This topic is way too complex to be experimented upon by mere thought. For example, take a gander at this discussion on corn ethanol EROEI a few years back. Lots of data, detailed analysis, vigorous debate, and a headline conclusion of an EROEI of 1.07.
There's a lot of debate about this, with numbers varying due largely to differing assessments of inputs and credits for byproducts, but I have never seen a convincing EROEI for corn ethanol over about 2.
There's a lot of debate about this, with numbers varying due largely to differing assessments of inputs and credits for byproducts, but I have never seen a convincing EROEI for corn ethanol over about 2.
EDIT: I forgot to include the link! Here it is: http://netenergy.theoildrum.com/node/6760