by Leonard Konis

Created on: December 20, 2006   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

Ethanol is alternative gasoline fuel source of energy and alcohol based, produced by fermenting and distilling starch crops or agricultural products such as corn. Also, ethanol fuel can be produced from trees and grass (cellulosid biomass), referred to as bio-ethanol. During the production process these materials are converted into sugar such as starch or celllose. The sugar is feed to microorganisms, which produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. During the process, release of carbon dioxide is recycled by crops and ethanol produced. This creates a cycle, which greenhouse gases are used instead of being emitted into the environment. Department of Energy predicts ethanol (alternative fuel) could reduce America's gasoline fuel consumption, by thirty percent in 2030. In Brazil, most new cars (three-quarters) use either ethanol or gasoline, which ever is cheaper to purchase. American Coalition of Ethanol is dedicated to use and production of ethanol. According to the coalition, United States ethanol industry will grow to provide more than five billion gallons of clean burning, and renewable fuel supply.

Ethanol contains high oxygen, which provides a cleaner and more efficient burning alternative fuel, besides renewable and domestically produced. The high oxygen content reduces carbon monoxide levels by 25 - 30 percent, according to United State Environment Protection Agency. When ethanol alternative fuel is used in vehicles or automobiles, will reduce carbon dioxide, a major component to global warming. Adding, ethanol to gasoline improves the engine starts in cold weather, and improves flame visibility in daylight. Also, ethanol is an octane enhancer, which can reduce emissions of cancer causing benzene and butadiene, by more than fifty percent. Richard Branson of Virgin Airways and Virgin Records investing $300 - $400 million in Virgin Fuels, over the next two to three years. The money will be invested into cellulosic and ethanol fuel plant technology. Takes approximately two years to build a conventional ethanol plant and 3 half years to build a cellosic plant.

Ethanol fuel can be blended with gasoline fuel in various amounts. Ten percent ethanol added to unleaded gasoline is available (E10) and all motor vehicles manufactured since 1970s, can run on E10 alternative fuel. Many local gas stations offer E10, as an alternative gasoline fuel. An alternative ethanol fuel blend consists of 85 percent ethanol, and 15 percent unleaded gasoline (E85). More than six million

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