« Before ATMs | Main | In Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act »
Back to the Future with Biofuels
By Neil Peterson | July 27, 2009
“Current trends in energy supply and consumption are patently unsustainable.”
- International Energy Agency report, November 2008
In the final scene of 1985′s blockbuster hit, Back to the Future, Doc Brown arrives from the future in his silver DeLorean time machine, frantically filling his engine with household garbage. Garbage, at least in director Zemeckis’ cinematic 2015, is the fuel of the future. While we haven’t yet found a way to power our family car with used beer cans and banana peels, reality may be inching slightly closer to this science-fiction fantasy. Banana peels are out, biofuels are in. Or at least, a fledgling industry is hoping that will be the case.
Biofuel is the general term for any fuel derived from biological material – whether it be corn, sugar cane, soybean, or even wood-based – and their potential as a more sustainable energy source has only recently become a player in the struggle to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. Despite being a key factor in the political arena since the Nixon administration, U.S. oil consumption has continued to climb – with some critics warning that this overwhelming need will be crippling not only to our environment, but our economy as well.
A likely contender for ‘the fuel of the future’ is ethanol – a corn-based liquid used in fuel and motor oil. In fact, Henry Ford predicted it’s dominance in the industry with the release of the Model T Ford, the first mass-produced vehicle designed to run entirely on 100% ethanol. Ford’s prediction was largely stalled however, as gasoline became more readily available and drivers were willing to pay the price. In addition, government mandates have restricted the use of ethanol as a gasoline additive – capping out at 10% – citing potential engine damage and an increase in corn prices.
How Ethanol is Made
While engine troubles and corn scarcity may seem like minor troubles, critics of ethanol say the dangerous implications of widespread adoption are far greater – and it’s not just oil industry lobbyists. Despite reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and utilizing crop waste that would otherwise be discarded, even environmental groups are joining in a debate that is becoming louder – and more confusing – by the minute.
At a time when the biofuel industry is enjoying stronger public support – and an unprecedented political push – there are still many questions to be answered. If ethanol replaces gasoline as our main fuel source, the rush to plant millions of acres of corn to supply the need could spell disaster for biodiversity, increase the pressure on our water supply, and lead to global food shortages. These potential problems will require solutions before our dependence on petroleum – both foreign and domestic – can be significantly hampered.
We haven’t yet found the ultimate answer for our rising energy needs – whether ethanol becomes the fuel of the future or not, the questions being asked today are a strong step forward. The switch to ethanol, or any other biofuel, will come at a cost, but if it is approached as only one of several solutions – in step with curbing our energy reliance, demanding better urban transportation, and adopting other alternative fuels, it will go a long way in furthering our need to be more ecologically responsible. From ‘clean-tech’ start-ups to the corn fields of southern Texas, the future is coming – though maybe not in a DeLorean.
Related Posts
- The Electric Car Market is Set to Rev Up
- Warren Buffett’s Test Drive into an Electric Auto Future
- Personal Transportation – Hard Choices, Great Opportunities
Share this Post
Topics: Business, General, Politics, Sustainable living, Transportation | No Comments »