Future Transportation Fuels Alcohol Fuels

A brief description of how alcohol fuels, such as methanol and ethanol, are produced and used as vehicle fuels in Canada.

Among the alternative transportation fuels more frequently discussed today are ethanol and methanol. This study reviews, on the basis of available information, recent developments in the Canadian gasoline market and examines the likely developments in sourcing, pricing and competition of these alcohol fuels, in relation to each other and to gasoline in the regional markets. The study also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of 6 oxygenates which have been considered as fuel additives for octane enhancement in Canada as well as their use to date; and the implications of using ethanol and methanol as alternative fuel sources for the stakeholders involved and suggests the necessary pre-steps which will be required in order to maintain harmony between all the players affected by this industry.

The transportation sector cannot continue on its current path: The volatility of oil prices threatens the U.S. economy, the large proportion of oil importation threatens U.S. energy security, and the massive contribution of greenhouse gases threatens the environment. The development of domestic sources of alternative transportation fuels with lower greenhouse emissions is now a national imperative. Coal and biomass are in abundant supply in the United States and can be converted to liquid fuels that can be combusted in existing and future vehicles. Their abundant supply makes them attractive candidates to provide non-oil-based liquid fuels to the U.S. transportation system. However, there are important questions about the economic viability, carbon impact, and technology status of these options. Liquid Transportation Fuels from Coal and Biomass provides a snapshot of the potential costs of liquid fuels from biomass by biochemical conversion and from biomass and coal by thermochemical conversion. Policy makers, investors, leaders in industry, the transportation sector, and others with a concern for the environment, economy, and energy security will look to this book as a roadmap to independence from foreign oil. With immediate action and sustained effort, alternative liquid fuels can be available in the 2020 time frame, if or when the nation needs them.

"Newly revised, the second edition of this pioneering work addresses emerging factors affecting energy production and use, including the availability and desirability of various fuels. The text provides extensive discussion on hydrogen sources, both solar and nuclear, and fuel cell technology, as well as other alternative fuels such as biomass, and wind power. It delves into cost analysis, regulatory issues, barriers to implementation, conversion and storage systems, thermodynamic efficiency, fuel chain efficiency, air emission issues, and safety. The book also covers natural gas hydrogen gas, methanol, ethanol, and steam reforming."--pub. desc.

Alcohol fuels must remain as an essential component for the realization of a sustainable low-carbon society. Use of locally available, under-utilized feedstock becomes important for local energy security as well as an option for distributed energy infrastructure. Utilizing the available feedstock that has not been properly regarded as a legitimate resource due to economic and social reasons should be the focal point in the search for possible resources for alcohol fuels. Lignocellulosic biomass and algal species are feedstocks that suit the purpose. This book can provide a brief introduction regarding the recent advances in the alcohol fuel field that is in constant challenge from recent issues on CO2, shale oil, power-to-gas, and hydrogen.

A comprehensive look at the various factors determining what fuels could and should replace petroleum. Among the most promising transportation energy options addressed: alcohols, natural gas, hydrogen, electricity, and petroleum-like (synthetic) fuels. Discusses policy strategies for implementing these options. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR