Ethanol and Fuel Cells

Abengoa Bioenergy [Bioethanol Utilization]:
"Fuel Cell: One of the newest markets being looked at for bioethanol uses is fuel cells. Electrochemical fuel cells convert the chemical energy of bioethanol directly into electrical energy to provide a clean and highly efficient energy source. Fuel cells work similarly to batteries except they can run continuously as long as fuel is supplied, and they can obtain 40 to 50% efficiency in conversion of the fuel energy into useable power, compared with approximately 18% efficiency for the average internal combustion engine. Besides high efficiency, other benefits of fuel cell use in the transportation sector include a tremendous decrease in emissions, less vehicle maintenance and the ability to achieve up to 80 mpg. Fuel cell's could eventually be used to supply power to homes, vehicles, and small electronic devices."