Iowa Corn Supports New Engine Technology and the Promise of Low Carbon Ethanol for Heavy-Duty Engine Applications

ClearFlame Engine Technologies, an innovation company dedicated to clean engine technology, announced that with the support of Iowa Corn, that it has recently raised $30 million in Series B funding to move from pilot to product in key markets. The new funding will help demonstrate how ClearFlame’s unique engine modification technology powers diesel engine platforms with renewable liquid fuels like ethanol in place of diesel fuel, helping to advance carbon and climate goals more immediately and cost efficiently.

“Sustainability continues to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind and with technology like this, companies will be able to improve their carbon footprint and power their heavy-duty transportation fleets with cleaner-burning, more affordable fuel like ethanol,” said Pete Brecht a farmer from Central City, Iowa, who serves as a director for both Iowa Corn Opportunities and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. “Not only is this a great opportunity for farmers to see more corn grind through ethanol production but it also gives the transportation industry a reliable source of homegrown fuel made right here in Iowa.”

By maintaining over 85% of the original diesel engine design, the company’s patented technology can efficiently adapt to markets like long-haul trucking, agriculture, power generation and mining, offering the same power, durability and performance as today’s diesel engines while readily integrating into existing manufacturing, fueling, maintenance and repair ecosystems.

“We are grateful for the continued support of Iowa Corn,” said BJ Johnson, ClearFlame CEO and co-founder. “Ethanol and other clean renewable fuels represent a critical part of our overall zero-carbon strategy. Our strategy puts these sustainable fuels to work powering diesel engines, the workhorses of our economy who also contribute significantly to transportation emissions. We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnerships as we move from pilot to product.”

“This investment is a testament to our mission of creating opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability.”  said Mark Mueller a farmer from Waverly, Iowa, who serves as a director for both Iowa Corn Opportunities and the Iowa Corn Growers Association. “With it we are able to showcase the importance of creating new uses for corn that make the world more sustainable, including powering heavy-duty engines with low carbon ethanol.”

For More Information:

Rachel Zumbach, Public Relations Manager, rzumbach@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242