Non-Food Sources of Ethanol: Biomass Energy: Eco20/20

Non-Food Sources of Ethanol

With the debates about the economical downfalls of growing biomass, it has become important to find other sources for the creation of ethanol. One of the debates is the idea that farmers will be required to grow biomass instead of food crops. This will cause a decrease in crop supply, which in turn will increase price. This may lead to a shortage of food for many countries that are currently stable in food supply.

Non-Food Sources of Ethanol

Several non-food sources have been found to be suitable producers of ethanol. One of these is wood. This does not require clearing forests for timber, as much wood can be found as dead wood after storms or even driftwood. Wood can also be used from construction and demolition. Leaves are another non-food source that can produce ethanol. This is another resource that is easily found and does not require additional resources. Algae are becoming a more common biomass that can be used as a non-food source of ethanol. These are also common and naturally occurring, as well as easily harvested. Corn stalks are left over after all the corn has been harvested, and normally are simply burned or cleared away. The same process goes for wheat stalks. After the wheat is harvested, what is left can be used to make ethanol. These too can be a non-food source that can be used to produce ethanol. Another place to find wood without clearing forestland is at fire sites that must be remodeled. Believe it or not, even sewage sludge and wastewater can be used to create ethanol. Another form of biomass that has commonly been overlooked is recycled cooking oil.

Reasons for Using Non Food Sources of Ethanol

One reason for using non-food sources of ethanol is the fear of reducing the amounts of cropland available to produce food crops. Another reason for non-food sources of ethanol is the fact that crops are not sustainable. They have to be replanted, the crops have to grow and be harvested, all before they can be used to produce ethanol. These non-food sources of ethanol are easily collected and readily available. Technology has also made it cost efficient to use cellulose instead of glucose, making it easier to sustain both the fuel market and the demand for ethanol.

Sustainability

Each of these non-food sources is the leftover, often discarded end result of harvesting food and timber sources for non-biomass reasons. Because food and timber will be needed constantly, it is safe to assume that these left overs will remain steady as well.

The Greatness of the Second

Many of these non-food sources of biomass that can be used for ethanol production are called second-generation biomass for the simple reason that they are the products that are left of first-generation biomass, or the first step of biomass growth. These have economic, environmental, and chemical benefits that make second-generation biomass a great choice of supplies to be used for the production of ethanol.