Possible Gas Replacement

New research reinforces what the ethanol industry has stood firmly by, even in the face of unfounded criticism: ethanol has a clearly positive energy balance and offers important benefits for the environment, according to the American Coalition for Ethanol. This could be good news for greenhouse growers, most of which are heavy users of the gas products ethanol would replace.

“UC Berkeley’s research should help put to rest the desperate attacks perpetuated by a handful of critics about ethanol’s energy balance,” said Brian Jennings, executive vice president for the American Coalition for Ethanol.

Jennings continued: “This important third-party verification also reinforces that ethanol provides extraordinary environmental benefits, and discredits those who mislead the public about the energy used to make ethanol and about our clear air record.” Six researchers from the University of California-Berkeley concluded that ethanol yields more energy than it takes to produce and that ethanol reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, said the American Coalition for Ethanol. The study was published recently in the journal Science .

The new research reviewed seven existing studies on ethanol, including those by vocal ethanol critics. The study says that corn-based ethanol provides a net energy gain of 20 percent and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 13 percent.

Ron Lamberty, American Coalition for Ethanol vice president/market development, added: “This new research proves that, even in the most critical eye, ethanol’s energy balance is positive and its environmental benefits are clear. Ethanol is an efficient fuel made through an efficient process, and it pulls more than its own weight in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” For more information on ethanol visit www.ethanol.org