Renewable gasoline, also known as green or drop-in gasoline, is a fuel derived from biomass using diverse biological, thermal, and chemical techniques. This fuel shares the same chemical composition as petroleum gasoline and complies with the ASTM D4814 standard. One of its advantages is that it can be used in current engines and infrastructure. Currently, renewable gasoline is not widely utilized in the United States, as there is a predominant focus on transitioning the light-duty market to electric vehicles.
How is Renewable Gasoline Produced?
The production of renewable gasoline involves various biomass sources, including lipids (such as vegetable oils, animal fats, greases, and algae) and cellulosic materials (such as crop residues, woody biomass, and dedicated energy crops). Researchers are investigating multiple methods to generate renewable gasoline, which includes:
1. Traditional hydrotreating
This technique, employed in petroleum refineries, entails reacting the lipid feedstock with hydrogen under elevated temperatures and pressures in the presence of a catalyst. Commercial plants currently utilize this technology.
2. Biological sugar upgrading
Similar to the process used for cellulosic ethanol, this pathway involves a biochemical deconstruction process, combined with organisms that convert sugars into hydrocarbons.
3. Catalytic conversion of sugars
In this pathway, a series of catalytic reactions are employed to convert a stream of carbohydrates into hydrocarbon fuels.
4. Gasification
During this process, biomass undergoes thermal conversion into syngas, which is then catalytically transformed into hydrocarbon fuels.
5. Pyrolysis
This pathway involves the chemical decomposition of organic materials at high temperatures without oxygen. The process generates a liquid pyrolysis oil that can be upgraded to hydrocarbon fuels either independently or used as a feedstock alongside crude oil in a standard petroleum refinery.
6. Hydrothermal processing
It utilizes elevated pressure and moderate temperature to initiate the chemical breakdown of biomass or moist waste materials, leading to the production of oil that can be further enhanced through catalytic processes into hydrocarbon fuels.
Also See: What is Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)?
What are the Advantages of Renewable Advantages?
Renewable gasoline offers numerous advantages, which include:
1. Compatibility with engines and infrastructure
Renewable gasoline is chemically identical to petroleum gasoline and adheres to the same ASTM D4814 specification. This enables its use in existing vehicles and infrastructure without requiring modifications.
2. Reduced emissions
The carbon dioxide captured during the growth of feedstocks helps mitigate overall greenhouse gas emissions by offsetting the carbon dioxide released when renewable gasoline is burned. According to the California Energy Commission, the use of renewable gasoline can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions ranging from 61% to 83%, depending on the feedstock utilized.
3. Enhanced energy security
The production of renewable gasoline can be achieved domestically using a wide range of feedstocks. This contributes to reducing reliance on imported fuels and fosters job creation.
4. Increased flexibility
Renewable gasoline serves as a direct replacement for petroleum gasoline, offering versatility in terms of utilizing various feedstocks and production technologies. This allows for the production of multiple products, further diversifying the renewable fuel options available.
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