Hydrocarbon Energy Alternatives

Our existing energy infrastructure relies predominantly on hydrocarbon resources: crude petroleum for transportation applications; and coal, natural gas and petroleum for stationary power generation and heating applications. In both cases the hydrocarbons are burned in air, typically converting less than 30 percent of their energy content into useful energy and exhausting combustion products and by-products into the atmosphere.

One of the most promising alternatives to these conversion processes is gasification--the production of clean synthesis gas--and its subsequent combustion to generate electricity in a stationary combined cycle plant. The synthesis gas can also be used to produce liquid hydrocarbons for transportation fuel, thus offering petroleum alternatives that can be derived from Ohio's sulfur-rich coal and from petcoke by-products of heavy crude refining. Ohio manufacturing companies that recognize the advent of this new industry may find a place in its supply chain.

Hydrocarbon Energy News

Scientists Purify Biodiesel Made From Vegetable Oils
Hydrocarbon Alternatives : 08/08/2007
Science Daily — A group of Chemists from the University of Leicester have developed a way of purifying biodiesel made from vegetable oils, which is cheap, simple and low in toxicity.... more

Governor Strickland Announces New Investment in Energy Economy
Hydrocarbon Alternatives : 04/02/2007
Columbus, OH - As part of the governor's energy strategy to create jobs by supporting clean coal and next-generation energy production, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the selection of a Tuscarawas County site for a $2.3 million project to measure Ohio's capacity for deep well storage of carbon dioxide emissions.

This method, known as carbon dioxide sequestration, is the first step towards making clean coal technologies a reality in Ohio. Deep wells will allow carbon emitted in the clean coal production process to be stored beneath the earth's surface so that it doesn't contribute to global warming.... more

MIT Panel Provides Policy Blueprint for Future of Use of Coal As Policymakers Work to Reverse Global Warming
Hydrocarbon Alternatives : 03/22/2007
Leading academics from an interdisciplinary Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) panel issued a report today that examines how the world can continue to use coal, an abundant and inexpensive fuel, in a way that mitigates, instead of worsens, the global warming crisis. The study, "The Future of Coal -- Options for a Carbon Constrained World," advocates the U.S. assume global leadership on this issue through adoption of significant policy actions.

You may view the report in it's entirety at http://web.mit.edu/coal.... more