The final 2008 ethanol production and demand numbers are in and despite industry issues towards the end of the year, it was another record with both numbers up over 40 percent from 2007.

According to year-end figures released by the Energy Information Administration, American ethanol facilities produced more than 9.2 billion gallons of ethanol in 2008, up from some 6.5 billion gallons in 2007. On average, the U.S. ethanol industry produced 601,000 barrels per day (b/d), compared to 423,000 in 2007.

Ethanol demand continued to outpace production last year. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, demand averaged 630,000 b/d in 2008 or more than 9.5 billion gallons total. By comparison, ethanol demand in 2007 averaged 446,000 b/d.

“Despite the economic challenges facing this country and this industry in 2008, America’s ethanol producers still managed to meet the goals put before them and build the necessary foundation for a strong and robust future for renewable fuels,” said RFA President Bob Dinneen. “While challenges will still persist through 2009, this industry is poised to help lead this nation out of its economic downturn and provide the kind of economic, energy, and environmental stability that is desperately needed.”