Challenges - Research and Innovative Technology Administration ...

Fuel Production Vehicular Demand Capacity
LPG
Produced about
50/50 from natural
gas processing and
petroleum refining.
Large but declining.
Major Impediments to
Future Use
Limited fueling infrastructure
Limited availability of natural
gas powered vehicles
LPG
Production a function
in part of the demand
for natural gas
and other refining
products.
Produced about
50/50 from natural
gas processing and
petroleum refining.
Large but declining.
Limited fueling infrastructure
Limited availability of natural
gas powered vehicles
Ethanol
Production a function
in part of the demand
for natural gas
and other refining
products.
In 2007, 6.5 billion
gallons produced
at 134 plants in 26
States.
In Sept. 2008, capacity
was 9.2 billion gallons
per year.
E85: Growing.
Ethanol in gasohol:
very large and rapidly
growing.
In 2007, 77 new or
expanded plants
being planned.
In 2007, 7.8 billion
gallons and slated
to increase in the
near term.
Fuel – food trade-off
Limited fuel availability due
to numerous distribution
challenges.
Engine compatibility
concerns
Domestic production
growing.
As of late 2008,
many plants are
closing or being
postponed.
Various concerns relating
to using the existing
petroleum pipeline system
for distribution
Biodiesel As of late 2008,
produced at 176
plants in 40 States.
Hydrogen
Production tripled
between 2004 and
2005 and tripled again
between 2005 and
2006.
In 2008, a number of
plants idle to reassess
profitability.
Serious production
for fuel still in early
stages. Debate over
relative costs and
benefits associated
with centralized
and decentralized
production as yet
unresolved.
Large and very rapidly
growing.
Minor but growing.
Capacity is
currently at about
2.6 billion gallons
per year.
Adequate
feedstocks exist to
support production
of 1.7 billion
gallons per year.
Uncertainties associated
with the development of
cellulosic ethanol production
capabilities
Diesel engine compatibility
concerns
Limited fuel availability due
to numerous distribution
challenges.
Rethinking feedstock choice
due to price increases.
Fuel – food trade-off
Limited fueling infrastructure;
limited pipeline distribution
infrastructure;
limited carrying capacity of
tanks on tank trucks and the
need for Federal regulatory
approval to increase that
capacity;
limited availability of
hydrogen powered vehicles.
50 Challenges of Building a Hydrogen Infrastructure