WEST DES MOINES, IA – Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) producer member Elite Octane, an ethanol plant near Atlantic, today (Friday, March 7th) celebrated producing its 1 billionth gallon. Since the plant began operating on July 1, 2018, it has processed over 300 million bushels of corn from area farmers. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw congratulated Elite Octane, “for reaching the one-billion-gallon milestone.” Shaw said “Not only does this milestone celebrate the plant, but it celebrates the impact Elite Octane has on the local community, area farmers, and consumers across the nation. This is a testament to ethanol’s role in American energy dominance while providing consumers with a cleaner-burning, cost-savings solution at the pump.”

With its 53 employees, Elite Octane has paid more than $1.6 billion to local corn farmers since commencing operations in 2018, nearly all funds received within 60 miles of Atlantic, Iowa. The over 300 million bushels of corn were processed into more than just ethanol.

Elite Octane, Atlantic Iowa (photo from the company’s website)

Elite Octane also produced more than 2 million tons of high protein animal feed and over 300 million pounds of corn oil as well. Additionally, 50 percent of all the water used in the ethanol production process is recycled water from the City of Atlantic that would otherwise be discharged down the river.