Solar vs Corn for Ethanol: Which land use produces the most energy?

We’re hearing it more and more: Solar farms in Wisconsin are taking away prime farmland used for food. But it turns out, a million acres of farmland in Wisconsin are already being used energy production by growing corn for ethanol. A quarter of all the corn grown in our state is processed into ethanol. Nationwide, it’s 45%. But which land use produces the most energy per acre, corn or solar? And how much land do we really need for solar in Wisconsin to end our reliance on coal and gas?  Hear from Clean Wisconsin Science Program Director Paul Mathewson, Ph.D., about his latest analysis that’s been getting a lot of attention. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Dr. Paul Mathewson, Science Program Director, Clean Wisconsin Background Reading: Corn Ethanol vs. Solar: A Land Use Comparison Wisconsin’s Roadmap to Net Zero report Modeling shows Koshkonong Solar Energy Center will improve the health of nearby waterways Clean Wisconsin Science Program page Like “State of Change”? Subscribe to State of Change on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to rate our show and give us a review. It helps other people find us. Help support our podcast and our work to protect Wisconsin’s environment at http://www.cleanwisconsin.org/donate