Ethanol Production and Use

A process that considers all stages of fuel production, from raw material extraction to final delivery, including energy losses and pollution releases.

Evaluating the economic viability of converting one type of energy source to another.

A coalition advocating for 25% renewable energy sources in the nation's energy mix by 2025.

A fungus that breaks down cellulose into sugars.

A process of converting cellulose into ethanol, often utilizing fungi to break down components.

Unintended consequences of attempts to alter gasoline formula leading to increased interest in biofuels.

Energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as wind, solar, and biofuels.

Fuels produced from biological sources, such as ethanol and biodiesel.

Ethanol has a lower energy density than gasoline. A gallon of ethanol contains about 80,000 Btu of energy, while a gallon of gasoline contains about 119,000 Btu.

Large amounts of natural gas are required to manufacture ethanol. This involves heating at various steps of the production process.

High ethanol production drives up natural gas prices, affecting everyone who depends on it.

Using coal to produce ethanol can result in a higher carbon footprint than using gasoline, making it worse for climate change.

Due to the increasing demand for natural gas, the U.S. might have to import more natural gas to produce ethanol. This could contribute to energy dependence on other countries.

Filling your tank with E85 (85% ethanol) will reduce your vehicle's driving range by approximately 33%.

The organization claims that increasing ethanol consumption can reduce foreign oil imports. However, this reduction may be small and temporary.

While ethanol is promoted as a sustainable energy source, its dependency on significant natural gas usage makes its sustainability questionable, especially in the face of increasing natural gas prices and declining production.

The comparison of energy used to produce ethanol versus the energy it provides when burned. Some argue that the net energy gain is very small.

Residual materials from ethanol production, like corn gluten feed, which can be used for animal feed or other purposes.

Debates exist about whether ethanol production reduces or increases greenhouse gas emissions. Some studies suggest using natural gas to produce ethanol leads to slightly lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, while using coal makes it worse.

A major agricultural corporation that has been a strong advocate for ethanol policy, influencing its development and implementation.

The primary argument is whether the energy required to produce ethanol surpasses the energy it provides when burned. This is important for assessing its overall sustainability and economic viability.

The production methods and energy sources used significantly influence the overall environmental impact. For instance, making ethanol with natural gas may be slightly better for greenhouse gases than gasoline, but using coal has a negative impact.

A comprehensive evaluation of all stages of a fuel's production process, from resource extraction to final use, considering energy losses and emissions throughout its life.

An organization that conducts research and provides information on biological sciences, including the production and impacts of biofuels.