Lamberton, Oct 16 – Sixteen students from Wabasso High School toured Highwater Ethanol today to learn more about home-grown renewable energy production.

During the tour, the students learned about the various processes in ethanol production at Highwater Ethanol, which produces 59.5 million gallons a year.

“We regularly host high school students at our plant to get a first-hand look at how clean Minnesota-grown renewable energy is produced in our facility. It’s important for students to learn about the ethanol production process and its role in creating jobs in rural Minnesota while also reducing state greenhouse gas emissions,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol.

The students, from grades 10 to 12, toured the plant’s administrative office, water treatment process, incoming grain grading and handling, ethanol loadout, ethanol process facility, energy center, dried distiller grain production and storage.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, a non-profit trade organization that represents the ethanol industry in Minnesota. Highwater Ethanol is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

“This is the 11th tour we’ve organized in 2017. It’s important for students to learn about ethanol which reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions while making America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

Highwater Ethanol began operations in Lamberton in August 2009. It currently has 41 fulltime employees.

Wabasso High School agriculture teacher, Lisa Roker, accompanied her students during today’s tour and said it was beneficial for her students to learn about career opportunities in the ethanol industry.

“By attending the plant tour, the students learned more about the importance of biofuels and ethanol. I believe they left the tour with a new perspective and a better understanding for an industry that operates in close proximity to the towns they live in,” she said.