ナイジェリアの研究者らが、ディーゼル燃料に少量の水を混合して排出を低減する技術をレビューした。このwater-in-dieselエマルション、またはWiDEは、エンジン改修なしに窒素酸化物と粒子状物質を60％以上低減する。この手法は一部の場合に燃料効率も向上させる可能性がある。
ディーゼルエンジンは、その信頼性と出力から、世界の輸送、農業、産業の多くを動力源としている。しかし、窒素酸化物と粒子状物質の排出を通じて大気汚染に大きく寄与しており、これらはスモッグ、呼吸器疾患、気候変動と関連している。既存の解決策である触媒コンバーターやフィルターは有効だが、コストと複雑さを増大させる。
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Brazil's ANP released on Thursday (2) a list of five companies that joined the first phase of the diesel subsidy program, excluding major distributors Vibra, Ipiranga, and Raízen. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government is discussing technical adjustments to attract them, as they handle half of private imports. The program aims to cushion the war in Iran's effects on fuel prices.
Indonesia's mandatory biodiesel policy has reduced reliance on fuel imports, particularly diesel. Experts assess it could save up to 8-10 billion US dollars in foreign exchange annually. Development from B1 to B50 is targeted for completion by July 2026.
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Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a modified strain of algae that captures microplastics from contaminated water by producing an orange-scented oil. The process also cleans wastewater and could support bioplastic production.
Amid a fuel supply crisis, the Department of Energy (DOE) has authorized the temporary importation and use of Euro 2 petroleum products, which have higher emissions than the Euro 4 standard. The measure is limited to vehicles from 2015 and earlier, traditional jeepneys, power plants, generators, and marine sectors. President Marcos is in talks with several countries for alternative oil supplies.
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An opinion piece in Folha de S.Paulo criticizes the defense of burning solid waste for energy generation, known as Waste-to-Energy (WtE), and claims of foreign conspiracy against opponents. The authors highlight high costs, risks to recycling, and the need for transparent debate. They respond to a previous article accusing NGOs of fake news funded by international entities.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Wednesday it will temporarily lift federal limits on E15 and E10 gasoline blends to help lower prices strained by the Iran conflict. The waiver aims to boost fuel supply starting May 1. Gas prices have reached nearly $4 per gallon, the highest since 2022.