Alternate Fuel 

Biofuels - What Are They?

Biofuels are fuels that can be created when some biological materials decompose. They are primarily derived from plants, and can be formed as solids, liquids or gases.

Bio-fuels are different from fossil fuels in the following ways: 1. Fossil fuels take millions of years to make whereas bio-fuels can be made extremely fast, in a matter of days. 2. Fossil fuels generate huge amounts of pollution. Bio-fuels are comparatively safer. 3. Bio-fuels are renewable sources of energy unlike fossil fuels.

Bio-fuels have been categorized into four types: first generation, second generation, third generation, and fourth generation.

The first generation bio-fuels are derived from vegetable fats, starch, and sugar, which are in turn derived from food-crops. The first generation fuels are also derived from animal fats. Biogas, bio-diesel, and vegetable oil are some examples of this type of bio-fuels.

The 2nd generation of biofuels are derived from waste biomass. This would include oil, alcohols and diesels made from things such as felled trees.

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.

Would you like to learn more about renewable energy technologies? We are renewable energy experts and enthusiasts. See our site which is at RenewableEnergyAtHome.Com for more details and do-it-yourself renewable energy. For example, see how to build a wind power generator through this link right now.

Videos

New Discoveries In Energy News

Devon deal is key to BP growth targets - Financial Times

MiamiHerald.com

Devon deal is key to BP growth targets Financial Times The company's absence from Brazil, the site of several of the biggest oil discoveries of recent years, seems to have been nagging at him like a sore tooth. ... BP to pay Devon $7 bln for fieldsReuters BP Sambas Up with Devon DealWall Street Journal BP to Pay Devon $7 Billion for Fuel AssetsNew York Times Wall Street Journal (blog) -Times Online -Motley Fool all 761 news articles »

Chortling At Chu - Investor's Business Daily

Chortling At Chu Investor's Business Daily "Gas is more than a bridge fuel," said James Mulva, CEO of Houston-based ConocoPhillips, noting that huge gas discoveries in recent years in North America ... and more »

Alberta backtracks on oil and gas royalties - Reuters

CBC.ca

Alberta backtracks on oil and gas royalties Reuters As well, massive new shale gas discoveries in the United States and British Columbia threatened to make the province's smaller conventional gas reserves ... Who's driving the royalty bus?Edmonton Journal Alberta hosts highest land sale of the yearCalgary Herald all 396 news articles »

The village of Ruby's new race - Alaska Dispatch

The village of Ruby's new race Alaska Dispatch If Sweetsir has his way, solutions for self-sufficiency will blend the experience of days gone by with the promise of new discoveries. ... and more »

Journey of discovery - The Guardian

The Guardian

Journey of discovery The Guardian Exert some energy by climbing aboard the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860 and testing your naval skills with Action Stations, or simply sit back and enjoy ...