ethanol not oil its cracked up to be

Ethanol not oil its cracked up to be - experts
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May 2, 2006

By Mary Chapman

Detroit, Michigan - Ethanol is emerging as a controversial balm for the growing energy problem in the US as concerns mount over soaring petrol prices and the country's dependence on foreign oil.

Politicians and automakers say the corn-based biofuel can reduce demand for petrol; by using more ethanol, they say, petrol prices would come down, air quality would improve and American farmers would benefit.

But some critics say there are far more effective alternatives than a fuel that requires massive energy input to produce.

Cornell University ecology professor David Pimentel said: "I wish ethanol were everything they say it is, but it's terrible that this has been proposed as a solution to our liquid fuels problem
'There are far more effective alternatives than a fuel that requires massive energy inputs to produce'
.

"Not only does ethanol require 30 percent more energy input than what is produced but crop pesticides and fertilisers cause water pollution and other environmental problems."

At the same time, he said, farmers stood to receive billions in federal subsidies.

The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, however, argues that ethanol production has become less energy-intensive over the last 20 years and will continue to improve.

There are two types of ethanol fuels: E10 contains 10 percent ethanol and can be used in any vehicle. It's already used in 40 percent of all petrol sold in the US.

E85, however, is a blend that uses 85 percent ethanol and requires vehicles to have special fuel systems
'Ethanol production has become less energy-intensive over the last 20 years, and will continue to improve'
.

Pimentel cautioned: "I think the public will buy into it but only until the facts get out. They'll find out that this is not solving our energy problem."

There are other challenges; for one, ethanol offers poorer fuel economy than traditional petrol, according to the US government.

Its website shows, for example, that a 2006 Chev Monte Carlo uses 9.4 litres/100km of petrol but 12.4 litres/100km on E85. By comparison, a 2006 Toyota Prius hybrid needs only 4.3 litres/100km.

General Motors, still smarting from being left behind on hybrid technology, has launched an ad campaign touting ethanol and hybrid leader Toyota recently said it would consider building ethanol-friendly vehicles.

Chrysler plans to add three vehicles to its E85 range this year: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander and Dodge Dakota pickup.

Early in 2006 Ford introduced the Escape Hybrid E85, a research vehicle that marries hybrid electric power and flex-fuel capability, and is said to produce 25 percent less carbon dioxide than a petrol-powered Escape hybrid. – Sapa-AFP

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