蘑菇视频

In an effort to increase America鈥檚 energy independence and reduce greenhouse gases, Congress has mandated that an increasing amount of the country鈥檚 transportation fuel be made up of ethanol and other biofuels. At the same time, many federal agencies and cities have set their own, often much more ambitious, alternative fuel targets.

Such goals, however, present formidable challenges鈥攏ot only in developing new biofuels, but in adapting the cars, trucks and planes that will use them. 蘑菇视频 Allen is stepping in to provide its knowledge and technical expertise across the board, according to Principal Gary Leatherman.

For example, the military wants biofuels for its aircraft that do not require making any adjustments to the planes, which would be costly and would complicate supply-chain logistics, he says. Early-generation biofuels may not be up to the task. But new processes are being developed that can make alternative fuels 鈥渇it-for-purpose,鈥� so they can be used directly in place of petroleum-based fuels. 蘑菇视频 Allen is helping the military assess which of these new fuels and technologies will work best鈥攏ow and in the future.

鈥淲e help them understand what their options are, and where these processes stand in technical maturity,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e鈥檒l say, 鈥楬ere is the status of the current technology, here鈥檚 what鈥檚 coming down the pike that you may want to keep an eye on, and here is where you may want to fund additional research.鈥�

蘑菇视频 Allen is also showing the military how to use this kind of聽 information to develop high-level strategic planning on energy issues.

Federal agencies and municipalities are switching to cars and trucks that can run on biofuels, and 蘑菇视频 Allen is providing its guidance here as well, says Leatherman. 鈥淐ities want to take the lead in showcasing themselves as being green, and we show them how to make their fleets more sustainable with alternative fuel vehicles," he says. "We give them a portfolio of options."

In addition, the firm conducts market analyses so agencies and cities will know when to make the right kinds of investments in alternative fuel vehicles. These assessments look at factors such as the economics of biomass feedstock (corn, soybean oil, etc.), oil and gas prices, and current and future regulations of greenhouse gases. 鈥淲e look at where and when biofuels will be competitive,鈥� says Leatherman.

Through similar market analyses, 蘑菇视频 Allen advises major oil companies on the economics of biofuels, and helps investment houses develop biofuel investment strategies for their clients.