Assessing the Viability of Biofuels as a Sustainable Solution for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the US Transportation Sector
Presentation Type
Short presentation 5-10 minutes
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Student Year and Major
Senior, Mechanical Engineering
Start Date
13-11-2023 8:30 AM
Presentation Description/Abstract
In the United States, 28% of 2021’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were generated by the transportation sector, caused by the burning of fossil fuels for land, sea, and air travel. One proposed solution to reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector is to replace traditional fossil fuels with biofuels, which utilize organic materials in their formulations rather than petroleum, the most commonly utilized fuel base in the US. Biofuel is notable for being a renewable resource, and compared to fossil fuels, biofuels release less particulates and toxic air pollutants when burned. Although biofuels do release CO2 emissions, proponents of biofuels have claimed that the biomass feedstocks used to develop the fuel offsets this CO2 production. Biofuels are divided into four categories based on the source of their feedstocks: “first generation” biofuels are produced from food crops, “second generation” biofuels are produced from waste products, “third generation” biofuels are produced from microbial oils, and “fourth generation” biofuels are produced from genetically modified microalgae. To understand the current scientific consensus on the efficacy of biofuel, a literature review of life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and other literature reviews was conducted. These findings were then contrasted with information presented about biofuels in US policymaking. Research found that in contrast to US policymaking claims, “first generation” biofuels are ineffective at reducing GHG emissions, with “third” and “fourth generation” biofuels appearing as the most promising solution. However, further LCA studies and investment into biofuel technology are required to make a clear judgement on the matter.
Keywords
Biofuels, alternative fuels, climate change, greenhouse gases, emissions, energy policy
Assessing the Viability of Biofuels as a Sustainable Solution for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the US Transportation Sector
In the United States, 28% of 2021’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were generated by the transportation sector, caused by the burning of fossil fuels for land, sea, and air travel. One proposed solution to reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector is to replace traditional fossil fuels with biofuels, which utilize organic materials in their formulations rather than petroleum, the most commonly utilized fuel base in the US. Biofuel is notable for being a renewable resource, and compared to fossil fuels, biofuels release less particulates and toxic air pollutants when burned. Although biofuels do release CO2 emissions, proponents of biofuels have claimed that the biomass feedstocks used to develop the fuel offsets this CO2 production. Biofuels are divided into four categories based on the source of their feedstocks: “first generation” biofuels are produced from food crops, “second generation” biofuels are produced from waste products, “third generation” biofuels are produced from microbial oils, and “fourth generation” biofuels are produced from genetically modified microalgae. To understand the current scientific consensus on the efficacy of biofuel, a literature review of life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and other literature reviews was conducted. These findings were then contrasted with information presented about biofuels in US policymaking. Research found that in contrast to US policymaking claims, “first generation” biofuels are ineffective at reducing GHG emissions, with “third” and “fourth generation” biofuels appearing as the most promising solution. However, further LCA studies and investment into biofuel technology are required to make a clear judgement on the matter.