Exploring how to counteract the world's energy insecurity and environmental pollution, this volume covers the production methods, properties, storage, engine tests, system modification, transportation and distribution, economics, safety aspects, applications, and material compatibility of alternative fuels. The esteemed editor highlights the importance of moving toward alternative fuels and the problems and environmental impact of depending on petroleum products. Each self-contained chapter focuses on a particular fuel source, including vegetable oils, biodiesel, methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, hydrogen, electric, fuel cells, and fuel from nonfood crops.

In early 1990, a study was undertaken to examine and compare the usefulness of natural gas, propane, methanol and ethanol in relation to gasoline and diesel fuel for potential use in the transportation industry. The study evaluated the potential environmental and economic benefits of each of the fuels examined, including the characteristics of each alternative fuel, the current and proposed regulations and emission requirements for the vehicle fleet, the use of alternate fuels internationally, and conversion scenarios for each fuel.

With the vitality and economic growth of the U.S. being linked to affordable transportation, the use of alternative fuels is beginning to play a larger role. The use "alternative fuel" has been used to describe any fuel suggested for use in transportation vehicles other than gasoline or diesel. Since 1998, more than half of the petroleum the U.S. economy requires has been supplied by imports. In addition, the climatological and scientific community has warned that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will cause global change. Alternative Fuels examines the accepted alternative fuels, providing historical background, physical and chemical properties, production technology, and forecasts for each fuel. Alternative transportation fuels addressed include: methanol, ethanol, propane, natural gas, biodiesel, hydrogen, and electricity. Chapters include: The Argument for Alternative Fuels Methanol Ethanol Propane Natural Gas Electricity and more