In
discussions of alternative energy vehicles, much focus is given to battery power, solar
power, fuel cells, and hybrid vehicles. Often overlooked is the age-old fuel known
as ethanol or ethyl alcohol. Ethanol has been used in a limited capacity in
combustion engines. Ethanol has an average octane rating of 110 compared with
gasoline's 87, 89, or 93. Before continuing, I'd like to clarify that I am not a
strong opponent of the petroleum industry. Gasoline has taken the world in
directions that no one thought possible. What's more is that many of the other
chemicals found in gasoline (benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.) have become important
chemical building blocks and solvents. However, as times change and we find that we
can fulfill our energy needs in other ways, I believe that we should investigate them.
Ethanol is produced from biomasses, mainly corn, thus it is
easily replenished and a much cleaner fuel than gasoline. It seems so simple.
Plant, harvest, process, use....plant, harvest, process, use. A very nice cycle that
is easily repeated. With gasoline, the cycle will eventually be disrupted because
the oil reserves cannot be replenished as can biomasses. The usual, obvious question
is: "Why aren't we using ethanol everywhere instead of gasoline?" Unlike
many problems, the barrier in this case is not an engineering problem or a basic law of
nature.
If one had to explain what the problem is in one word, it would be
"POWER". Not the type of power measured in kilowatts, but legislative
power. In numerous ways, ranging from limitations of penalties to powerful
alliances, the petroleum companies extend their power deep into the law making process.
Legislation is not all one-sided in this matter. Significant tax incentives
are given to ethanol producers as well as to petroleum companies. Only when one of
two things happens will ethanol really come into the spotlight; there is a major
legislative power swing or there simply is no more oil. In defense of legislators,
their job is to deal with problems currently facing the world. To expect legislators
to become heavily involved in the future of the world (especially in science) has
historically been an unrealistic expectation....unless large sums of money are involved.
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