The Pros and Cons of Ethanol Use

Ethanol is one of the newest forms of fuel that is used to provide the energy for many things. It is created from crops that are refined and distilled with farms like grain and corn that contain high levels of starches. It is one of the most promising options for the future when it comes to fuel because it can be easily renewed – and requires less volume than other types of fuels to create similar amounts.

What makes ethanol so popular? As a society, we are trying to reduce our reliance on traditional oils that must be shipped hundreds of miles in order to be used. Many times, this oil comes from foreign locations and can create even more greenhouse gases and comes with a higher price. Using ethanol, as a fuel that can be easily produced and refined in our own country, can be an effective way to lower the greenhouse gas emissions that are seen throughout society.

What are the benefits with using ethanol as a type of fuel?

• Ethanol is renewable. Each year there are thousands of miles of crops that are found through our country. The remnants of these crops can be used to create fuel, once the food has been removed from the crop.

• The process to refine the crops to create ethanol is less intrusive to the environment than the process that is used to refine oil and create fuel through traditional means.

• Ethanol is renewable and the crops are planted every single year. From the remnants of the crops, the ethanol can be refined allowing the farmers to not only benefit from the sale of the crops for food – but also from the remnants that can be used to create fuel.

What are some of the drawbacks should be considered when considering ethanol as a fuel source?

• Ethanol is not widely known yet and therefore it can be difficult and expensive to shop for vehicles and equipment that make use of ethanol as a fuel source. For this reason, many people are not willing to invest in the expense that is associated with refining the ethanol.

• Ethanol is quite expensive compared to other more traditional fuels that are available. The expense is associated with the cost to refine the fuel and the fact that green-friendly fuels have surcharges associated with them. Although there are many organizations trying to find ways to lower the cost of the fuel, it is difficult because of the refining costs associated with ethanol.

It is important to consider both the benefits of using ethanol and the drawbacks associated with the fuel source when deciding whether you should integrate the alternative fuel into your life. Using the information available through the internet and through a variety of environmental journals can be an effective way to make the right choice and choose products that are going to beneficial to the earth, rather than crude oils that can degrade the earth.