Iowa RFA

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lucy Norton, Managing Director, 515-225-9242
Monte Shaw, Executive Director, 515-225-9242

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Absolute Energy, LLC Begins Construction on Ethanol Plant Near St. Ansgar
Iowa Continues to Lead the Growth in Renewable Fuel Production

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today congratulated the farmer owners of Absolute Energy, LLC beginning construction on their ethanol refinery near St. Ansgar, Iowa. The plant will process 35 million bushels of corn into 100 million gallons of ethanol and 320,000 tons of distillers grains annually.

“The Iowa ethanol industry congratulates Absolute Energy on beginning construction,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director. “The demand for ethanol continues to grow as an alternative to high priced oil. America needs a secure fuel source and Absolute Energy and Iowa farmers are providing it.”

Fagen, Inc., the Granite Falls, Minnesota design-build contractor, is overseeing the construction and incorporating a process design provided by ICM, Inc. of Colwich, Kansas.

“Absolute Energy, LLC is proud of our quick progress to date. We are committed to adding value to our members, our community, our state and nation as we march toward energy independence,” stated Absolute Energy President Rick Schwarck.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Currently, Iowa has 25 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 1.6 billion gallons annually. There are 8 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add 575 million gallons of annual capacity. In addition, Iowa has 13 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 250 million gallons either in operation or under construction. Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.