Anything that can substitute gasoline is being termed as an alternative fuel option. There are hydrogen fuel cells and hybrids that incorporate two energy sources to drive the motor. Everyone wants to cash in on the opportunity before there is a frantic rush for fuel to power their motors. One thing for sure that is working well for the manufacturers is that there is not even a whisper about people giving up on their engines. It has become so much a part of one’s lifestyle. As of now there is not much of a crisis but it does seem to be looming large around us. The consumption of a litre of fuel is decades quicker than its formation under the ground we walk on. Fossil fuels have served us well and have given us a so many memories. There would be a day when we will be enveloped in nostalgia and remember the fossil fuels. All good things must come to an end and in this case must run out. We should also take a moment to thank the dinosaurs and other Jurassic life for gifting us such a resource and also in the same breath think about the guzzling Hummers, Lincolns and Chevys. Also take a moment to think about the motorcades where the fuel sapping Lincolns and other diplomat carriers would crawl through streets in second gear that are filled with joyful supporters of democracy. Anyways in all seriousness, all these manufacturers are spending the revenue derived from their golden years on replacing gasoline. GM has partnered with low cost ethanol maker Coskata. After countless hours of research this company claim to produce ethanol for under $1 per gallon from any carbon containing natural source and also reduces greenhouse emissions by 84% compared to gasoline. The patented technology can convert carbon sources to yield carbon monoxide and hydrogen and then this will be converted to ethanol by their special ‘microorganisms’ with patented reactors. These microorganisms are the real superheroes that can save the world, not Al Gore or Superman.
The automotive industry and the oil industry combine to form a $3 trillion market. This is just too big to wither away. Ethanol makes up our alcoholic beverages and everyone knows how potent it is and speaking about addiction, there is a rising concern on the addiction to oil. Everyone thought that electricity would supplement the fossil fuels but not many could get it out of their system. So we are going to stick to oil and again in the same breath, biodiesel too has caught the attention of many because of its effectiveness and easy production. Biodiesel from Jatropha has been growing at a steady rate in India and Malaysia. Coskata produces ethanol from solid waste, agricultural and forest residue and other rich carbon sources capable of fermentation. Commercial viability of these products is still under discussion but is going well with the monetary help of the conglomerates. British Petroleum has invested close to $90 million in Verenium, another cellulosic ethanol manufacturing company. When such an oil giant is moving towards the platform of alternative fuels it does question the seriousness of the consumers and their understanding of the gravity of the situation.
India has considerably subsidised the fuel costs, but even then the pinch is felt only by the transportation industry. The average consumer complains but still does shell out that extra rupee or two rather than looking at a long term solution. Aviation industry has been hard hit and so has diesel burners in the mass transport world. Ethanol in every sense is looking towards the common consumers whereas biodiesel will focus heavily on the trucks and trains. Acute power shortage and long hours of darkness had forced many parts of the country to switch on their diesel generators leading to a shortage of the fuel. Such situations must be avoided and here is where alternative fuels can play a major role. Oil, fossil or otherwise will always remain a precious commodity. The focus should shift to sustenance as nothing lasts forever but now we have the resources for a replacement as and when the need arises. My cry out is why not try it out, get used to it and redeem its flaws.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment