Clean Fuels

Fossil fuels are on trial and are likely to be found guilty of eco-terrorism. Short term, combustible fuels like synthetics and natural gas are lining up to replace fossil fuels. Long term, alternatives like hydrogen in fuel cells or even solar energy may take their place, although the jury is still out. The race to the perfect clean fuel is on.

What is a Clean Fuel?

An alternative fuel, or clean fuel, is a gasoline substitute that is less environmentally damaging. Renewable fuel is from any source that can be replenished. Most clean fuels are renewable, like solar energy, bioethanol, biobutanol, methanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Others, like natural gas, Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), or Dimethyl-Ether (DME), are non-renewable fuels, but are still considered cleaner than gasoline, but that’s not to say that they don’t emit some pollutants. Fuels like natural gas still produce CO2 emissions, but considerably less so than conventional gas cars.  

Does it pass the white glove inspection?

We all know that fossil fuels aren’t clean, and no amount of technical engineering is going to completely change that fact. Synthetic fuels are usually liquid fuels obtained from natural gas, coal, or a biomass. Although not the best solution, they do spew out fewer pollutants than conventional fossil fuels. At the other extreme, using photovoltainc (PV) cells in solar energy creates zero emissions. We just have to figure out how to maximize a higher percentage of the energy conversion rate so that it is a more efficient option.  Hydrogen fuel cells are another possibility, with some countries investing in hydrogen highways. Increased development of wind and solar generated power plants may make electricity the most readily available clean fuel. Additional research and development, as well as completion of associated infrastructures, are needed to make any alternative fuel a reality.