Janesville, Oct 14 – Thirty-five students from NRHEG (New Richland, Hartland, Ellendale, Geneva) High School visited Guardian Energy yesterday to gain a better understanding of clean Minnesota-produced renewable energy.

The students, from the seventh and eight grade, toured the various processes of ethanol production at Guardian Energy’s 130-million gallon a year facility in Janesville.

“We were pleased to welcome NRHEG High School today. It’s important for students to learn about the ethanol production process and its role in creating jobs in rural Minnesota and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tracey Olson, chief operations officer at Guardian Energy.

During the tour, the students learned about several different components of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, grain storage, liquefaction, fermentation, distillation, distiller grain drying, corn oil separation, product storage and product shipment.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. Guardian Energy, which is one of Minnesota’s largest ethanol plants, is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

“This is the seventh tour we’ve organized this year. The ethanol industry is a very important economic driver in rural Minnesota. Tours like these highlight the career opportunities in the ethanol industry,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

NRHEG High School Agricultural Educator, Dan Sorum, accompanied his students during today’s tour.

“Anytime students can see first-hand, how a process that touches their daily lives works, it is a win for education and the industry,” he said.

Sorum added it was important for his students to learn how ethanol is produced.

“So many ideas are out there about ethanol but like so many issues of our day, the best way to learn about them is actually see the processes and talk to the people doing the work,” he said.