Solar power could create fuel for cars
Jul 02 - United Press International
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could soon be used to create fuel to
drive the word's cars and trucks, researchers say.
Solar-powered technology could be used to "photosynthesize" hydrocarbon
fuels that present-day vehicles could run on without major
modifications, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.
Solar reactors can take carbon dioxide and turn it into carbon monoxide
and can also turn water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The results can react with a catalyst to form hydrocarbon fuels, in a
technique known as the Fischer-Tropsch process
Tests have been conducted with solar reactors in New Mexico and
Zurich, Switzerland.
Using solar energy to create usable fuel is a possible way to satisfy
the world's energy demands while minimizing carbon emissions, Ken
Caldeira of the Carnegie Institution told Britain's New Scientist
magazine.
"This area holds out the promise for technologies that can produce large
amounts of carbon-neutral power at affordable prices, which can be used
where and when that power is needed," he said.
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