US Offers $30M For High-Risk Biofuel Research 183
coondoggie writes "This one sounds a bit like really wishful thinking. The US Department of Energy today announced $30 million for research projects that would develop advanced biofuels that could replace gasoline or diesel without requiring special upgrades or changes to the vehicle or fueling infrastructure. The $30 million would be spent over the next four years to support as many as five 'traditionally high-risk biofuels projects,' such as converting biomass into biofuels and bioproducts to be eventually used for hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals."
High Risk? (Score:4, Funny)
Grandpa Munster invented this already (Score:4, Funny)
Back in the 60s he invented the Gasoline Pill, which converts water into gasoline right in your tank! Unfortunately he lost the formula, so that's why there's a prize now.
There's nothing that Grandpa Munster, The Professor from Gilligan's Island, or Scotty can't solve with their engineering geniusness!
Re:hemp (Score:2, Funny)
Remind me again, why we aren't using hemp instead of oil and corn? Oh right, something to do backdoor deals made to vilify hemp [wikipedia.org] back in the day. I guess this isn't the first time political agenda has come before the good of people.. and it sure won't be the last.
Because hemp fuel only seems a viable option if you're smoking a joint.
Gas != hemp or corn or sugarcane. Even Al Gore finally gets it.
Re:$30m/5 years? (Score:4, Funny)
OMG, what about using a beta-volatic cell utilizing a lightweight isotope that decays via beta emission into a stable element.... Something like say Sulfur 35. Use the small reactory to continually recharge the battery packs in an electric car like a Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt....
Beta Emitters = No pesky neutrons, Gamma rays of alpha particles...
The "reactor" actually more like a batter cell type design, can be shielded with the same kind of tin foil bat shit insane people use to cover their heads for crying out loud.