In a recent announcement, the chairman of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB) revealed that checkoff dollars are being invested in Clear Flame Engine Technologies to convert diesel engines to run on ethanol. This technology has already yielded positive results, as Jon Rosenstiel, a farmer in Stephenson County, stated that trucks running on 98% pure ethanol are already on the road.
Clear Flame is based in Illinois, near Chicago and is conducting mileage tests with their trucks on the road. The company made its first sale of a converted truck this year, and ICMB initially funded the research into Clear Flame. Rosenstiel highlighted the benefits of Clear Flame trucks, which provide diesel-like performance while offering fuel cost savings and environmental advantages compared to traditional semis.
This advancement in technology presents a promising opportunity for utilizing corn in different sectors and diversifying the uses of the crop. The Clear Flame Engine Technology represents a significant step forward in the utilization of ethanol in the transportation sector and contributes to the overall sustainability goals of the industry.