How much fuel does it take to produce a gallon of ethanol?

We conclude that the ethanol industry, on average, uses 53,956 BTUs per gallon to manufacture ethanol. The best existing plants use 37,883 BTUs per gallon. Next generation plants will require only 33,183 BTUs per gallon of ethanol produced.

Does it take more energy to produce ethanol?

MYTH: More energy goes into producing ethanol than it delivers as a fuel. FACT: In terms of fossil energy, each gallon of ethanol produced from corn today delivers one third or more energy than is used to produce it.

How much oil does it take to produce ethanol?

Specifically, a bushel of corn used for ethanol produces 1.5 pounds of corn oil, 17.5 pounds of high-protein feed called DDGS, 2.6 pounds of corn meal and 31.5 pounds of starch. The starch can be converted to sweeteners or used to produce 2.8 gallons of ethanol.

How much corn does it take to make a gallon of ethanol?

Through research performed at Cornell University, we know that 1 acre of land can yield about 7,110 pounds (3,225 kg) of corn, which can be processed into 328 gallons (1240.61 liters) of ethanol. That is about 26.1 pounds (11.84 kg) of corn per gallon.

Is it cheaper to have cars that run on ethanol rather than gasoline?

E85 is typically cheaper per gallon than gasoline but slightly more expensive per mile. Performance. Drivers should notice no performance loss when using E85. In fact, some FFVs perform better—have more torque and horsepower—running on E85 than on regular gasoline.

Why is ethanol so expensive?

First, ethanol generally costs more to produce than gasoline. Although grain prices play a role in determining cost, alcohol production is also a significant cost. The distillation of grains is more complicated and costly than the distillation of crude oil.

Can a car run on 100\% ethanol?

Most cars on the road today in the U.S. can run on blends of up to 10\% ethanol, and ethanol represented 10\% of the U.S. gasoline fuel supply derived from domestic sources in 2011. Some flexible-fuel vehicles are able to use up to 100\% ethanol.

How much sugar does it take to make a gallon of ethanol?

E-Fuel explains that it takes about 10-14 pounds of sugar to make one gallon of ethanol. When using store-bought sugar, which costs about 20 cents per pound in the US, plus the cost of electricity, the cost to produce a gallon of ethanol would be roughly equivalent to today´s gas prices in the US.

How much fossil fuel is needed for ethanol?

Among his findings are: An acre of U.S. corn yields about 7,110 pounds of corn for processing into 328 gallons of ethanol. But planting, growing and harvesting that much corn requires about 140 gallons of fossil fuels and costs $347 per acre, according to Pimentel’s analysis.

What is fuel made from corn called?

Ethanol
Ethanol is a domestically produced alternative fuel most commonly made from corn. It is also made from cellulosic feedstocks, such as crop residues and wood—though this is not as common. U.S. ethanol plants are concentrated in the Midwest because of the proximity to corn production.

Can a car run on vodka?

There are alcohol-driven engines, and you could use a vodka-fired Stirling engine easily enough, but you can’t dump liquor into your gas tank without killing your car. (Though if it’s rated for E85, you might be able to pull it off. ) Alcohol is not a very good fuel, lacking a high energy density.