Model Question and Answers for APSC | What are alternative fuels available for the transport sector? Discuss pros and cons of a few alternative fuels. (APSC 2006)

Ans : Alternative fuels available for the transport sector
1. With existing petroleum oil and natural gas reserves enough for only several more decades and complex problems of pollution, climate change and biodiversity decline, there is an imminent need for alternative energy sources. This critical situation has incited greater improvements in automotive technology and the increased use of nonconventional fuels.
2. Transport sector has plenty of choices as fuel source, including vegetable oils, biodiesel, methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, hydrogen, electric, fuel cells, and fuel from nonfood crops.
3. For most of these fuels, production methods, storage, transportation and distribution, physicochemical properties, system modification, engine tests, economics, applications, safety aspects, material compatibility, and future scope are needed to be explored.
Pros and cons of electric cars
Pros and cons of hydrogen as a fuel: