ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT FUELS

Alternative fuels have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport, and to reduce urban air pollution and noise. This paper reviews recent research findings on emissions from these fuels, as well as safety, costs and other aspects relating to both vehicles and fuels, which influence market acceptance. New motor vehicle technology optimised to account for the characteristics of each fuel would need to be implemented to achieve maximum benefit. The effects of taxes and charges on fuel price are noted. The paper emphasises that any decision about whether to promote or encourage the take-up of alternative fuels is rendered extremely difficult in the environment of changing technology, changing vehicle emission standards, developments in gasoline vehicle fuel efficiency, and the effect of these on new vehicle costs. (A) For the covering entry of this conference, see IRRD abstract number 849214.