John Addison

Biomethane For Energy and Fuel

June 29, 2009 By John Addison 11 Comments

Across the nation, ranchers, farmers, landfill operators, and all that generate agricultural waste, forest residue, and municipal waste can increasingly become energy independent. Through anaerobic digestion much of their biological waste can be converted into biogas which can run electrical generators, turbines, or fuel cells to generate electricity. Biogas can also be converted to cleaner biomethane for cleaner electricity and renewable fuel. These operations can generate their own electricity and fuel their own vehicles.

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Biofuel Industry Hopes to Recover with Next Generation Fuels

May 15, 2009 By John Addison 18 Comments

Scientists know how to make fuel from prairie grasses growing on marginal land. They know how to make fuel from fast growing trees with root systems that extend 25 feet into the ground, sequestering carbon emissions and enriching the soil. The problem is making cellulosic and algal fuel in large quantities at costs that compete with fuels from petroleum such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

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The Biofuel Industry – No Money, No Respect

May 11, 2009 By John Addison 18 Comments

Needed is fuel from wood and waste, not food and haste. Some of the world’s best minds are focused on fuel from cellulosic and waste sources, in some cases from biological sources that remove CO2 from the air and enrich depleted soil. I am writing this article from the 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals sponsored by NREL. 800 global bioscientists have gathered in San Francisco to share their research and showcase their progress. Many at the conference expressed concern and discouragement.

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Comparing the Honda Insight, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Toyota Prius

April 28, 2009 By John Addison 5 Comments

In test drives, the Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid delivered performance and fuel economy. If you want great fuel economy, few compromises, and driving pleasure, test drive the latest hybrids from automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Ford. The intensified competition between them is bringing better performance and safety and economy.

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Ethanol – the Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the Beautiful

March 9, 2009 By John Addison 4 Comments

Fuel from Wood and Waste not Food and Haste

We must transition from fuel from food and haste to fuels from wood and waste. Although the economics do not yet favor major production, pilot plants are taking wood and paper waste and converting it to fuel. Other cellulosic material is even more promising. Some grasses , energy crops, and hybrid poplar trees promise zero-emission fuel sources. These plants absorb CO2 and sequester it in the soil with their deep root systems.

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Top 10 Low Carbon Footprint Four-Door Sedans

January 1, 2009 By John Addison 21 Comments

Honda Insight Makes Hybrids More Affordable

Four-door sedans have always been popular. In growing demand, especially by fleets, are four-door sedans with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions. The Toyota Prius faces new competition from the Honda Insight and the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Should oil prices rise, we may see a new battle for CNG fleet leadership between Honda and Toyota.

UPS Hydraulic Hybrids Shrink Delivery Carbon Footprint

December 29, 2008 By John Addison 19 Comments

UPS operates nearly 100,000 ground vehicles, 600 airplanes, 3,000 facilities, and employs over 400,000 people. Although UPS has experienced over a 40% improvement in fuel economy with 50 hybrid-electric delivery vehicles, a new type of hydraulic hybrid may be even better.

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