AUGUST 20, 1998 - Sugar as a common automotive fuel is a step closer to reality, thanks to a $14,304 state grant that will enable Central Michigan University (CMU) to conduct research on ethanol production from sugar beet pulp.

"This grant will benefit all Michigan residents, because ethanol has many environmental, economical and energy benefits," said Governor John Engler. "It will help lower the cost of ethanol, which burns cleaner than gasoline, and utilizes waste products or biomass from various industries."

The grant will be used to determine the amount of ethanol that can be produced from both "pressed" and "wet" pulp supplied by Monitor Sugar Company in Bay City, Michigan, which produces over 60,000 tons of beet pulp annually. Production of ethanol from sugar beet pulp has the potential to reduce current production costs, enabling ethanol to better compete with gasoline.

"This project also will create an additional market for the large quantities of sugar beet pulp produced in concentrated areas of Michigan," said Consumer & Industry Services Director (CIS) Kathleen Wilbur. The matching grant was presented through the CIS Energy Resources Division.

Ethanol also is domestically produced, which keeps profits in local communities, provides employment and reduces dependency on foreign oil.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.