This essay analyses alternatives to oil and petroleum. Petroleum and its by-products manufactured from crude oil are major sources of energy used as fuels for different forms of transportation, industry, and domestic electricity. Petroleum has also been used to manufacture several products, such as cosmetics, tyres, pesticides, and plastics, which are important components of daily life. Countries that have historically depended on the production and exportation of oil and petroleum have made a massive economic gain.
However, in the recent past, there have been increased calls to reduce the over-reliance and usage of petroleum due to its negative economic impacts. Consequently, the campaign has been centred on adopting an alternative to oil/petroleum, such as renewable energy, natural gas, biodiesel, electricity, and bio-alcohol. In this essay, the alternative sources of oil/petroleum are discussed, including their costs and effectiveness.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Biodiesel
- Bioalcohol
- Natural Gas
- Electricity
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to discuss alternative sources of oil/petroleum, analyzing their costs and effectiveness. It examines the environmental impact of petroleum and explores several viable alternatives to mitigate its negative consequences.
- Environmental impact of petroleum and the need for alternatives.
- Cost-effectiveness of alternative fuels.
- Feasibility and efficiency of various alternative fuels.
- Comparison of different alternative fuels (biodiesel, bioalcohol, natural gas, electricity).
- Government policies and incentives related to alternative fuels.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section establishes the significant role of petroleum in various sectors, highlighting its economic importance while acknowledging the growing concerns about its environmental impact. It introduces the essay's focus on exploring alternative energy sources like renewable energy, natural gas, biodiesel, electricity, and bio-alcohol, emphasizing the need to reduce our dependence on petroleum due to its negative economic and environmental consequences. The introduction lays the groundwork for a detailed examination of the costs and effectiveness of these alternatives, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion of specific options.
Biodiesel: This section details biodiesel as a renewable alternative fuel, produced from sources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled grease. While acknowledging that biodiesel produces some carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons, the essay emphasizes that the amount is significantly less than conventional diesel. The cleaner burning nature, efficiency, and relative safety of biodiesel are highlighted. Its cost-effectiveness is also discussed, focusing on the lower cost of vegetable oils compared to petroleum. The potential for biodiesel prices to become even more competitive with fossil fuels is also mentioned, linking the economic advantages to the environmental benefits.
Bioalcohol: The discussion on bioalcohol centers around ethanol, produced through the fermentation and distillation of crops such as corn, barley, and wheat. Its use as a convenient fuel for storage and transport, suitable for internal combustion engines, is emphasized. The essay notes ethanol's association with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and its cost-effectiveness due to relatively cheap materials and existing infrastructure. However, a crucial drawback is acknowledged: ethanol's lower energy content compared to petrol, meaning that more ethanol is needed to achieve the same energy output.
Natural Gas: This section presents natural gas as another potential alternative. While acknowledging it's a fossil fuel, the existence of renewable natural gas is mentioned to support its use as an alternative. The advantages of using compressed natural gas in specially designed engines are described, including its clean, odorless, and non-corrosive nature, as well as its lower greenhouse gas emissions. A cost-benefit analysis is cited, indicating potential yearly savings when using natural gas compared to diesel and gasoline. However, the non-renewable nature of natural gas is noted as a limiting factor, balancing its advantages with this significant drawback.
Electricity: The final chapter focuses on electricity as a transportation fuel for battery-powered and fuel-cell vehicles. Advancements in battery technology are cited as making the use of electricity increasingly feasible. The growing global adoption of electric vehicles, alongside governmental incentives and subsidies aimed at promoting their use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is discussed. The essay highlights the efficiency and effectiveness of using electricity for transportation due to the pre-existing electricity infrastructure, concluding this section on a positive note regarding the potential of this alternative.
Keywords
Petroleum, alternative fuels, biodiesel, bioalcohol, natural gas, electricity, renewable energy, environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, greenhouse gas emissions, sustainability.
FAQ: Comprehensive Language Preview of Alternative Fuels
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of alternative fuels to petroleum, analyzing their costs, effectiveness, and environmental impact. It covers biodiesel, bioalcohol, natural gas, and electricity as viable alternatives.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
The key themes include the environmental impact of petroleum, the cost-effectiveness of alternative fuels, the feasibility and efficiency of various alternatives, a comparison of different alternative fuels, and the role of government policies and incentives.
What alternative fuels are discussed?
The document examines biodiesel (produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled grease), bioalcohol (ethanol from fermented crops), natural gas (including renewable natural gas), and electricity (for battery-powered and fuel-cell vehicles).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of biodiesel discussed in the document?
Advantages include its renewable nature, cleaner burning properties, and potential cost-effectiveness due to lower production costs compared to petroleum. A disadvantage is that it still produces some carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons, though significantly less than conventional diesel.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of bioalcohol discussed in the document?
Advantages include its convenience for storage and transport, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and relatively low production costs. A key disadvantage is its lower energy content compared to petrol, requiring more bioalcohol to achieve the same energy output.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of natural gas discussed in the document?
Advantages include its clean, odorless, and non-corrosive nature, lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline and diesel, and potential cost savings. A major disadvantage is that it remains a fossil fuel, although renewable natural gas sources exist.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of electricity as a transportation fuel?
Advantages include its efficiency, growing adoption globally, and governmental incentives promoting its use. The document highlights advancements in battery technology making electric vehicles increasingly feasible. Disadvantages are not explicitly stated but can be inferred from the need for ongoing technological advancement.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each section, highlighting the key points and findings related to each alternative fuel.
What are the key words associated with this document?
Key words include petroleum, alternative fuels, biodiesel, bioalcohol, natural gas, electricity, renewable energy, environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainability.
What is the overall conclusion of the document?
The document concludes that several viable alternatives to petroleum exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of alternative will depend on various factors including cost, availability, and environmental concerns. The document strongly suggests a move away from sole reliance on petroleum.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2019, Which Alternatives Exist to Oil and Petroleum? An Analysis of their Costs and Effectiveness, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/498862
