Introduction to Bioethanol

Bio-ethanol is a first generation bio-fuel. Bio-ethanol is mainly produced by the sugar fermentation process, although it can also be manufactured by the chemical process of reacting ethylene with steam.

The main sources of sugar required to produce ethanol come from fuel or energy crops. These crops are grown specifically for energy use and include

• corn
• maize
• wheat crops
• waste straw
• willow and popular trees
• sawdust
• reed canary grass
  
• cord grasses

There is also ongoing research and development into the use of municipal solid wastes to produce ethanol fuel.

Ethanol can be used in petrol engines as a replacement for gasoline; it can be mixed with gasoline to any percentage. Most existing car petrol engines can run on blends of up to 15% bioethanol with petroleum/gasoline.