It is important to note, any internal combustion engine built before 1986 is not compatible with ethanol-blended gasoline. As of 2017, 21 million of these FlexFuel-certified vehicles were operating in the United States. Only designated flexible fuel vehicles can use this higher mixture of ethanol. E85 or FlexFuel – This mixture is 85% ethanol and only 15% gasoline.It is promoted as a safe and efficient fuel for most modern automobile engines ( source). E15 – 15% ethanol with 85% unleaded gasoline.This blend will often be designated with a label “may contain up to 10% Ethanol”. E10 – approximately 10% ethanol by volume has been added to unleaded gasoline.You may have seen fuel designations such as E10 or E15 at your local gas station. Better combustion offers up to a 25% reduction in greenhouse gases and other toxic exhaust fumes.Additional oxygen in the ethanol molecule helps gasoline to burn completely as well.Cooler burns offer better spark plug life and fewer deposits from combustion.Oxygen inside the molecule combines with oxygen in the air to provide a complete burn process. The ethanol molecule is oxygenated, which helps the fuel to burn cooler. This advantage provides independence from the whims of oil-producing countries. It is a domestic resource for most countries.It is a renewable resource, meaning indefinite supplies.Most of the gasoline sold in the United States contains at least some ethanol and promises several environmental and economic advantages. Source: USDA Economic Research Service The Promise Of Biofuels In fact, since 2005, the percent of corn grown that is used for ethanol production has increased from 12.4% to 38.5% in 2019, meaning over a third of America’s corn supply is now dedicated to production of this biofuel. David Pimental of Cornell University concluded producing biofuels and conversion to a workable fuel is not worth the energy ( source). Corn and soy-based land production take away from food production.The output would need to triple by 2030 to provide workable progress ( source). According to the International Energy Agency, the world is not close to providing enough biofuel to power modern internal combustion engines.The idea of replacing traditional fossil fuels with a plant-based fuel source is enticing but alas, challenging. The Renewable Fuels Association invested over $1 million in lobbying efforts in 2018 and biofuels trade group Growth Energy put forth $1.37 million as well, urging the now successful year-round sale of E15 among other goals ( source ). Congress expanded the Policy in 2007, to include 36 billion gallons of ethanol mixed to unleaded gasoline.ĭon’t underestimate the influence of politics on the expansion of Ethanol usage. The Act describes biofuels as methanol, ethanol, and other alcohol blends. State and local governments were compelled to implement initiatives to reach alternative fuel levels set by the federal government. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 radically changed the landscape of alternative fuels and America’s dependence on foreign oil. The Ethanol molecule is a volatile, flammable compound similar to gasoline and is utilized in several industries including internal combustion engines. It is a simple chemical compound made up of methylene and hydroxyl. In addition, it supports the agricultural industry with almost $100 million of federally-funded incentives being committed through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership. Check out the DynaTrap Mosquito & Flying Insect Trap – Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, & Other Flying Insects – Protects up to 1/2 Acre (link to Amazon).Ĭonceptually, this biofuel, when mixed with traditional gasoline, reduces the use of crude oil ( source).
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