Biofuels as Alternative Sources of Energy
However, we have a long way to go to refine and make economic and practical these biofuels that we are researching. A study by Oregon State University proves this. We have yet to develop biofuels that are as energy efficient as gasoline made from petroleum. Energy efficiency is the measure of how much usable energy for our needed purposes is derived from a certain amount of input energy. (Nothing that mankind has ever used has derived more energy from output than from what the needed input was. What has always been important is the conversion—the end-product energy is what is useful for our needs, while the input energy is just the effort it takes to produce the end-product.) The OSU study found corn-derived ethanol to be only 20% energy efficient (gasoline made from petroleum is 75% energy efficient). Biodiesel fuel was recorded at 69% energy efficiency. However, the study did turn up one positive: cellulose-derived ethanol was charted at 85% efficiency, which is even higher than that of the fantastically efficient nuclear energy.
Recently, oil futures have been down on the New York Stock Exchange, as analysts from several different countries are predicting a surge in biofuel availability which would offset the value of oil, dropping crude oil prices on the international market to $40 per barrel or thereabouts. The Chicago Stock Exchange has a grain futures market which is starting to “steal” investment activity away from the oil futures in NY, as investors are definitely expecting better profitability to start coming from biofuels. Indeed, it is predicted by a consensus of analysts that biofuels shall be supplying seven percent of the entire world's transportation fuels by the year 2030. One certain energy markets analyst has said, growth in demand for diesel and gasoline may slow down dramatically, if the government subsidizes firms distributing biofuels and further pushes to promote the use of eco-friendly fuel.
There are several nations which are seriously involved in the development of biofuels.
There is Brazil, which happens to be the world's biggest producer of ethanols derived from sugars. It produces approximately three and a half billion gallons of ethanol per year.
The United States, while being the world's greatest oil-guzzler, is already the second largest producer of biofuels behind Brazil.
The European Union's biodiesel production capacity is now in excess of four million (British) tonnes. 80 percent of the EU's biodiesel fuels are derived from rapeseed oil; soybean oil and a marginal quantity of palm oil comprise the other 20 percent.
Comments
Menu
My Articles
Geothermal Power As Alternative EnergyAlternative Energy In Ireland
Resources For Alternative Energy
Investments In Alternative Energy
Some Suppliers Of Alternative Energy
Investment Into Alternative Energy Research And Development
An Alternative Energy Education Method
An Energy Alternative: Free Energy
Alternative Energy From The Ocean
Jobs In Alternative Energy Fields
Consultants On Alternative Energy
Alternative Energy For The Home
Biofuels As Alternative Sources Of Energy
Wind Power As A Viable Solution To Meeting Alternative Energy Needs
Solar Energy Collecting As An Alternative Energy Source
Developing Nuclear Power As Alternative Energy
Government Grants For Alternative Energy
University Research Into Alternative Energy
Pursuing Alternative Forms Of Energy
How To Seek Grants For Alternative Energy R & D
Investing In Alternative Energy Stocks
Renewable Fuels For Alternative Energy
What Is Alternative Energy
The Ways That The Military Is Using Alternative Energy
Custom Search
|
My Articles Alternative Energy From The Ocean Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) was conceived of by the French engineer.. University Research Into Alternative Energy Decades of tree and biomass research jointly conducted by Florida Statue.. Wind Power As A Viable Solution To Meeting Alternative Energy Needs Although it is much less expensive to initially get.. |
|
|
Related News:
|
|
Custom Search
|