Ethanol Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Ethanol - Assignment Example However, this desirability is dependent on the production method from a varied range of biomass resources (First generation and second generation). In general Bioethanol shows great promise as a replacement for fossil fuels. The production of bioethanol is however cumbered with problems both in the acquisition of biomass and its eventual processing to the final product. Pollution, water utilization and soil degradation are some of the major drawbacks in bioethanol development. Also, fossil fuels used in production, food versus fuel problems, coupled with conflicts in competing land use interests (Larsen, Johansen & Schramm 2009). Current ethanol production are associated with N2O a more potent greenhouse gas for this reason bringing into contention the potential of bioethanol in reducing greenhouse gases and the overall objective of controlling global warming. The land cultivated for feedstock, other than economically empowering farmers, improving infrastructure and technology is likely to increase cabondioxide emissions at a greater rate that outweighs the advantage of the bioethanol. Cheap feedstock’s and high energy efficiency crops are present trends in bioethanol production. Industries that previously did not utilize their waste materials are persistently using this waste for the production of ethanol. Ethanol as fuel differs from gasoline based on properties. Ethanol is hygroscopic and prone to contamination by water, and this is further complicated by the fact that its production is favored by maintaining an optimal amount of water (Larsen, Johansen and Schramm 2009). Ethanol also has poor blending capabilities with both diesel and gasoline when it contains water and use of fuel containing some water is an issue. Problems with engine start have been reported in cold climates and also the inflammable and volatile properties of ethanol. Ethanol content in gasoline used for regular vehicles is limited up to 10% blend. However, there are vehicles