Alternative Fuels to crude oil

Question 1

How is ethanol produced and what are the pros and cons of it?

Answer 1

Can be produced form fermentation of plant material.
Pros: Carbon neutral, only by-product is water
Cons: Engines need to be converted, ethanol isn’t widely available, land being used for fuel and not food?, could drive up food prices.

Question 2

How is bio diesel produced and what are the pros and cons of using it?

Answer 2

Produced from vegetable oils, can be mixed with ordinary fuel to run a diesel engine.
Pros: Carbon neutral, engines don’t need to be converted, less sulphur dioxide and particulates than diesel/petrol.

Cons: We can’t make enough to replace diesel, expensive, increase food prices?

Question 3

How is hydrogen gas produced and what are the pros and cons of using it?

Answer 3

Produced from electrolysis of water.
Pros: Very clean
Cons: Need expensive engine, hydrogen not widely available, expensive due to electrolysis, hydrogen hard to store.