For the sake of our planet's health we will eventually have to leave petroleum based fuels behind and look forward to the alternative fuels.  The alternative fuel that has gained most popularity in recent years is ethanol.  This is a bio fuel that can be made from sugar cane or corn.

Types of Alternative fuels

Recently, Ethanol is assumed to be exactly like other biofuels, and is widely used in the vehicles with or without combining with natural gas.  Ehtanol is basically known as an alcohol fuel just like methanol.  Both of these are not the most important sources of energy but are convenient for keeping and transporting.  Methanol can be created from a extensive sources such as fossil fuels, agricultural products, municipal waste, and last but not the least from wood.  Hydrogen may also be used as an alternative fuel.  However, there is no easily available natural reservoir, and what little there can be found in Earth's external atmosphere.  Therefore, it must first be created utilizing another energy source, making it a means to transfer energy, rather than a source of energy, almost similar to a rechargeable battery which can be recharged at any time.  Hydrogen could be a very environmentally friendly fuel, and it has proved to be a very good fuel source for vehicles. But there are serious questions on its production, storage, and distribution. There are also questions on its energy efficiency, as so far, it takes more energy to manufacture than it produces.  Hydroelectric power like wind energy, is a extremely old and established form of energy. However as compared to wind power the expansion of this source is limited. The scarcity of more water reservoirs and its unwanted use has put man kind under immense pressure to look for the substitutes.

Nuclear energy was earlier given the place of jewel in the discovery of it as a useful energy fuel. Afterwards it was realized that this energy source is injurious to human health.  The research over the nuclear energy sources has made it easier to use, but not suitable for the environment and humankind. This is the most expensive natural energy source. Handling nuclear fission involves lot of risk and dangerous toxins. However this source of energy is much practical but some international organizations have restricted its use and utilization in order to handle the severe health concerns it can generate.

Till now however there is no single fuel type which can be recommended as the best alternative for oil and gas. All these alternatives though are economical and environment friendly but they are at the same time less efficient. More research and investment can solve the problem of energy crises worldwide, and this research can make alternative fuel types to be easily available for coming generations

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