Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Biofuels


BIOFUELS
By Anton Antonio
October 8, 2015

What is biofuel?  Biofuel is a fuel derived directly from living matter.  In an article I published on my blogsite last year (October 14, 2014), I only mentioned biofuels.  “It is noteworthy to mention that there are two types of energy sources: (1) renewable and (2) non-renewable.  Renewable energy sources are those provided by the sun, wind, water, BIOFUELS and other resources that do not need a long period of time to be naturally produced.  Non-renewable energy sources are those that need 100 years or more before they are produced such as fossil fuel.” (Antonio, 2014)  Now, however, in this article, there will be more information on biofuels.  Please read this researched material…

“BIOFUEL: ALTERNATIVE FUEL

Biofuel is a variety of fuel created from organic materials, or biomass.  Biomass simply refers to anything that is (or was) at some point alive, particularly plants and animals.  Biomass can come in the form of solid, gas, or oil.  Fuel made from these materials is gaining more popularity by the day.  The reason for this is not just due to the fact that it is a cheaper source of fuel, but because people are finally starting to realize the negative impact that greenhouse gases and other emissions are causing to the environment and the atmosphere.  Now that individuals are becoming more aware of the fact that the concentration of carbon dioxide is rising rapidly and that the days are getting hotter and hotter, they are starting to question what the future may hold for generations to come.  Biofuel is created by using a fermentation process.  The process does vary depending on the material used.  For example, bio-ethanol is produced by extracting carbohydrates from sugar or fruits, whereas bio-diesel is produced by extracting oils from animal fats or vegetables.  Bio-diesel has become an additive in regular diesel in some places, making it cheaper and a great way for vehicles that run on diesel to travel without emitting too much carbon dioxide.  Ethanol, as mentioned before, is also great when produced from biomass.  This allows cars that run on gasoline to travel without being too much of a burden on the environment.  The only drawbacks with bio-ethanol and bio-diesel are: (1) The cost for the fuel may be a bit more than regular fuel, depending on your relative location.  The prices for this fuel can vary quite a bit.  For example a study done by the University of California at Berkeley indicates that the Midwest states in the U.S. (where the fuel would typically be produced) will be charged roughly 30 cents less than regular gasoline, whereas the west coast would be charged roughly 35 cents more. (2) Another problem is that it is not as effective as regular fuel.  It doesn’t last as long, which means you would have to fuel up more frequently.  To sum up, this alternative fuel does in fact appear to be a better solution for generations to come as it will help stop climate change.  The current problem, however, is that consumers may not be ready to spend slightly more on biofuel than regular fossil fuels.  Ultimately, it is really just a matter of time before it becomes more popular in the market.  It should also be mentioned that algae fuel is another possible remedy to climate crisis.” --- Climate Change Guide

Because of its relative cost, market acceptance of biofuels seems to be the primary problem.  Additional to this would be the fact that the technology in processing of biofuels has yet to be perfected.  But this does not defeat the fact that biofuel is more environment friendly that regular fossil fuel.  However, this may also put pressure on our food chain and food security, so further research and development is needed to ascertain the viability of biofuels.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

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REFERENCES:

Antonio, A. C., (2014). “Sources of Energy”.  Retrieved on October 8, 2015 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2014/10/sources-of-energy.html

Climate Change Guide, (2014).  “Biofuel”.  Retrieved on September 27, 2015 from http://www.climate-change-guide.com/biofuel.html


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