Talk About Sustainable
Just came across this article from August. Apparently the Scottish have found a way to recycle the waste products from the production of whisky (which, by the way, is a $6.2 billion dollar a year industry in Scotland) into biofuel.
Researchers at Edinburgh Napier University are developing methods to turn the pot ale and draff -- excess liquid and grain from the distillation process -- into butanol, which yields 30% more power output than ethanol. Moreover, butanol can be used in regular cars, with no need to alter engines as is with other types of fuel.
To me, this sounds absolutely perfect: less waste and more efficient fuel. And unlike ethanol, which requires corn crops for the express purpose of creating said fuel, butanol needs no new crops, just the continuation of one of Scotland’s favorite pastimes- the consumption of whisky.
Hopefully this new fuel will help the EU in its stated goal of having biofuels account for 10% of all fuel sales by 2012.
- Comment (7)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (2)
Comments :
Dec '10
Re: Talk About Sustainable
Propanol and butanol have progressively greater energy available, but I would hesitate from using any alcohol-type fuel in regular cars. It's not just the available energy that is at issue; alcohols have an affinity for water and are more difficult to store (as they absorb water from the air). Plus they can ruin seals, gaskets, and hoses that were designed for oil-based fuels.
I have a collection of yard equipment that is essentially trashed because of the addition of ethanol to gasoline. However, I have a better excuse for not getting around to weed-eating!
Aug '10
Re: Talk About Sustainable
The EU will meet its stated goal of having biofuels account for 10% of all fuel sales by 2012. It will do this by paying people, one way or another, to use that much biofuel. In any discussion of alternative energy, the words "tax breaks" or "incentives" show up sooner or later. I don't see them in this article; but they are out there...watching, waiting, laughing.
May '10
Re: Talk About Sustainable
I for one volunteer to do my part to help the Scottish create more "waste products from the production of whisky", so that they can go green. That's the type of guy I am!
Sep '10
Re: Talk About Sustainable
Ever since middle school, discussions about alternative energy, especially fuels, have interested me.
From what little I have read, butanol certainly seems like a better choice to blend with gasoline than ethanol--it can be transported in pipelines without causing pipeline corrosion or displaying hygroscopic (water-affinity) properties. It actually helps water-contaminated ethanol blend better with gasoline. The Wikipedia article I read (butanol fuel) also suggested that adjustment of both the timing and the fuel-to-air mixture ratio of most gasoline-burning engines may be needed, depending on the engine.
But, as with all alternative fuels, the oil companies do not pursue what is not economically better. Maybe someday, with no taxpayer forced help, cheaper ways will be found...
Edited on Jan 9, 2011 at 6:58amSep '10
Re: Talk About Sustainable
I agree, I'm willing to do my part also.
Aug '10
Re: Talk About Sustainable
The Scots are at the forefront of the enviro stuff in Europe.Spain has been pulling back as they see the true cost. Scottish wind towers are frozen up all over the country and they've been buying grid power from the nuclear French.
They appear to be the most anxious to run down the path to "alternative"power,but in the end , there won;t be enough money to avoid using the oil that lies off their shores. After all, it's cheaper and puts people to work, or as the EPA would say in the US " not allowed until further study".
They couldn't make enough scotch whiskey to make a dent in their needs by this boondoggle. Just take a look at the ethanol debacle in the US.
Brazil still chopping down the forests to plant corn for ethanol ?
Unintended consequences. Scots are usually wrong, even the English could see that throughout history.
Jun '10
Re: Talk About Sustainable
How about we set up a domestic whiskey/biofuel industry here in the good ol' US of A? Like in my hometown in the Niagara Frontier of NY, a depressed, rust belt area with a lot of potential. I had to leave to find a career, but I wish I had raised my family there. A smart friend who stayed and took over his father's apple orchards put in wine grapes 10 years ago and is now winning all sorts of awards, as well as doing great things with the family apple business. Hm. Maybe I should visit Lynchburg and learn about makin' corn squeezin's...