The present invention is directed to a process for the production of
ethanol and energy. The process includes the steps of fermenting a corn
mash in an aqueous medium to produce a beer. Next, the beer is distilled
to produce ethanol and a whole stillage. The whole stillage is
anaerobically digested to produce a biogas and a residue. The biogas is
combusted to produce electricity and steam. The electricity and steam are
used during the fermentation and distillation process. The residue may
further be separated into a liquid fertilizer and top soil residue.