What Is Ethanol?

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a chemical compound with the formula C₂H₅OH.

It is commonly used in alcoholic beverages, but it can also be used as a biofuel because it burns and releases energy.

How Is Ethanol Produced?

Ethanol is mainly produced through the fermentation of sugars obtained from plant biomass.

The process generally involves:

• Feedstocks such as sugarcane, corn, sorghum, sugar beet or cassava

• Fermentation, where yeast converts sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide

• Distillation to increase ethanol concentration for fuel use

Ethanol can also be produced synthetically from petroleum-derived ethylene, although this method is less common in agricultural energy applications.

What Is Ethanol Used For?

Ethanol has several applications:

• Fuel or fuel additive in blends such as E10 or E85

• Industrial solvent

• Chemical feedstock

How Can Ethanol Be Used in Agricultural Machinery?

Ethanol can power agricultural engines either as a pure fuel or in fuel blends.

The most common applications include:

• Engines specifically designed for E100 or E85 fuel

• Conversion of existing gasoline or diesel engines to operate with ethanol blends

What Experience Exists with Ethanol-Powered Agricultural Machinery?

Brazil is one of the leading markets for ethanol-powered agricultural equipment, particularly in sugarcane production.

Several global agricultural machinery manufacturers are developing ethanol-powered solutions:

• Case IH introduced the Austoft 9000 sugarcane harvester in 2024, powered by an ethanol-fueled Cursor 13 engine from FPT Industrial

• At Agrishow 2025, Case IH and FPT Industrial also presented the N67 Ethanol engine prototype for the Puma 230 tractor

• John Deere showcased an R8 tractor equipped with an ethanol engine for sugarcane and corn operations in Brazil

How Do Ethanol Engines Work?

Ethanol engines operate similarly to gasoline engines using the Otto combustion cycle.

The fuel is injected into the cylinder, mixed with air, compressed and ignited with a spark.

Because ethanol has a high octane rating, it can support higher compression ratios and improved thermal efficiency.

However, ethanol may require cold-start assistance systems in low-temperature environments due to lower fuel volatility.

What Advantages Does Ethanol Offer?

Compared to Fossil Fuels

• Renewable fuel source

• Lower net CO₂ emissions

• Reduced sulfur and particulate emissions

Compared to Other Alternative Fuels

• Easier integration into existing fuel infrastructure

• Can be produced locally in agricultural regions

• Lower technical complexity than battery-electric systems in rural environments

What Are the Main Limitations?

• Lower energy density than gasoline

• Potential corrosion issues in incompatible materials

• Competition between fuel and food production when using crops such as corn or sugarcane

• Dependence on agricultural cycles and weather conditions

• Cold-start challenges in cooler climates

Which Countries Are the Largest Ethanol Producers?

The two largest ethanol producers are:

• United States, primarily using corn

• Brazil, mainly using sugarcane

Top Ethanol Producers in 2023

1. United States: 59.0 million tonnes

2. Brazil: 37.0 million tonnes

3. China: 7.2 million tonnes

4. India: 5.0 million tonnes

5. Thailand: 2.6 million tonnes

6. Canada: 2.1 million tonnes

7. Argentina: 1.8 million tonnes

8. France: 1.5 million tonnes

9. Germany: 1.4 million tonnes

10. South Africa: 1.1 million tonnes

What Is the Key Takeaway?

Ethanol is becoming an increasingly relevant renewable fuel option for agriculture.

Its use in agricultural machinery may be particularly attractive in regions with large-scale biomass production and established biofuel industries.

However, successful adoption depends on balancing environmental benefits with technical, economic and logistical considerations.