Biofuels - explained

BIOFUELS

Biofuels represent a sustainable way of producing fuel. They seem therefore to be a great alternative fuel.

A huge amount of biomass is however required to produce these fuels, and with current production methods they represent an alternative but not a replacement for petrol & diesel.

Currently biofuels are only really popular for use in large diesel vehicles such as buses, agricultural vehicles, tractors & machinery. However, if you can get your hands on it, many vehicles can run on biofuels with little or no modification.

BIOFUELS

What are they?

Biofuels are any form of fuels which have been produced from recently lifeless or living biological forms. These fuels are usually derived from biomass, which are crops that are specifically grown for the sole purpose of providing plants to make fuel. There are several plants that can make up these fuels, some just being sugarcane, corn, hemp, algae oil and palm oil.

How does it work?

Biofuels are generally made from the same things that fossil fuels are, but it?s the length of time that the material has been ?dead? that either makes it a fossil fuel or biofuel. The carbon in the material be used has to be refined so that it be used as a green fuel.

Why is it green?

Biofuels offer endless environmental benefits and many advantages over conventional fuels. They burn more efficiently and are cleaner than fossil fuels. They produce less carbon dioxide and therefore, less pollution. It is a process that is worth developing as it takes renewable sources such as plant matter and waste that otherwise might have ended up as?. Waste!

BIODIESEL, BIOETHANOL & BIOMASS

The alternative fuels in this section will cover biodiesel, bioethanol and biomass.

Biodiesel - Find out if you can use biodiesel in your engine and if it really is better for your health >>

Bioethanol - Bioethanol finds another reason to harvest those crops >>

Biomass - Fossil fuels or Biomass? You decide >>

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