Abstract This paper discusses the way the products, which make up bio-diesel industry, are made and sold and their benefits to the environment. The author points out that bio-diesel energy is a clean burning alternative fuel, which is produced from domestic, renewable resources. The paper focuses on three companies: The American company Bio-diesel Industries and two British companies Bio-fuels Corporation and D1 Oils Plc..
From the Paper "The energy needs of the world must be met somehow, and many today see the continuing reliance on fossil fuels as a dead end proposition, for fossil fuels will one day run out and are not renewable. It took thousands of years to produce the oil we are not pumping out of the ground, and there is no way to speed that particular process to replace those resources. Finding sources that are truly renewable and that can satisfy the world's energy needs is a major research goal, and one of the types of fuel being developed today is bio-diesel. Several companies are working to produce bio-diesel today, conducting research and producing the fuel for use in diesel vehicles in order to reduce reliance on petroleum-based products and improve the environment."
A look at the growing demand for bio diesel and how the demand is taking precedence over concerns about whether bio diesel actually reduces the costs associated with gasoline production and use.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 53.95
Abstract The use of biofuels has long been viewed as a potential solution to solve the world's dependency on petroleum and its negative environmental impact. Recently, many Western countries, Canada among them, have begun to make a deeper examination of biofuels, and specifically bio diesel, now that both its production costs have been lowered due to technology advances and its cost-basis is improved due to petroleum's high market costs. This paper examines the issue concerning the artificiality of the gasoline demand curve that creates a greater need for bio diesel irrespective of its benefits related to lowering the external costs associated with gasoline.
Abstract This research examines the rental car industry from the competitive profile of the Lotus rental car company (Lotus). The writer notes that Lotus operates rental car fleets across three major regions which include North America, Europe and Asia. The writer points out that currently Lotus is considering deploying alternative fuel vehicles and is targeting the European market as its test market and initial target market. The writer maintains that Europe is deemed a better test and roll-out market because it is ahead of both North America and Asia in terms of alternative fuel availability and use.
Outline:
Abstract
Company Overview
Industry Overview
Market Overview
Competition
Generic Competitive Strategies
Alternative Fuel Technology
Bio-fuel & Bio-diesel Overview
Economic Rationale
From the Paper "The competitive profile in the rental car industry in Europe is uniquely different than it is in the U.S. market and several other large markets. In most of Europe's larger internal markets, such as France, Germany, and Italy, vehicle manufacturers control most of the operation fleets in the rental car industry within those respective markets. However, the UK market within the larger European rental car market is the most developed rental car market and has additional financing schemes that allow other independent operators other than the large vehicle manufacturers to enter the rental car market. Thus, in the UK, companies such as Avis tend to dominate the market. Currently, no rental car competitor in Europe is operating even a partial fleet of AFVs which creates quite an opportunity for Lotus."
Abstract This paper argues that the large-scale diversion of food-crops towards bio-fuels is an ill-advised move that could have catastrophic consequences against little gain. The paper reveals that the large-scale diversion of food crops such as corn for producing ethanol has resulted in sky-rocketing food prices around the world. The paper also discusses the indirect effects of producing ethanol that arguably results in greater emission of carbon-dioxide as large forested areas, particularly in the Amazon, are cleared for growing crops. The paper argues further that corn-based ethanol is an unviable proposition, mainly because the ethanol would anyway only fulfill a minuscule amount of the total gasoline requirement in the country. The paper therefore concludes that producing corn-based ethanol is simply not worth the human suffering and environmental damage it can cause.
Outline:
Rising Grain and Food Prices
Effect on the Amazon
Corn-based Ethanol is Unviable
Conclusion
From the Paper "Barely a couple of years ago bio ethanol fuel was the undisputed 'darling' of environmentalists and government policy makers alike. It was being touted as a clean and renewable alternative to fossil fuels that would tame the galloping oil prices, cure the United State's 'addiction' to imported oil, and control the on-going global warming threatening the world's environment. The overenthusiastic proponents of bio-fuels had obviously not catered for the unintended consequences of an untried policy. The large-scale diversion of food crops such as corn for producing ethanol has resulted in sky-rocketing food prices around the world, and precipitated the worst food crisis in decades."
Tags: grain, food, prices, agriculture, Amazon, environment, energy
Abstract The writer presents a diary of his trash disposal and relates that he makes sure to recycle everything he possibly can. The writer describes the recycling program he has in Boca Raton, Florida and discusses the use of fuels derived from biomass. The writer also explains the main hindrances to making biomass fuels more common place and looks at one of the most viable bio-fuel options of ethanol fuel, made of sugar cane.
From the Paper "A good portion of my garbage is recyclable materials, and I do make sure to recycle everything I possibly can. I recycle my newspaper every day, my milk and other beverage cartons that are plastic, all of my soda and soup cans, etc. Another large chunk of my garbage comes from food scraps as a result of preparing meals. Much of it could be composted if I had the space, but as it is, it will naturally decay in a landfill. I didn't have any garbage containing harmful chemicals or toxic materials this week."
Abstract The technology of converting of food into fuel (biofuel) is examined in this paper. The chemical process is explained and the various forms of food that could possibly be used, are listed. The advantages and disadvantages of such a process are discussed and environmental considerations provided.
From the Paper "Research shows that several types of vegetable oils are applicable for diesel engine work, such as canola, coconut, peanut, corn, cottonseed, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, sunflower, and soybean oil. Both pure and waste oils are applicable, known as Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) and Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO), based on local abundance and preference of each region. It also opens opportunities to use animal fat as the substitute of the oils."
A discussion of the development of automated bio-terrorism identification equipment to detect and provide warning of the presence of biological agents in the case of biological wafare.
Abstract The paper examines how the Department of Defense has started work on a biological agent detection and identification program as part of efforts to develop a national early warning system for urban areas pertaining to biological warfare. It also describes the Biological Defense Homeland Security Support Program to achieve early detection and characterization of a biological-related incident in an urban area in order to reduce casualties, minimize disruption to infrastructures and support consequence management efforts. It looks at how the Postal Service has also set into motion work toward the development of bio-terrorism identification equipment due to anthrax scares and the work of biotechnology companies in the development of pulmonary drug delivery in order to combat air-borne bio-terrorist threats .
From the Paper "Another developer of bio-terrorism identification equipment is NanoVia, LP, an innovative leader in the development of next generation high-speed microvia drilling technology. The company recently announced that it intends to further develop its patented drilling process for pulmonary drug delivery in order to combat air-borne bio-terrorist threats (prweb.com). While currently applicable for conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, fast-moving allergic reactions, seizures and cardiovascular conditions, NanoVia, LP believes that inhaled physical threats, such as Anthrax, can also be combated with this technology (prweb.com)."
Abstract This paper devotes time to explaining what fossil fuels are, their history and their uses. Specifically, the paper brings to light two major problems with the continued use of fossil fuels; the peak oil theory that contends that oil depletion has begun and the fact that the burning of fossil fuels cause greenhouse gasses associated with global warming. The paper also looks at fossil fuel alternatives and conservation programs worldwide and in the United States and emphasizes the importance of fossil fuel reduction for our future.
Outline:
Introduction
The Science Behind Fossil Fuels: What Are They
The Science Behind Fossil Fuels: Their History
Fossil Fuels' Uses
Controversy and Concern: Peak Oil and Greenhouse Gasses
Fossil Fuel Alternatives and Conservation Programs: Worldwide
Fossil Fuel Alternative and Conservation Programs: The United States
Conclusion
From the Paper "As fuel prices continue to rise across the world and effects of global warming are already being observed in some degree, the public's need to know about fossil fuels is greater than ever. Most understand that the fuels are non-renewable resources produced during the years of the dinosaurs, but most do not understand the exact debt of their usage and the profound importance of their discontinuation. Fossil fuels were created in a manner so unique that it would be nearly impossible to recreate today. Because they have been around for millions of years, however, people have been using fossil fuels for quite some time, in spite of the fact they are a non-renewable resource. While the use of fossil fuels have a long history, two major problems with the continued use of the fuels exist."
Abstract The paper talks about the Kyoto Protocol that provided an international directive in environmental emissions, demanding that countries shoulder the responsibility for emissions regulations and standards. The paper then discusses hydrogen fuel cell research and the effectiveness of integrating these technologies in domestic and public modes of transportation. The paper argues that hydrogen fuel cell development should become the primary focus for any company that wants to adhere to environmental standards and reduce long-term costs of using fossil fuels.
Outline:
The Kyoto Protocol
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Green Companies: Ford and Mercedes
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Limitations
From the Paper "The 21st century global marketplace has been witness to the advent of numerous technological advances in an effort to create efficiency and reduce the cost of utilizing expensive energy resources. Environmental policy has also played an important role in the legitimacy of large corporations primarily due to the alarming increase in global warming. As the world becomes closer to its neighbors through free-market trade, the relevance of environmental accountability becomes even more paramount. With oil prices rapidly increasing and technological advances in the synthesis of energy resources, the transportation industry is becoming more responsible for the environmental impact due to business operations. Countries and companies worldwide are becoming more active in regulating fuel economy. The rise of hydrogen fuel cell integration in domestic vehicles, locomotives and public transportation services has increased due to environmental regulations and finding cost efficient resources for power."
Abstract The paper shows that fuel cells offer tremendous promise and potential as an energy source. Among topics covered in this paper include: How fuel cells operate, why they are cleaner than a combustion powered engine and the research that is currently being conducted to advance this technology. The paper also lays out the roles the federal government, automakers, and oil companies are playing in investing in fuel technology. It also discusses the problems that need to be overcome in order for the use of fuel cells to meet their full potential as an energy source.
From the Paper "In summary once the fuel cell market begins to take off, the impact can snowball. Using hydrogen to combine such renewable energy sources with highly efficient fuel cell cars would impact many industries such as the automobile, oil, electricity and natural gas. Furthermore, an added benefit of fuel cell will be the elimination of carbon dioxide that are produced by gas powered engines, instead the only by product produced here would be water. In fact this water will be safe enough to drink because it will be pure. Research will continue to advance the potential of fuel cell as a dependable long term energy source."
Abstract This paper explores the possibility of using ethanol as a fuel made from renewable crops. In particular, the paper looks at cellulosic ethanol, which can be produced from agricultural, municipal and forestry waste, corn stalks, sawdust, and waste paper. The author provides a short write up on the chemical qualities and characteristics of ethanol and mentions other countries such as Brazil that have been using ethanol as fuel. The paper advocates the environmental advantages of using ethanol as a renewable alternative fuel and suggests that there should be more support for research on ethanol to be used as fuel on a wide scale.
From the Paper "Rumplestiltskin, a well-known fairy tale, tells about a poor miller's daughter who must spin straw into gold or die. Magic only can help her. Today, with rapidly rising gasoline prices, many Americans hope alternative fuels will soon be developed--and are hoping for some similar kind of magic. Bio-fuels could offer the solution to the problem, particularly ethanol. The challenge is to find cost-effective ways to make ethanol out of such renewable resources as corn, soybeans, sugarcane, the stems and leaves of plants, forest cuttings, wood chips, and all the non-food parts of crops that currently are burned or buried."
Abstract The paper explains that since airlines are heavily dependent upon fuel for its continuing operations, they have been heavily burdened by rising fuel prices. The paper then looks at airlines' cost-cutting measures such as laying of thousands of workers and delaying or eliminating long-distance flights and relates that the general aviation industry has also suffered. Next, the paper overviews the solutions that revolve around alternative lead-free fuel. The paper concludes that while the market is extremely unstable at the moment, it is nonetheless possible that the crisis can be averted when officials work together to find viable solutions.
From the Paper "The rising costs of fuel has become the main conversation point of motorists throughout the world. For perhaps the first time in world history, the food and fuel crises have become worldwide phenomena, with only an investment in alternative fuel sources appearing to be a valid long-term response. The aviation industry is no exception, and indeed appears to be one of the hardest hit industries in terms of fuel. Both commercial and private airlines need a large amount of fuel in order to complete their long- and short-distance flights. The rising fuel costs have resulted in a number of strategies to mitigate the extra investment required. Some commercial airlines have even reduced their long-distance flights in order to save fuel, while others have increased their ticket costs. The reality is that fuel prices are likely to continue their upward trend as the world's oil resources are increasingly pressured."
Abstract This paper concerns the alternative fuel hydrogen. The writer notes how this fuel is produced and looks at some of the problems of making it practical for use in automobiles and other vehicles. The writer explains that storage is a major issue, because hydrogen takes up four items the space of a comparable fast energy source. Some of the research being conducted to correct this situation is noted, including new materials for storage.
From the Paper "There are many reasons to embrace the demand for alternative fuels. The current state of the world's ongoing energy crisis, of the demand for fossil fuel and of the constant fighting over oil in the middle east, are all current events that are related to oil and fuel. However, we should also look to the future for the true reasons for using alternative fuels. The emissions from power plants, refineries and automobiles are causing global warming and irreversible damage to the ozone. This is why it is so important for scientists, engineers and researchers to break down the fossil fuel barrier and replace it with alternative fuels, one of which is hydrogen."
Abstract This paper examines the American metropolitan transportation system and maintains that it is in dire need of improvement, especially in terms of reducing air pollution. The paper discusses how the massive use of fossil fuels derived from oil is becoming prohibitively expensive, but that the gravest consequence is the constant emission of poisons into the atmosphere from vehicle exhausts. The paper points out that this problem has become especially acute over the last thirty years and needs to be resolved through the use of alternative fuels.
From the Paper "The American metropolitan transportation system is in dire need of improvement, especially in terms of reducing air pollution. The massive use of fossil fuels derived from oil is becoming prohibitively expensive, but the gravest consequence is the constant emission of poisons into the atmosphere from vehicle exhausts. This problem has become especially acute over the last thirty years and needs to be resolved through the use of alternative fuels. The initial development of fuel-efficient cars was primarily in response to the OPEC oil crisis of the nineteen-seventies and the resulting dramatic rise in gasoline prices for American motorists. Up until the Yom Kippur War of 1973, Americans drove high-powered, gas-guzzling cars and since gasoline was so cheap no consumers were interested in buying fuel-efficient cars."
Abstract The paper considers the greenhouse effect and global warming and discusses the development of hydrogen and electricity as alternative fuels. The paper author of the paper strongly believes that we must begin to use alternative fuels, otherwise we will continue on the downward path toward the complete destruction of the earth and its natural habitats.
From the Paper "Over the past ten years or so, the American government and the public have increased their awareness of the problems associated with global warming, caused by what some call the "greenhouse effect" in which carbon dioxide, the byproduct of burning fossil fuels like coal and oil, prevents the earth from cooling down as it naturally would if not for the presence of CO2 in the atmosphere. Within recent times, many scientists have concluded that this "greenhouse effect" is warming up the planet to the point where ice caps and glaciers in Antarctica and the North Pole are melting at unprecedented rates, thus making it feasible that coastlines along all major continents will be inundated by melting water sometime in the future, causing huge numbers of people to seek higher ground."
