Ethanol and methanol: how the costs compare
This article compares the cost of producing ethanol and methanol from grain. At 1981 prices, the cost of these alcohols has been estimated at about $1.88 per gallon, compared with the current selling price of anhydrous grain alcohol at $1.80 per gallon. The use of gasohol carries a federal subsidy of 40 cents per gallon until 1992 which brings the price of gasohol down to slightly below that of gasoline. The federal subsidy has attracted new investment and the output of large central ethanol plants in the Untied States is expected to reach 500 to 750 million gallons by 1985. However even with a substantial 15% growth rate, it is estimated that ethanol production in 1990 will only be a small fraction of the US gasoline demand.
- OSTI ID:
- 5189788
- Journal Information:
- Technol. Rev.; (United States), Vol. 83:7
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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ETHANOL
ECONOMICS
GASOHOL
METHANOL
COST
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MAIZE
NATIONAL ENERGY PLAN
NET ENERGY
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SUBSIDIES
USA
ALCOHOLS
CEREALS
ENERGY
ENERGY ANALYSIS
ENERGY POLICY
ENGINES
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
HEAT ENGINES
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
LIQUID FUELS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
TESTING
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