Argonne National Laboratory Is Steering Toward Cleaner Shipping

In Illinois, new research from scientists at Argonne National Laboratory suggests that swapping heavy fuel oil with fuels made from wood waste, waste fats, oils, and greases could drastically cut planet-warming emissions from the shipping industry by 40% to 93%. The team also found that cleaner biofuels could be cost-effective after considering credits, like those offered by California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

ANL researchers worked in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and were funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office.

While cars are increasingly being powered by batteries and electricity, heavier modes of transportation, like shipping, need different clean energy solutions, which is why ANL researchers have been exploring biofuel options.