Ethanol is an alternative source of energy. Explain.
When we think of alternative forms of energy ethanol is usually not at the forefront of our thoughts. We are more familiar with water, geothermal, nuclear, and solar energy. Well, the truth is the power of ethanol can provide a vital key to unlocking the means to finding alternative forms of energy.
Ethanol is an example of biofuel, which is produced from a biological material, mostly plants. For example, in the USA ethanol is produced from corn or maize, in Brazil ethanol comes from sugar cane, and in Europe ethanol is made from sugar beet. Generally speaking, plants with higher content of sugar (sugar cane) is preferable for ethanol production than those with lower sugar content (corn).
However, speaking about ethanol and its influence on the environment, the situation is quite unclear and debatable. The major concern is the emission of greenhouse gases during the burning of ethanol. However, in comparison with gasoline, ethanol produces 10-15% less harmful gases, so it is still a little bit more eco-friendly. Besides, ethanol is produced from renewable sources, which are produced locally – and these also refer to the advantages of ethanol as the alternative energy source.
When we think of alternative forms of energy ethanol is usually not at the forefront of our thoughts. We are more familiar with water, geothermal, nuclear, and solar energy. Well, the truth is the power of ethanol can provide a vital key to unlocking the means to finding alternative forms of energy.
Ethanol is an example of biofuel, which is produced from a biological material, mostly plants. For example, in the USA ethanol is produced from corn or maize, in Brazil ethanol comes from sugar cane, and in Europe ethanol is made from sugar beet. Generally speaking, plants with higher content of sugar (sugar cane) is preferable for ethanol production than those with lower sugar content (corn).
However, speaking about ethanol and its influence on the environment, the situation is quite unclear and debatable. The major concern is the emission of greenhouse gases during the burning of ethanol. However, in comparison with gasoline, ethanol produces 10-15% less harmful gases, so it is still a little bit more eco-friendly. Besides, ethanol is produced from renewable sources, which are produced locally – and these also refer to the advantages of ethanol as the alternative energy source.
