|
|
Alternative Fuels and Renewable Energy
|
|
For three years I was the
editor, project manager, and lead writer of
Alternative
Fuel News, published quarterly for the U.S. Department of
Energy. The focus was
on non-petroleum “alternative” fuels such natural gas, propane,
ethanol, and biodiesel, and on the vehicles that use those fuels. The publication was discontinued in November 2003, but all
back issues are
archived online. My involvement began with Volume 5, No.
1; most articles
thereafter were mine.) For
convenience, appearing in the
first
section
below are direct links to selected stories I wrote. My employer was the
National
Renewable Energy Laboratory. What' s the connection between
alternative transportation fuels and renewable energy? Some fuels are already made from renewable sources. For
example, most ethanol comes from corn. And
today's alternative fuels are helping creating "pathways"
to the use of hydrogen as a vehicle fuel in the future. Widespread use of hydrogen could exploit energy from any source including renewable
ones. Appearing in the
second section below are links to articles and case studies
that I wrote on wind, solar, and energy-conservation technologies.
|
|
Alternative Fuels
|
|
Ten Questions for Boone Pickens
The Texas oil tycoon takes a big stake in
natural gas fueling. (Click to page 10.)
SOLD!
Used-AFV auctions offer cheap, clean
transportation
(Click to page 4.)
Help for Hybrids
They use petroleum, but the IRS says hybrids
qualify for the Alternative Fuel tax deduction.
Pathways to Hydrogen
Today's alternative fuels are paving the way.
(Click to page 10.)
Phill
'er Up
Honda's plan for residential refueling may help
popularize natural gas. (Click to page 11.)
|
Passage to
India
Alternative fuels improve air quality and the
quality of life in New Delhi.
(Click to page 4.)
Conversions get Complicated
Mind the emissions when converting cars to
alternative fuels, EPA warns. (Click to page 3.)
Are
You Ethanol-Ready?
Many drivers are and don't know it.
Hydrogen's Net Energy Value
To produce compressed hydrogen
gas for fueling cars consumes more
energy than the fuel will ultimately yield.
Does that make any sense?
(Check out
the
archived issues
of Alternative
Fuel News. I was the editor, project manager, and lead writer
of issues 5-1
through 7-3.)
|
|
Renewable Energy,
Conservation, and the Environment
|
|
The
Hydrogen Economy
Author Jeremy Rifkin outlines his vision for
energy in America. (Click to page 8.)
Biodiesel
Buying Power
Environmentally motivated motorists pool their
demand for this fuel made from soybeans.
Funds From Fines
Penalty enforcement settlements offer a new way to finance
environmental projects. (Click to page 4.)
|
National
Energy Policy
What happens in Washington affects alternative
fueling all over America. (Click to page 4.)
Lower
Solar
Manufacturing technology improvements help
drive down the cost of photovoltaic electricity.
Far Out Wind
Development of wind in distant, deep waters may
pick up speed if the U.S. follows Europe.
Green
Light to Cost-Cutting
Traffic signals with light-emitting diode lamps
can reduce energy consumption by 90 percent. |
 |
© 2005 Tom LaRocque, All Rights Reserved
303-477-9914· 3975 Zenobia St. · Denver, CO 80212 |
|
