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# Personal Ethanol Refineries
The E-Fuel MicroFueler is Being Marketed as a Consumer Gadget

By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-11-10 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-fuel-microfueler
References: [spectrum.ieee.org](http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/energy/renewables/fuel-20-efuels-microfueler-will-put-an-ethanol-refinery-in-your-driveway) & [greencarreports](http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1049425_demo-with-microfueler-one-mans-trash-is-his-gas-tanks-treasure)

New to the personal electronics market is the E-Fuel MicroFueler, a household-sized, portable ethanol production and pump station. The system includes both the still for turning waste into ethanol and a 250-gallon fuel storage tank.

The E-Fuel MicroFueler produces ethanol that can run any gasoline-powered vehicle newer than 1996. An additional generator that can power a home using the same fuel supply is available as a system add-on. To make the system fast as well as eco-savvy, a recently added “column reactor” cuts the fermentation process from days to minutes and makes the E-Fuel MicroFuler an even more impressive personal ethanol refinery.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.6/10
- Popularity: 22% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Portable Ethanol Refineries:** Developing portable ethanol production systems for personal use presents an opportunity for growth in the alternative fuel market.
- **Faster Ethanol Production:** Improved technology, such as column reactors, can revolutionize the ethanol production process, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.
- **Alternative Fuel Sources:** The E-Fuel MicroFueler represents a larger trend of seeking alternative, sustainable fuel sources that could replace traditional fossil fuels.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Renewable Energy:** Evolving personal ethanol production systems could disrupt the renewable energy industry by opening up new opportunities for fuel production.
- **Automotive:** The development of personal ethanol refineries could disrupt the automotive industry by changing how vehicles are fueled in the future.
- **Home Generators:** The E-Fuel MicroFueler's add-on generator for home use represents an opportunity for innovation in the home generator industry.

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