You've probably seen more fuel pumps with the "10% Ethanol Added" decal when you refuel your vehicle. Alternative energy technology is expected to progress throughout our lifetime. Cellulosic ethanol, also known by the name of Ceetol, is made by a two step thermo-chemical process which allows the fuel to produce up to 85 percent less carbon emissions than reformulated gasoline. The process also uses one fourth of the water needed to produce corn based ethanol. Current ethanol fuel use is around 7 billion gallons per year and is expected to increase by 30 percent by the year 2011.
A new biofuel plant is under construction near Soperton, Georgia. Range Fuels Inc. will produce cellulosic ethanol, an ethanol made from wood waste. The waste will come from sawmills, construction and demolition debris, as well as rural forestry residuals. The facility at full capacity will produce more than 100 million gallons per year.
General Motors also revealed their new company, Coskata Inc. at the North American International Auto Show in Michigan. Their company also plans to produce 100 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year. They claim that their process, similar to Range Fuels, produces 7 times as much energy as is uses in the process. Their goal is to increase the availability of Flexfuel and E-85 at the pumps.
The US Dept. of Energy expects that by the year 2012, our automotive fuel will be one third ethanol. Recent legislation, The Energy Independence and Security Act, includes a provision to set a standard for production of renewable fuels. The cost to produce the fuel is expected to be around $1.25 per gallon. You can go to E85vehicles.com for more information and to see if your vehicle can run on alternative fuels.
Comments
”Unlike MTBE, little is known about the impacts of ethanol releases into groundwater or the environment. However, because ethanol is the primary ingredient of beverage alcohol, which is classified by the California Proposition 65 Committee and other cancer experts as a human carcinogen, many are concerned about the possibility that ethanol may pose a cancer risk. Additionally, independent researchers have determined that ethanol in groundwater can extend plumes of other more potent gasoline carcinogens (benzene, toluene, etc.) up to 25%. In addition, ethanol is less effective than MTBE at fighting air pollution, and due to transportation and supply problems, will likely increase gasoline prices.”
Are you actually saying that we should be using oil based MTBE instead of ethanol? I have read a lot of unsubstantiated stories about the evils of ethanol, but this is the first comment proclaiming MTBE over ethanol. Even the oil companies who produced it realized it was a bad product.
I've been hearing that the plant in Soperton, GA was supposed to be opened last year, but the plant keeps getting postponed. When is the grand opening?
Thank You Charlie and Jetty! I will do a bit more research into this and report back with my findings! As for the plant in Soperton GA, I think they are affiliated with Global Energy Holdings (NYSE symbol was GNH) who are currently in bankruptcy proceedings. Since I have stock in that company, I will investigate and report my findings on that as well!
Thank You all for your comments! Answers will be coming.
Jerry
Ethanol is the biggest hoax since global warming. When will we quit allowing ourselves to be led like sheep by the whako tree huggers and their political hacks? Drill here, drill now!
From my research, I think Ceetol ( Cellulosic Ethanol ), will pave the way towards clean cost effective production of ethanol from municipal waste and switchgrass. Great article. I look forward to reading more.
Thanks.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!