Guardian Energy Hosts Students from University of Minnesota

Janesville, March 17 - Eight students from the University of Minnesota visited Guardian Energy today to gain an in-depth look at the ethanol production process.

The visit gave the students a first-hand experience of Guardian Energy's operations, learning about processes such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain and ethanol storage, and the production of dried distillers grains - a valuable co-product used for livestock feed.

The students, all seniors and graduate students from the University of Minnesota's Renewable Energies Technology class, explored how each step in the ethanol production process contributes to a more sustainable energy future.

"It's always a pleasure to welcome the University of Minnesota's Renewable Energy Technologies students to our facility. Today's group had a chance to learn about how we transform local corn crops into clean, renewable energy, animal feed, and corn oil," said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy. "We were also able to give students a better appreciation for the ways in which our industry benefits Minnesotans - by lowering prices at the pump, providing cleaner air, reinforcing our rural economies and reducing our reliance on foreign oil."

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels), of which Guardian Energy is a member. Min Addy, professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota, accompanied the students.

"My students gained a deeper understanding of the ethanol production process, connecting what they've learned in class to real-life applications, as well as the business operations behind it," Addy said. "They also learned how local industries like this contribute to our community and the environment."