Energy fossil-based

If hydrogen is made from decarbonized fossil fuels, fuel-cycle emissions can be cut by up to 80 percent. With renewable energy sources such as biomass, solar, or wind, the fuel cycle greenhouse gas emissions are virtually eliminated. It is possible to envision a future energy system based on hydrogen and fuel cells with little or no emissions of pollutants or greenhouse gases in fuel production, distribution, or use. 

Among liquid fuels (XTL), only biomass-derived hydrocarbons (BTL) are a relevant option from the perspective of lowering GHG emissions not so other fossil-based liquids (CTL, GTL). Even if CTL fuel supply paths were upgraded by carbon capture and storage, the resulting specific CCF-equivalent emissions would only be reduced to the level of conventional gasoline or diesel energy chains. 

In the short to medium term, renewable fossil based energy will remain important. C02 sequestration and the consequential importance of hydrogen imply a large interest in hydrogen production technologies, its storage and subsequent conversion. Electrocatalysis may be expected to be of increasing importance. 

Hydrogen is of interest as a means to deliver gaseous fuel from non-fossil primary energy resources such as nuclear reactors, or high temperature solar collectors. It is believed that hydrogen may phase into the energy market at such a time when fossil-based fuels either become too expensive or environmentally unsatisfactory. Hydrogen and biomass are the only two potentially visible options at the present time for the gas industry if that does take place. 

Conventional fuel sources are petroleum and coal (including lignite). Our modem way of life is intimately dependent upon fossil fuels or mineral fuels. Conventional energy sources based on petroleum and coal have proven to be highly effective drivers of economic progress, but at the same time damaging to the environment and to human health (Akella et al., 2009). 

In view of decreasing world crude oil reserves and the discussion about the environmentally damaging consequences of the use of fossil and mineral fuels, there is an increasing interest in alternative energy sources based on renewable raw materials. These include in particular natural oils and fats of vegetable or animal origin (26). 

The production of aquatic biomass focusing initially only on energy production may represent a risky operation, taking into consideration today s large fluctuations in the price of fossil-based oil. As noted above, with fossil-oil prices currently below US 120 per barrel, algal biodiesel is barely competitive with diesel from fossil fuels. However, if the oil price were to exceed US 120 per barrel, then biodiesel from aquatic biomass may become economically viable [21, 22],... 

Complete with the keys to a quantification of process efficiency and sustainability, this cutting-edge resource is the ideal guide for those engaged in the transition from fossil-based fuels to renewable and sustainable energy sources using low-waste procedures. 

The book is meant for the practicing engineer and anybody else who is interested or engaged in the transition from a fossil-based, non-sustainable industry to a sustainable, low-waste industry based on renewable energy and resources. Thus, it is hoped, the book itself will contribute to the development of a sustainable society. 

Approximately 89 million metric t of organic chemicals and lubricants, the majority of which are fossil based, are produced annually in the United States. The development of new industrial bioproducts, for production in standalone facilities or biorefineries, has the potential to reduce our dependence on imported oil and improve energy security. Advances in biotechnology are enabling the optimization of feedstock composition and agronomic characteristics and the development of new and improved fermentation organisms for conversion of biomass to new end products or intermediates. This article reviews recent biotechnology efforts to develop new industrial bioproducts and improve renewable feedstocks and key market opportunities. 

The conversion of 3-HP into acrylic acid is expected to be "easier" and may require less energy than the oxidation of propylene to acrylic acid (47). As conversion technologies are developed, the primary challenge will be to make them cost-competitive with the current fossil-based routes. 

During the transition from the fossil-based to the renewable-based energy economy, it is important to reduce carbon emission and to increase the efficiency of conventional power plants. One way to do that is to recapture the COz and convert it to methanol, by the addition of hydrogen as shown in the gatefold. 

About 80% of the world s commercial energy is based on fossil fuels2 (84% for U.S.A 6). World average for C02 emission associated with electricity production is 0.153 kg ofC02 per kWh produced.3 Thus, the total C02 emissions from C02 sequestration are estimated at 0.20-0.25 kg C02 per kg of sequestrated C02. Because C02 sequestration is an energy intensive process, in the final analysis, it does not completely eliminate C02 emission. In addition to this problem, some uncertainties remain regarding the duration and extent of C02 retention (underground or in the ocean) and its possible environmental effect. 

Autonomous Fossil Fuel and Renewable Energy (RE)-based Power Systems... 

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