US: World’s 1st bio-based renewable alkalyte paves way for clean fuels
US: World’s first bio-based renewable alkalyte paves way for clean fuels Interesting Engineering
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Alkylate Fuel: A Sustainable Solution for Efficient Combustion
Updated: Oct 02, 2024 04:33 PM EST
Introduction
Alkylate fuel is a high-octane blending component that offers efficient combustion and resistance to knocking. Its production has recently achieved a major breakthrough with the development of renewable alkylate derived from ethanol. This renewable alkylate, produced by Lummus Technology and Next Wave Energy, is a bio-based fuel blending component with significantly lower carbon intensity compared to traditional gasoline.
Renewable Alkylate Production
The production of renewable alkylate holds strategic significance for the industry as it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of promoting eco-friendly and efficient chemical processes. Lummus Technology’s innovative technologies have enabled the production of renewable alkylate, which can contribute to a more sustainable and low-carbon future. Next Wave Energy’s Project Lightning aims to enhance the capabilities of existing facilities by converting ethanol into renewable alkylate, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and carbon-negative polymer-grade ethylene.
Alkylate as a High-Octane Blending Component
Alkylate fuel is widely accepted in the marketplace as an excellent high-octane blending component for motor gasoline. It is typically produced by reacting light olefins with isoparaffins in the presence of an acidic catalyst. Lummus Technology has developed advanced alkylation processes that operate at lower temperatures, resulting in the production of desired alkylate isomers with minimal side reactions. This technology offers a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels, as alkylate fuel contains minimal aromatic hydrocarbons that produce harmful emissions.
Benefits of Alkylate Fuel
The combustion of alkylate fuel leads to lower levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to improved air quality. Its high octane rating enables more efficient combustion, enhancing engine performance and longevity. Alkylate fuel is a sustainable solution that aligns with the SDGs by reducing carbon intensity and harmful emissions.
About the Editor
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. With experience in reporting on modern weapons, emerging tech, global politics, and business, Mishra brings a diverse perspective to engineering and technology news.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the production of renewable alkylate, a low carbon intensity fuel blending component. This aligns with SDG 7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It also relates to SDG 9, as the production of renewable alkylate represents an innovative breakthrough in the industry. Additionally, the article mentions that renewable alkylate has 30% lower carbon intensity than traditional gasoline, contributing to SDG 13’s goal of combating climate change. Finally, the production of renewable alkylate can have positive impacts on land ecosystems, supporting SDG 15’s objective of protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- SDG 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests
The production of renewable alkylate contributes to the targets under SDGs 7, 9, 13, and 15. By producing a renewable fuel blending component, the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix can be increased, aligning with SDG 7.2. The development of innovative technologies for renewable alkylate production also supports SDG 9.4, which aims to upgrade infrastructure and industries to make them sustainable. Integrating renewable alkylate into national policies and strategies can help achieve SDG 13.2, which focuses on climate change measures. Finally, the production of renewable alkylate can have positive impacts on land ecosystems, promoting sustainable forest management as targeted by SDG 15.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Number of industries and infrastructure retrofitted to be sustainable
- Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and strategies
- Extent of sustainable forest management implementation
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the following indicators can be used to assess progress:
- Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix can be measured through data on the share of renewable energy sources in the overall energy consumption.
- The number of industries and infrastructure retrofitted to be sustainable can be measured by tracking the implementation of sustainable practices and technologies in various sectors.
- The inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and strategies can be assessed by analyzing the content of these policies and strategies and evaluating their alignment with climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.
- The extent of sustainable forest management implementation can be measured by monitoring the adoption of sustainable forest management practices, such as certification schemes and conservation initiatives.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Number of industries and infrastructure retrofitted to be sustainable |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and strategies |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests | Extent of sustainable forest management implementation |
Source: interestingengineering.com
