Production of Materials > 3. Renewable Ethanol >
Process information from secondary sources to summarise the use of ethanol as an alternative car fuel, evaluating the success of current usage
- There are both advantages and disadvantages of the use of ethanol as an alternative fuel in general.
- Ethanol can be used as a ‘petrol extender’ in car engines without engine modification in concentrations of up to 24%.
- The use of ethanol as a petrol extender causes greater engine wear.
- To use pure ethanol in car engines, modification would be required.
- In the 1970s and 1980s, Brazil adopted ethanol as it main car fuel, with sugar cane being grown specifically for ethanol production.
- Brazil aimed to both reduce consumption of non-renewable petroleum and create a locally produced fuel market, although extreme expenses caused the project to be abandoned.
- In Australia, many fuels contain a certain amount of ethanol, usually about 10%.
Historical trend of ethanol productivity (from sugarcane) in Brazil
Ethanol storage tanks in Brazil
Ethanol used in a 10% blend in the US