The Energy Modeling & Alternative Fuels Group focuses on improved and cross-compared economic/environmental/transportation/energy models tell us about the future of sustainable transportation?
Motivation & Value:
The Energy Modeling and Alternative Fuels Program uses a wide range of models and related tools to conduct research and create future scenarios to support the development of sustainable transport, with a geographic scope that includes California, the U.S. and the world. Research will focus on assessing fuels and vehicle technologies; considering sustainable energy pathways and comparing options; conducting environmental and cost analyses; investigating policy implications, needs and impacts; and comparing models and studies.
Key Research Questions:
- What are the power generation and distribution impacts of PEVs and FCEVs (fuel cell electric vehicles), electricity and hydrogen demand, and grid effects?
- What are the resource and feedstock costs, infrastructure needs, and GHG (greenhouse gas) burden of biofuels and hydrogen?
- What are the relative costs and synergies of fuel and technology options and infrastructure within and across modes and regions?
- How will new fuels, including H2, impact further transportation needs such as shipping, electric aviation, pilotless air taxis?