Friday, August 1, 2008

Alternatives to Petroleum

Your Alternative Fuel Options For the Future by Brett Davis

As we know, the majority of the known petroleum reserves are located in the Middle East. It is said that worldwide fuel shortages could intensify the unrest that exists in the region, leading to further conflicts and wars. So it is inevitable to exploit other forms of energy.Alternative fuel (alternate fuel), also known as non-conventional fuel, is any material or substance that can be used as a fuel, other than fossil fuels, or conventional fuels of petroleum (oil), coal, propane, hydrogen, and natural gas.

Some of the common alternative fuels include bio diesel, ethanol, butanol, chemically stored electricity (batteries and fuel cells), hydrogen, methane, natural gas, wood, vegetable oil, biomass, and peanut oil. The term "alternative fuels" usually refers to a source of which energy is renewable. Renewable energy is the energy from renewable sources like wind power, solar power, tidal power, geothermal power, hydro power or thermal depolymerization. There is growing social interest, and an economic and political need for the development of alternative fuel sources. This is due to general concerns of sustainability, environmental, economic, and geopolitical reasons. Two major concerns are that of rising cost of fossil derived fuels caused by an era of growing energy consumption and of global warming crisis.

The major advantage of alternative fuel is that it burns cleaner than the traditional petroleum fuels. It also helps to reduce such emissions as carbon monoxide, organic compounds, nitrogen oxide, sulfur and particulate matter. Other advantages of alternative fuels are that these fuel costs less, maintenance is cheaper and engines last longer. Most of the alternative fuels have greater conductivity and will increase the lubrication of engine parts depending on its performance.

One of disadvantages of alternative fuel is that it can be expensive to incorporate this technology into our already set up infrastructure. Compatibility is one of the major concerns of alternative fuels. The production of alternative fuels can have widespread effects. For example, the production of corn-based ethanol has created an increased demand for the feed stock, causing rising prices in almost everything made from corn. Whatever may be its advantages and disadvantages, due to the emerging needs of fuel, these renewable energy sources are better hope for us to solve the fuel crisis of the present and future.

Get a better understanding of the your options when it comes to alternative fuels
including methanol, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen and others. Save the environment with smart decisions. Free 7 Part Course On Alternative Fuels. http://www.AlternativeFuelChoice.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brett_Davis
http://EzineArticles.com/?Your-Alternative-Fuel-Options-For-the-Future&id=1357016

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