Question

Imagine that you are an executive working for a company that distributes books to a Seattle, Washington, area. Your company, with a 20,000-square-foot warehouse and a fleet of 15 small delivery vans, employs 75 people. The following are three questions that an academic researcher specializing in energy issues might focus her research on. Translate each of these academic questions into workplace questions that your distribution company might need to answer:

What are the principal problems that need to be resolved before biomass (such as swithgrass) can become a viable energy source for cars and trucks?

Answer 1

The principal problems that need to be resolved before biomass can become a viable energy source for cars and trucks include the availability of biomass, the conversion technology, and the infrastructure and logistics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principal problems that need to be resolved before biomass can become a viable energy source for cars and trucks in your distribution company would include:

Availability of biomass: You would need to determine the availability and sustainability of biomass sources such as switchgrass in your area. This would involve researching the local climate, soil conditions, and feasibility of cultivating and harvesting biomass.

Conversion technology: You would need to assess the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of converting biomass into biofuels that can be used as alternative fuels for cars and trucks. This would involve evaluating different conversion technologies, such as pyrolysis or fermentation, and their economic viability.

Infrastructure and logistics: You would need to address the infrastructure and logistical challenges associated with distributing biomass-based biofuels. This would include storage facilities, transportation logistics, and integration with existing fuel distribution networks.