Does it make sense to make oil if more energy can be gotten out than is needed to make oil?

Question

Good engineering can produce a process that transforms trash into oil while conserving the energy used in the process. The end result is more oil in the supply side. And less is needed from the oil in the ground.

Answer 1

There are several processes that can make oil from trash. There is quite a bit of energy in manure that can be converted to methane by fermentation. Dr. Holtzapple (Texas A&M) developed a mixed alcohols technology that produces 3 alcohol molecules per glucose rather than 2 from conventional fermentation. Changing World Technologies has a heat and pressure method to convert offal into fuel.

The economics of biofuel sources varies, but most that I am aware of are viable at or below $80 per barrel oil. The price would likely drop as biofuel operations attain economies of scale. Notice that the price of oil has been hovering just below this level for the last year. These competing fuel sources are a good idea if the price is right.

Answer 2

Both yes and no. The process you speak of costs too much in money from what I understand. In energy it is just fine and uses much less than it produces.

I hope this tech improves and expands in the future.

You should provide a link to Changing World Technologies since they are the startup that is turning turkey scraps into oil right now.

Answer 3

You're fantasizing.

I don't think there's any cost-effective way of turning banana peels and eggshells into gasoline.

Maybe you go back to the future and bring back a Mr. Fusion machine to turn old beer cans into instant "free" energy.

Answer 4

Where are you getting your information? It's incorrect.