There has been a debate over the energy value of ethanol, which is a fuel produced from corn. The debate has centered on whether the embodied energy used in growing, harvesting, and processing corn into ethanol fuel outweighed the energy saving aspect of the product. But a recent study compared six analyses of the energy required to produce ethanol and the energy benefits of ethanol. The report found that those studies most critical of ethanol energy benefits ignored the added energy benefits of co-products such as animal feeds and included outdated data on the energy used to process corn into ethanol fuel. There is also increased support for the production of cellulosic ethanol, which is fuel, produced from grasses and other biomass sources. Using agricultural and industrial waste materials to produce fuel is an excellent way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our dependence on petroleum. Ethanol fuel produced from corn reduces petroleum use by 95% and reduces greenhouse gases by about 13%.
Ford Motor Co. is developing a Hybrid “flex-fuel” vehicle that can run on either gasoline or on E85, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This means that hybrid vehicles would dramatically decrease the emission of greenhouse gas by using an ethanol blend versus traditional gasoline. Hybrid vehicles use a combination of gasoline and electric power. One problem is the limited availability of E85 pumps. But with initiatives recently passed under the Energy Policy Act the production and availability of ethanol – traditional corn and cellulosic – will increase significantly across the country.
AECP PLANS STATEWIDE WEATHERIZATION EVENT
AECP will plan and implement a statewide Weatherization Interchange in September of 2006. The Interchange will include workshops and crew competition activities over a four- day period and will be held at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia. All weatherization crews and staff in Virginia will be invited to participate in the event, which is being designed to honor the great work and contributions that the program makes every day, in every town, city and county across the Commonwealth.
The Weatherization program is the oldest, most comprehensive, and most effective residential energy efficiency program in America. The program is designed to provide energy efficient and health and safety services to eligible low-income households nationwide. About 2500 homes are weatherized annually in Virginia with a 20-40% energy savings achieved in most cases. A weatherized home, on average, will contribute to a one metric ton reduction of carbon emissions per home.
AECP MEMBERS PASS HVAC MASTER EXAM
Seven AECP members recently passed the Virginia Board for Contractors Master Tradesman certification for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). They took the exam following a preparation class conducted on two different occasions by AECP. The AECP members are Bill Craig, Mike Cooke, Fred Gross, Billy Burrill, Mike Belcher, Darrell Darnell, and Scott Darnell. Congratulations to everyone.
U.S. WIND INDUSTRY ACHEIVES RECORD GROWTH
According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the U.S. wind energy industry grew at a record pace in 2005. The wind industry increased in size by 35% with commercial wind turbines now installed in 30 states. These turbines provide electricity to almost 2.5 million homes and 2006 will be an even bigger year with increased opportunities for the industry as a result of the recently passed Energy Policy Act.
VIRGINIA ENERGY STATISTICS
Here are some 2006 figures for energy consumption in Virginia courtesy of the Alliance to Save Energy.
- Household energy expenditures break down as follows – space heating 50%, electric AC 25%, water heating 12%, refrigerators 7%, lighting and other appliances 6%.
- Propane is the fuel source with the highest increase in cost followed by natural gas, heating oil, and electricity.
- Virginia gasoline prices are currently about 35% higher than a year ago. Virginia households pay about $3,100 annually for gasoline.
ENERGY TIP
Turn down the thermostat. Lowering it by just one degree can reduce heating energy costs by about 4%. A one- degree reduction can also save 400 lbs. of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is the leading greenhouse gas that is contributing to global warming.