As the pitfalls of the widespread use of ethanol and the limited, if any, contribution it makes to the environment becomes more apparent to all, a more responsible alternative for its use needs to be developed. IndyCars are going to pure ethanol as a fuel, rather than forcing this technology on all drivers compartmentalization may be the answer to the ethanol and biofuel dilemma as we see the consequences of using food for fuel ripple across the continent and the world. Clearly ethanol will not work as a mass distributed fuel and our lawmakers need to quickly realize this and change tactics.
For example, government requirements to create pure ethanol fueled farming machinery would be much more productive than forcing all automobile drivers to use some form of ethanol in their vehicles. Though the production of carcinogens such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, not produced by petroleum fuels, create their own problems, it is widely considered an environmentally friendly fuel. It would isolate our food production from the influence of possible future oil shortages caused by lack of supply or war with China. Farmers could even make their own fuel. Since we are already heavily invested in ethanol distilleries, excuse me refineries, it is a responsible alternative.
Biodiesels based on soy or some other plant source could be produced to supply critical rail lines rather than fuel for the general public. This would limit its production, creating a smaller demand on our food supplies. And not diluting the power of the market to force innovation in the personal vehicle by artificially delaying market pressures with a subsidized fuel that has no future as the world population grows.
On the other hand, laws requiring or giving advantage to taxi fleets and buses for using one specific alternative limits the potential for developing other technologies. Fleets of any kind, that report to a central location for fueling, are ideal for testing and developing any new fuel technology, not requiring a mass distribution system. The real battle being innovations in the personal vehicle. It is this arena that the government should keep its hands off and allow the free market to work. Public transportation makes an appropriate testing ground for the new technologies.
Economies in the past have supported a global system of petroleum often ignoring regional characteristics. Iceland has worked to buck this system since the energy crisis of the 1970’s envisioning a ‘Hydrogen Society.’ Iceland has many advantages in this regard. The distribution system need only cover the island, they have a plentiful environmentally friendly energy supply in natural steam, thermoelectric and hydroelectric power, and of course plenty of water from which to produce hydrogen. Iceland’s exportation of hydrogen and/or hydrogen fuel cells could supply other limited markets with almost no adverse effects on our environment.
The electricity required to produce hydrogen could also be supplied by nuclear power creating a world hydrogen network and also making electric vehicles more viable in cost and environmental impact. There is wisdom in not depending on a single source of energy for transportation. Just as utilities diversify in the production of electricity as sound economic policy, the same principle applies with the personal or utilitarian vehicle. The mass development of alternative fuel vehicles will also guarantee the future of pure gasoline vehicles, electric hybrid or otherwise. As gasoline demand drops the utilization of the fuels unique characteristics can continue to contribute to society.
