Fuel is vital for humans. As the risks of the traditional fuel are realized, the more people aim to find a safer alternative. The search for that alternative was successful. The person who first tried this discovery was Henry Ford, in which he used Ethanol in his Ford Model T. That continued from 1908 through the 20th century when its use became more popular. However, up until now, it is still one of the most topics being debated over the years even with the use seen in the alternative fuel. Most of the aspects being debated about it are the pros and cons of ethanol fuel.
So, would ethanol fuel truly give people complete benefit or just cost the same level of side effects as its benefits?
3 Pros of Ethanol Fuel
1. Ethanol Fuel is Renewable and Sustainable
Being a renewable source of energy, the raw materials need sunlight for ethanol to be produced. There are even companies that work on bypassing the harvesting of plant crops to produce ethanol. With that, it is only proved that the production of ethanol can be continued and done for long-term without any risk of using up all raw materials.
2. It is Environment-Friendly
The main reason why the search for an alternative fuel was done is to lessen the risks of global warming. No hazardous materials are used in producing the fuel since it only uses natural materials. It includes crops such as sugar cane, grain and corn. Thus, it makes it sustainable. In a long-term basis, it can be beneficial for farmers since they would have to produce both food crops and fuel crops.
3. It Creates a Positive and Balanced Energy
The balance is made possible because when using corn in the production, several by-products as well as valuable ones including corn oil are created.
3 Cons of Ethanol Fuel
1. There is a Fluctuation in Price
Fluctuation in price has always been a variable from the past years that ethanol was produced and used. Its price can be bought in a much cheaper rate compared to gasoline or it can be higher than the latter. The reason behind it is because of the place where corn is abundant and not. If corn is abundant in a place, ethanol is cheaper.
2. Ethanol Oil has Lower Mileage Capability Compared to Gasoline
It is one of the cons seen and stated on pros and cons of ethanol fuel. Yes, it is environment-friendly, but it decreases a vehicle’s mileage from 20%-30%. Therefore, people would prefer gasoline in areas where the fuel is more expensive.
3. The Industry Lacks the Necessary Production Facilities to Produce Ethanol Fuel
It is also the reason why ethanol fuel stations are lacking. The only place where these can be found is in the Midwest where there is a high production of fuel. It is also the place where corn crops production is high.
Is Ethanol Truly Beneficial When all Pros and Cons of Ethanol Fuel are Considered?
Ethanol fuel can be truly beneficial especially if the overall effect in the ecosystem is included in the equation. The low mileage would simply be enough sacrifice to save the only place where humans can survive. As for the cost, once the government has made some thinking and steps on this, it will be easier for everyone.
