Ethanol

Current research is investigating ways to reduce the cost of ethanol production. DOE's research partners are developing a process, called enzymatic hydrolysis, that uses special strains of yeast to manufacture ethanol in an inexpensive, high-yield procedure. This project is also developing the use of waste products as a fuel for ethanol production.

Other researchers are investigating the problems of ethanol-fueled vehicles in prototype and demonstration projects. These projects are helping engineers to increase fuel efficiency and starting reliability. However, until the economic and technical problems are solved, ethanol will mostly be used in countries or areas that have limited access to oil reserves or have an excess of biomass for use in the ethanol production process.