Hydrocarbon-fueled

Relating to or powered by substances primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon, such as gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. This term frequently describes engines, power plants, and other systems where the combustion of hydrocarbons provides energy. It implies a reliance on fossil fuels, which are derived from ancient organic matter, often signifying environmental impact concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. The term encompasses a wide range of energy sources, from internal combustion engines in vehicles to industrial processes utilizing hydrocarbon fuels. The choice of 'hydrocarbon-fueled' often contrasts with renewable or alternative energy sources.

Hydrocarbon-fueled meaning with examples

• The old factory relied entirely on a hydrocarbon-fueled boiler, churning out plumes of smoke and consuming vast quantities of coal. This antiquated system was inefficient and a significant contributor to local air pollution, leading to calls for its modernization or replacement with cleaner alternatives, like natural gas or renewable sources such as solar energy.
• As the city expanded, the demand for transportation led to an increased reliance on hydrocarbon-fueled vehicles, resulting in heavier traffic congestion and greater tailpipe emissions. This spurred investments in public transportation and electric vehicle infrastructure, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of this continued dependency.
• The massive cargo ship, a behemoth of the sea, was powered by a gargantuan hydrocarbon-fueled engine, consuming heavy fuel oil to traverse vast ocean distances. The maritime industry is increasingly under pressure to switch to more sustainable fuel sources, given the impact of the massive fuel consumption on air quality and the environment.
• Exploration of outer space required powerful hydrocarbon-fueled rockets to overcome the earth's gravitational pull. These rockets, while incredibly powerful, use substantial amounts of highly refined hydrocarbon fuels, contributing to the lifecycle environmental impact that space exploration demands.
• The economic downturn affected even the supply of hydrocarbon-fueled power plants, since their high cost can be affected greatly by fluctuations in the global oil market. Diversification into different energy source models became critical to many companies that invested heavily in them, to avoid a shutdown if supply chains were impacted.