IGN Cruwith coleader D <| sep |> Rather than a primary energy source , this is a form of energy storage , like a battery , that can work together with alternative energy sources . The reaction requires energy input , so in order to be a net decrease in CO 2 , you ' d have to couple it to a source of energy that doesn ' t release CO 2 itself , like solar or geothermal . You can just distribute the energy from solar or geothermal directly , but you can also store it using technology like this . Once we burn the ethanol created this way , though , the CO 2 captured goes right back into the atmosphere . So while it could reduce new CO 2 inputs in the long run , it won ' t scrub CO 2 from the atmosphere . <| sep |> That sounds like a terrible teacher ! Is it normal for English people to think the Australian accent sounds retarded ?