Think biofuels is a new idea? Nope. In 1914, a British amateur researcher, after considerable work, concluded that alcohol could be used as a suitable replacement for gasoline. The alcohol could be derived from a sustainable farm crop—potatoes.
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On July 15, 1914, London's Daily Telegraph devoted considerable and prominent coverage to the idea, which was advanced by Sir Charles Bedford. Britain, you see, was oil poor. Back then nearly every drop of petroleum had to be imported.
"Alcohol is regarded as the only suitable fuel for petrol, and an unlimited supply could be obtained from potatoes, maize, &c. even when these commodities are used for any other purpose," the newspaper reported. "Petrol is stated to be in the process of exhaustion, and the alcohol motor fuel committee desires to provide an efficient substitute. For research work—not as a commercial speculation—the sum of £30,000 pounds is appealed for."
The newspaper added: "If it matter goes through the trade of the Empire, especially in agriculture, engineering and motor vehicle manufactures, it will receive incalculable benefits."
Bedford studied the process of denaturing alcohol while he was stationed abroad in India. His ideas have been placed before the alcohol motor fuel committee for study in further detail.
"Alcohol is regarded as the only suitable fuel for petrol, and an unlimited supply could be obtained from potatoes, maize, &c. even when these commodities are used for any other purpose," the newspaper reported. "Petrol is stated to be in the process of exhaustion, and the alcohol motor fuel committee desires to provide an efficient substitute. For research work—not as a commercial speculation—the sum of £30,000 pounds is appealed for."
The newspaper added: "If it matter goes through the trade of the Empire, especially in agriculture, engineering and motor vehicle manufactures, it will receive incalculable benefits."
Bedford studied the process of denaturing alcohol while he was stationed abroad in India. His ideas have been placed before the alcohol motor fuel committee for study in further detail.