Ethanol Production Case Study

Superior Essays
An advantage of growing corn for use in ethanol production is that corn is a readily available crop in the United States, and there would no longer be a need to import materials to produce fuel. This would also benefit the agriculture industry by providing more jobs to corn planters. Going this route also would lessen the dependence on the Middle East and other countries for oil and fuel. Growing corn for use in ethanol production would also be a more energy efficient way, because there would be less travel of products, resulting in less energy consumption.
Disadvantages of growing corn for use in ethanol production would be that it takes fuel to produce and process the corn. The cost to produce ethanol could be more expensive than petrol
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The benefits of using photovoltaic (PV) cells for the generation of electricity is that they provide green, renewable power through the use of solar energy. Also, by using these cells we are lessening the amount of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. PV panels require minimum operating costs and maintenance, only requiring occasional cleaning of the panels. Photovoltaic panels are long lasting and often come with warranties. Their lifespans typically exceed 25 years, and they only suffer an 18% efficiency loss after being used for 20 years. Photovoltaic cells cost approximately $1.00 per PV watt.

What are some of the associated problems with harvesting wind energy?
A problem associated with harvesting wind energy is the initial start up costs is higher than generators powered by fossil fuels. There is also noise produced by the wind power plants that can be bothersome to those nearby. The rotor blades also pose a risk to birds that may fly into them, resulting in injury or death. Wind is also intermittent, so relying on it for energy may be problematic if the wind is not
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What are some of the benefits and costs of incinerating waste before putting it into a landfill?
A benefit of incinerating waste before putting it into a landfill is that it reduces the actual amount of waste going to landfill. Less space being taken up in the landfill limits the amount of land pollution and provides more space for the landfill. Another benefit is that the temperature of incinerators can destroy harmful pathogens and chemicals, specifically in clinical waste. Energy in the form of electricity can also be produced through the incineration of domestic and industrial waste.
A cost of incinerating waste before putting it into a landfill is that important natural resources like glass, plastics, and metals are lost unless removed prior to incineration. Incineration also causes the loss of recyclable resources. Incinerators also emit unwanted smells that can negatively impact the areas around them, including land and home values. Also, small particles that escape the incinerator’s filters and processes can cause healthy problems to those

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