Burmahl, Beth. “Argonne National Laboratory.” Biofuel on the Road to Energy, Cost Savings, 10 Nov. 2022, https://www.anl.gov/article/biofuel-on-the-road-to-energy-cost-savings
Two new studies have found that biofuel combined with advanced engine design can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 60% while improving fuel efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory collaborated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory on the research, which was supported by the Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative jointly led by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Bioenergy Technologies Office and Vehicle Technologies Office. The research aims to develop new biofuels blended with conventional fuels to improve engine performance and reduce emissions.
Similar to other articles I researched, this one also discusses biofuels being mixed in with conventional fuels to help reduce fossil fuel emissions. This article however, seems very promising with the fact that this design can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 60 percent as well as improve fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency can be sometimes overlooked in the topic of biofuel yet this method is here to include it and keep it as a priority while still having fuel that is good for the environment.
This is a thoughtful response, good job! I do agree that biofuels aren’t looked at enough. If this design is something that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 60%, it is definitely something we should strive for. What is a step we can take to making this plan a reality?
Nice question. I think that we can start by increasing the incentives for biofuel. If Governments offer incentives like tax credits, it will make it so biofuels are more cost-competitive than traditional fuels.
It was interesting to learn more about new biofuels and how if mixed with advanced engine design/conventional fuels can bring us closer to a cleaner environment.
I agree with you that this topic should be talked about more often and with more effort, investments, advancements, it could be a very beneficial solution. What do you think would be a good way to raise awareness on biofuels?
Excellent question. I think raising awareness is a great idea, but I also want people to be educated on what biofuels are, so they can recognize why we really want to use them. Many people still don’t think we are polluting the air, so if I could spread knowledge there or raise awareness in those particular areas, I think it would have a greater effect on the biofuel effort.
Its great to hear that there are biofuels being developed that are as effective as the one discussed here. How hard do you think it would be for our society to convert to using all biofuel rather than conventional fuel?
Great question. I think it would be very hard for our society to put faith into biofuels and make that switch. This is because most of the country is used to the system in which we use fuel for air and ground travel. It could result in many economic challenges since there will be little mining of fossil fuels. I can also see many people not even trusting biofuels and possibly fighting against them since they don’t even believe regular fuel is hurting the environment in the first place.