AN EXAMINATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF THE WIDESPREADUSE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS FOR TRANSPORTATION PURPOSES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON LIQUID NATURAL GAS
The proposed study will examine the feasibility of the widespread use of alternative fuels for transportation purposes in the United States, with an emphasis on the use of liquid natural gas for such purposes. Feasibility will be assessed within the contexts of technology, economics, environmental protection, and consumer acceptance.
A heavy dependence on foreign sources for transportation fuels continues to characterize an important component of the supply side of the American energy equation. Further, American reliance on foreign sources for transportation fuels is expected to continue to increase as long as crude oil remains the dominant source of transportation fuels in the United States. Additionally, environmental concerns are expected to be manifested in future demands for a curtailment of the use of crude oil based transportation fuels. The successful introduction of the use of alternative fuels for transportation purposes is likely to be heavily dependent up consumer acceptance. Thus, such factors as the cost of use of an alternative fuel and the performance characteristics of such fuel, each in comparison to crude oil based fuels, will likely become important variables.
Battery stored electrical energy, synthetic fuel derived from coal, and liquid natural gas (LNG) are potential substitutes for crude oil based transportation fuels. Of these alternative energy sources for transportation fuels, LNG appears to hold the greatest near term potential within the contexts of technology, economics, environmental protection, and consumer acceptance.
The primary purpose of the proposed study will be to assess the potential for the use of alternative fuels, particularly LNG, for transportation purposes to contribute to the attainment of energy independence by the United States. ...