Corn ethanol for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the United States
Market and welfare effects of using U.S. corn ethanol as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel.
About the study
The long-run outlook for corn ethanol is uncertain as the vehicle fleet shifts toward electric and hybrid cars. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a key component of the U.S. plan to reach net-zero aviation emissions by 2050, could open a new market for ethanol, but its size depends on policy choices such as how the carbon intensity of ethanol-based SAF is measured and whether it qualifies for tax credits.
Objective
Quantify the market and welfare effects of using corn ethanol to produce sustainable aviation fuel in the United States.
Main results
Results forthcoming.
Outputs
- Almeida, F. M. de S., Perrin, R., & Fulginiti, L. (2026). Corn ethanol for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the United States: Market and welfare effects. Poster presented at the 2026 AAEA Annual Meeting, Kansas City, Missouri.
- Perrin, R. K., Fulginiti, L. E., & Almeida, F. M. de S. (2024). Will SAF turbocharge the corn ethanol market? Cornhusker Economics, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.