Biofuels and Synthetic Fuels

Yan X, Inderwildi OR, King DA (2010) Biofuels and synthetic fuels in the US and China a review of well-to-wheel energy use and greenhouse gas emissions with the impact of land-use change. Energ Environ Sci 3(2) 190-197... 

See also j ricultural Science Biofuels and Synthetic Fuels Climate Modeling Environmental Biotechnology Fossil Fuel Power Plants Fuel Cell Technologies Casoline Processing and Production Hydroelectric Power Plants Land-Use Management Solar Energy Wind Power Technologies. 

The study of biofuels and synthetic fuels is an interdisciplinary science that focuses on development of clean, renewable fuels that can be used as alternatives to fossil fuels. Biofuels include ethanol, biodiesel, methane, biogas, and hydrogen synthetic fuels include syngas and synfuel. These fuels can be used as gasoline and diesel substitutes for transportation, as fuels for electric generators to produce electricity, and as fuels to heat houses (their traditional use). Both governmental agencies and private companies have invested heavily in research in this area of applied science. 

During the 1970 s oil embargo, research on biofuels and synthetic fuels resumed in the United States and Europe. However, as petroleum prices fell in the 1980 s, interest in alternative fuels diminished. In the twenty-first century, concerns about global warming and increasing oil prices reignited interest in biofuels and synthetic fuels. 

Biofuels and synthetic fuels are energy sources. People have been using firewood to heat houses since prehistorical time. During the Industrial Revolution, firewood was used in steam engines. In a steam engine, heat from burning wood is used to boil water the steam produced pushes pistons, which turn the wheels of the machinery. 

Biofuels and synthetic fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, butanol, biohydrogen, and synthetic oil can be used in internal combustion engines, in which the combustion of fuel expands gases that move pistons or turbine blades. Other biofuels such as methane. 

In 2009, the annual revenue of the global biofuels industry was 46.5 billion, with revenue in the United States alone reaching 20 billion. The United States is leading the world in research on biofuels and synthetic fuels. Significant biofuels and synthetic fuels research has also been taking place in many European countries, Russia, Japan, Israel, Canada, Australia, and China. 

Fascinating Facts About Biofuels and Synthetic Fuels... 

Careers in the fields of biofuels and synthetic fuels can take different paths. Ethanol, biodiesel, or biogas industries are the biggest employers. The available jobs are in sales, consulting, research, engineering, and installation and maintenance. People who are interested in research in biofuels and synthetic fuels can find jobs in governmental laboratories and in universities. In academic settings, fuel professionals may share their time between research and teaching. 

The field of biofuels and synthetic fuels is undergoing expansion. Demands for biofuels and synthetic fuels are driven by environmental, social, and economic fectors and governmental support for alternative fuels. 

The use of biofuels and synthetic fuels reduces the U.S. dependence on foreign oil and helps mitigate the devastating impact of increases in the price of oil, which reached a record 140 per barrel in 2008. The production and use of biofuels and synthetic fuels reduces the need for oil and has helped hold world oil prices 15 percent lower than they would have been otherwise. Many experts believe that biofuels and synthetic fuels wiU replace oil in the future. 

Pollution from oil use affects public health and causes global climate change because of the release of carbon dioxide. Using biofuels and synthetic fuels as an energy source generates fewer pollutants and little or no carbon dioxide. 

See also Air-Quality Monitoring Atmospheric Sciences Biofuels and Synthetic Fuels Climate Modeling Climatology Environmental Engineering Meteorology. 

See also Biofuels and Synthetic Fuels Coal Gasification Hazardous-Waste Disposal Hydroelectric Power Plants Industrial Pollution Control Petroleum Extraction and Processing Steam Energy Technology Wind Power Technologies. 

---