Last year Cecil had an article showing that ethanol might very well require more
energy to produce than it would ever return. Whether or not this case is right or
not, the principle is certainly of critical importance to the country’s energy
problem. It applies to solar cells, windmills, and any alternative source.
I think Cecil should update this article because so many alternative
energy advocates seem to forget about it.
Welcome to the Straight Dope, wraskin411. Just FYI, it’s often useful to link to the column you’re commenting on – in this case What’s the true story on ethanol? (28-Nov-2003) – so that other people who are interested in your comment can jump directly to it.
I completely understand your comment on energy return on investment in alternative energy sources. However, I’m not sure that even Cecil could adequately cover the wide range of alternative energy sources and varying assumptions in a single column. In fact, the ethanol column as is engendered quite a lengthy thread (Ethanol as Fuel) debating the conclusions of the column, filled with claims and counterclaims. Actually quite interesting, if you’re into that kind of stuff.