Biofuel
Biofuels are energy sources made from living things, or waste that living things produce. It contains energy from geologically recent carbon fixation. These fuels are made by a fermentation of plant or plant like materials. This biomass is converted to energy using thermal, chemical and biochemical conversion.
First generation biofuels, made from sugars, vegetable oils and animal fats that are converted into fuels like biodiesel, bioalcohols, ethanol through a process called transesterification.
Second generation biofuels, made from non-food crops or agricultural wastes like willow or wood chips
Advantages
Efficiency
Efficiency of biofuels is increasing as compared to that of petroleum. It is more energy efficient than gasoline. Also, the production of biofuels does not require the amount of energy required to produce petroleum or diesel. It helps in saving considerable amount of energy, which otherwise would have been used in the production of fossil fuel generated sources of power. Production of biofuels is also eco-friendly, as feedstock is converted into biofuel.
Clean
Not only are biofuels efficient, but also they do not cause any detrimental effects to our health. Biofuels are a clean and organic source of fuel. They do emit any pollutants into the atmophere, which may hamper with human health. Biodiesel reduces smog-forming particulate matter as compare to conventional fuel, which reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses.
Independence
Switching to biofuels will help to reduce dependence on petroleum export. Many countries spend a major part of their expenditure on importing petrol and oil from the Gulf countries. Biofuel can be easily produced in any country.
Sustainable
Use of biofuels is sustainable. Fossil fuels are fast depleting and may not be available at all one day. Hence, it is essential to switch to such an energy source which can be used effectively over a long period without fear of depletion. Feedstock is the requirement for biofuel, and this will be available for as long as mankind exists.
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Third generation biofuels, made from algae or other quick growing biomass sources
Fourth generation, made from specially engineered plants or biomass that are able to grow on non-cultivated lands or in water bodies
Disadvantages
Monoculture
There is the problem of monoculture. It is the process of planting the same crops year after year instead of producing an array of crops. This process may rob the soil from essential nutrients, which is restored in the soil through crop rotation.
Pollutants
Biofuels may encourage the use of fertilizers. Biofuels are produced from crop, and to enhace the production of crops, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides maybe applied. These synthetic fertilizers pollute the soil and cause accumulation of harmful materials in the soil. It may also cause water pollution, as the pollutants maybe washed away to lakes or rivers nearby.
Food Shortages
Biofuels may also lead to food shortages, Corn is a major crop grown for biofuel. If focus is put on biofuels, corn production may increase at the cost of other food products.
Increase Cost
There is the risk of an increase in cost in the future. The current technology of ethanol being used is not very efficient and hence, research is being undertaken to develop more efficient systmes. This research will involve substantial loss of time and money.
Water Wastage
Use of biofuels may also lead to wastage of water. To irrigate biofuel crops, large quantities of water is used, which may pressure the local water resources.