Disregarding for the moment the whole corn/ethanol business, I have seen quite a bit of research on various oddball plants that can produce petroleum-like compounds. Some of these grow under relatively poor conditions. Add to this the potential for genetic engineering, and the idea of a plant that can create hydrocarbons that need little additional processing is not unrealistic.
Such agriculture could have a wonderful effect on the world's economy, especially if this crop grows on dry or poor land not suitable for food crops. Many poor nations, rich in land and not much else, nations which have looked with envy on the luck of some Arabs for being parked on oil reserves, might be able to grow "oil" for their own use and for lucrative export.
Fun fact: Diesel demonstrated his engine at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900 using peanut oil as fuel.
Important fact: hydrocarbon fuels made from plant material do NOT contribute excess carbon to the carbon cycle. Again, this is assuming a biofuel that needs little additional processing and its associated energy input.
Flame » in reply to Wasted resources are wasted resources...
Plant oils
The whole thread (56 posts)
- FLAME ON!
- Conspicuous Consumption
- Here, this proves my point "Fuel consumption wasn't a consideration" (SUV owner)
- Oil will be worth more than diamonds
- re: FLAME ON!
- Interesting.
- I feel like I'm arguing with Ed Begley Jr. and the hardcore leftist brigades.
- Are you freekin serious?
- I'm happy to know you know so much about living with, and transporting, children.
- re: Interesting.
- I feel like I'm arguing with Ed Begley Jr. and the hardcore leftist brigades.