U.S. Department of Energy | Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy U.S. Department of Energy Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation

Emerging Alternative Fuels

Experimentation to identify new fuels is a perpetual process. Several emerging alternative fuels are under development or already developed and may be newly available in the United States. These fuels may reduce pollution, improve vehicle performance, increase energy security, contribute to an energy efficient transportation system, and stimulate the U.S. economy.

Some of these emerging fuels are considered alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and may qualify for federal and state incentives and laws:

Additional fuels, such as ammonia, may also meet the criteria for alternative fuels when used in limited quantities. More research is needed to characterize the impacts of these fuels, such as necessary vehicle modifications, required fueling infrastructure, and human health impacts.