How does E3 BioFuels system improve on the energy balance of ethanol?
Because no fossil fuels are required to heat the boilers, and an E3 BioFuels plant instead produces its own energy by digesting cow manure, far more net energy is produced from the E3 process than with traditional ethanol. Estimates for the net energy balance of gasoline vary, but most industry analysts accept a ratio of 3:1. In June 2004, the USDA estimated a net energy balance of 1.67:1 for traditional ethanol production. Because our production system is so efficient, we’ve calculated the energy balance inside the walls of the E3 plant at 46 units of ethanol energy produced per unit of fossil fuels (which still generate the electricity we use at the plant). E3’s total “corn-to-consumer” energy balance is better than 5:1. At the same, it’s important to note that while corn is the primary grain involved in E3’s system, we are also using corn cellulose as part of our production process.
