As the world faces global warming, all signs point to the fact that people are going to start having to rely on natural, renewable resources in order to evolve along with our planet. This is particularly true in energy technologies, specfiicially, fuel technologies. According to Joanna Burgess, 80 percent of greenhouse gases consist of carbon dioxide that is generated partially through the burning of fossil fuels. Our society must turn to alternative energy sources in order to preserve our planet. Due to these reasons, it is my belief that one of the main next leaps of technology will revolve around solving this problem.
There are many different prediction as to what the future of car fuels will look like. One example of an alternative fuel being researched, is dubbed “electrofuel” by the federal agency funding it’s development. Theses electofuels “could offer electricity storage that would have the energy density of fuels stuch as gasoline” according to one article in The Scientific American. This system could lead to a more efficient way of turning heat and light energy to fuel, and in turn store electrical energy in a way so that it could be used as transportation fuel.
Another example of potential fuel energy alternatives are fuel-cells. Not only are fuel-cell vehicles being developed, but fuel-cells all around are considered to be one of the most exciting energy technologies because they are highly efficient and clean (ChemRec). Fuel-cells can utilize all types of natural gas, syngas, biogas, methanol, and petroleum products according to ChemRec, and fuel-cell vehicles are part of the “clean car revolution” (Burgess).
While the above examples are ways to manipulate current fuel technologies or further them, some researchers are thinking outside of the petroleum realm by examining different materials that can be used for energy purposes. One car company, Toyota, is planning to take hydrogen fuel cell cars to market, and build a network of hydrogen outlets in preparation of its launch of the car next year (Laird). When compared to other alternative energy cars such as the Nisson Leaf or BMW i3, hydrogen fuel-cell cars offer major advantages, such as shorter charging time, and further range. Another benefit is that according to Techradar, society could produce hydrogen from purely renewable energy sources, and as the Middle East runs out of fossil fuel, that definitely offers it’s advantages.
In my opinion, there will be many attempts to steer society in a variety of ways when it comes to fuel technologies. Many of the options being pursued today seem to offer many of the same benefits and drawbacks, so I don’t foresee one specific technology dominating the rest. However, on the business side of these technological advancements, the direction the world will go in fuel technology lays in the hands of car manufacturers. The opportunity to steer the world in one way will create much business for car companies, and perhaps will strengthen our economy. Regardless to say, the next twenty years will be critical for these fuel technologies to develop and it will be fascinating to see where the future of energy goes.
Biello, David. “Fossil FreeL Microbe Helps Convert Solar Power to Liquid Fuel”. The Scientific American. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/microbe-uses-solar-electricity-to-build-liquid-fuel/. 3/30/12. 8/27/14.
Burgess, Joanna. “5 Future Fossil Energy Technologies”. Discovery Channel http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/5-future-fossil-energy-technologies.htm.. 8/27/14.
“Fuel Cells- the energy technology for the future”. Chemrec. http://www.chemrec.se/Fuel-cells—the-future-energy-technology.aspx. 8/27/14.
Laird, Jeremy. “Is Hydrogen really the future of car fuels?”. TechRadar. http://www.techradar.com/us/news/car-tech/is-hydrogen-really-the-future-of-car-fuels–1213081. 1/8/14. 8/27/14.