Chem321:Discussion 10

From WikiChem
Revision as of 11:18, 30 July 2012 by HKopelson (talk | contribs) (Biofuels in the North Country)
Jump to: navigation, search
THE SUSTAINABLE
WORLD
(Chemistry 321)
Earth from space
MAIN PAGE
SyllabusSchedule
Welcome page
Contact Dr. Walker
This week
Today's tasks(tomorrow)
Course units
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14
Moodle site

Course content
Assignments

Paper - Acme - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
Final exam - Practice final

Practice problems
Discussions

General wiki help
Basic editing
Create an account
Protocols
Tutorial
Demo, for practice

This discussion is based on discussing two questions, and it is set to take place on the wiki, over the next few days (until midnight on Monday, 16th July). We will leave comments on the page below, in response to (and under) the questions posted or the related responses. Be sure to start your text with a *, and sign your responses with four tilde marks at the end.

Biofuels in the North Country

What the the possibilities for biofuel production in the North Country? Could these replace petroleum-based fuels locally? Could they become a major cash crop for local farmers?

Consider the question with two scenarios - (a) the status quo or (b) after global oil demand surged ahead of supply, and so there is a price spike for gasoline and similar liquid fuels.

  • Based upon the very limited growing season in the North Country (approx. 60-70 days), I think the chance to grow biofuels is very limited. If we were to grow biofuels, corn would be a good option because it grows so quickly. Even if global oil demand sky-rocketed, I don't think the North Country would be the optimal region to start a massive biofuel attempt. If, however, there's a biofuel that can withstand freezes and thaws well, than the North Country could stand a chance of producing that biofuel. Since the North Country is also relatively poor, it would provide decent jobs and could help the region. If the market stays as is, I don't think there's a good market up here for it. HKopelson (talk) 11:18, 30 July 2012 (EDT)