Realistic alternatives

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Blue and Grey

Realistic Alternativesto Liquid Fuels

Nonrealistic Alternatives

Nuclear, Wind, Hydroelectric, Geothermal, Solar None of these directly address the liquid fuel crisis or global oil dependance

No technology to convert them economically

Hydrogen Fuel CellsExtremely inefficient (energy + cost)

No easily available unoxidized hydrogen


CH4 + 2H2O => CO2 + 4H2H = +59 kcal/mole Steam reformation of natural gas*

CH4 + 2O2 => CO2 + 2H2OH = 205 kcal/mole Methane combustion

Less Realistic Alternatives

Mass Transit (USA)Large initial cost, upkeep (very difficult to find investors)

Mass transit production largely oil dependent

Not as flexible on a landmass with scattered urban centers

Most Realistic Alternatives

Electric carsNo harmful emissions

Recent interest by Honda Automotive*

Can be coupled with other fuel-intake systems

Cons:

Very expensive mainframe (for individuals and groups)

Range Inefficiency, range anxiety

Large production change required, auto overhaul

Most Realistic Alternatives

Alcohol FuelsBy far the cheapest overall auto-revamp option

Flex-Fueled Vehicles (FFVs) becoming very popular with major automotive producers

Derived from assorted biological masses

Somewhat self sustaining

Almost no fuel infrastructure change required

Alcohol as fuel

Toxic EmissionsGasoline: Particulate matter, carbon oxides, nitrous oxides, methane

Ethanol/Methanol: Particulate matter (