SWUTC Research Project Description
Title of Project: An Alternative Transportation Fuels Update: A Case Study of the Developing E85 Industry
Project Number: 167360
Principal Investigator:
Sharon Boxill
(713) 313-7284
P.I. Affiliation: Texas Southern University
Project Monitor:
David Hitchcock
Director
Sustainable Transportation Program, HARC
(281) 364-4007
Project Status: Active
Date Started: 9/1/06
Estimation Completion Date: 8/31/07
Estimated Cost – Current Fiscal: $41,800
Estimated Cost – Total Planned: $41,800
Project Summary:
Abstract:
In President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative he has stated that to reduce America’s vulnerability to oil supply disruptions, and the associated economic hardship for our Nation’s families and businesses, we must reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil. This means increasing domestic production of oil here at home and expanding capacity to refine crude oil into products that consumers demand. It also means accelerating deployment of efficient hybrid and clean diesel vehicles in the near-term, developing domestic renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel fuels in the mid-term, and investing in the advanced battery and hydrogen fuel-cell technologies needed for substantial long-term reductions
This report will address the current government initiatives for the use of alternative fuels, and expectations of future policy developments and take and in-depth look at the Ethanol 85 (E85) industry in terms of the outlook for fuel supply and demand in the US from 2010-2030, current opportunities and challenges in the US ethanol sector and the economics of ethanol - commercial issues driving ethanol development.
Objectives:
The goals of this research are to define and explore:
(1) Current government initiatives for the use of alternative fuels, and expectations of future policy developments;
(2) Current opportunities and challenges in the US ethanol sector;
(3) How best can the automotive industry, fuel retailers and fuel producers work together to expand the use of renewable fuels; and
(4) The economics of ethanol - commercial issues driving ethanol development.
Tasks:
Task 1: Conduct Literature Search Alternative Fuels Developments
The literature review will focus on the latest developments in alternative fuels. Literature will be found through scientific papers, reports and websites. The purpose is to conduct a thorough review and synthesis of the state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice on the studies and practice of alternative fuels. Literature will be found through (1) scientific papers and articles; (2) research and project reports; (3) web sites; (4) communications with experts in the pertinent research area; and (5) interviews with decision makers.
Task 2: Survey Automotive Industry for Compatible E85 Automobile Development Plan(s)
This task will document the growing list of automobiles and light trucks that are being manufactured to operate on 85 percent ethanol.
Task 3: Identify Current Policy Trends and Government Initiatives for Alternative Fuels in General and E85 in Particular
With the new mandates in place that promote the use and development of alternative fuels there is a shift in policy as well as new government initiatives with regard to alternative fuels usage and production. This task will document these policies.
Task 4: Identify the New E85 Fuel Refiners
After identification and listing of all E85 producers this task will separate the companies by start-up business and established business.
Task 5: Conduct Case Study of Selected E85 Refineries
With the list of the E85 refineries from the previous task 3-4 will be selected for and in-depth case study. The selected refineries will be representational of companies trying to enter the market and established companies.
Task 6: Document Research Results and Findings
This task will document all research results and findings from this project. A comprehensive final report summarizing the state of the E85 industry will be prepared.
Index Terms:
Energy Conservation, Oils, Supply, Foreign, Ethanol, Alternative Fuels, Energy Resources, Policy Making, Renewable Energy Sources