Run your car on grass clippings

Experts predict that in just 50 years the amount of CO2 will be 500 ppm in the atmosphere thereby causing global temperatures to rise by 2 degrees. This small increase in temperature has the potential for catastrophic results with the ice cap meltdown and the resulting rise in sea levels by about 20 feet.

In their race to reduce global dependance on fossil fuel, scientists are working hard to develop alternative fuels that can easily replace fossil fuel. Ethanol is a renewable source of energy that is gaining popularity around the world. Brazil produces Ethanol from their sugarcane crop. The United States is investing heavily in corn based Ethanol. Corn-based Ethanol is easy to make, however, it only generates 30% more energy that what is consumed to produce it.

In our quest for a more efficient form of Ethanol production, another more promising method is being considered. It is called Cellulosic Ethanol production, in which Ethanol can be produced from cellulosic biomass such as grass clippings, wood chips, etc. Cellulosic Ethanol produces 80% more energy than what is consumed to produce it.

Some day, in the not too distant future, we could all be driving our cars on grass clippings or other types of biomass waste. Today however, the challenge lies in our lack of ability to break down the Cellulose molecule in a cost effective manner. Though insects and animals produce enzymes to break down the Cellulose, humans are still devising methods for large scale production.

Cellolosic Ethanol is being produced in labs using sulphuric acid to break down cell walls of plant feedstock. Cellulose enzymes are then added to the mixture to produce simple sugars. Yeast or bateria are then added to start the fermentation process which produces Ethanol and water. Using distillation, Ethanol is distilled and purified for use a fuel source.

Millions of dollars are being invested in companies that are working on methods to produce Cellulosic Ethanol. If successful, the world can truly reduce it’s dependance on fossil fuel. We may even be able to stem the global temperatures from rising due to CO2 levels and save the planet.