Ethanol development, dubbed the ‘new alchemy,’ is
quickly becoming the major player in the fight against pollution
and climate change.
For decades, smog-laden cities and environmental
gurus have spurred warnings that climate change and depleting
resources are ominously telling of the biblical-like environmental
changes to come. Many countries are still falling short of
the Kyoto Protocol and, even more daunting, a report put
out by the United States Department of Defense at the Pentagon
in October 2003 outlines the implications of climate change
on National Security Issues. But all is not lost; new technology
and developments in eco-industry prevails. For its part,
ethanol
has become somewhat of a prodigy child offering new strategies
in economic development while serving the environment diligently.
What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is chemically the same type of alcohol that is used
in liquors and alcoholic beverages. When gasoline is supplemented
with ethanol, a more eco-friendly fuel is made. The percentage
of ethanol in fuel varies from country to country and in
Canada, ethanol production is working towards a 10% blend
to be adopted by 2010. Interestingly, many vehicles known
as E85 vehicles can actually handle an 85% ethanol blend.
Brazil, the pioneer of ethanol fuel development, raised its
standard ethanol mix in gasoline from 20% to 25% effective
June 1, 2003. In fact, Brazil has been using ethanol mixed
fuels since the 1970’s and although they are by far the
leader in the use of ethanol fuels, Australia, Canada, and
the United States have also been incorporating it fairly seamlessly
into their industries for years. Nowadays, it is rare to find
fuel not seasoned with ethanol.
How is it made?
Biomass derived from plant sources is basically fermented
like any other form of alcohol, however, ethanol development
for use as a fuel is highly refined process.
In Brazil, sugarcane provides the majority of biomass for
ethanol development. In the United States corn is predominately
used, while in Canada, consultants are finding new economic
models that see benefits in wheat-based ethanol production.
Garbage is also quickly gaining value a source of biomass,
and according to Resources Canada, there is enough waste
biomass to satisfy the country’s entire ethanol fuel
needs.
Who’s doing it?
Conferences around the world are being conducted on what seems
a daily basis. In November of 2003, thirteen countries gathered
in Quebec City to share their wares at the International World
Summit on Ethanol for Transportation. The countries represented
included Canada, the United States, China, Mexico, Brazil,
the EU, Japan, Ecuador and Australia. Each country presented
their plans and perspectives on Ethanol development.
In Canada
The Ethanol Expansion Program is offering $100 million in
funding toward ethanol development facilities across the
country. In the United States new ethanol production plants
are springing up monthly. Mexico is treating ethanol development
as an interdisciplinary project that sees cooperative support
from several government level organizations.
Some of the Stumbling Blocks
Although some countries fear a loss of revenues from petroleum-based
exports, many organizations are stepping up with strategic
planning proving that ethanol development has financial viability.
On the other hand, many argue that ethanol development often
requires more energy then its potential value.
Paul Lingli of the David Suzuki Foundation says, “The
issue that is being debated is the life-cycle analysis of the
energy that goes into the production of the fuel.” Also,
consumers seem less apt to pay more for high ethanol blend
fuels that cost more to produce. In response, many environmental
lobbyists are calling for stricter laws and financial incentives
to steer the population onto the virtuous path of bio-fuels.
Still, many are quick to introduce new methods that promote
the production of ethanol fuels. Despite concerns over economic
viability, Iogen Corporation of Canada is working towards cellulose-based
ethanol development and in August of 2003, Jeff Passmore, Executive
V.P. at Iogen stated, “Iogen is encouraged by the Government
of Canada’s announcement that it is dedicated to support
cellulose-based ethanol. With this support, we hope to build
the world’s first cellulose-based ethanol plant in Canada.”
The Beauty of Side Effects
While emissions from fossil fuels and CFC’s have
been named the biggest culprits in global warming, loss
of plant forms that
balance the atmosphere is also a huge contributor. Depletion
of the rainforest and of ocean plankton means we have fewer
and fewer agents to filter out potentially harmful gasses
from the
atmosphere. Because ethanol production requires the cultivation
of plant products, re-vegetation through agriculture is a byproduct
of ethanol development. Not to mention that ethanol development
from landfill materials can assist in solid waste management
and provide a use for the landfill gas known as LFG. LFG is
a dangerous greenhouse gas that acts much like CO2 when
released
into the environment. LFG, however, can also be used as an
energy source.
When Environmental Concerns are No Longer about the Environment
Alternative fuel methods are not just to decrease GHG emissions into the atmosphere
or prevent massive oil slicks off of our coastlines. The economic and social
benefits of moving away from fossil fuels are just as much a part of ethanol
development. Control for oil and globalization has its many social implications
whereas ethanol development supports economic and social models while remaining
in-house. In other words, just as every country has their feature liquor, so
too can they produce the ethanol of their dreams.
© Copyright 2004. Galt Western Personnel
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