Sustainable
energy has long been the goal of researchers. Several types of
sustainable energy are slowly working their way into daily use by the
masses. On the forefront of developing sustainable energy is the
struggle for fuels for transportation. Ethanol fuel, sometimes labeled
as a bio fuel, has been mixed with octane for several years now. Specific
engines have been developed to be able to efficiently operate with a
wide range of ethanol percentages. Engines developed for ethanol fuel
are still competing to provide more mileage for the amount of fuel used.
Researchers are concerned that ethanol isn’t worth it’s weight as fuel.
Cars have not seen a dramatic increase in fuel economy to justify
ethanol as a major source of fuel. Ethanol is produced on a large scale
with the use of corn. Industrial production companies use corn as their
primary source of sugar of the fermentation process that creates
ethanol. In recent news the E.P.A. has declined to reduce the
ethanol ratio required in gasoline. Many farming companies are disputing this
regulation because of the drought that has effect crop output. Many
researchers have argued that ethanol from corn is a sustainable source
of energy. Sustainable energy is defined as energy that meets the needs
of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their needs. Corn is a very diverse product that meets the needs
of several industries including food and fuel. Researchers are
questioning if corn can support it’s many needs as well as future fuel
needs. Clean sustainable fuels are a very important part of the future
of the world’s environment. Ethanol may not be the ultimate sustainable
fuel, but it may be the needed stepping stone in the transition from
fossil fuels.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/business/energy-environment/epa-upholds-ethanol-standard-on-use-in-gasoline.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol_fuel#Production_process
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_energy
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