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Substitutional fuels are fuels that can replace, either partially or completely, conventional fuels. It includes biodiesel, biogas, alcohol, myco-diesel, algal fuel, and metal fuel. They have applications to replace conventional fuels in functions such as transportation, although they still compose a small proportion of global fuel sources. Lots of substitutional fuel use is the result of government-enforced mandates, exemptions, or subsidies.[1]
Externalities of Conventional Fuels
Conventional fuels include fossil fuels such as coal, oil (including fuel oil, diesel fuel, and gasoline), and natural gas.[2][circular reference] Fossil fuels have many negative externalities, most notably air pollution and contributing to climate change. Both the extraction and combustion of conventional fuels have negative externalities.
BP oil spill (2010)
Oil pollutes the water in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana.
Negative[3][4]
global warming due to the release of greenhouse gases
ecosystem loss and degradation
health problems such as respiratory issues, cancer, reduced life expectancy, and congestive heart failure due to the release of particulates
degradation and soiling of buildings due to the release of particulates
reduced crop yields due to the release of particulates
oil spills
environmental damage
cleanup costs (private or government)
damage to company reputation (for example, the 2010 BP oil spill)
volatile market prices negatively impact economy[5]
mining accidents during coal extraction
Positive[6]
increased employment & business activity
increased productivity in many industries
means of globalization (increased trade between countries)
Externalities of Substitutional Fuels[1]
Negative
air pollution (but less so than conventional fuels)
may require more energy to produce than conventional fuels
may be more costly than conventional fuels
Positive[5]
more stable energy supply
less volatile fuel prices
less ecosystem damage
fewer health problems due to air pollution
The Changing Market
Substitutional fuel has been gaining popularity along with renewable energy in the United States over the past several decades. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires that U.S. transportation fuels contain 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels.[7]
"A market failure can arise in the transport fuels market if the potential differences in emissions from petroleum based fuels and those from biofuels are not taken into account in the decisions of fuel producers and consumers...Policy intervention through an emissions tax or a subsidy for avoided emissions could be justified to address this market failure."[1]
Demand for substitutional fuel is also dependent on the availability of alternative energy vehicles, since 29% of energy consumption in the U.S. is from transportation. In 2017, biofuels composed about 5% of transportation fuels.[8]
Biofuels are currently a leading substitutional fuel. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts a stable biofuel market through 2020. Due to relatively stable domestic motor gasoline consumption in recent years, the industry is not likely to see large growth in the near future without government support.[9]
