Introducing change to transportation and energy systems : the case of alcohol fuels. Transportation Planning and Technology.

Sperling, Daniel.

1982

SEPARATA
682

The most instractable energy problem may be transportation fuels. As petroleun becomes scarcer and more expensive, the searchfor alternative energy sources becomes more urgent. Sometime soon we must diverge onto nerw and different energy pathways. What are those alternative pathways? They are well know:battery power, electrified roadways, hydrogen, alcohol and petrolleum-like liquids derived from coal and shale oil. But of these options, only the liquid fuels are likely to play a major role in vehicle propulsion over the next 75 years or so. It is becoming increasigly apparent that the electric alternatives for motor vehicles-battery vehicles and electrified roadways- are falling short of the promises made for them in past years. Battery technology is developing very slowly electrified roadways would incur tremedous up-front capital cost and be highly disruptive. Neither electric options is likely to play a major role. Hydrogen also is not likely to replace petroleum to any large extent. Hydrgen has serious safety problems and would require a completely new an unique fuel distribution system. So we are left with the liquid fuel alternatives. Of these the most promising may be alcohol fuels whether made from coal, natural gas, wood or any of a larger number of other materials..

ESTADOS UNIDOS; ALCOHOL COMBUSTIBLE; COMBUSTIBLES LIQUIDOS; COMBUSTIBLES ALTERNATIVOS; TECNOLOGIA; POLITICA GUBERNAMENTAL;