Ataru

[goacs]

John

There is a lot of controversy on the amount of energy it takes to create ethanol/bio diesel and the cost involved. What are your feelings on solar thermal for heating/preheating liquids, and photovoltaic or wind to produce some of the electricity needed to produce alternate fuels. In a state like Alabama where there is plenty of sun and wind could these be incorporated in a ethanol or bio diesel plant to offset the costs of production? In solar thermal the payback is between 5-7 years. As natural gas or LP gas price increase in the next few years the payback would be even less. Photovoltaic is somewhat longer and I am uncertain of wind. Thoughts?
Jim