Biofuels

Biofuel is a biodegradable, clean-burning alternative fuel made from domestic, renewable resources. When burned, it releases chemical energy in the form of heat. However, it can also be converted to other usable forms of energy, such as methane gas or transportation fuels (ethanol and biodiesel) using chemical, fermentation, and decaying processes.

What is biofuel?

Biofuel is a biodegradable, clean-burning alternative fuel made from domestic, renewable resources (plant material and recycled elements of the food chain, such as cow manure). Biofuels can be used, in either pure form or blended with fossil fuels, in diesel-powered vehicles and boats. One advantage of biofuel in comparison to most other fuel types is that it is biodegradable, and thus relatively harmless to the environment if spilled.

How biofuel is formed

Biofuel is made through a chemical process called transesterification. This process separates the glycerin from animal fats or vegetable oil, leaving behind two products—methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable byproduct used in soaps and other products).

History of biofuel

Biofuels in the solid form have been used since the discovery of fire. Wood was the first form of biofuel that was used by ancient people for cooking and heating. Liquid biofuels date back to the late 1800's when Rudolph Diesel developed the diesel engine to run on peanut oil. Henry Ford designed his 1908 Model T to run on ethanol. By the 1930's, petroleum became the primary source for fuel because of more supply, and better price and efficiency. In recent years, consumer interest in biofuels has resurged as the debate for the most environmentally friendly and economical fuel source continues.

Uses for biofuel

Biofuels are most commonly used to power vehicles, heat homes, and for cooking. Biofuels can be used, in either pure form or blended with fossil fuels, in diesel-powered vehicles and boats. In Brazil, farmers grow a special kind of sugar cane called “energy-cane,” which is used to fuel some of their cars. Renewable energy represents 46 percent of Brazil’s total annual energy supply, one-third of which is ethanol (a biofuel).

Demand for biofuel

Many areas of the world have invested in biofuels to provide secure supplies of environmentally friendly energy during the past several years. But now rising food prices, trade tensions and social unrest are prompting a debate on the hopes for running more cars and trucks on biofuel.

Biofuels pros and cons

Pros

• Abundant supply
• Fewer emissions than fossil fuel sources
• Can be used in diesel engines
• Auto engines easily converted to run on biomass fuel

Cons

• Source must be near usage to cut transportation costs
• Emits some pollution as gas/liquid waste
• Increases nitrogen oxide, an air pollutant emissions
• Uses some fossil fuels in conversion

More biofuel resources

Biofuel answers.com
Provides dictionary-like definitions along with lengthy description, history, examples, and uses of biofuels with many links for more information

Biomass Energy The Library of Congress
This online guide highlights selected works and resources about biomass energy

What is biofuel? Energy North East
Offers simple descriptions of biofuel, biodiesel, and bioethanol