IOWA ET AL VS. OPEC (ORGANIZATION OF PETROLEUM EXPORTING COUNTRIES)--CORN STATES UNCORK GASOHOL GUSHER

The controversy over ethanol vs. oil is considered; the development of gasohol and current gasohol-production programs are described. Studies of the energy input of ethanol production, although inconclusive, suggest that with new technology a net energy gain can be obtained. Users of gasohol report better engine performance and better mileage, restricted only by the limited amounts available and the price differential. Increasing production with new methods and equipment should soon reduce the price, permitting conversion of beverage-grade alcohol producing plants to 200-proof ethanol production. The administration's ambitious gasohol program, if implemented on schedule, will provide 40% of the nation's automotive fuel by the mid-to-late 1980's. Current and proposed subsidies and tax exemptions encourage gasohol production. The success of Iowa's promotion of alcohol fuel, including a large new ethanol-producing plant in Sioux City, shows the potential for agriculturally-derived alcohol fuels. Although U.S. oil companies limit the amount of ethanol in gasohol to 10%, the General Motors cars manufactured in Brazil burn an 80/20 blend of gasohol with a few corrosion or other problems. Brazil's alcohol program calls for production of 250,000 cars capable of running on neat alcohol by the end of 1980, and a million pure-ethanol-fueled vehicles by 1985. Increase in the engine's compression ratio because of the high octane level, and changes in the intake manifold design will be necessary. Included are a table comparing the typical properties of gasoline, ethanol and gasohol, and the addresses and phone numbers of research centers prepared to give information on alcohol-fuels development.