The EcoSmart Fire
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 06.16.05
Sugarcane, potatoes, bananas, beetroot and even wheat, we are told all produce sugars, which can be fermented to produce alcohol. Just like good ‘ole moonshine, in fact. “Denature” this (reduce its 100% alcohol status) and you can call it Ethanol, Methylated Spirits or Acool à Bruler, etc, depending on your country. But rather than just call it names, you can harness this renewable fuel to heat a house. The EcoSmart Fire is a burner, which doesn’t require a ventilation flue. Though a fresh air source is recommended. The fuel doesn’t spit or spark, nor generate soot, smoke or harmful gases. The fires come in various configurations, available initially in Australia and New Zealand, with imminent distribution in the US and Canada. (The concept has been safely used by Swedish Trangia camping stoves for 50 years.) ::EcoSmart Fire
Denaturing isn't actually reducing the 100% alcohol status. Methanol is an alcohol, but it's much more poisonous than ethanol, so methylated spirits aren't drinkable (at least not safely), so aren't taxed in the same way that drinkable ethanol is.
The purple dye denaturant has been argued (without clear proof) to create hazardous fumes when burned indoors. It is possible to purchase undenatured alcohols but at a price increment of several percent.
Thanks for the extra info guys. By "reduce its 100% alcohol status" I was meaning that it was no longer 'pure alcohol' due to additives, which make it less desirable as a drinking beverage. The purple dye being one such additive. Ta.