Does it really worth extracting ethanol from sugar cane/corn and use it as an energy source(eg, fuels for cars)? If not, what should be the next generation of energy source?
2007-02-02 04:38:19 · 8 answers · asked by duddy 1 in Environment
Actually yes, They can actually extract ethanol using Citrus fruits. The Zymomonas bacteria breaks down the sugars and makes ethanol. There is also a lot of cellulose in the fruits so they must genetically engineer a new strain of bacteria that is able to break down the cellulose and create more ethanol.
2007-02-02 04:42:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes ethanol is a practical source of energy. It is the only real solution. It is practical in the US with corn as a source, and in Brazil where Sugarcane is widely used. There is good potential that within 30-40 years time half or more of the "gas" will be ethanol from plants. The technology will improve considerably when efficient conversion from celulose to ethanol is worked out.
Hydrogen is not a "source" of energy. It is only a way to store it for use. One needs to have a source of electricity to convert the water into hydrogen and oxygen. Since so much of our electricity comes from fossil fuels, hydrogen cars are most likely more greenhouse gas unfriendly than gasoline powered cars. At least for the present even if the electricity used for hydrogen powered car comes from "clean" sources, its use for the hydrogen powered car just means that our currently limited amount of "clean" electricty is used up and we have to turn to burning coal (or gas) to make more electricty.
2007-02-02 05:46:03 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Fred 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ethanol is actually used as fuel for cars. Look at Brasil. Sweedish car manufacturers do.
Hydrogen is also used. Very recently BMW has launched its first model few weeks ago. Is expcted that Daimler (Mercedes) and Volkswagen (Audi) will launch their first hydrogen fueled car this year.
2007-02-02 05:05:28 · answer #3 · answered by carmenl_87 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a mix of many. some factors would be extra effective adapted to wind or image voltaic. we are constrained in the place we are able to upload hydro electric powered. Many supplies will could be used at the same time with others, like image voltaic can't produce power at night, so an option will could be used. i think of there is even room for organic gasoline and nuclear, using them not according to nature.
2016-12-13 07:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by goslin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's old technology. Why not split WATER into hydrogen and oxygen, use the hydrogen and release the oxygen back into the atmoshere. That's much cheaper, non-polluting, and totally renewable. The best of all worlds. Now THERE'S food for thought. Best of luck.
2007-02-02 04:47:50 · answer #5 · answered by Dorothy and Toto 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, not enough corn, to much energy to make, too expensive to make, and pollutes alot when you make it, it is highly subsidized by the government because it keeps grain prices high for the farmers
2007-02-02 04:43:52 · answer #6 · answered by song gurl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no.
it takes more energy to produce and move than it produces.
the way forward is with solar and hydraulic power.
there has been practally no advances in this market.
2007-02-02 04:41:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go write a book or something (?)
2007-02-02 04:41:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋