NCERC Hosts Indian Trade Mission Exploring Ethanol and Co-Products

By Andi Anderson

The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) hosted a team of 10 executives from India's automotive, biofuels, and automotive sectors on a trade mission organized by the U.S. Grains Council and in partnership with IL Corn.

The Indian delegation learned about many areas of interest in addition to ethanol production, such as co-products like Distillers Dried Grains (DDGs) and biorenewable co-product options. They also toured the NCERC facility and had the opportunity to ask questions of NCERC Director of Research Dr. Yan Zhang and Project Management Engineer Steve Ward.

USGC Director for South Asia Reece H. Cannady said that the Indian ethanol delegation's visit to NCERC was highly insightful and that research facilities like NCERC have laid valuable groundwork to support India's climate goals and its future as one of the world leaders in fuel ethanol blends.

Prior to the formal presentation, the delegation had a chance to tour the Iowa Corn Biofuels Trailer for a demonstration on U.S. consumer outreach efforts on ethanol. This unique educational tool generated lively conversation and kicked off the day with an engaging experience.

In addition to visiting NCERC, the Indian delegation also had the chance to meet with a diverse array of leaders from various industries, academia, non-profits, and grassroots organizations. To wrap up the St. Louis portion of the tour, the team enjoyed a visit to see corn farming in action during a morning on the farm of National Corn Growers Association First Vice President Ken Hartmann near Waterloo, Illinois.

The Indian ethanol delegation's visit to the United States was a productive and informative one. The delegation learned about the latest ethanol production technologies and research, as well as U.S. consumer outreach efforts on ethanol. The delegation also had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of stakeholders in the U.S. ethanol industry.

This visit is a sign of the growing relationship between the United States and India in the biofuels sector. Both countries are committed to increasing the use of ethanol in their transportation sectors, and they are working together to develop new ethanol technologies and markets.

Photo Credit: rocky-ormiston