Ethanol is not Green Energy
Posted on May 21, 2008 by
Paul WhiteEthanol is a very popular fuel. In countries like Brazil their
cars run on 100% ethanol. We however are forced to be happy with E85, a blend of 85% ethanol 15% gasoline. Many people will argue that I am wrong, and claim that ethanol is clean green energy. Don't get me wrong, I do feel ethanol is a great thing, but it is by no means what I consider green energy. So here are some facts about ethanol.
The Pros of Ethanol.It can be made from corn, and other crops, allowing us to produce it locally.
It burns cleaner than regular gasoline.
Many newer
cars ( mostly by GM ) are capable of using it.
The ability to produce ethanol locally allows us to keep billions in revenue within our borders.
Its cheaper to by at the pumps.
The Cons of EthanolIt takes alot of energy to convert crops into ethanol.
It still creates CO2 emissions
It has a lower energy than gasoline, meaning you have to use more fuel to do the same work. meaning lower mileage when compared to running gasoline.
It has to be transported by train or trailer truck, and can't be moved by pipe line due to the coorosive nature of ethanol ( its a solvent )
It can't be used in all
cars, and if used in non equiped
cars it will coorode your engine.
It causes less corn to be used in cattle feed and in food, meaning the cost of corn and corn related products has gone up.
What is green Energy?My definition of green energy might differ from other people's. To me green energy produces no waste. There are only three forms of green energy. Solar, Wind, and Hydro. The fact is that each of these forms of green energy are everywhere. Its just a matter of capturing it.
What is the best solution to our Oil problems?To get our electrical grid powered solely by Green Energy. Then make all
cars run on either batteries or hydrogen fuel cells.
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