Alternative Fuels - the future of power for automobiles

Methanol Methanol is a liquid fuel. Currently, it is mostly created from natural gas. However, they are researching different sources to reduce petroleum imports. They can currently also make it from coal and biomass. The current mix for methanol fuel is 85% methanol and 15% gasoline (M85). In the future they can do M100, also known as Methanol Neat.

Methanol is created by changing natural gas into a synthesis gas, which is then mixed in with a catalyst to create methanol and water vapor. Other things can be used for the same purpose, but natural gas is the best choice for cost today. After the methanol and water vapor has been created it is distilled in order to purify and seperate the methanol.

There are curently 18 methanol production plants in the United States producing 2.6 billion gallons of methanol each year. If used in fuel cells, methanol will reduce carbon dioxide emissions for vehicles.

Links for more information:

American Methanol Institute

California Energy Commission

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