Alternative fuels come in as a relief to both the pocket and the environment

Let’s face it, fuel prices will rocket skyward due to their availability going down, and not far are the days when petrol and diesel will be more valuable than precious stones. The use of alternative fuels is not a far away concept as several countries around the world have started using them as regular fuels and these will become the norm in the very near future.

What are alternative fuels and why do we need them?

Traditional fossil fuels like petrol and diesel have powered transportation around the world, bringing tremendous development. However, their relentless use and abuse has brought them to the brink of exhaustion and it is estimated that our fossil fuel reserves will run out within this century. This is why alternative fuels, fuels that can be used as a substitute for traditional fuels, have started gaining traction in an effort to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels while also reducing emissions.

Some examples of alternate fuels include:

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a type of man-made diesel and an alternative fuel that can be used to run diesel engines. This diesel is derived from plant and animal fats. Pure biodiesel cannot be used to run on existing fossil fuel diesel engines and is blended with diesel in a specified ratio. To run on pure biodiesel, minor engine modifications like a heater near the fuel tank to prevent the fuel from gelling up in cold temperatures are done to adapt to the fuel characteristics. In India, biodiesel is used by bulk diesel consumers like Indian Railways and state road transport corporations. Mass production and consumption of biodiesel in India will soon be a reality.

Ethanol

Ethanol is the alternative fuel for petrol and is majorly produced from sugarcane and maize (corn). Brazil and the USA are the world’s largest ethanol producers and users. 73 percent of Brazil’s cars can run on ethanol. Modified petrol cars can run on up to 85 percent ethanol blend and around 20 percent of Brazil’s special flex fuel cars run on 85% ethanol. India too has seen the potential of flex fuel and has planned on introducing 20% ethanol fuel blend by 2023.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Compressed Natural Gas, also known as CNG, is a naturally occurring gas deep under the earth’s surface. CNG is derived by deep drilling into natural gas reservoirs and then bringing it to the surface by means of pipes. Natural gas is then compressed and filled into cylinders for use. CNG is considered an alternative fuel to petrol as it is less expensive and less polluting than conventional fossil fuels. To use CNG, one has to have a CNG kit fitted onto their petrol car, which gives the dual fuel advantage to the vehicle.

CNG consumption has seen a rise in India owing to the ever-increasing fuel prices. Popular OEM car manufacturers in India are bringing in CNG-fitted cars to combat the rising fuel prices.

Electricity

Electric vehicles have seen a steady increase in popularity and sales. Tesla is one electric car maker that is noted for its stylish electric cars and long range of running. In India, electric vehicles are being recognised as pollution-free alternatives to fossil fuel powered cars. Electric cars are powered by lithium-ion batteries, with batteries being the ‘alternative fuel’. These batteries are rechargeable and cost-efficient. Electric cars come with zero air emissions and zero sound emissions.

Tata Nexon is a popular electric car in India. However, EVs are yet to gain ground in India, which is set to increase in the near future after the implementation of FAME India scheme. By providing subsidies, FAME ("Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India") encourages the use of electric vehicles.

Hydrogen

The hydrogen fuel cell is an alternative fuel that relies on hydrogen fuel cell technology. There are not many takers of the technology due to it being a complex fuel to produce. The hydrogen fuel cell relies on the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen atoms to produce electricity that powers the vehicle. The only emission of the reaction is hot air and water, making it a very clean fuel. The hydrogen fuel cell is a relatively new concept in India that is still undergoing the testing phase.

Solar Energy

While solar cars are still a distant possibility, they are a possibility nevertheless. Use of sunlight to produce electricity is not a new concept. However, its application to cars is still in the testing phase. Lightyear 1 is a solar-powered car manufactured by Dutch carmaker Lightyear that will be available for sale sometime in 2022. Other than that, solar power for cars is still in the experimental stage and many successful experiments have been conducted to date. India still is in the nascent stage when it comes to using solar power as an alternative fuel, and efforts are ongoing to boost the use of power of the sun.

Synthetic Fuels

Synthetic or man-made fuels have been in existence since the World War era, being used majorly as aviation fuel. Synthetic fuels are produced by utilising the same processes that make fossil fuels, albeit in a man-made factory and at a rate faster than how conventional fuels are produced. There are three types of synthetic fuels based on the manner in which they are produced, these are:

• Biomass to liquid fuel
• Electricity to liquid fuel
• Solar power to liquid fuel

The process includes converting the existing renewable or non-renewable sources or waste products of energy to liquid fuel by means of chemical reactions. These mainly include the production of syngas, that comprises carbon monoxide and hydrogen, to liquid fuel. Synthetic fuels have shown to be cleaner and more efficient than conventional fuels. However, there are only a handful of producers of synthetic fuels around the world, making it difficult to ascertain the possibility of mass production of the same. But given the rising prices of conventional fuels and dwindling reserves, synthetic fuels as alternative fuels could soon become a reality.

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FAQs

Which is the maximum used fossil fuel in India?

Diesel accounts for almost 40% of all petroleum products consumed in the country. A large part of diesel’s demand comes from the farming sector, which uses it for irrigation pumps and vehicles.

At present, how many electric vehicles are available on Indian roads?

As of August 3, 2022, there were 13,92,265 electric vehicles (EVs) being driven on Indian highways according to data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. There are currently 5,44,643 two-wheelers and 54,252 vehicles with four wheels or more.

What is the impact of alternative fuels on climate change?

Utilizing alternative fuels could help cut down on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. As part of its commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement, India aims to reduce carbon emissions by 33% to 35% by 2030.

How is the government supporting the use of alternative fuels like hydrogen?

On India’s 75th Independence Day, the Prime Minister launched the National Hydrogen Mission to make India a green hydrogen hub. As a result, the production of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 and the development of renewable energy capacity will be achieved.