Bioethanol is a liquid fuel that is generated from the breakdown of various organic materials, including soy, corn, wood chips, and microalgae. Its production represents the most environmentally friendly industrial process as an alternative to other fossil fuel-based energy sources, and therefore can be considered a type of renewable and alternative energy.
In addition, it is a biofuel with high oxygen value (35%), which allows it to reduce pollutant emissions from vehicles.
Bioethanol can be used directly in cars, with a behavior similar to that of gasoline or natural gas. In addition, this compound is classified as a high octane material, as it favors the compressor ratios of engines, increasing their performance and efficiency.
However, unlike gasoline, its energy volume is of low density, which means that the vehicle receives more bioethanol per kilometer.
Below, we show you all the pros and cons of bioethanol as a source of energy for society.
Advantages of bioethanol
It is a cheap biofuel
Compared to other natural fuels, bioethanol production is less expensive, because it most countries have industrial capacity to generate it.
Cereals, maize and sugar cane are produced in almost all regions of the world, which lowers operating costs compared to fossil fuels.
It is ecologically efficient
Its non-polluting effect gives it a great competitive advantage over gasoline and other fossil fuels. Sometimes, natural ethanol can be blended with gasoline to be much more efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
High level of accessibility
Its status as a biofuel allows it to be an accessible source of energy in almost the entire world. Its main raw materials are plants widely available and cultivable in all kinds of climates.
In many poverty-stricken African countries, bioethanol production can be widely accessible to communities, even more so considering that corn is a staple in the region.
Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
The use of biomass (organic waste) to produce fuel is an economic alternative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, such as gas, coal and oil.
The fact that governments can save money from imports and reinvest it in domestic production, translates into greater prosperity for nations.
It allows to create jobs
If the demand for bioethanol increases, the need to establish plantations to feed the fuel will also grow. This translates into increased job opportunities for local populations, especially if the ethanol produced can be transformed into alcoholic beverages for sale.
Contributes to reduce global warming
Global warming is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. These gases are generated by burning fossil fuels. bioethanol production only releases water and carbon dioxide, the latter in proportions practically ineffective with respect to gasoline, gas and coal.
It is an excellent source of hydrogen
Researchers are currently working on various techniques that allow transform bioethanol into a source of hydrogen. Although these advances are not yet mature enough, the truth is that they represent a much cleaner option for producing this energy resource.
Opening of the agricultural sector in vulnerable areas
Because the production of organic ethanol is based mainly on agricultural products , vulnerable areas with fertile land can be included in the agricultural sector.
If governments enact laws that make it easier to work these lands, bioethanol is likely to be available for many years, while grain and corn production increases will drive the growth of the industry in general.
Use multiple raw materials
Corn and sugar cane are not the only natural materials used to produce organic ethanol. All kinds of crops that have sugar and starch can be used in the production of this fuel, which expand production capacity and n multiple regions of the world.
It is a renewable energy source
Bioethanol is considered a renewable resource because the plants used in its production depend on sunlight, an inexhaustible source of energy. Photosynthesis is the first phase of this process, and its action will not be modified or altered over time.
Disadvantages of bioethanol
It can lead to a rise in food prices
Corn and sugar cane, the main elements used in the production of bioethanol, may experience a price rise if the demand for bioethanol grows. Other industries that depend on corn, such as the poultry industry, would also be affected.
Its production requires large tracts of land
The raw materials used in the production of bioethanol must be grown on large-scale farms, which means the use of large tracts of land.
The drawback is that not all people own land of this type, which would force them to rent the land and add costs to production. In addition, the massive production of bioethanol could result in the destruction of natural habitats.
Distillation harms the environment
The distillation process of fermented cereals or grains requires a lot of energy, which comes mainly from fossil fuels. Consequently, production is not totally clean.
Water attraction property
Bioethanol has the ability to absorb a lot of water, which means that obtaining it in its purest form is very difficult to achieve. In the case of bioethanol for vehicles, this represents a problem in terms of engine efficiency.
Bioethanol vaporization is complex
In the case of vehicles, this condition complicates the starting system in cold weather conditions. For this reason, many systems include a fuel percentage of 85% bioethanol and 15% gasoline.
Destruction of biodiversity
Due to the large extensions of land that are required to grow bioethanol raw materials, natural ecosystems could be affected, including tropical rainforests.
Risk of monocultures
The fact of cultivating certain types of materials exclusively can threaten soil conditions, reduce the production of other agricultural items and affect species that feed on crops.
Difficulty transporting
Bioethanol is a hygroscopic material, which means that it can absorb large amounts of water from the air and therefore corrodes easily. For this , can only be transported on railways or special automated vehicles.
High octane rating
The octane percentage of bioethanol is 105. This means that the fuel can be burned in engines with a higher compression ratio than gasoline. Likewise, can cause wear on electric fuel pumps.
Use of polluting fertilizers
Growing the materials to obtain bioethanol requires the use of toxic fertilizers and pesticides. As usual, producing corn is a polluting activity by the frequent action of sediments and nutrients. The massive production of this item could seriously affect the environment in general.