The Lean, Mean, Green Machine: Working as an Alternative Fuel Scientist

For the past 30 years, a number of researchers around the world have been studying alternative fuel sources that are renewable and pollutant-free. As gigantic amounts of government funding have been granted to research facilities to study these fuels in recent years, now may be a good time to join the green collar workforce as an alternative fuel scientist.

Alternative fuel scientists look for ways to reduce or replace the need for petroleum, which is used to create gasoline. Currently, scientists have discovered alternative fuels that can be added to gasoline to help reduce its cost, and others that can be used alone.

One of the fuel sources currently being researched is green algae. Green algae are fast-growing plant-like organisms that grow mainly in bodies of water. It is said to have very high oil content, so much so that one acre of algae produces two hundred times more oil than an acre of corn, the crop that is now used to produce ethanol.

In fact, some green experts have concerns with fuels such as ethanol, as its production process is said to release pollutants into the air and may also have carcinogenic (cancer-causing) qualities. Therefore, many researchers are continuing to study other fuel sources that would be better ecological performers.

Another fuel that is currently being tested is called bio-diesel fuel. Bio-diesel fuel is created from vegetable oils, such as soybean, coconut and palm oils, and also from animal tallow. Conventional diesel vehicles, such as buses, trucks and trains, would run on these oils, some of which have already been taken a test drive. In fact, one transit system in Nebraska painted large soybeans on its bio-diesel bus, which also touted in large letters: "Soybean powered: This bus runs on soybean bio-diesel."

However, not only are scientists researching these fuels for public use at large, but also for the military. Air Force bases, such as the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, operate fuel and energy branches at their research laboratories. Wright-Patterson is currently studying the potential for B-52 bombers to be powered by canola oil. According to the Minot Daily News, Tim Edwards, a senior chemical engineer at the base, explained, "Plant oils, like canola, and animal fats are the next target for fuel certification for the Air Force, Navy and commercial aviation. … [We] plan to use the various alternative fuels in aircraft, ground vehicles, power-generating equipment [and] all of the current applications of jet fuel."

A number of universities have also opened research centers dedicated to studying alternative fuel sources, such as the University of Virginia's Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions, the University of California's Alternative Fuel Research Center, and Eastern Kentucky University's Center for Renewable and Alternative Fuel Technologies. Locations such as these are employment possibilities for those interested in getting involved in alternative fuel research.

A degree in engineering and chemistry is usually required to obtain employment in alternative fuel research centers, and one must be skilled in mathematics and be able to work with raw chemicals. With the increasing demand for specialists in green research, if you have the desire and the education, a career as an alternative fuel scientist just might be for you.

Animal Waste Biomethane Gas Collection System Technician Resources

Share your story!

Do you have a career in this field? Share it!