Background
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The energy crises of the last few decades have challenged countries with strong agricultural base to consider the production and use of ethanol and biodiesel as supplements to transportation fuels such as gasoline and diesel. Ethanol from crops such as sugar cane, corn and grains had a head start over thirty years ago while biodiesel from oil and fat waste was introduced later. In both cases, governments have provided generous incentives for the production and utilisation of these biomass derived liquid fuels in blends with gasoline and diesel. Although the direct production costs of these renewable liquid fuels are higher than the oil produced gasoline and diesel fuels, the use of biofuels has been promoted on the basis of improved environmental benefits as well as a means of diversifying fuel supplies. This note covers Ethanol; biodiesel is covered in another note. The note outlines the maturity of the technology, and provides rough estimates of production economics.
It is important to note the following warning/advice from the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association: “The production of ethanol and other alcohol products for fuel or human consumption is regulated in Canada. Ethanol is flammable and potentially dangerous. The most serious concerns include insurance, zoning and, above all, safety. The CRFA does not endorse, approve or guarantee any ethanol-making products or links” (http://www.greenfuels.org/ethfaq.php?id=5)
Modified: 03-31-2008
