Janesville, April 8 - Sixteen students from the University of Minnesota toured Guardian Energy on April 5 to get a closer look at the ethanol production process. 

During the tour, the students learned about incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production / storage, ethanol storage and shipment.

The students were from two classes at the university - renewable energy and food engineering.

“We are always happy to provide tours of our manufacturing plant and appreciate the University of Minnesota bringing their students on-site to learn more about the ethanol production process, co-products and the role ethanol plays as a clean, renewable feedstock in our nation’s fuel supply chain. The ethanol industry is a vital economic driver in Janesville and in rural communities throughout Minnesota,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Guardian Energy is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.

“As energy prices rise, it’s important to highlight the role ethanol plays in lowering prices at the pump and making America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels.

Min Addy, department of bioproducts and biosystems professor at the University of Minnesota, accompanied her students during the tour.

“Our tour of Guardian Energy provided students with real world experience which they would not receive in the classroom. During our tour, students were able to learn about the production process and related mass and energy balance,” she said.