The Methanol Economy

This guest editorial is by George A. Olah, director of the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California. A native of Hungary, Olah received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1994 for his pioneering work on carbocation chemistry. He has a long-standing interest in alternative hydrocarbon sources, as well as related energy and environmental issues. COAL, OIL, AND NATURAL GAS (FOSSIL fuels) are not only our main energy sources but they are also raw materials for a great variety of man-made products. These products range from gasoline, diesel oil, and varied petrochemical and chemical products (including synthesis materials) to plastics and pharmaceuticals. What nature gave us as a gift, built up over eons, is being used up rather rapidly since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. By the end of this century, these natural resources will be significantly depleted and will become increasingly costly. Thus, we urgently need to search for new sources and ...