DF11

Alternatives to Fossil Fuels

Biofuels

  • Derived from renewable materials

  • Eg. Ethanol and Biodiesel

Ethanol

  • From fermentation of crops

  • Grown as a cash crop

  • Too volatile to use pure ethanol

  • Up to 15% used in a mixture

Biodiesel

  • From trans-esterification of oils or fats

  • Made from waste oil

  • Used pure or as a mixture

  • Biodegradable

  • Less pollutants released

    • Apart from Nitrogen Oxides

Hydrogen

\[2H_2+O_2\Rightarrow 2H_2O\]

  • Renewable

  • Transportable by pipeline

  • Used directly in engine or as a fuel cell

  • No poluutants

  • From electrolysis

    • Uses alot of electricity

  • Low energy density in comparison to other fuels