Over the years, scientists warned us about how fossil fuel reserves are depleting. However, the demand for fuel is only risen over the years, considering the earth’s expanding population. In such a situation, biofuels can be befitting alternatives!
‘Bio’ denotes its organic nature and a source of bioenergy. These are renewable sources of energy and, therefore, eco-friendly.
Check out the types of biofuels that work equally good as fossil fuels, if not better!
1. Biogas
It is an example of biofuel, available in gaseous form. It burns like natural gas, and most agricultural firms use it. This fuel is also filled in cylinders supplied for household uses in several countries.
The main component of biogas is methane. However, its making process includes an anaerobic breakdown of biomasses.
2. Biodiesel
This liquid form of biofuel is made from animal fats and oil from trees! However, the purest form of biodiesel is extracted from plants! Biodiesel can also be produced from alcohol. Sunflower seeds are also a good source of biodiesel.
However, the making of biodiesel involves some complex chemical processes, like trans-esterification. It is used widely as vehicle fuel.
3. Ethanol
This biofuel is liquid in nature and is alcohol. Although ethanol can be extracted both from plants and animals, plants are preferred more, especially sugarcane plants!
Through the fermentation process of biomass of high carbon content, we get ethanol. Besides using as a fuel, it is also often mixed with other fuels for lesser carbon emissions.
4. Biobutanol
Just like ethanol, it is also an alcohol that works as biofuel. Compared to most types of biofuels like ethanol and methanol, it has a higher per unit energy content. Biobutanol
can be directly used as an alternative to gasoline. The only concern is that it is very difficult to produce.
Biobutanol is derived from plants like wheat and sorghum.
Why are biofuels better than fossil fuels?
While several types of biofuels are available, they have some common benefits. Let’s find out!
1. The biggest concern with fossil fuel is the pollution it causes to the environment. On the other hand, biofuels are clean energy and therefore release the lower amount of carbon.
2. The cost of producing biofuels is less than fossil fuels. Therefore, it is accessible to common people. It also improved the standard of living with lesser dependency on fossil fuels which follows global pricing,
3. All countries can produce their own biofuels, unlike fossil fuels. It means a country does not have to depend on other countries, for example, the middle east, for fossil fuel. It reduces the need to import fossil fuels, and the government can ensure a sustainable economy that proves beneficial in the long run.
4. Some fossil fuels like coals release a high amount of sulphur in the air during combustion. It increases the chances of acid rain. On the contrary, biofuels do not have sulfur content.
Did you know every year, the 10th of August is celebrated as the World Biofuel Day to encourage people to shift to biofuels for a greener planet? Write your thoughts on this in the comments below!
Enjoyed reading this? Then we also suggest you head to 4 Ways to Help Planet Earth!
