The Future Of Biofuels
Biofuels are environment-friendly fuels that can be made from decomposing orgainic matter. They are mainly derived from crops and plants, and can be liquid, solid or even gas.
They differ from fossil fuels in several aspects: 1. Fossil fuels are created over millions of years while biofuels can be made very quickly. 2. When compared to fossil fuels, biofuels tend to create less air pollution. 3. Because of their regeneration time, biofuels are considered much more ‘renewable’.
There are four different types of biofuels and they are grouped into four categories. They are 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation biofuels.
The 1st generation come from farm crops and animal fats – vegetable fats, starch, sugar and animal oils. Examples of these biofuels are biogas, biodiesel, and vegetable oil.
The second generation of bio-fuels is mainly derived from waste biomass, thus making it a more balanced option compared to the first-generation bio-fuels. Different kinds of alcohols and diesel generated from wood fall into the category of second generation bio-fuels.
The third generation comprises of bio-fuels derived from algae. Algae are farmed on large scales for creating these bio-fuels. The algae fuels are extremely environment-friendly as they can easily decompose into the soil without harming it.
The 4th generation of biofuels are those made from excretions of microorganisms. The microorganisms are farmed in large scale reactors and excrete chemicals that can be used as fuel.
Advantages of biofuels include: 1. They reduce the burden on fossil fuels which will one day run out. 2. They are eco-friendly, unlike many bio fuels, and will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. 3. They can be very cost effective when used correctly.
Disadvantages of bio-fuels include: 1. Economists have long debated on the usefulness of first generation bio-fuels when compared to the food that could be grown instead. Generating fuel from food crops makes food crops unworthy of human consumption. Some people believe that being a higher priority than fuel, food should not be farmed for making fuels but for human consumption. 2. Making bio-fuels require acres of farming land, thus encroaching upon the natural habitat of plants and animals.
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