GoodFuels

Pipe Dream

Ethanol critics often like to use the argument that ethanol cannot be shipped through pipelines and therefore is not a real fuel option.  According to pipeline company Kinder Morgan, that claim is simply not true.

According to Brett Clanton at the Houston Chronicle:

“Houston pipeline operator Kinder Morgan Energy Partners signaled progress Wednesday in addressing a key hurdle to widespread distribution of renewable fuels in the U.S.

“The company said it completed a test in Florida that moved ethanol safely through an existing gasoline pipeline and is performing similar tests with biodiesel fuel blends.”

The success of Kinder Morgan’s testing demonstrates that any technical concerns that may exist can be overcome.  As the production and use of biofuels expands across the country, the need to move product through a pipeline is likely gain in importance.  We now know (and have for some time, frankly, just ask Brazil) that ethanol can safely be transported through existing pipeline systems.

Count this as yet another myth about ethanol debunked.