Ethanol is uniquely positioned to grow in importance as the nation continues its quest for renewable energy and new engine technologies.
E85: This blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent ordinary unleaded gasoline has become a rapidly growing alternative fuel since the dramatic increase in gas prices. Millions of vehicles on American highways can operate on E85. These flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) can actually operate on E85, E-10 Unleaded, ordinary unleaded or any combination of these fuels. A computer in the fuel system automatically adjusts for the amount of ethanol in the blend.
The number of E85 fueling stations across the United States is growing at an accelerated rate—and U.S. automakers are manufacturing a larger number of FFVs.
Obviously, replacing 85 percent of the petroleum in a gallon of gasoline will help America wean itself from imported oil even faster—and create a greater demand for ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply.
Ethanol-Based Aviation Fuel: Extensive research has shown that an aviation fuel blend containing 85 percent ethanol offers superior performance in prop-driven aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration and several universities are conducting research on ethanol-based aviation fuel to determine the feasibility of the fuel as an alternative to the leaded aviation fuel currently being used.
E diesel: Off-road equipment, city buses and other vehicles that run on diesel fuel are major contributors to air pollution. Research is under way to discover the optimum blend of ethanol and diesel fuels to replace straight diesel fuel in these engines. The cities of Lincoln, Neb.,, and Springfield, Ill., as well as Johnson County, Kan., have converted their city bus fleets to an E diesel blend on a test basis—and other cities in the Midwest are considering similar tests.
Fuel Cells: This is the next evolution in engine technology—and ethanol is poised to become an integral part of this new wave of automotive innovation. Fuels cells work by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a chemical reaction to create electricity, without the noise and pollution of conventional engines. Ethanol is a hydrogen-rich liquid with a simple molecular structure—offering a practical, economical and efficient solution as a hydrogen source for onboard fuel cells in vehicles or stationary applications.
Biomass Sources: While starch from the corn kernel is the feedstock of choice for ethanol production, the industry may soon have the capability to efficiently convert crop residues such as corn stalks and cobs into ethanol. Other raw materials such as trees, grasses, and other agricultural crops can also be used to derive ethanol. These biomass sources may eventually be used in ethanol production facilities that are located where corn production is not prevalent.