UofM Study Biofuels Vs. Gasoline...The Debate Continues

[Dashinka 24,228]

This one is always interesting to me being in the automotive industry. I do know from an engineering perspective, bad assumptions lead to bad models and bad results which doesn't seem to sync with some groups. Regardless, here is some more research diving deeper into the carbon cycle of biofuels.

The multi-billion-dollar U.S. biofuels industry promoted and expanded for over a decade by the federal government may be built on a false assumption, according to a new University of Michigan study published today that is sure to stir all sides in the contentious debate over the industry.

Despite their purported advantages, biofuels created from crops such as corn or soybeans cause the emission of more climate change-causing carbon dioxide than gasoline, according to the study from U-M Energy Institute research professor John DeCicco.

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/08/25/u-m-study-biofuels-worse-climate-change-than-gasoline/89265358/

Edited August 25, 2016 by Bill & Katya

[Rob L 3,811]

it does not matter...a new ice age is pending...prepare for the Vikings

[Dashinka 24,228]

Better buy some land neat the equator, the glaciers will level the North and South.

[TBoneTX 44,898]

Despite their purported advantages, biofuels created from crops such as corn or soybeans cause the emission of more climate change-causing carbon dioxide than gasoline

Some people focus only on the hoped-for end result or the "sounds good" aspect of environmental proposals, without considering the potentially negative effects on the production and manufacturing sides. The above is actually a negative effect of the end result.

[Voice of Reason 10,298]

And on top of causing more emissions, biofuels are also more expensive to produce.

[Dashinka 24,228]

And on top of causing more emissions, biofuels are also more expensive to produce.

Good point. Another is that every time you add a step in a energy process you have an efficiency loss. These always seem to be missed when touting the benefits of a biofuel.

Also, this study does not come out and say there is no global warming, it just points out the assumptions made with the implementation of biofuel (and removal of food from the marketplace) are wrong.

[Voice of Reason 10,298]

Well, technically, food doesn't have to be removed from the table. Enough is wasted every day to make a whole lot of biofuel. Trouble is, due to the high price of the end product, no one really wants to take over the costly task of making good of the waste.