Clean fuel

Clean fuel is a type of fuel or power source that can be an alternative to fossil fuels. Definitions of clean fuel vary by jurisdiction. In general, all fuel used in vehicles different than gasoline and diesel can be considered as clean fuel. The term of clean fuel is often used interchangeably with the term alternative fuel, clean-burning fuel or non-conventional fuel.

Shrinking reserves of fossil fuels and danger of environmental pollution from their combustion were reasons for developing environmentally friendly, energy efficient and economically viable energy technologies. Using clean fuels aims to reduce the emission of chemical compounds to the atmosphere. Among general pollutants are nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide and carbon oxides especially one of the greenhouse gases - CO2.

Types of clean fuels

The search for clean fuels has indicated a long list of substances which can be an alternative to gasoline and diesel. The main criteria for alternative fuels are cleaner burning than fossil fuels, emitting less pollution to the atmosphere, and if the fuel is obtained from renewable biomass sources it should reduce dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels. Nonetheless, alternative fuel, does not necessarily derive from a source of renewable energy. Based on the above criteria most significant clean fuels are distinguished:

• alcohols including methanol and ethanol, are considered as a replacement or supplement component for gasoline,
• vegetable oils,
• biodiesel which refers to an ethyl or methyl esters of fatty acids obtained from vegetable oils or animal fats,
• gaseous fuels including natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and hydrogen,
• ethers which are especially considered as additive component for fuel,
• electric/hybrid/fuel cell vehicles,
• future fuels including for example biodiesel produced from nonfood products, synthetic fuel, and cellulosic fuel.

Most of the legal regulations as examples of clean fuels list; natural gas including compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG), electricity, biofuels, hydrogen, synthetic and paraffinic fuels, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Due to The U.S. federal tax code, "clean-fuel" vehicles are motor vehicles fueled by natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, liquified natural gas, electricity, hydrogen and any other fuel that consists of at least 85% alcohol or ether.

Examples of Clean fuel

• Biofuels: Biofuels are renewable sources of energy made from organic materials such as plants, trees, agricultural wastes, and even animal fat. These materials are processed and converted into fuel that can be used in a variety of ways, such as powering cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Common biofuels include biodiesel, ethanol, and methane.
• Hydrogen: Hydrogen is an abundant and clean fuel source that can be used to power cars, buses, and other vehicles. Hydrogen is produced through a process known as electrolysis, which involves passing an electric current through water to split it into its component parts of oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be used as a fuel source, either directly or by combining it with oxygen to create a combustible mixture.
• Solar energy: Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that is generated by capturing the sun’s rays and converting them into electricity. Solar panels are used to capture the sun’s energy, which is then converted into electricity. This electricity can be used to power a variety of appliances and devices, including homes, businesses, and vehicles.
• Wind: Wind energy is a form of renewable energy that is generated by harnessing the power of the wind to generate electricity. Wind turbines are used to capture the kinetic energy of the wind and turn it into electricity. This electricity can then be used to power homes, businesses, and vehicles.

Advantages of Clean fuel

Clean fuel is a type of fuel or power source that can be an alternative to fossil fuels. There are many advantages of clean fuel, including:

• Reduced air pollution – Clean fuel produces fewer pollutants when burned, resulting in cleaner air and healthier people.
• Health benefits – The improved air quality from clean fuel use also brings benefits to human health, as it reduces exposure to smog, soot and other pollutants.
• Reduced reliance on fossil fuels – Clean fuels reduce the need for fossil fuels, which are finite resources and whose use can contribute to climate change.
• Long-term cost savings – Clean fuels are often more efficient than traditional fossil fuels, leading to lower long-term costs.
• Renewable – Many clean fuels, such as solar and wind power, are renewable and can be used sustainably.

Limitations of Clean fuel

Clean fuels are often lauded for their environmental benefits, but they come with certain limitations. These limitations include:

• High cost: Clean fuels tend to be more expensive than traditional fossil fuels due to the cost of production and the need for special storage facilities and infrastructure.
• Limited availability: Clean fuels are not widely available in many areas, making them difficult to access.
• Technical challenges: Clean fuel vehicles may require more maintenance or specialized equipment than traditional vehicles, making them more difficult to use.
• Lack of efficiency: Clean fuels are not always as efficient as traditional fossil fuels, making them less attractive for certain applications.
• Emissions: Despite the fact that clean fuels produce fewer emissions than traditional fossil fuels, they still emit pollutants.

Other approaches related to Clean fuel

In addition to clean fuel, there are several other approaches to reduce the use of fossil fuels and reduce emissions:

• Energy efficiency – Increasing energy efficiency and decreasing energy consumption can significantly reduce the demand for energy, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels.
• Renewable energy – Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal can be used to replace fossil fuels.
• Electric vehicles – Electric vehicles are powered by electricity, rather than gasoline, and can reduce emissions.
• Biofuels – Biofuels are made from plant matter, such as corn or plant oils, and can reduce emissions.
• Carbon capture and storage – Carbon capture and storage is a process of capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it underground, thus reducing emissions.

In summary, there are several approaches to reduce the use of fossil fuels and reduce emissions, including increasing energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, biofuels, and carbon capture and storage. Clean fuel is just one of these approaches.

Footnotes

Clean fuel — recommended articles

Alternative technology — Material recovery — Recovered material — Trade waste — Closed loop recycling — Integrated waste management — Functional obsolescence — Urban tourism — Ecological sustainability

References

• Dell. R.M., Rand D.A.J., (2004), Clean Energy, Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge,
• Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, (2014),
• Gerrard M.B., (2007), Global Climate Change and U.S. Law, American Bar Association, Chicago,
• Hordeski M.F., (2008), Alternative Fuels: The Future of Hydrogen, The Fairmont Press, Lilburn,
• Ramadhas A.S., (2016), Alternative Fuels for Transportation, CRC Press, New York.

Author: Angelika Marzecka