Energy efficiency (net energy gain or energy ratio) of corn-based ethanol as a substitute for fossil fuel is an important criteria for assessing its sustainability.

玉米燃料乙醇作为化石燃料的替代品，能量效率(净能量或能量比)是评价其可持续性的一个重要标准。

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The method of net energy analysis for fuel ethanol from corn was developed based on principles of life cycle inventory(LCI) analysis.

基于生命周期清单分析原理，建立了玉米燃料乙醇的净能量分析方法。

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The methodology of carbon balance analysis for fuel ethanol from corn was developed based on principles of life cycle analysis.

基于生命周期分析原理，建立了玉米燃料乙醇的碳平衡分析方法。

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But regular corn-based ethanol is unlikely to be the fuel choice of American motorists anytime soon--not least because only so much farmland can be devoted to growing corn for ethanol without denting food production.

FORBES: Magazine Article

But much of the cynicism is centered on corn-based ethanol that some consider not just an inefficient fuel source but also one that also creates food shortages, driving up the cost of feed for livestock producers.

FORBES: Can Ethanol Cut Foreign Oil Imports?

Subsidised corn-based ethanol is therefore a nifty way of meeting America's mandatory fuel-economy requirements without having to invest billions in new technology.

ECONOMIST: Behind Detroit's sudden embrace of ethanol