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Published online 7 May 2009 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2009.450
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Bioelectricity better than biofuels for transport
Crops give more kilometres per hectare if used to power electric vehicles.
Vehicles propelled by biomass-fired electricity would travel farther on a given crop and produce fewer greenhouse-gas emissions than vehicles powered by ethanol, researchers report today.
Burning biomass to produce electricity is generally more efficient than converting it into ethanol.
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Let's not forget the benifet of improved local air quality in cities from using electric engines of IC engines.
In addition to the electricity generated, the waste heat produced by the biomass-fired power plants can also be utilised in the neighbouring areas for district heating in winter, boiling water or growing tropical crops in greenhouses.