Re: [DMCForum] Re: the EV1... vs Diesel

[Bob Brandys <BobB@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

A few days ago the WSJ had an article about ethanol production.

It appears that some big US investors have been trying to buy up the 
ethanol companies in Brazil.  Hmmm?
Well, the Brazil owners have refused to sell.   Interestingly,  
PetroBrazil, is a source of national pride.  Brazilians consider it an 
honor to work for the company.

The article contained the energy statistics on how efficient it was to 
make ethanol from various biomatter
and the associated costs.    Corn turned out to be twice as expensive 
as sugar cane.   Something like $20 per barrel vs.  $40 per barrel.   
The article listed other biomatter that feel between this range.

There are a number of implications to this information:
1.  South and central american countries that can grow sugar cane are 
able to produce ethanol cheaper than the US.
2. Corn as a source of biomatter for ethanol production will always 
operate at a cost disadvantage.
3. If the US does not want to be dependent on another source of 
imported fuel, the US government must:
     a. subsidize the cost of ethanol production.
     b. invade a south american or central american country and take 
over the land-Hey more Banana Republics!
4. Remember Cuba?  (my age showing).   Cuba used to be the major source 
of sugar to the US from sugar cane.  Sugar cane grows like weeds in 
Cuba. The climate is almost perfect.   I would not be surprised if Cuba 
alone could supply most of the US need for ethanol and they are only 90 
miles off of Florida-Can you say pipeline?
But the US government refuses to trade with Cuba.  Stupid, short 
sighted, thinking.  Cuba is no threat to the US.
5. Where are the optimized engines.  Both NG and ethanol have an octane 
rating of 120. This means that IC engines can run much higher 
compression ratios and operate much more efficiently.  Why isn't 
Detroit making engine that are specifically designed to run on E85 and 
are 15% more efficient than gasoline engine.
These engines would be comparably efficient to diesels.  The octane 
rating of diesel fuel is around 122.

The reality is there are lots of fuel options for the future.  Biofuels 
are cleary better than oil because they can be more carbon efficient 
than oil.   We just need to get our political ass out of hole it is in.

Electric vehicles with solar, wind, PV or nuclear generation have an 
almost carbon neutral balance.  Both of these technologies need to be 
pursued-quickly.

An effort that goes against trillion dollar special interests, so it 
will NEVER happen in our lifetime.

Bob



 
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