'It represents a crucial boost to the rural economy'. 'Ethanol from corn is a more environmentally sustainable fuel than oil' says Jeff Tweedy of Syngenta. Ethanol, which is one important industrial chemical can be produced extensively from biomass such as corn (maize), corn cob, rice, sweet sorghum, cassava and other diversified carbohydrate-containing materials, Its production has increased all over the world in the last few years through both expansion of existing plants and construction of new facilities. Ethanol in particular shares some of the storage and distribution advantages traditional fuels hold over other energy sources like hydrogen. Hence, the use of new sources of energy like fuel cells, solar energy or bioethanol has become a priority. This, along with increasing concerns about global warming, has led to a search for alternatives to fossil fuels. Prices of fossil fuels like crude oil and natural gas have increased significantly in the past five years.
Fossil fuels like crude oil that have been the traditional source of energy are non-renewable.
The supply of energy for various operations such as transportation, power generation and heating is of critical concern in the world today.
