The Oil Drum Looks at Some Transportation Energy Options
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 01.24.07
The Oil Drum is a great blog. Originally more focused on peak oil, it now covers energy in general and is probably the best place on the net to learn and discuss these issues.
Today they have a look at some of our energy options for transportation, namely, Liquid Fossil Fuels, Grain Ethanol, Sugarcane Ethanol, Cellulosic Ethanol, Biodiesel, Biomass Gasification, Wind and Solar and Conservation. They use the following criteria:
1. Is the energy source sustainable?
2. What are the potential negative externalities of producing/using this energy source?
3. What is the energy returned on energy invested (EROEI)?
4. Is it affordable?
5. Are there better alternatives?
6. Are there other special considerations?
7. In summary, are the advantages of the source large enough to justify any negative consequences?
You can read the piece here: ::Key Questions on Energy Options.
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
- Obama Commitment on Second Gen Biofuels Good, Let’s Hold Him To It
- Book Review: Ten Technologies to Save the Planet
- 5 Years From Now Peak Oil Pinch Could Devastate the UK Economy, New Report Warns
- $5 Billion in Corn Ethanol Subsidies Should Be Eliminated, Food Before Fuel Urges
People should consider all that goes into making biofuel. The fertilizer, planting, harvesting, processing, and transporting takes energy. Its not like you can shove a spigot in the sand and have it gurgle up. Not too mention the lack of countless miles of unobstructed flat sandy landscape that makes it easy to build pipelines and transport.