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Biotechnology (Enterprise)
Dr Geoff Robson
Alternative Fuel
Introduction
along with water, is converted into ethanol, carbon dioxide and water. It’s
carbon neutral, thus reducing net carbon emissions that are thought to
typically sugarcane or corn – used for conversion into ethanol has already
absorbed more CO2 whilst growing than is released from the production
and burning of ethanol . The chemical reactions of sugar into ethanol and
This usage and production of CO2 has been argued to be more beneficial
carbon utilised and produced is part of the ‘free carbon cycle’ whereas
petroleum from crude oil is released from a ‘locked carbon cycle’ into the
free carbon cycle. The free carbon cycle involves conversion of carbon
into living organic matter by plants and animals, and it’s release back into
the atmosphere. The extra carbon released by burning fossil fuels that
have been ‘trapped’ for so long upsets this cycle. Developing fuels that
reduce the need for petroleum substances or burn with less CO2
policy increasingly considering the effects that climate change may have,
alternative fuels are set to grow in importance and use, with more
fuels.
most, along with bioethanol. Hydrogen looks to be the fuel of the future,
When examining the current use of biofuels, the obvious starting point is
bioethanol since the 1970’s, when it heavily relied on foreign oil. The
means of fuelling the nation. Although it has not always been problem-
ethanol mixed with petrol, with 60% of all automobiles being ‘fuel-
ethanol may have to be refined further for blended use, or can be used as
is in a pure ethanol fuel. It is obvious from these figures that there is a lot
of waste in the conversion of biomass into ethanol. Most of this waste is
compound on the planet – which are not easily converted into sugars and
then fermented.
own biofuel
moves to increase this proportion. Also all new vehicles sold in the USA
must have the flexible fuel engine type. The EU has also moved to
As figure 1 shows, the global use of biomass for fuel is about 10%, with a
produces a flex-fuel model that outsells its petrol and diesel equivalents.
Advantages of Bioethanol
coal, gas and crude oil within the next 150 years, with our oil reserves
production in order to keep the cost per gallon in line with currently
its higher octane rating of 113 to that of petrol’s of between 83 and 95.
The higher the octane rating, the less likely it is that ‘knocking’ will occur
carbon neutral and how it might become so. From the renewable
grown and harvested every year, using the sun’s energy as the major
source of energy. The argument for it’s carbon neutrality stems from,
CO2 produced from burning the ethanol is less than that absorbed during
Figure 2: The net energy balance (NEB) of biofuels, showing a higher output
than input. Source: Environmental, economic, and energetic costs and benefits of
biodiesel and ethanol biofuels,Hill et al.
growth . The counter-argument states that more energy and fuel is used
energy balance of 1.25 (25% higher output than input), whilst biodiesel
has an energy balance of 1.93 – see figure 2. However, they also note
focus only on corn grain and soybean however. Over a 10 year period
nations. Nations that do not have access to crude oil reserves are entirely
dependent on importing their oil. If these same nations can produce crops
for energy uses then they will gain some economic independence. As
There is an argument against the use of crops for fuel as their farming
will displace the land used for food farming, however many areas
Disadvantages of Bioethanol
which researchers account for labour, but also due to which source of
sugar the researchers are using. On studies focused on the USA, corn is
source. Sugarcane has a higher energy ratio than corn. As such there is
an obvious need for further funding to both study the net energy balances
and also work towards more efficient conversion techniques. Along with
different crops having differing energy contents, not all crops can be
grown in all regions. The local geography and climate will dictate which
crops can be grown and so production may well rely on importing crops
or sugar.
harvested for fuel use, so too the land use for dedicated fuel farming. A
does not amount to a crisis, as they are net food exporters in certain
developing nations with large numbers of people living below the poverty
worth switching to less efficient fuels, meaning that more fuel and
support for alternative fuel initiatives. Currently all new cars sold in the
USA are flexible fuel vehicles, meaning that they can run on an ethanol-
petrol blend of up to 85% ethanol. However, many older cars are not able
petrol blend to ensure that everybody had sufficient time to change, with
bioethanol. Again this is a factor that would increase the price of ethanol
and will likely sway the other way with higher taxation once bioethanol is
used widely as a fuel. The most effective ways in reducing this cost
innovation.
Future Developments
the diversity of crops used. The way in which research is currently going
per gram of glucose, limited by the tolerance of the yeast to the ethanol.
This suggests that with engineering of yeast strains for high tolerance
of yeasts, but of other microbes that can hopefully one day convert
cellulose and lignin into sugars and then ferment them into ethanol.
be used solely for the purpose of fuel crops. As discussed earlier this has
possibility would be for the consumers to take control of their own fuel
As our technology grows, so other alternative fuels will come to the fore.
shows the predicted increase in the importance and use of hydrogen as the
alternative fuels they utilise. For example Australia would be able to take
advantage of PVs more than the UK. Greenland and Iceland could use
Conclusion
petrol, from which it can easily become the fuel of choice. There is a
technology and understanding year on year. This can only enhance the
not take too much to persuade the public to domesticate their own
feasible.
major fuel. However, it will be many years before hydrogen fuel is safe
and economic enough for its mass use. Until that time there will be a
high demand for bioethanol as an alternative fuel. Even then, hydrogen
may not be the fuel of choice for all applications, with bioethanol still
References