by Tim Newbold (The Guardian) The global approach to energy is changing rapidly. The urgency of the challenge that climate change presents has focused significant attention and resources on renewable energy solutions, as countries and companies seek to reduce emissions. One of the ways that an increasing number of countries have found to provide such mitigation, is the addition of a renewable energy resource like ethanol. When blended, fuel ethanol has a low-carbon content compared to traditional petrol, and so it offers immediate and immense environmental benefits through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
Beyond these environmental benefits, ethanol also brings economic and social benefits when adopted widely. Developing countries such as Thailand and Brazil have adopted biofuel policies since the 1980s and 1970s respectively. These policies including blending mandates and fuel quality standards and monitoring have resulted in significant growth in local industries, boosting the agricultural sector as well as increasing ethanol-related employment.