 | DrumBeat: February 20, 2008 | The Oil Drum | Oil Price Closes Above $100 a Barrel - New Peak Oil Press Release |  |
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the true cost of ethanol is not measured in dollars or even in eroei. it is measured in declining grain stocks, rising food prices, loss of irreplaceable topsoil and hard to replace fertility. i'm convinced that, in the near future, we'll look back on the bio-fuel frenzy and conclude that it was the product of either political expediency or sheer madness.
Wishful thinking and laziness comes to mind. I have read well thought out critiques of corn ethanol then have the author tout sugar cane ethanol with little or no inquiry into costs.
What do you mean about costs from sugar cane ethanol? Up until recently the majority of ethanol produced was from sugar cane, and most of that without significant subsidies. It seems odd to suggest that cost is an issue that needs a lot of thought when there is a large existing market for the product.
..or to paraphrase the old Hammer saw (can I say that?)..
"To an internal combustion engine, everything looks like potential fuel."
That said, I am always grateful for Robert's work and the thoughts he shares here. He sets a very good precedent for the kind of respectful and researched discussion that will help us find out what can work, what is not working, and why.
I'm not at all against using chemistry, mechanical engineering or other sciences to address these challenges.. just because we've hit our thumbs with that hammer, doesn't mean it can't still drive nails if handled properly.
Best,
Bob Fiske