Posts tagged as:

Ethanol

Put a Watermelon in Your Tank: From Picnics to Biofuel

August 26, 2009

One out of every five watermelons rot in the field because they don’t look absolutely perfect for the grocery store.
That’s a lot of wasted food.
But researchers at the USDA are working on a watermelon-to-biofuels system that can use those wasted melons for ethanol production.

USDA: No Environmental Impact Study Needed to Deregulate Genetically Modified Corn

January 15, 2009

The USDA may deregulate the world’s first genetically engineered industrial crop without a full Environmental Impact Study, relying instead on an incomplete Environmental Assessment from the creator, Syngenta.
Opponents say releasing ‘Event 3272′ into the environment poses unacceptable risks to humans due to an exotic enzyme that could trigger allergic reactions.

Analysis Finds Global Crop-Based Biofuels Production Overestimated by 100%

January 14, 2009

A new study of agricultural biofuels shows that global yields of crop-based feedstock production are overestimated by 100% for many crops, and up to 150% for some, bringing some sobering news to the booming industry of ethanol and biodiesel producers.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin and University of Minnesota published their study this week in [...]

UCLA Researchers Develop Genetically Modified E. coli Bacteria For More Efficient Ethanol Production

January 9, 2009

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new process for producing next-generation biofuels through genetic modification of E. coli bacteria to be efficient biofuel synthesizers, which could be the step needed for mass production.
This discovery might create a big divide between those working for alternative fuels and those opposed to GMOs. While I am personally opposed [...]

Can the U.S. Meet the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standards?

October 30, 2008

The EPA, through its Renewable Fuel Standards program, has set a pretty idealistic goal for the introduction of cellulosic biofuels, and many are wondering if the goal will be able to be met.

1,000 Gallons of Water for 1 Gallon of Ethanol – How Green is That?

October 28, 2008

Water conservation has always been a hot button for aid organizations and environmentalists, and with a world wide lack of drinking water, and third world countries getting involved in the growing bio-economy, I think it’s time to look behind the curtain of the fuel movement that calls itself “green.”

Jimmy cracked Corn Ethanol, and I don’t care!

August 5, 2008

Written by Adam Shake
Corn Ethanol: Hero or Hype? From Mother Earth News.

In current engines, E85 provides about 30 percent less fuel economy than gasoline
Ethanol cannot be transported through existing pipelines because it is corrosive and easily absorbs water. It must be delivered by trucks, barges and rail cars, which produces more pollution.
Converting remaining prairie, forests [...]