From www.iowacorn.org/ethanol/ethanol
Q: Will we deplete human and animal food supplies by using corn and other grains for fuel production?
A: No, actually the production of ethanol from corn uses only the starch of the corn kernel. All of the valuable protein, minerals and nutrients remain. One bushel of corn produces about 2.7 gallons of ethanol AND 11.4 pounds of gluten feed (20% protein) AND 3 pounds of gluten meal (60% protein) AND 1.6 pounds of corn oil.
So, you get all that other stuff PLUS 2.7 gallons of ethanol / bushel. I don't know what corn prices are right now, but they're probably somewhere in the $4 something / bushel range.
Granted, when gas was <$2.00 / gal, it wasn't feasible. It may not even be now. But at some price point it will be.
Granted, when gas was <$2.00 / gal, it wasn't feasible. It may not even be now. But at some price point it will be. "
The main cost that keeps it from being feasible is the energy it takes to convert it into fuel. It would cost as much oil to convert it into ethenol then it would produce. Nuclear power plants in a few locations in the mid-west would solve this problem and power the mid-west and clear up California power problems. Note the multi-billion in tax-breaks and government loands to start building nuke plants as part of the energy bill...