Renewable or non-polluting energy sources are increasingly developing. We must bear in mind that changing the current energy model is complicated overnight. Therefore, we are immersed in what is known as the energy transition. One of the elements that is helping to reduce pollution is the use of renewable energy sources. biofuels. Nothing more than the name, we can intuit what this entails. However, many people do not know what they are made of, what they are for or what advantages they offer over conventional fuels.
Want to learn more about sustainable biofuels and their benefits? We explain everything in detail in this article.
What are biofuels
Biofuels are also known as biofuels. It is a compound formed by mixtures of substances of organic origin. These substances are used to obtain energy. It is considered renewable or a cleaner energy source since the substances come from biomass. Therefore, this organic matter that is created and accumulated is renewable over time.
There is a controversy with the balance of CO2 emitted and CO2 absorbed by these biofuels. As the substances that form this compound are organic, during their life they have had an absorption of CO2 during the photosynthesis process. Once they have finished their life, they are used to make these fuels. Unlike other renewable energy sources such as solar, during the use of this biofuel, carbon dioxide emissions are also generated. What is counted is the balance between CO2 that has been emitted during its use against the CO2 that has been absorbed in the production of organic materials (plantations).
Until today, it is stated that the balance is positive, so that less CO2 is emitted during its use than during its formation.
The advantage of these biofuels is that they can replace a large part of fossil fuel consumption. This reduces the impact produced by these fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions globally. Although emissions during the use of both fuels are similar, CO2 is not absorbed during the oil formation process as is the case with biofuels. Information on the biomass provides context on the sources of these fuels.
What are they made of
Now we're going to learn about the plant species that can be used to produce biofuels. Many people think it's a waste of land, an overexploitation of soil in agriculture, and a waste of food. What we need to consider is that food is actually used. What's used to create biofuel is food waste.
Among the plant species that are used we have:
- The soy
- The corn
- Sugarcane
- Cassava
- Sunflower
- Eucalyptus
- The Palm trees
- The pines
- Algae oil
These biofuels can be classified into three large groups, depending on the raw material that has been used in the manufacturing process. There are first, second and third generation biofuels. We are going to analyze each of them:
- First generation biofuels. These are those that have an origin in agricultural crops that are used to obtain food products for human consumption. These production systems are the simplest, since the remains of the production of these foods are used. In addition, they are cheaper. However, it has some limitations that can jeopardize food supply and biodiversity by reducing planting species in ecosystems.
- Second generation biofuels. This type of fuel arose from the high demand for biofuels. It is obtained from biomass produced in forest environments. These materials are lignocellulosic and are woody or fibrous in nature. These biofuels continue to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, but are more expensive and complicated to produce than first-generation biofuels. They are produced from products that are not intended for food or are waste.
- Third generation biofuels. They come from biomass that is not intended for human consumption or waste. In this category we include microalgae. Molecular biology techniques are used in its production and microalgae can be generated for the subsequent production of biofuel.
Types of biofuels
We are going to analyze the different biofuels that are best known and used by everyone:
- Bioethanol. It is the one that is generated through the alcoholic fermentation of the sugars present in some plant species. Among these species we can find sugar cane, beets or some cereals.
- Biodiesel. This is produced from vegetable oils, including soybean, canola, rapeseed, and jatropha. These species are cultivated for use as biodiesel.
- Biopropanol or biobutanol. These two types are less popular, but research is being done on them as they can also serve as frequently used as the previous two.
Advantages and disadvantages
Although they may appear to be salvation, they have both advantages and disadvantages. We list the advantages:
- The cost will be less than that of gasoline or diesel. Raw materials are practically nil as they are waste.
- It generates employment at the local level.
- They reduce emissions.
- More efficient production processes and less pollution.
- It has a higher level of security in its handling.
But not everything can be advantages. We list the disadvantages:
- The use of nitrogen fertilizers for crop production increases nitrogen oxide emissions and pollutes water and soil.
- They provide less energy than conventional ones.
- There is loss of forest areas for crop production and these species are CO2 consumers.
- For the production of some biofuels, fossil fuels are used, which increases emissions even more.
I hope this information helps you learn more about these alternative energies, which are controversial as to whether they are truly sustainable or not, and whose use should increase in society.