E85 is a fuel form that contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Ethanol is a renewable fuel derived from organic matter through fermentation. In the United States, ethanol is produced from plants such as corn, grasses, and sugarcane (Ethanol par. 1). Ethanol blended fuels such as E85 are deemed desirable as they reduce overdependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse emissions from vehicles. The economy has been receptive to blended fuels as consumption rose from 1.7 to 13.2 billion gallons between 2001 and 2013. However, ethanol use is contentious because the fuel can only be used in flexible-fuel cars. Also, ethanol has lower energy content than pure gasoline, which leads to fewer miles per gallon. Other negative attributes of ethanol blended fuels include lower availability and competition for land use with food crops. This is a paper on E85 and aviation biofuel.
E85 should replace conventional fuels in America. This is because apart from emission reduction, E85 fuel use has other advantages which outweigh its demerits as a fuel. For example, the fuel is locally produced, which reduces the expenditure of importing petroleum. Also, ethanol fuel is less likely to cause engine knock than fossil fuels. Finally, the extra cost of adapting normal engine for E85 use is negligible (Ethanol par. 11). For these reasons, it would be more economical and beneficial to the environment to use E85 fuel in light vehicles than using gasoline.
Aviation biofuel is derived from plants whereby ethanol from organic matter is blended with fossil fuels. Aviation biofuel, just like E85, reduces greenhouse emissions from jet engines. The aviation industry is responsible for 2% of the total annual emissions. This value is expected to rise to 3% by 2050 (Biofuel Use par.4). Globally, a few airlines have adopted aviation biofuel use for commercial flights. However, aviation biofuel technology has not yet matured as there are several challenges that hinder its application. One of the limiting factors is that the fuel oxidizes at low temperatures. Stabilizer additives that are currently used are only effective over a small temperature range. Also, biofuels cause hoses and rubber seals to shrink (Biofuel Use par.12). Both of these two issues pose a serious safety threat and therefore, more research is warranted in aviation biofuel before it can be commercially used.
Works Cited
“Biofuel Use.” Accelerating Development & Commercialization of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group, n.d. Web. 29 Jun. 2015.
“Ethanol.” Efficiency and Renewable Energy. U.S Department of Energy, n.d. Web. 29 Jun. 2015.
