So following on the ethanol fuel question.
I'm currently of the opinion that the capitalist way that ethanol fuels are being developed and managed is a BAD thing.
Pros
* Short CO2 lifecycle (plants grow taking CO2 out of air, we burn fuel putting it back in)
Cons
* Food crops are being diverted to ethanol production due to simple market economics and as a result it is contributing to world food shortages. (Fuel producers and car drivers are paying more.)
* Forests are being cleared to produce the ethanol sources.
* Ethanol is borderline on energy efficiency (ie: net energy in is sometimes greater than net energy out, mostly depending on fuel source)
As a tip, if you buy E10 or whatever fuel due to cost, be aware that;
1) not all cars can handle ethanol due to gumming up the jets
2) In my tests, E10 gives about a 6% reduction in fuel efficiency (ie: less km/L), so if the price is not >6% less, you're paying more $/km.
Friday, January 30, 2009
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