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Well-to-wheels life-cycle analysis of alternative fuels and vehicle technologies in China

Author

Listed:
  • Shen, Wei
  • Han, Weijian
  • Chock, David
  • Chai, Qinhu
  • Zhang, Aling

Abstract

A well-to-wheels life cycle analysis on total energy consumptions and greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions for alternative fuels and accompanying vehicle technologies has been carried out for the base year 2010 and projected to 2020 based on data gathered and estimates developed for China. The fuels considered include gasoline, diesel, natural gas, liquid fuels from coal conversion, methanol, bio-ethanol and biodiesel, electricity and hydrogen. Use of liquid fuels including methanol and Fischer–Tropsch derived from coal will significantly increase GHG emissions relative to use of conventional gasoline. Use of starch-based bio-ethanol will incur a substantial carbon disbenefit because of the present highly inefficient agricultural practice and plant processing in China. Electrification of vehicles via hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle technologies offers a progressively improved prospect for the reduction of energy consumption and GHG emission. However, the long-term carbon emission reduction is assured only when the needed electricity is generated by zero- or low-carbon sources, which means that carbon capture and storage is a necessity for fossil-based feedstocks. A PHEV that runs on zero- or low-carbon electricity and cellulosic ethanol may be one of the most attractive fuel-vehicle options in a carbon-constrained world.

Suggested Citation

  • Shen, Wei & Han, Weijian & Chock, David & Chai, Qinhu & Zhang, Aling, 2012. "Well-to-wheels life-cycle analysis of alternative fuels and vehicle technologies in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 296-307.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:49:y:2012:i:c:p:296-307
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2012.06.038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cui, Shunji & Kattumuri, Ruth, 2010. "Cultivated land conversion in China and the potential for food security and sustainability," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 38363, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Zhang, Kesong & Hu, Jingnan & Gao, Shuzheng & Liu, Yungang & Huang, Xianjiang & Bao, Xiaofeng, 2010. "Sulfur content of gasoline and diesel fuels in northern China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(6), pages 2934-2940, June.
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