Reduction of CO2 Emissions from Mobile Sources by Alternative Fuels Derived from Biomass.
Abstract
The U.S. needs an alternative transportation fuel that can displace 30 percent of petroleum fuels by the year 2010, as called for by the Energy Policy Act (PL102-486). The Act, promulgated in October, 1992, seeks an alternative that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as improve the national economy by reducing oil imports. This paper examines the prospects for achieving those goals with alcohol fuels derived from biomass produced as short-rotation woody crops. Emphasis is on the Hydrocarb process, now under evaluation by the EPA for production of methanol from biomass and natural gas. Factors considered in this evaluation include: land requirements, feedstock costs, conversion yield of fuel per unit of biomass, cost per unit of fuel energy produced, and equivalent cost of gasoline displaced. The analysis indicates that a process such as Hydrocarb, that can leverage biomass with natural gas, should maximize petroleum displacement at least cost. Because of these advantages, it may also achieve greatest reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA351126
Entities
People
- Meyer Steinberg
- Robert H. Borgwardt
- Yuanji Dong
Organizations
- Environmental Protection Agency