Ethanol has become hot. Recent federal legislation called for the doubling of ethanal production by 2012. Vehicle manufacturers have begun touting their flex-fuel vehicles. The obvious advantages of domestically grown, renewable, non-toxic, superior octane rating (-113 vs gasoline), more engine power in optimized vehicles, and positive energy balance seem difficult to ignore on the surface. However, growing corn for fuel reduces supply of other commodities that would otherwise be grown and raises the price of all agricultural commodities. Enhanced environmental concerns from increased use of pesticides and top soil depletion are areas which must be addressed. Technical opponents note that vehicle engines optimized to run on ethanol get considerably less MPG without a corresponding lower price for ethanol. Ethanol cannot be moved through existing pipelines, thus increased transportation costs. Despite advances in R&D, researchers claim than corn ethanol has a six-fold negative energy balance. The debate surrounding ethanol is complex, with a host of special interests weighing in on both sides. In the end, let us hope than wisely applied governmental incentives will encourage all “alternative” players to see answers to our “3E” challenge of energy conservation, economics and environmental awareness. For more on this see newsletter archives at www.alancoxautomotive.com.
Subscribe Via
RSS
RSS