Top 10 Largest Corn Ethanol Plants United States Midwest Dominance

Robert Gultig

30 December 2025

Top 10 Largest Corn Ethanol Plants United States Midwest Dominance

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Written by Robert Gultig

30 December 2025

Introduction:

The United States Midwest has long been known for its dominance in the corn ethanol industry. With its fertile lands and advanced technology, the region has become home to some of the largest corn ethanol plants in the country. In recent years, the demand for renewable fuels has been on the rise, driving the growth of the industry even further. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, the United States produced over 15.8 billion gallons of ethanol in 2020, with the majority of it coming from the Midwest region.

Top 10 Largest Corn Ethanol Plants United States Midwest Dominance:

1. POET Biorefining – Emmetsburg, Iowa
– Production volume: 150 million gallons per year
– POET Biorefining in Emmetsburg is one of the largest corn ethanol plants in the United States. Its state-of-the-art facilities and efficient production processes have helped it maintain its position as a leader in the industry.

2. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) – Decatur, Illinois
– Production volume: 1.5 billion gallons per year
– ADM’s ethanol plant in Decatur is one of the largest in the country, producing a significant portion of the nation’s ethanol. The company’s strategic location in the Midwest allows it to access a steady supply of corn for its production.

3. Green Plains Inc. – Shenandoah, Iowa
– Production volume: 1.1 billion gallons per year
– Green Plains Inc. is a major player in the corn ethanol industry, with its plant in Shenandoah being one of the largest in the Midwest. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has helped it stay competitive in the market.

4. Valero Energy Corporation – Albert City, Iowa
– Production volume: 1.2 billion gallons per year
– Valero Energy Corporation’s ethanol plant in Albert City is a key contributor to the company’s ethanol production. Valero’s focus on efficiency and quality has made it a top player in the industry.

5. Flint Hills Resources – Fairmont, Nebraska
– Production volume: 550 million gallons per year
– Flint Hills Resources’ ethanol plant in Fairmont is known for its advanced technology and commitment to sustainability. The plant plays a significant role in the company’s ethanol production efforts.

6. The Andersons Marathon Holdings LLC – Greenville, Ohio
– Production volume: 1 billion gallons per year
– The Andersons Marathon Holdings LLC operates a large ethanol plant in Greenville, Ohio, producing a substantial amount of ethanol annually. The company’s dedication to quality and innovation has helped it maintain its position in the market.

7. Pacific Ethanol – Pekin, Illinois
– Production volume: 515 million gallons per year
– Pacific Ethanol’s plant in Pekin is a major player in the corn ethanol industry, producing a significant amount of ethanol each year. The company’s focus on sustainability and efficiency has helped it succeed in the market.

8. POET Biorefining – Gowrie, Iowa
– Production volume: 69 million gallons per year
– Another POET Biorefining plant in Iowa, the Gowrie facility plays a key role in the company’s ethanol production efforts. The plant’s innovative processes and commitment to sustainability have helped it stand out in the industry.

9. Green Plains Inc. – Superior, Iowa
– Production volume: 125 million gallons per year
– Green Plains Inc.’s ethanol plant in Superior is a significant contributor to the company’s ethanol production. The plant’s strategic location and efficient operations have helped it maintain its position in the market.

10. Valero Energy Corporation – Hartley, Iowa
– Production volume: 110 million gallons per year
– Valero Energy Corporation’s ethanol plant in Hartley is a key player in the company’s ethanol production efforts. The plant’s focus on quality and sustainability has helped it stay competitive in the industry.

Insights:

The Midwest region of the United States continues to dominate the corn ethanol industry, with some of the largest plants in the country located in states like Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska. The region’s fertile lands and advanced technology have helped it become a key player in the production of renewable fuels. As the demand for ethanol continues to grow, companies in the Midwest are well-positioned to meet the needs of the market. According to industry forecasts, the United States is expected to produce even more ethanol in the coming years, further solidifying the Midwest’s dominance in the industry.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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