Paper details

Title:

Biomass Based Fuels for Passenger Cars - a (Cost) Efficient Solution for Greenhouse Gas Reduction?

Author(s):

Hurtig, O., Leible, L., Kälber, S., Kappler, G.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Expectations that biomass­based fuels can help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are high. In this paper we present initial results of an ongoing project, comparing three biofuels – biogenic­based electricity, synthetic natural gas (SNG) and Fischer­Tropsch (FT) diesel – with regard to current technical characteristics, costs and environmental impacts, as well as in relation to fossil fuel equivalents. Automobile utilization patterns in Germany dictate the need to model two different car types in our study, one for long­ and one for short­range driving distances, namely all­purpose and commuter cars respectively. Using examples of automobiles currently on the market, the three biomass­based fuels and their fossil fuel references were assessed for each automobile type. The lowest total annual costs of ownership (TCO) and the highest GHG reduction potential of the three biomass­based fuels were associated with FT diesel; however, natural gas was identified as currently the most cost efficient solution for GHG reduction in passenger cars.

Keywords:

alternative fuel vehicle, economical aspects, efficiency, environmental impact, modelling

Topic:

Technology Deployment and Industrial Demonstration

Subtopic:

Progress in biofuels for transport

Event:

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

OB6.5

Pages:

2193 - 2196

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-55-4

ISBN-10:

88-89407-55-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-OB6.5

Price:

FREE