Chapter 15: Problem 11

Which biofuels are used for transportation, and what is the potential for increasing biofuels in the United States?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The main biofuels used for transportation in the United States are ethanol and biodiesel. The potential for increasing biofuels lies in the availability of feedstocks, the advancement and uptake of efficient conversion technologies, and supportive policies and incentives.

Step by step solution

Identifying Biofuels Used for Transportation

Biofuels used in transportation mainly include ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol, often made from corn in the United States, is typically blended with gasoline in proportions up to 10% for use in vehicles. Biodiesel, made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease, is used in diesel engines.

Assessing the Potential for Increasing Biofuels

The potential for increasing biofuels in the United States depends on several factors. These include the availability of feedstocks, the development and adoption of efficient conversion technologies, and supportive policies and incentives. More specifically:1. Availability of Feedstocks: U.S. has significant resources to produce biofuels, like corn for ethanol, and wide variety of vegetable oils for biodiesel.2. Technology: Advances in biofuel production technologies, such as production of cellulosic ethanol, could increase biofuel output.3. Policy: Policies, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard, mandate increasing volumes of renewable fuels within the nation's transportation fuel supply.

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Which biofuels are used for transportation, and what is the potential for increasing biofuels in the United States?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identifying Biofuels Used for Transportation

Assessing the Potential for Increasing Biofuels

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