Cover Story: PUMP IT UP

Words by Jewel Sta Ana

The future of mobility is brighter and greener than ever. We’ve witnessed the rise of hybrid and electric cars, as well as motorcycles, bikes, and even e-scooters with new and improved safety features. Going beyond aesthetics and technology, manufacturers have been producing these alternative transport to make the world a better place to live in. Although these innovations are relatively new, people have become curious about the fuels and power sources for these rides. What makes the engines of these road companions roar? What does the future hold for these sustainable, renewable, and efficient alternatives?

We learned in Science class that factories and traditional cars contribute to higher carbon emissions that produce the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons can trap heat in the atmosphere, resulting in climate change. To prevent this from happening, countries around the globe have started to implement environmental policies and develop alternative fuel sources.

There are three main categories of alternative fuels: gas fuels, alcohols, and biofuels. Gas fuels such as propane and natural gas are domestically abundant and readily available in the market. In the local setting, some public utility vehicles such as jeeps and taxis use auto-LPG as an alternative and cleaner source of fuels. Bioethanol, butanol, and methanol reduce air pollution by recycling the carbon dioxide that is released when it is combusted as fuel. This reduces petroleum use and greenhouse gas emission. Just like gas fuels, alcohol-based fuels can either be mixed with other fuels or used in a specialized engine. Last on the list are biofuels which are another type of renewable fuel sourced from vegetable and waste-derived oils.

In the Philippines, coconut biodiesel mixed with fossil diesel is a great alternative to imported diesel. Although it costs more than other biofuels, those manufactured from coconuts deliver impressive engine performance, yielding more kilometers compared to other biofuels. Another example is sustainable aviation fuel commonly known as SAF. Compared to petroleum, it is derived from renewable sources with a great reduction in carbon emission. Since it is chemically identical to its petroleum counterparts, it minimizes compatibility issues and costs.

With further research, sources for alternative fuels may be widely used mainly for public transport. Since the Philippines has a rich agricultural base, crop wastes and other natural resources such as minerals may be used for developing more alternative fuels.

Some car owners may also opt to modify their existing engine and fueling system for compatibility.

The scarcity of alternative fuels sources is another growing concern in developing countries. According to the 2020 report of Climate Transparency, an organization that conducts climate assessments globally, the Philippines must rapidly develop energy-efficient transport and a flexible power grid for more variable renewable energy. The 2018 report of Enerdata, an independent research firm that conducts global energy market assessments, shows that 23 percent of the energy supply in the Philippines is from the following main renewable sources of energy: geothermal, biomass, solar power, and wind power. Geothermal energy harnesses the natural heat below the earth’s surface to generate electricity. Meanwhile, biomass is the main source of most alternative fuels which can also be converted to electricity by burning organic compounds. Solar power and wind power are the most commercially developed. Last on the list is hydropower for hydroelectricity production from conventional and run-of-the-river dams.

Tidal energy, another type of hydropower, converts tides to useful forms of power. A study from the University of the Philippines-Diliman shows that it has a high potential for powering a specific location since it is more stable than hydroelectric plants. The Department of Energy named eight tidal energy potential sites namely, Bohol Strait, Basiao Channel, Surigao Strait, Gaboc Channel, Hinatuan Passage, San Bernardino Strait, Basilan Strait, and San Juanico Strait. With tidal energy, we can also conclude that powering electric naval transport is plausible.

Researchers and scientists from other countries are also looking at Thorium-based nuclear power, which seems to be a better generation of nuclear power. According to numerous projects, it has lower radioactive wastes and produces long-term energy. It’s also cleaner, safer, and self-sustaining.

The potential for these renewable sources of energy for public transport is endless. It can expand metro rail systems, deploy bus rapid transit systems, and even electric public road transport. Since most of our trains are powered by electric motors, these renewable sources of energy may decrease power supply shortages and the use of fossil fuels in energy distribution grids. These can also increase rural and off-grid options for economical reasons.

However, we are still in the early age of eco-mobility where the technology is available for those who can afford it. It can take us decades to develop hybrid and electric vehicles and engines for mass transport. Although initiatives for modern transportation in the country have started, these alternatives cost a bit higher than traditional vehicles. Facilities for renewable electricity are also one of the major factors to consider.

For now, the government should prioritize first the needs of daily commuters. Alternative public transport options such as the establishment of interconnected and urban bicycle lanes, as well as pedestrian walk lanes, are needed to lessen the carbon footprint. Nevertheless, the future of mobility is going upwards and we’re still waiting to experience greener public transport.