Anantha Energy

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a flammable, tasteless, colorless, chemical compound. It is more often referred to simply as alcohol. Its molecular formula is C₂H₅OH. Recent technological innovations have enabled ethanol to be distilled to a very high level of purity, thus making it a viable alternative to gasoline.

Ethanol is traditionally produced through the fermentation of natural sugars found in a variety of sources such as sugar cane, corn, beets, etc. Certain species of yeast are used to ferment these sugars into ethanol. New methods for production currently being developed will use cellulosic fibers to produce ethanol. The possibilities for this new technology are endless; since cellulose can be found in almost all organic compounds, ethanol could conceivably be produced from non-traditional inputs (such as municipal waste, switchgrass, etc.).

The cost of ethanol is largely dependent on the methods of production and the feedstock utilized. In most cases, however, ethanol is cheaper than gasoline. Many experts believe that, through the utilization of new techniques such as cellulosic production, ethanol costs will be significantly lower than $0.75 USD/gallon.

Yes. Gasoline with up to a 10% blend of ethanol can power your current vehicle without any modifications to its engine or fuel system. Many governments are therefore mandating ethanol be blended with gasoline, which reduces reliance on foreign oil.

No. With an ethanol vehicle conversion kit (less than $500 USD), you can convert your current vehicle to run on up to 100% ethanol. Alternatively, many major car manufacturers produce what is commonly known as FlexFuel vehicles, which can run on up to 85% ethanol blended gasoline. In fact, many major car manufacturers have been producing FlexFuel vehicles for the past 5 years unbeknown to the consumer - check to see if your current vehicle is already ethanol-ready.

Ethanol is significantly better for the environment than gasoline. It burns much cleaner and has significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol can be a carbon neutral process; the CO₂ gasses released from the combustion of 100% ethanol vehicles are estimated to be equal to the amount consumed by the plants used in the production of ethanol. Additionally, ethanol used as a 5% blend phases out the need for MTBE, an additive currently found in fuel that acts as an oxygenate, and increases the efficiency of the combustion process, resulting in lower emissions and higher air quality.

Did you know that Henry Ford's original Model T ran on ethanol? Ford, a visionary, foresaw ethanol as the fuel source for the transportation industry.

Ethanol has been consumed for its intoxicating effects from around 5000 BC - traces have been found in cups from the Neolithic period.

Many ethanol production facilities are net energy positive; they do not require an outside power source to run. In fact, they produce excess electricity which can be supplied to surrounding areas or a grid.