The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels

The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels
Author: Alex Epstein
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 257
Release: 2014-11-13
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0698175484

Could everything we know about fossil fuels be wrong? For decades, environmentalists have told us that using fossil fuels is a self-destructive addiction that will destroy our planet. Yet at the same time, by every measure of human well-being, from life expectancy to clean water to climate safety, life has been getting better and better. How can this be? The explanation, energy expert Alex Epstein argues in The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels, is that we usually hear only one side of the story. We’re taught to think only of the negatives of fossil fuels, their risks and side effects, but not their positives—their unique ability to provide cheap, reliable energy for a world of seven billion people. And the moral significance of cheap, reliable energy, Epstein argues, is woefully underrated. Energy is our ability to improve every single aspect of life, whether economic or environmental. If we look at the big picture of fossil fuels compared with the alternatives, the overall impact of using fossil fuels is to make the world a far better place. We are morally obligated to use more fossil fuels for the sake of our economy and our environment. Drawing on original insights and cutting-edge research, Epstein argues that most of what we hear about fossil fuels is a myth. For instance . . . Myth: Fossil fuels are dirty. Truth: The environmental benefits of using fossil fuels far outweigh the risks. Fossil fuels don’t take a naturally clean environment and make it dirty; they take a naturally dirty environment and make it clean. They don’t take a naturally safe climate and make it dangerous; they take a naturally dangerous climate and make it ever safer. Myth: Fossil fuels are unsustainable, so we should strive to use “renewable” solar and wind. Truth: The sun and wind are intermittent, unreliable fuels that always need backup from a reliable source of energy—usually fossil fuels. There are huge amounts of fossil fuels left, and we have plenty of time to find something cheaper. Myth: Fossil fuels are hurting the developing world. Truth: Fossil fuels are the key to improving the quality of life for billions of people in the developing world. If we withhold them, access to clean water plummets, critical medical machines like incubators become impossible to operate, and life expectancy drops significantly. Calls to “get off fossil fuels” are calls to degrade the lives of innocent people who merely want the same opportunities we enjoy in the West. Taking everything into account, including the facts about climate change, Epstein argues that “fossil fuels are easy to misunderstand and demonize, but they are absolutely good to use. And they absolutely need to be championed. . . . Mankind’s use of fossil fuels is supremely virtuous—because human life is the standard of value and because using fossil fuels transforms our environment to make it wonderful for human life.”

Synthetic Fuels

Synthetic Fuels
Author: Ronald F. Probstein
Publisher: Courier Corporation
Total Pages: 516
Release: 2013-04-15
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0486319334

This book, the outgrowth of a graduate course the authors taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was designed to fill an urgent need—the training of engineers in the production of synthetic fuels to replace dwindling supplies of natural ones. The authors presented synthetic fuels as a unified engineering subject, while recognizing that many of its principles are well-understood aspects of various engineering fields. The presentation begins with a review of chemical and physical fundamentals and conversion fundamentals, and proceeds to coal gasification and gas upgrading. Subsequent chapters examine liquids and clean solids produced from coal, liquids obtained from oil shale and tar sands, biomass conversion, and environmental, economic, and related aspects of synthetic fuel use. The text is directed toward beginning graduate students and advanced undergraduates in chemical and mechanical engineering, but should also appeal to students from other disciplines, including environmental, mining, petroleum, and industrial engineering, as well as chemistry. It also serves as a reference and guide for professionals.

Automotive Fuels Reference Book

Automotive Fuels Reference Book
Author: Paul Richards
Publisher: SAE International
Total Pages: 870
Release: 2014-03-05
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0768006384

The first two editions of this title, published by SAE International in 1990 and 1995, have been best-selling definitive references for those needing technical information about automotive fuels. This long-awaited new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, yet retains the original fundamental fuels information that readers find so useful. This book is written for those with an interest in or a need to understand automotive fuels. Because automotive fuels can no longer be developed in isolation from the engines that will convert the fuel into the power necessary to drive our automobiles, knowledge of automotive fuels will also be essential to those working with automotive engines. Small quantities of fuel additives increasingly play an important role in bridging the gap that often exists between fuel that can easily be produced and fuel that is needed by the ever-more sophisticated automotive engine. This book pulls together in a single, extensively referenced volume, the three different but related topics of automotive fuels, fuel additives, and engines, and shows how all three areas work together. It includes a brief history of automotive fuels development, followed by chapters on automotive fuels manufacture from crude oil and other fossil sources. One chapter is dedicated to the manufacture of automotive fuels and fuel blending components from renewable sources. The safe handling, transport, and storage of fuels, from all sources, are covered. New combustion systems to achieve reduced emissions and increased efficiency are discussed, and the way in which the fuels’ physical and chemical characteristics affect these combustion processes and the emissions produced are included. There is also discussion on engine fuel system development and how these different systems affect the corresponding fuel requirements. Because the book is for a global market, fuel system technologies that only exist in the legacy fleet in some markets are included. The way in which fuel requirements are developed and specified is discussed. This covers test methods from simple laboratory bench tests, through engine testing, and long-term test procedures.

Fuels and Fuel Technology

Fuels and Fuel Technology
Author: Wilfrid Francis
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 367
Release: 2016-01-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1483182266

Fuels and Fuel Technology, Volume One: A Summarized Manual provides information pertinent to the fundamental aspects of fuels and fuel technology. This book presents a reasonably accurate summary of the existing knowledge and literature relating to fuel technology. Organized into two sections encompassing 72 data sheets, this volume begins with an overview of fuels as organic combustible substances used mainly or solely for the production of useful heat that are divided into three classes, namely, solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. This text then examines the main chemical components of wood. This book discusses as well the commercial production of peat. The final section deals with the calculations of theoretical and actual air requirements, dry and wet flue gases, and carbon dioxide in flue gases. This book is a valuable resource for chemists and fuel technologists. Students who are interested to obtain a qualification in the subject of fuels or fuel technology will also find this book useful.

Ending Fossil Fuels

Ending Fossil Fuels
Author: Holly Jean Buck
Publisher: Verso Books
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2021-11-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1839762349

Ending the fossil fuel industry is the only credible path for climate policy Around the world, countries and companies are setting net-zero carbon emissions targets. But what will it mean if those targets are achieved? One possibility is that fossil fuel companies will continue to produce billions of tons of atmospheric CO2 while relying on a symbiotic industry to scrub the air clean. Focusing on emissions draws our attention away from the real problem: the point of production. The fossil fuel industry must come to an end but will not depart willingly; governments must intervene. By embracing a politics of rural-urban coalitions and platform governance, climate advocates can build the political power needed to nationalize the fossil fuel industry and use its resources to draw carbon out of the atmosphere.

Life after Fossil Fuels

Life after Fossil Fuels
Author: Alice J. Friedemann
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 205
Release: 2021-03-29
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3030703355

This book is a reality check of where energy will come from in the future. Today, our economy is utterly dependent on fossil fuels. They are essential to transportation, manufacturing, farming, electricity, and to make fertilizers, cement, steel, roads, cars, and half a million other products. One day, sooner or later, fossil fuels will no longer be abundant and affordable. Inevitably, one day, global oil production will decline. That time may be nearer than we realize. Some experts predict oil shortages as soon as 2022 to 2030. What then are our options for replacing the fossil fuels that turn the great wheel of civilization? Surveying the arsenal of alternatives – wind, solar, hydrogen, geothermal, nuclear, batteries, catenary systems, fusion, methane hydrates, power2gas, wave, tidal power and biomass – this book examines whether they can replace or supplement fossil fuels. The book also looks at substitute energy sources from the standpoint of the energy users. Manufacturing, which uses half of fossil fuels, often requires very high heat, which in many cases electricity can't provide. Industry uses fossil fuels as a feedstock for countless products, and must find substitutes. And, as detailed in the author's previous book, "When Trucks Stop Running: Energy and the Future of Transportation," ships, locomotives, and heavy-duty trucks are fueled by diesel. What can replace diesel? Taking off the rose-colored glasses, author Alice Friedemann analyzes our options. What alternatives should we deploy right now? Which technologies merit further research and development? Which are mere wishful thinking that, upon careful scrutiny, dematerialize before our eyes? Fossil fuels have allowed billions of us to live like kings. Fueled by oil, coal, and natural gas, we changed the equation constraining the carrying capacity of our planet. As fossil fuels peak and then decline, will we fall back to Earth? Are there viable alternatives?

Ecological Restoration and Management of Longleaf Pine Forests

Ecological Restoration and Management of Longleaf Pine Forests
Author: L. Katherine Kirkman
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 539
Release: 2017-09-27
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1351648187

Ecological Restoration and Management of Longleaf Pine Forests is a timely synthesis of the current understanding of the natural dynamics and processes in longleaf pine ecosystems. This book beautifully illustrates how incorporation of basic ecosystem knowledge and an understanding of socioeconomic realities shed new light on established paradigms and their application for restoration and management. Unique for its holistic ecological focus, rather than a more traditional silvicultural approach, the book highlights the importance of multi-faceted actions that robustly integrate forest and wildlife conservation at landscape scales, and merge ecological with socioeconomic objectives for effective conservation of the longleaf pine ecosystem.

Power to Fuel

Power to Fuel
Author: Giuseppe Spazzafumo
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 287
Release: 2021-05-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0128232897

Power to Fuel: How to Speed Up a Hydrogen Economy highlights how the surplus of electricity from renewable sources can be usefully accumulated thanks to hydrogen overcoming the obstacles that can prevent the final use of hydrogen on a large scale. The book includes an introduction and sections on the production of hydrogen, conversion of hydrogen into synthetic fuel, the power-to-fuel concept, and renewable energy source descriptions. The second and third levels are structured identically with a standalone approach that covers established and commercial pathways, emerging pathways, and cost analysis sections within each subject specific chapter, making the content easily referenced and applied.Readers will find details on the state-of-the-art and emerging technologies of various power to fuels options suitable for different final uses of the stored energy, as well as figures and diagrams that illustrate and compare the different processes. The book contains examples of existing plants and pilot projects that will be useful for academics dealing with renewable energies and energy storage. - Discusses possible applications of synthetic fuels, describing existing plants for fuel production - Contains opinions on opportunities offered by the power to fuel concept and by single technologies - Presents power to fuel techno-economic models and calculations down to system level

Electricity-based Fuels

Electricity-based Fuels
Author: Alexander Tremel
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 100
Release: 2017-12-07
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319724592

This book discusses the needs of future energy systems with a focus on the electricity and transportation sectors. The general idea behind electricity based fuel is explained, the current status and future potential developments of this technology are presented. A main challenge in the production of electricity based fuels is the fluctuating energy input from renewable electricity generation. The arising design and optimization targets for integrated power-to-fuel plants are discussed, also presenting plant design and operation strategies. The book gives an outlook on future expected production costs of electricity based fuels and compares it with fossil fuels and alternatives.

Sustainable Alternatives for Aviation Fuels

Sustainable Alternatives for Aviation Fuels
Author: Abu Yousuf
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 290
Release: 2022-05-31
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0323857167

Sustainable Alternatives for Aviation Fuels presents a technical and economic guide on the development of sustainable aviation fuels from renewable sources. With a focus on commercial viability and cost reduction, the book explores every aspect of the alternative aviation fuels supply chain, including commercially feasible and environmentally sound feedstock, production routes, the roles of catalysts in processing, conceptual process design, process economics, engine performance, future market trends and case studies. Readers are provided with the tools to make decisions at every stage that are supported by in-depth techno-economic analyses, lifecycle assessments, and considerations for development prospects within the context of sustainability. This book offers an excellent overview for readers involved in bioenergy and aviation. It is an invaluable resource for researchers and industry practitioners seeking to produce commercially viable, alternative aviation fuels. - Presents the current sustainable alternative fuels for aviation, including commercially viable and environmentally sound feedstock and production routes - Provides practical guidance on topics such as the role of catalysts in processing, conceptual process design and engine performance analysis - Explores process economics, market trends and LCA analysis, in addition to a techno-economic analysis of biojet fuel and its sustainability