Argonne Study: Ethanol Generates More Energy than it takes to Produce (03-28-05)
A recent study by Argonne
National Laboratory found that ethanol generates 35 percent more energy
than it takes to produce, reinforcing the fact that production of
the corn-based fuel yields a net energy gain.
The findings of the Argonne
study support earlier research conducted by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Michigan State University, the Colorado School of Mines,
the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and other public and private
entities that determined ethanol has a positive net energy balance.
A USDA study released in 2004 found that ethanol may actually net
as much as 67 percent more energy than it takes to produce.
The U.S. Department of
Energy’s Office (DOE) of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
said the Argonne study, conducted by Michael Wang, should help quell
debate about the net energy balance of ethanol.
“We believe (the
study) has laid to rest some long-held misunderstandings about ethanol
and its important role in reducing America’s reliance on imported
oil and our greenhouse gas emissions,” DOE officials stated
in a summary of the study. “In terms of key energy and environmental
benefits, cornstarch ethanol comes out clearly ahead of petroleum-based
fuels…”
In the last 10 years, only
two studies – both conducted by Cornell University entomologist
David Pimentel – have found the net energy balance of ethanol
to be negative. Many economists have questioned the validity of Pimentel’s
findings, arguing that he uses outdated data in his methodology.
The DOE summary of the
Argonne study suggests some researchers fail to accurately account
for solar energy when determining ethanol’s energy balance.
“Some of the confusion
arises over the fact that some of the total energy used in the production
of ethanol is ‘free’ solar energy used to grow the corn
in the first place,” DOE states. “…since the solar
energy is free, renewable and environmentally benign, we shouldn’t
care.”
Ethanol also has a positive
benefit in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, according to
the Argonne study. Wang found that, on a per gallon basis, corn ethanol
reduces GHG emissions by 18 to 29 percent.
To read the DOE summary
of the Argonne study, click here.
Last reviewed
March 28, 2005