The Potential of Low Carbon Drop-In Alternative Fuels

he long-term viability and success of a transportation fuel depends on both economic and environmental sustainability. These include, but are not limited to, the environmental impacts on global climate and air quality, the efficient usage of water and land resources, technical feasibility and the economic cost of fuel production. In response to these concerns, Partnership for AiR Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction (PARTNER) researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology compiled a report that focuses on aspects of environmental sustainability, with an emphasis on life cycle greenhouse gas emissions as they relate to impacts on global climate. Through a life cycle accounting of the GHG emissions starting with the well, field, or mine where the fuel feedstock is extracted, and extending to the wake behind the aircraft, one can ascertain the change in GHG emissions that result from the use of an alternative fuel. This article provides only a summary of results and the interested reader is directed to the complete PARTNER study for analysis details.