Ethanol Impact is Sobering
Biofuels have become an essential component of the world’s motor fuel supply, according to a report released today by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
IEA estimates that biofuels will account for nearly two-thirds of the non-OPEC oil supply growth this year, or more than 1.5 million gallons per day.
“While it seems unlikely that biofuel targets will be reversed in the near future, it is sobering to realize the amount of oil that would be needed to replace them,” the IEA report said.
According to the report, replacing the global supply of ethanol and biodiesel-based biofuels added to the U.S. and European markets since 2005 would require an additional 1 million barrels of crude oil to be processed per day.
Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen says the report points out the importance of ethanol production. “In the face of record oil, gasoline and diesel prices, it might seem pennywise but would be pound foolish to walk away from our commitment to biofuels and a diversified energy future,” he said.
3 Comments »
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Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer says biofuels only account for about three percent of the rising cost of food.
Kristen
I have been doing some research on Ethonal production. It seems that it takes a 2 to 1 ratio of fuel to produce it and that people are concerned about the amount of corn. I have a solution to both of these problems. There are several ways to produce ethonol with out the use of any other fuel and with other ingredients. Such as switch grass and organic food waste. My problem is that it is illigal for me to do this. I am asking for information from anyone out there that can direct me to someone who con put these old, but simple and effecient ideas to work for our economy.
North Side Green
My great uncle Rabe was a leading ethanol producer in southern Indiana. At the time the family was ashamed of him. Perhaps he was a visionary.
He produced ethanol with no energy inputs from fossil fuels. Scrap wood, litter, etc. were readily available on his farm. He would have thought anyone who used kerosine to distill alcohol was a fool.
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