Alternative Fuels
Hydrogen Overview
Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It is an energy carrier, not an energy source, meaning that it stores and delivers energy in a usable form. In its pure form (H2), it is a colorless and odorless gas. However, since it combines easily with other elements, hydrogen is rarely found by itself in nature and is usually found as a part of other compounds, including fossil fuels, plant material, and water. Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen can be produced using a variety of domestic energy resources - fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, with carbon capture and sequestration; renewables, such as biomass, and renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower; and nuclear power. Specific technologies and processes are described below. Thermochemical Processes
* Steam methane reforming: In this process, high-temperature steam is used to extract hydrogen from a methane source such as natural gas. This is the most common method of producing hydrogen; about 95 percent of the hydrogen we use today in the United States is produced using this process.
* Partial oxidation: Scientists are exploring a process that produces hydrogen by simultaneously separating oxygen from air and partially oxidizing methane.
* Other thermal processes: Other processes include (1) splitting water using heat from a solar concentrator, and (2) gasifying or burning biomass (i.e., biological material, such as plants or agricultural waste) to generate a bio-oil or gas, which is then reformed to produce hydrogen.
Electrolytic Processes
* Electrolysis: In electrolysis, electricity is used to separate water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen. Current electrolysis systems are very energy intensive. The challenge is to develop low cost and more energy efficient electrolysis technologies.
Photolytic Processes
* Photolytic methods: In photolysis, sunlight is used to split water. Two photolytic processes are being explored: (1) photobiological methods, in which microbes, when exposed to sunlight, split water to produce hydrogen, and (2) photoelectrolysis, in which semi-conductors, when exposed to sunlight and submersed in water, generate enough electricity to produce hydrogen by splitting the water.
'Life-cycle analysis' sought for canola biodiesel (Ballard News-Tribune)
Kip's Bus Service in Curwensville has used biofuel in their buses for four years.'Read more
Biofuel Fuels One Clearfield County Bus Fleet (WJAC 6 Johnstown)
In the May 11 Eagle, there was a letter written by Lee Brown Jr. of Pittsfield criticizing the proposed biodiesel plant in Berkshire County to be operated by Berkshire Biodiesel ("Biodisel is problem, not solution.")'Read more
Errors, hysteria on biodiesel (Berkshire Eagle)
MANILA, Philippines - The need to promote the planting of biofuel crops on marginal land and save the arable land for food was underscored in a recent conference for biofuels.'Read more
Plant biofuel crops in marginal land - Zubiri (GMA News)
As biofuel helps push up food prices, researchers say that unusual genetic engineering may be the best way to get cheap ethanol from inedible plants 'Read more
'Self-digesting' biofuel plants could ease food crisis (New Scientist)
Thursday, May 15 In the May 11 Eagle, there was a letter written by Lee Brown Jr. of Pittsfield criticizing the proposed biodiesel plant in Berkshire County ...'Read more
Errors, hysteria on biodiesel (Berkshire Eagle)
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c91921) has announced the addition of "China Biofuel Industry Market Outlook" to their offering.'Read more
China's Government has been Putting More Emphasis on Fuel Ethanol Development, as China is Lacking in Suitable Sources ... (Business Wire via Yahoo!7 Finance)
Governor Pawlenty signed a bill today that will increase the use of biofuel in years to come. Starting in May 2009, five percent of diesel fuel must be made from soybeans. That number will climb to 20 percent by 2015. The bill is being praised by farm groups and the biodiesel industry.'Read more
Pawlenty Signs Biofuel Bill (KEYC Mankato)
Governor Tim Pawlenty signs a bill today that will increase the use of biofuel in years to come. Starting in May 2009, five percent of diesel fuel will be made from soybeans. That number will climb to 20 percent by 2015. The bill is being praised by farm groups and the biodiesel industry.'Read more
Pawlenty Signs Biofuel Bill (KEYC Mankato)
SEVILLE - Biofuel manufacturers at an international gathering in Spain have strenuously denied media charges they are driving up food prices and world hunger.'Read more