Ethanol Better Than Gasoline, If Done Right

Ethanol made in plants that also generate power from waste biomass are more efficient and generate less greenhouse-gas emissions than making petroleum-based gasoline, a new study says. Mark it as another salvo in the ongoing debate over the biofuel’s environmental benefits.

Ethanol can be a boon to the economy and the environment after all

But given that one of the key researchers involved in the report is Lee Lynd, a Dartmouth professor and co-founder of cellulosic ethanol startup Mascoma Corp., it’s likely the report’s conclusions will be taken with skepticism by ethanol detractors.

The Role of Biomass in America’s Energy Future, or RBAEF, project has posted its papers online for skeptics to peruse. It examines 14 different ways of making biofuel, whether from carbohydrate feedstocks like corn or sugarcane or from non-food materials like grasses, corn stalks and other sources.

Greentech Media