ESL Lesson 1
Oil in Our Every Day Life
ESL Lesson 2
The History of Mining
ESL Lesson 3
Economic growth
ESL Lesson 4
Delivery Systems
ESL Lesson 5
Cities and Population Movement
ESL Lesson 6
Recycling
ESL Lesson 7
Rubber
ESL Lesson 8
Farming
Bio-fuels and Ethanol
by Robert Rapier Published on 24 January 2007
http://www.energybulletin.net/25102.html
A question was recently posed (asked) here: What is the most important question concerning (with regard to) ethanol production? That got me to thinking about important questions regarding (be concerned with) not only ethanol, but all of our energy sources. There are a number of issues (points) that we must carefully consider for any of our potential (possible) energy sources.
In my opinion, they are:- Is the energy source sustainable?
- What are the potential negative externalities (effects) of producing/using this energy source?
- What is the EROEI?
- Is it affordable?
- Are there better alternatives?
- Are there other special considerations?
- In summary, are the advantages of the source large enough to justify (allow) any negative consequences? (Are there more "good benefits" or "bad results" for human health and the environment when putting energy in to get energy out?)
For the purposes of this essay, I want to focus on energy sources for transportation. Let's look at some of our options (choices), and get a better handle on (get a better idea of) why we have opted (chosen) for the energy sources we presently use. I will not cover all of the options.
A few comments here, as some of the questions warrant (demand) additional comment. Sustainability, just because a fuel is not sustainable does not immediately disqualify it (take it off of the list) from consideration. It just means that there must eventually be something else to take its place. This could even be another unsustainable option, but these unsustainable options are unsustainable for a reason, they cannot continue forever. It would be preferable (a better idea) to move to something sustainable.
Likewise (equally) on the negative externalities (effects). There are negative externalities that we can tolerate (live with), and some we can't, but most fall in between (in the middle). Is increased pollution a tolerable negative externality? Not unless you live in China and are forced to accept it. It depends on the level and type of pollution. If the pollution level for a relatively benign (non-cancer causing) substance goes from undetectable to barely detectable, that is probably an externality that we can live with. Others aren't so clear cut, but all need to be weighed (balanced) against the perceived (observed) benefits.
Continue to: Liquid Fossil Fuels
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Rubber
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Bio-fuels and Ethanol
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Liquid Fossil Fuels
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Grain Ethanol
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Sugarcane Ethanol
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Cellulosic Ethanol
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Biodiesel
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Biomass Gasification
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Wind and Solar
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Conservation
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