QUESTION: Where can I find information about new fuels and technologies in the research, development, and initial deployment phases?
ANSWER: Like commercialized alternative fuels and advanced technologies, new fuels and technologies in development can provide benefits such as reduced petroleum consumption, improved vehicle performance, and reduced emissions. However, it is often difficult to find reliable information about these emerging fuels and technologies. Below we have included relevant resources that can provide valuable information to you and your stakeholders.
Fuels
The Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) Emerging Fuels web site highlights several fuels that are in the early development stages. Currently, the site highlights
- biobutanol,
- biogas/renewable natural gas,
- biomass to liquids,
- coal to liquids,
- Fischer-Tropsch diesel (FTD),
- gas to liquids,
- hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel, and
- P-Series fuels.
Please note that some developing/emerging fuels are not considered "alternative fuels" according to the Energy Policy Act of 1992. While fuels that do not meet these criteria may be valuable alternatives to petroleum-based fuels, they may not be eligible for certain incentives and regulatory programs. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has the authority to designate additional alternative fuels through a petition and rulemaking process. For example, DOE currently maintains an open docket on a rulemaking to designate FTD. Go here for more information on the petition process.
Also, remember that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations require that each manufacturer or importer of gasoline, diesel, or a fuel additive register the product through the Fuels and Fuel Additives Program prior to its commercial introduction. Additional information about this program and listings of registered fuels and fuel additives are available on the EPA web site.
Technologies
The AFDC Vehicles web site highlights vehicle technologies that are designed to reduce petroleum consumption. For example, the AFDC Idle Reduction web site contains information on commercialized and emerging technologies related to vehicle idle reduction.
In addition, the EPA also administers two separate programs to evaluate retrofit vehicle technologies, one for light-duty vehicle retrofits (Gas Saving and Aftermarket Retrofit Device Evaluation Program) and one for heavy-duty diesel vehicle retrofits (Diesel Retrofit Technology Verification Program). Additional information about these programs and listings of verified technologies are available on the EPA web site.
Other Information Sources
Academia and industry, as well as federal, state, and local government agencies, are always conducting new research on emerging fuels and technologies. In particular, DOE national laboratories are at the forefront of this work. Examples of their research can be found at the following national laboratory web sites:
- Argonne National Laboratory: Transportation Technology R&D Center
- National Energy Technology Laboratory: Onsite Research
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Advanced Vehicles and Fuels Research
You may also reference research published in peer-reviewed or other industry publications for unbiased information on new petroleum reduction strategies. Scientific search engines, such as Science Direct, are a great place to start.
The TRS stays up-to-date on new technologies and fuels and is available to answer specific fuel- and technology-related questions. You may also contact the TRS with other questions, or if you have suggestions for additional resources or a future Question of the Month.
Do you have a question that needs an answer? Contact:
Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team technicalresponse@icfi.com
800-254-6735
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