However, none of the sites or sizes had a 25 percent average annual pre-tax return on investment — a benchmark BBI sets for a successful project. The lowest average annual pre-tax return on investment was 7.7 percent, and the highest was 14.3 percent.

According to BBI, proposed projects with less than 20 percent are “typically not worth pursuing”; 20 to 24 percent is a “less than average project — needs improvement”; 25 to 29 percent is “a good project — should be able to compete”; and 30 and higher is “an excellent project.”

What is KEEP?

Keystone Ethanol Energy Producers LLC, or KEEP, a privately-held company, was formed in August 2007 by Bruce Wolff of Greenville, George Greig of Linesville, C. Sherman Allen of Conneaut Lake, Scott Preston of Centerville, Drew Pierce of West Middlesex, Richard M. Struthers of Mercer and Charles Sump of Greenville.

Did you know?

Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is made from corn or other grains and is blended into automotive gasoline to help petroleum refiners meet more stringent air quality standards.