m Kevin Hursh.