Since the inception of science and technology, the world has witnessed a tremendous economic growth followed by enhanced living conditions. However, alongside these advantages, science and technology have caused severe damages to the environment such as climate change (Meyers, 2012). It follows that scientists need to regulate harmful elements of technology while creating positive aspects. With this in mind, humans need to embrace short-term strategies to advance earth’s sustainability and economic growth. Technology must, therefore, make economic growth compatible with sustainability, and one current challenge is to develop alternative sources of energy for transportation.
Non-conventional fuels are often generated from resources aside from oil. Some of them include natural gas, hydrogen, and ethanol. All these three fuels have lowered the overreliance on petroleum products given that they are locally available and generated from renewable resources. Also, these non-conventional fuels are environmentally friendly, unlike diesel or gasoline (The US Department of Energy, 2012).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
First, there is the natural gas, which is readily available and can be generated domestically. Natural gas contains natural octane gas, which produces less carbon monoxide. Also, natural gas has shown increased reliability for its practical abundance. However, natural gas is non-renewable making it vulnerable to depletion, especially when extracted in large quantities (Meyers, 2012).
The second one is hydrogen, which is usually combined with natural gas to generate a non-conventional fuel that is used to power engines. Hydrogen is both clean and renewable; therefore, no fear of its extinction. Produced hydrogen is usually a gas at standard air pressure and temperatures, hence making it difficult to store and transport (Meyers, 2012).
Finally, there is ethanol, which is fermented from grain crops and other biodegradable substances with the aid of enzymes. Burning ethanol produces cleaner air as compared to petroleum; hence, producing little carbon monoxide. Ethanol is also a renewable resource. Although ethanol is less harmful, the raw materials required for the generation of ethanol are expensive and not readily available (Meyers, 2012).
In order to have efficient energy in the future, non-conventional fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, and ethanol should be well modified and conserved. Although their costs are relatively high compared to conventional fuels, it is worth investing heavily in research about such fuels and improving their nature. With global warming on the rise, non-conventional fuels are the best alternative to ensure that effects of Greenhouse Gas Emissions are lessened.
Reference
Meyers, G. (2012). Alternative Fuels. Retrieved from http://cleantechnica.com/2012/03/08/top-eight-alternative-fuels
The US Department of Energy. (2012). Alternative Fuels. Retrieved from http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/current.shtml
