from promise to purpose opportunities and constraints for.pdf

FROM PROMISE TO PURPOSE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS FOR ETHANOL-BASED TRANSPORTATION FUELSBy Kelly Launder A PLAN B RESEARCH REPORT Submitted to Michigan State University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTERS OF SCIENCE Department of Resource Development 2001 AbstractFROM PROMISE TO PURPOSE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS FOR ETHANOL-BASED TRANSPORTATION FUELS By Kelly Launder Ethanol, an alcohol, is most often made from corn but can also be made from other biomass resources. Although ethanol has been in use since the mid-1800s, use and production has varied greatly over the years. Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in ethanol-based transportation fuels. This study focuses on explanations for the revival, and on issues associated with ethanol development. The revival is due, in part, to the need for alternative agricultural markets due to all time low crop prices, mandates requiring fuel additives and alternative fuel vehicles purchases, and recent gasoline price hikes. The strength and persistence of ethanol development is contingent on essfully addressing a number of challenges. Challenges include increasing ethanol use in current markets and expanding its use in new markets; increasing production relative to cost; developing the use of feedstocks other than corn; and optimizing the environmental benefits of ethanol parison to the use of petroleum products. Table of ContentsChapter 1-Introduction-------------------------------------------------------------- 1 What is Ethanol?---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Why is There a Renewed Interest in Ethanol Production?---------------------- 2 What Are the Implications of Renewed Interest in Ethanol Production &Use?---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Chapter 2-Historical Perspective------------------------------------------------ 5 1850s-1940s---------