Biofuels – an alternative to fossil fuels?

Biofuel derived primarily from plants is a fuel that is formed when biological matter decomposes. There are three forms or states of matter present in: solid, liquid and gas.

Comparisons between biofuels and fossil fuels

• Bios can be made in a matter of days, unlike fossil fuels which can take a million years to develop.
• In terms of pollution, biofuels are relatively safer.
• Unlike fossil fuels, bioenergy are renewable sources of energy.

The four biofuels

• First generation: derived from vegetable fats, starch, and sugar. Examples of first generation biofuels: biogas, biodiesel, and vegetable oils. First generation fuels are also derived from animal fats.
• Second Generation: Derived mostly from bio-waste, second generation biofuels are a more balanced option compared to the first generation. The second generation fuel consists of different types of alcohols and diesel produced from wood.
• Third Generation: The third generation environmentally friendly biofuels derived from algae. Algae are farmed on a large scale specifically for the production of these alternative fuels. Biofuels derived from algae can also easily decompose in the soil without harming it.
• Fourth generation: It is derived in a way that microorganisms are bred to work with carbon dioxide to generate fuel.

Pros and Cons

Positives:

• They provide us with an alternative to fossil fuels.
• Environmentally friendly biofuels help reduce carbon emissions.
• It can be cost effective for consumers.

cons:

• Destruction of natural ecosystems – Making biofuels requires acres of farmland, thus encroaching on the natural habitats of plants and animals. The production of fuel from food crops also renders the crops unfit for human consumption. Some people believe that food for human consumption should be a higher priority.
• Making biofuels requires acres of farmland, thus encroaching on the natural habitats of plants and animals.
• Biofuels reduce carbon monoxide emissions, but pollution from biofuel production reduces efficiency.

Times are changing and so are our needs to find alternative fuel sources that are inexpensive, renewable and cleaner burning. A green planet is a healthy planet. Finding alternative fuel sources is our future.