Reducing GHG Emissions and Energy Input in the U.S. Supply Chain of Ethanol and Gasoline

The purpose of this study is to identify potential reductions of energy use2 and Green House Gases (GHG) emissions in the U.S. downstream (i.e., after production) supply chain of ethanol and gasoline fuels, by determining optimal transportation modes and routes. The analysis considers ethanol producers and fuel blending terminals, including consolidation and receiving hubs (Russell et al., 2009). Likewise transportation modes used for shipping ethanol are taken into account - rail, truck - in order to determine optimal delivery. Initial results support the need for construction of a new hub consolidation terminal or the expansion of the existing ones. This initial study leaves gasoline fuels, as well as shipments of ethanol via barge or vessel and of gasoline via pipeline, for a future extension.