Alternative fuels and their contribution to sustainability

This research analysed the impact of alternative fuels on environmental sustainability, considering aspects such as greenhouse gas emissions and their economic viability. Literature sources were reviewed, surveys were administered to automotive engineering students and interviews were conducted with experts, addressing challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to cleaner energy. Results indicated that 80% of students considered solar energy as the most sustainable option for transport, reflecting a high awareness of the environmental benefits of renewable sources. Challenges such as implementation costs, the need for adequate infrastructure and the technological advances required to maximise the efficiency of these energies were identified. In addition, the importance of public policies that encourage the adoption of biofuels, solar energy and hydrogen was highlighted. The conclusions underlined that alternative fuels not only contribute to climate change mitigation, but also promote sustainable economic development and improve quality of life. However, continued research is needed to overcome technical and social barriers, ensuring an effective transition to a more sustainable energy model.