[navls]

Even if it produces more energy than it consumes, at best it would be an inefficient hydrogen powered engine.

Although this is still pretty cool if it could capture atmospheric carbon.

[smoyer]

The main reason for my question is exactly that - if it's potentially self-sustaining we'd end up with less CO2 in the atmosphere without the expense of powering the system. Of course, we'd still have to figure out where to store all the Ethanol as letting it evaporate back into the air wouldn't be at all helpful.

[navls]

I volunteer! I have a machine that turns ethanol into energy and a good time.

[smoyer]

Hmmm ... it outputs CO2, heat and a bit of bio-sequestered carbon. The "good time" is probably worth at least a little global warming ;)