Fuel for the future Flashcards
What is the Climate Change Act of 2008?
A piece of UK legislation stating that the Secretary of State is responsible for reducing the UK’s net carbon account must 80% below a 1990 baseline.
Which two sectors produce half of the world’s greenhouse emissions?
Electricity and heat generation, and agriculture.
When will new sales of petrol and diesel cars be banned in the UK and France?
2040.
What fraction of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport do passenger cars constitute?
60%.
What is a 1st generation biofuel?
A biofuel that is produced from edible biomass (e.g. sugars, starches, animal fats, and vegetable oils).
What is a 2nd generation biofuel?
A biofuel that is produced from a crop which is not consumed by humans (i.e. non-edible biomass).
What is a 3rd generation biofuel?
A biofuel that is produced from algae.
Why are 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels not suitable for commercial use?
Their production processes are not technologically mature.
Name two 1st generation biofuels.
Ethanol and biodiesel.
Why might biodiesel be an inappropriate fuel for heavy-duty vehicles in the future?
Because its use would raise nitrous oxide emissions. Nitrous oxide is toxic.
Where does the world currently get most of its energy from?
Coal-fired power stations.
What fraction of the world’s energy is currently generated by renewables?
About 7 to 10%.
What are well-to-wheel emissions?
The emissions associated with both the extraction or generation of a fuel, its transport to a customer, and its use by the customer.
How much land space would be required to supply enough biofuel to meet the US demand?
About 15% of total US land mass, equivalent to 70% of global corn production each year.
In what ways is biofuel resource-intensive?
It requires a lot of land and water to be grown. 283 gallons of water are necessary to generate enough biofuel to travel a single mile in a car.
The battery constitutes what fraction of an EV’s cost?
10%
How far can the Tesla Model S travel on a single charge?
300 miles.
How long does it currently take to charge a consumer EV using a domestic charger?
6 - 8 hours.
Why was Brazils Pro-Alcohol programme a disaster?
Because it is possible that it indirectly accelerated the rate of deforestation in Brazil.
What are the benefits/weaknesses of switching to EVs?
- At least a 50% reduction in CO2 output attributable to passenger vehicles.
- The possibility of fuelling passenger transport with renewables.
- A reduced reliance on foreign oil markets.
- £5 per charge.
- The UK’s electricity substations will need to be upgraded to cope with the demand posed by overnight home charging.
- Reduced noise pollution.
- There will still be a reliance on the countries supplying raw materials for batteries (Chile, Australia, China, and Argentina).
