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Ethanol not seen as long-term alternative energy

Dec. 2, 2010 – Energy Secretary Steven Chu dodged a question Monday over whether he supports extension of subsidies for corn-based ethanol, but he was clear about what he thought of ethanol as an alternative fuel: he’s not for it as a long-term solution.

During a question and answer session at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Chu said he does not consider ethanol “an ideal transportation fuel.” He said he preferred using biomass to make synthetic versions of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel because biomass doesn’t require specialized infrastructure.

“Americans can drive their vehicles using agriculturally based fuels, but we are primarily focused on developing the new technologies that can supercede ethanol made from starches,” Chu said.

The ethanol industry has been pushing for federal incentives for ethanol pipelines and pumps, arguing that the “drop-in” fuels that Chu is talking about are many years away from being commercialized.

The effort by ethanol producers is being resisted by environmental groups and food industry interests who believe the money used for ethanol is diverting support for other alternative energy products. Lawmakers are also leery of the extension because of its impact on the budget.

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