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Lesson 3

Alternative to Fossil Fuels

Fossilized remains of prehistoric plants and animals form fossil
fuels, which include coal, natural gas and oil. They provide
about 95% of the world’s total energy. However, fossil fuels are
not environment friendly. In a matter of time, fossil fuels will be

exhausted. They are not renewable so alternative resources
are being developed worldwide. The rising need for more en-
ergy depletes sources of fossil fuels. If the world agrees on the

use of alternative to fossil fuels, hegemony of OPEC (Orga-
nization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) will be abolished.
Joint efforts of scientists and technologists all over the world to
develop energy sources that are non-fossil in origin are now
undertaken. Included in the list of alternatives to fossil fuels

is Bio-diesel, a kind of diesel fuel from vegetable oil and animal fat that could be blended
with normal diesel to be used as diesel fuel additive. This reduces emission of pollutants
and has excellent lubrication properties. Bio-alcohol such as ethanol, butanol, methanol and

propanol is derived from plants. All these have properties useful in car engines. High-octane
rates are characteristics of ethanol and methanol. Ethanol, which can be produced from the
fermentation of sugar, is in fact widely used nowadays. Hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical
energy from a Hydrogen molecule to electrical energy. However, the high cost of production
for hydrogen powered cars limit the use of hydrogen fuel cells as alternative fuel. Processed

vegetable oil blended with normal diesel produces eco-friendly fuel for diesel engines. With
these alternatives, we can live in a greener and safer environment.

Comprehension

1. Who are the people making an effort to develop energy sources that are

non-fossil in origin?
2. Why would all the fossil fuel be used up?

Questions

1. Why are alternatives to fossil fuels better and safer for the environment?
2. Name three things that utilize fossil fuel.

Vocabulary & Expressions

Renewable - able to be sustained and renewed indefinitely
Deplete - to use up something such as resources, energy, or supplies
Undertaken - being committed to do something
Additive - something blended into something else to improve or change in some way

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