subject: South Carolina Oil Companies Moving Towards Alternative Fuels [print this page] South Carolina holds a major position in bulk fuel generation in USA. The state has resources and technology to generate and supply alternative transportation fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), Propane and Hydrogen. In fact it ranks top when it comes to alternative transportation fuel production and distribution in the United States.
When it comes to fuel production both for commercial as well as domestic use South Carolina oil companies are now progressing towards providing their customers with cleaner and more economical alternative fuels. The state is now home to highest number of ethanol (E85) and biodiesel (B20) pumps in the country.
The alternative fuel surge is on the rise as the federal government is very keen to reduce US dependency on conventional oils that is mostly imported from foreign countries. Even the South Carolina state government provides tax incentives to encourage consumers purchasing alternative fuel vehicles. The tax incentive is also applicable on production, distribution, and purchase of alternative fuels. As a result more and more South Carolina Oil Dealers are coming up with alternative renewable fuel to help transportation services and car buyers reduce fuel consumption and cost per liter.
Today half a dozen alternative fuels are available in the market for commercial use while more are under development. As per statistics the major usage of such fuels are in the government and domestic sectors. Following are some of the alternative fuel that will reduce carbon emission and help improve air quality
Biodiesel
Ethanol
Propane
Hydrogen
Natural Gas (Compressed natural Gas or CNG)
Some of the Alternative Fuels are explained below -
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is produced from a variety of vegetable oils and animal fat. Usually both pure biodiesel and biodiesel blended with diesel is used in diesel cars and vehicles ensuring less emission and energy security. Domestically produced, clean and safe biodiesel is commonly available as B20 and B100. B20 contains 20% biodiesel mixed with 80% diesel while B100 contains 100% biodiesel.
Ethanol
Ethanol is an alternative fuel produced from various plant components collectively known as biomass. Ethanol actually contains chemical compound (C2H5OH) which is common to alcoholic beverage. Today, maximum of gasoline supplied by South Carolina Gas Dealers contains ethanol in a low level. It helps to reduce ail pollution by oxygenating the fuel. E85 is a common variation of ethanol used in Flexible Fuel vehicles (FFV). Studies reveal that ethanol and other biodiesels could replace 30% or more of U.S. gasoline demand by 2030.
Hydrogen
The reasons behind hydrogen quickly becoming an alternative for fuel are its clean burning property and potential for domestic production. Hydrogen promises high efficiency as vehicle fuel. 1 kg of hydrogen produces equal energy as of 1 gallon of gasoline.
Propane
Propane, commonly known as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), is used by different fleets. Propane, one of the most widely used fuel across the globe, offers high energy density and thus ensuring good driving range to vehicles. Normally, propane for transportation fuel is blended with other small amount of other gases such as butane and butylene. As per GPAs (Gas Processors Association's) HD specification propane for vehicles must contain 90% of propane, and 5% each of propylene and other gases.
