ConocoPhillips believes the key to a secure energy future is the efficient and effective use of a variety of energy sources. That's why the company is exploring a variety of options, including researching renewable and alternative fuel sources.
ConocoPhillips considers alternative energy to be an important part of the long-term energy supply solution. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, renewables will constitute 7 percent of the total U.S. energy supply in 2010. To research and develop alternative energy, ConocoPhillips maintains a significant internal program, as well as partners with universities to sponsor energy-related research. The company also supports the development and implementation of a federal regulatory program to encourage the production and distribution of renewable fuels.
One example of an alternative, renewable fuel source is biomass. Biomass encompasses any plant-derived organic matter available on a renewable basis, including dedicated energy crops and trees, agricultural food and feed crops, agricultural crop wastes and residues, wood wastes and residues, aquatic plants, animal wastes, municipal wastes, and other waste materials. Biomass creates an opportunity to use domestic and sustainable resources to provide fuel, power and chemical needs from plants and plant-derived materials. Bioenergy ranks second (to hydropower) in renewable U.S. primary energy production, and accounts for 3 percent of the primary energy production in the United States. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration
|