How does Alcohol create a Sustainable Future?

Ethanol - Everyone knows that ethyl alcohol is a subfamily of Alcohol which is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct odor and a type of alcohol commonly found in alcoholic beverages and it is also used as a biofuel and industrial solvent. 

Before diving into the details about Fuel ethanol in this newsletter, I would like to clarify there are some major differences between Drinking Ethanol and Fuel Ethanol. Even though the chemical formula and other properties are similar, they aren't. Here are the differences between the two,

The common source for both drinking alcohol and fuel alcohol is raw material which is made up of sustainable sources. Most of the fuel ethanol produced worldwide is made by fermenting the sugar in the starches of grains such as corn, sorghum, and barley, and the sugar in sugar cane and sugar beets. Denaturants are added to ethanol to make fuel ethanol undrinkable. In the United States, nearly all fuel ethanol is produced from corn kernel starch, which is considered a conventional biofuel under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS).

Before we delve into using ethanol as a fuel, it’s important to understand some common terms related to ethanol. E10 is a blend containing 10% anhydrous ethanol (with 0.1% water and 99% ethanol) and 90% gasoline, often referred to as gasohol. E15 indicates a mixture with 15% ethanol, E20 with 20% ethanol, and so forth. The application of ethanol varies depending on its usage. 

Since ethanol is made from bio-mass sources, Ethanol as a fuel can help to reduce carbon emissions. It has a lower carbon content than gasoline, which leads to fewer carbon emissions than gasoline. Assume a scenario where ethanol is used 100 percent which means E100.

In a scenario where E100 (100% ethanol) is used as fuel and all emissions are managed sustainably, the carbon emissions would be significantly reduced. Ethanol, being a biofuel, contains carbon that was absorbed from the atmosphere by the feedstock during its growth, leading to a closed carbon cycle. This means that the CO₂ released during combustion is roughly equal to the CO₂ absorbed by the plants, resulting in a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. Furthermore, with sustainable practices such as using renewable energy for ethanol production and employing low-impact agricultural techniques, the overall carbon footprint of E100 can be minimized, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline.

To make this reality there are a few steps that need to be taken,

First, adopt sustainable agricultural practices to grow feedstocks efficiently and with minimal environmental impact, including crop rotation, reduced tillage, and organic farming.

Second, transition ethanol production facilities to renewable energy sources like solar or wind, and implement energy-efficient technologies to reduce processing emissions. 

Third, invest in advanced ethanol production methods, such as cellulosic ethanol, which utilizes non-food plant materials and offers greater sustainability. 

Finally, ensure that the entire supply chain, from farming to fuel distribution, prioritizes low-carbon practices and emissions reductions to maximize the environmental benefits of E100 ethanol.

According to the Energy Information Administration, Nearly all motor gasoline now sold in the United States is about 10% ethanol by volume. Motor gasoline with 10% ethanol content by volume is called E10. Any gasoline-powered vehicle in the United States can use E10. Cars, light trucks, and medium-duty vehicles starting with model year 2001 can use E15. Only flexible fuel vehicles can use gasoline with a higher ethanol content than 15%. E85, a fuel that contains 51%–83% ethanol, depending on location and season, is mainly sold in the Midwest and can only be used in a flexible-fuel vehicle.

The global ethanol market size was valued at USD 87.71 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 92.48 billion in 2023 to USD 135.07 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period.

In conclusion, using ethanol as a fuel presents a highly effective method for reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. Ethanol, derived from renewable biomass sources, has a lower carbon footprint than traditional gasoline, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, utilizing renewable energy in production, and advancing ethanol technologies, the overall environmental impact of ethanol can be minimized. The widespread use of ethanol blends, such as E10 and E15, demonstrates its feasibility and potential. With the global ethanol market continuing to grow, ethanol stands out as a promising, cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.