Alcohol fuels--the question of their introduction: A comparison with conventional vehicular fuels and hydrogen

Abstract

Alcohol fuels are gaining increased attention. A move to alcohol fuels would reduce vehicular emissions of hydrocarbon and greenhouse gases and could lessen the dependence on the fossil energy sources. Yet, it also threatens the quality of life. A brief account of the pros and cons of alcohol fuels is given and a critical comparison is made with alternative sources of energy, in particular that of hydrogen. A number of factors account for the rapid emergence of hydrogen as a high priority fuel, gaining new prominence.