Methane to Ethanol. Cheaper than conventional corn/switchgrass methods?

Question

camp: are you serious? Microbes called "anaerobes" are like itsy bitsy flatulators whose number one job is to flatulate.

They give off methane. And they eat the cheapest stuff out there. Please respond.

Answer 1

Actually, one of the plants being built in Illinois is using the switchgrass => Methane => ethanol method.  I believe the reason that so many are looking at "custom" methods for converting cellulose to ethanol is so they can patent and copywrite the method so as to make even more money by licensing it to others.

I agree with you.  Go with what works.

On a side note, it will be even better when they start making engines to run on ethanol only.  Ethanol engine can get as good or better MPG than gasoline, but only at a 12 to 1 compression ratio or better.

"Barkeep!  I'll take a shot of whiskey in a glass and a pint to go for my Kawasaki!"

Answer 2

OK, so where do you get the methane? If we had an abundant source of methane (other than natural gas), all our problems would be solved. Methane makes a great motor fuel!