Plenary Speech:

General Information about Renewable Energy Sourses and Biofuels
 

Assoc. Professor Charalampos I. Arapatsakos
Mechanical Engineer, Ph.D.
University of Thrace-Greece
GREECE

E-mail: xarapat@agro.duth.gr

 

Abstract: The beginning of the 21st century finds humans more familiar with the concept of sustainable development. We must prevent the degradation of our environment focusing in more friendly technologies. This need lead scientists to the use of other energy sources that can be used with the same efficiency but won’t have damaging effect to the environment. The increased vehicle number that usually uses petroleum-based fuels results to dangerous emissions production such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and others. These emissions besides the fact that lead to environmental degradation they also constitute a threat for human health. People's concern about the risks associated with hazardous pollutants results to an increased demand for renewable fuels as alternatives to fossil fuels [1,2,3]. That tendency is depicted on the Kyoto’s pact, setting a goal of 8% reduction of CO2 until 2012 globally, and the European policy willing to double the inland production of renewable energy from 6% to 12%, and to increase the energy efficiency by 18% compared to that of 1995, as well as the 5,75% substitution at national level in all the members states of fossil fuels with biofuels, as predicted in the late directive of 2003. Bioenergy production as heat, electricity, and liquid fuels represent (2002) 14% of the World’s primary energy supply. About 25% of that amount is used in industrialized countries, while the other 75% is used in developing countries. [4,5,6].
Renewable fuels will probably replace petroleum-based fuels in the near future because petroleum reserves are not sufficient enough to last many years. Also, the severe environmental problems around the world will eventually lead to the use of more environmentally friendly technologies.

 

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Charalampos Arapatsakos
Born in Athens, Greece
Citizenship: Greek
e-mail:xarapat@agro.duth.gr

Titles
-Mechanical Engineer, Ph.D. (Democitus University of Thrace-Greece), Assoc. Professor on University of Thrace-Greece

Present Responsibilities
-Member of Technical Chamber of Greece
-Member of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Association.
-Member of Combustion Institute of Greece

Participations
I took part in many research programs, which referred to biofuels, gas emissions, antipollution technology.

Research domains
Biofuels and their use in internal combustion engines, power variation from the use of biofuels, gas emissions and mechanical damages.