Really dope article and interactive on biofuels in the October 2007 issue:
Corn ethanol (U.S.):
- $0.68 greater than retail price for energy equivalent of gasoline.
- 1.3x greater energy output than fossil fuel energy input required for production.
- 22% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline.
Sugarcane Ethanol (Brazil):
- $1.03 less than retail price for energy equivalent of gasoline.
- 8x greater energy output than fossil fuel energy input required for production.
- 56% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline.
Biodiesel (Germany):
- $0.58 greater than retail price for energy equivalent of petroleum diesel.
- 2.5x greater energy output than fossil fuel energy input required for production.
- 68% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum diesel.
Cellulosic Ethanol (U.S.):
- Still in R&D stages (no cost comparison).
- 2 – 36x greater energy output than fossil fuel energy input required for production.
- 91% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline.
Algae (U.S.):
- “High hopes hang in bags of algae outside the Redhawk power plant near Phoenix, Arizona. Researchers say the fast-growing green scum, fed by power plant exhaust, could soak up carbon dioxide while cranking out 5,000 gallons of biodiesel an acre each year – at least in theory.”
We at green.MNP encourage you to go read, play, learn & enjoy!
[ngm.com]