Ethanol production
Ethanol Production
How much Energy does it take to make a gallon of ethanol? This analysis by David Lorenz and David Morris at the Institute for Local Self Reliance demonstrates that ethanol production from corn results in a net positive energy gain.
The energetics for ethanol production from lignocellulose is not understood as well because it has not been precticed on as large a scale, but because of the lower fertilization costs and the additional energy derived from combustion of wood bark or lignin to fuel the recovery boilers, the net energy gain is generally believed to be greater.
Tax incentives for the production of ethanol fuels This congressional research report by Salvatore Lazzari outlines the rationaile and federal tax incentives provided by congress to promote ethanol produciton from grain. In the past year, grain prices have been very high and ethanol production from starch has lost much of its economic appeal. The major domestic benefits from the blender's tax credit are to reduce farm support payments, to provide a clean-burning oxygenate fuel, and to reduce imports. If demand and prices for food grains continues to increase under the new farm act, it is likely that tax incentives will be used more effectively to support the conversion of waste agricultural and silvicultural materials.
For comments or further information write to Tom Jeffries: twjeffri@facstaff.wisc.edu
Last upate: February 27, 1997
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