Ethanol Explained: Benefits & Costs

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In summary: The technology is there, it's just a matter of applying it.In summary, the article states that ethanol is derived from crops, has lower energy than gasoline, and can be expensive to use. It also says that ethanol is not as efficient as gasoline when it comes to mileage, and that genetic engineering could increase yields on the same amount of land.
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scott1
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http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/articles/060425/25ethanol_faq.htm?s_cid=rss:site1"
Most people know that it comes from crops and that it's been around for a while. But advertisements touting ethanol, sponsored by General Motors and others, leave out a lot of the basics. Here's what you need to know:
There is some Good news
Do flex-fuel vehicles cost more?

Not usually. Automakers have to install a sensor and a few additional components to produce a car that can run on both ethanol and gasoline, which adds about $100 to the cost. But typically they don't pass the cost on to consumers.
and bad news
So I'll save money if I use ethanol?

Actually, no. Ethanol contains less energy than gasoline, which means mileage is lower. In city driving, for example, the base model Chevy Silverado pickup truck gets 16 miles per gallon of gasoline, but just 12 miles per gallon of ethanol. During one year of typical driving, it would cost about $250 more to run the truck on ethanol than on gasoline.
Is this ture?
 
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  • #2
Broadly doesn't sound too far off the mark.

If you want eye-opening facts, research what area of arable farmland would be required to grow sufficient crops to enable the USA to switch from petrol to ethanol.
 
  • #3
:eek:

"UK transport would require 100 Billion Litres/year requiring 200,000[tex]km^2 [/tex] of arable land... Total UK land area 240,000[tex]km^2[/tex]"

Still... I guess its still worth researching.
 
  • #5
One thing I think could be a possible solution is genetically engineered crops. If we could change the growth rate characteristics and size of the crops used to produce ethanol, we could significantly increase the yields for the same land area utilized. I do not know how much effort is being put into that though. Brasil is a large country. 25% of their transportation uses Ethanol, and they even export Ethanol to other countries.
 

1. What is ethanol and how is it made?

Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is primarily used as a fuel source. It is made by fermenting and distilling plant materials, such as corn, sugarcane, or switchgrass. This process converts the sugars in the plant material into ethanol, which can then be used as a fuel additive or replacement for gasoline.

2. What are the benefits of using ethanol as a fuel?

There are several benefits to using ethanol as a fuel source. Firstly, it is a renewable resource, as it is made from plant materials that can be grown and harvested repeatedly. Additionally, ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, producing fewer emissions and reducing air pollution. It also has a higher octane rating, which can improve engine performance and increase fuel efficiency.

3. Are there any drawbacks or costs associated with using ethanol?

While there are many benefits to using ethanol, there are also some drawbacks and costs to consider. One of the main concerns is the potential for increased food prices, as ethanol production can compete with food production for resources. There are also concerns about the impact of ethanol production on the environment, such as deforestation and water pollution. Finally, there may be additional costs associated with retrofitting vehicles and infrastructure to be compatible with higher ethanol blends.

4. How is ethanol currently being used in the United States?

In the United States, ethanol is primarily used as a fuel additive, with most gasoline blends containing up to 10% ethanol (known as E10). There are also higher ethanol blends available, such as E15 and E85, but these are not as widely used due to compatibility issues with some vehicles and infrastructure. Ethanol is also used as a pure fuel in some areas, particularly in the Midwest where it is produced.

5. What is the future outlook for ethanol as a fuel source?

The future of ethanol as a fuel source is uncertain and highly debated. Some see it as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, while others argue that it has limited potential and may even be harmful to the environment. The use of ethanol may continue to increase as renewable fuel mandates and incentives are implemented, but it is also facing competition from other alternative fuels and technologies. Ultimately, the future outlook for ethanol will likely depend on factors such as government policies, technological advancements, and consumer demand.

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