Nunez, C. (2014, September 12). “Fantasy” of Fuel From Corn Waste Gets Big US Test.National Geographic.
Retrieved August 22, 2015 from
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2014/09/140911-project-libertycellulosic-ethanol-us-test/
After corn is harvested, corn stalks, leaves, and other organic materials are left over in the field. Some of this organic waste is used for preventing soil erosion, but the majority is left unused and serves no purpose. Scientists have created a fuel called, cellulosic ethanol, produced from the organic waste after harvesting corn, and they want to create a new factory in Emmetsburg, Iowa to begin production. But to fuel their industry they need farmers to contribute their waste to the factories, which is a challenge, because to harvest the stalks, expensive equipment is needed, which most farmer do not want to invest in. Because of the difficulty of finding farmers to support the cause, the factory plans on growing its own corn and using that as the fuel for their company.
This article promises that scientists are constantly seeking ways to reduce the waste in the environment and create ways to efficiently use that waste. I do not believe that cellulosic ethanol will become the next big fuel because of the multiple costly requirements the fuel requires. But, I hope this factory will inspire other scientists to continue to explore how other waste products could possibly be used for fuel.
I completely agree with your last sentence. Unlocking the way to turning cellulostic materials into fuel is the holy grail… once we can do that, what other waste products that could potentially give a huge return on the investments are waiting for us. Corn is not the ticket. Did they mention any other fuels they are looking at? Great article- it is indeed a huge break through.
This is a great example of human ingenuity increasing sustainability, and the problems that come with it. Will further research decrease the cost of the expensive corn-harvesting machines? Will farmers be forced to be more sustainable? This question and answer will persist as humanity is forced to become more sustainable.
Corn oil is a better substitute for gasoline. I agree with the last statement, too. We should look into better substitutes for gasoline.