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Old 10-24-2017, 03:33 PM   #9 (permalink)
RustyLugNut
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This is just one of many pathways to synthetic hydrocarbons.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ian132 View Post
So, I wanted to ask you how much hydrocarbon fuel is being improved?
I found an article that says scientists have found a potential in converting acids to hydrocarbons using an algal enzyme which is activated by light.
Is this serious news? And should we expect free energy in next 5-10 years??
Take a look at this hydrocarbon fuel article

Best!
There are dozens under investigation.

The process I am most familiar with is one the Navy is developing to produce a JP8 equivalent from excess electricity ( nuclear powered ships ) and CO2 from sea water. The cost is about double what pump diesel costs in even the most expensive time and place in the United States. However, when you compare it to the actual cost to deliver JP8 to the battlefront, the cost is small.

There will always be a need for hydrocarbon fuels even after electrification of personal transport is achieved to the degree it can. Aircraft and heavy payload vehicles will need the compact energy provided by hydrocarbon fuels. The challenge that is ongoing is to use these increasingly expensive fuels more economically and cleanly.
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