xpatUSA

Ethanol: Our Answer to Reducing U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil

Ethanol has a significantly lower energy content than gasoline of any kind. Therefore, mixing it with gasoline, in any ratio, will REDUCE gas mileage - all other things being equal. So those happy farmers are deluding themselves - a little like those halcyon days of yesteryear when "high test gas" turned your 1982 Malibu into a virtual rocket ;-)

T.C.

Is the Ethanol Mandate Likely to be Repealed?

Yep, ethanol has actually less than 2/3 the energy compared to gasoline - the ratio is 0.627 [Wikipedia] to be a little more exact.

The cellulosic process is proven and starting to be used. Check out Verenium VRNM for example.

I see a gradual move to B99 bio-diesel fuel in the medium future. Also if E85 became more commonly available, ethanol-only engines could have much higher compression ratio which would, to an extent, offset it's lesser calorific value.

We talk a lot about energy balance, efficiency and so forth but, if push came to shove, I would happily drive to town in a steam-powered conveyance burning Yaupon holly from my property!

xpat