Biofuel Guide - Introduction to Ethanol and Biodiesel

Among the most promising replacement for nonrenewable fossil fuel (petroleum, coal, etc) are fuels made from organic materials, the so-called “biofuels”. The two widely used biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Each has its own pros and cons. However, the present technologies result in limitation of production for the reason that not all parts of a certain plant can be used.

Due to this drawback, there has been lot of studies that would resolve this problem. This is where the so-called second generation of biofuel enters. This so-called second generation denotes non food crops (cellulosic biofuel) such as waste biomass, wood, etc.

To briefly differentiate second from first generation, First generation biofuel are those fuel derived from vegetable or animal fats/oils, starch or sugar with the use of modern technology. Proponents claims that increasing industrial and political support for this second generation biofuel is a more feasible solution to achieve efficient fuel production utilizing a much greater range of plants and its waste.

Cellulose ethanol production is newly discovered experimental processes which can breakdown cellulose in woody fibers. This would only mean that through this method, ethanol from crop wastes, trees and grasses can be derived. It is significantly better since trees and grasses require small amount of energy in comparison to grains that must be replanted annually. Moreover, there have been techniques to develop fast-growing trees that can grow to size in just 10 years. In addition, grasses can be harvested twice every year.

In cellulosic ethanol, the fuel is derived from the stems and stalks of plants rather than only using the sugars and starches from corns, as with corn ethanol, This is starting to gain interest in the United States. As a matter of fact, several companies are moving forward having plans to build plants using this method.

This new type of biofuel is gradually gaining popularity because of the feedstock such as wood chips and grasses that is cost effective and very abundant. During the conversion into ethanol, less fossil fuel is required, therefore, having a greater impact than the usual corn ethanol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, in comparison between the land area of grasses and corn, there is no doubt that an acre of grasses could make twice the number of gallons of ethanol that can be generated with an acre of corn. This is because in cellulose ethanol, the entire plant can be utilized instead of just the grain as in corn ethanol. This is great news for those regions having a short supply of corn-based food that is competing with the corn-ethanol manufacturers.

Based on the report made by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), by year 2050, the increasing productivity of cellulosic sources would in due course allow them to generate as much as 150 billion gallons of ethanol which is comparable to more than two-thirds present gasoline consumption in the United States.At the present time in the United States, none of the ethanol is derived from cellulosic materials. This is according to ethanol industry’s list of producers in the United States.

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There have been many efforts to generate unlimited and renewable source of fuel. This is where biofuel production comes in. It has been believed to be the sole answer for the world’s global warming and energy crisis. In contrast to other renewable energy resources, biomass - an organic material, can be converted directly into burnable fuels, termed as “biofuels,” to assist in meeting transportation fuel demands.

In the contemporary years, the biofuel industry is gaining impetus to promote a cleaner environment, improve new economic prospect for the agriculture industry and eventually reduce reliance on crude oil as a feedstock for gasoline. However there are a lot of controversies that arises from biofuel production and use.

Issue # 1: Is it really environmental friendly?It is known that biofuel chief benefit is the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emission because of the fact that these biofuel is primarily derived from crops which can absorb carbon dioxide. Thus, the balance of carbon dioxide is sustained and maintained in the atmosphere. However, looking at the entire process, from clearing the field to its consumption, the considerable reduced emission from the utilization of biofuel is overshadowed by far greater emissions that result from burning, deforestation, etc.

Issue # 2: Does it not really affect food supply?One of the prime criticisms is usually directed against large-scale biofuel production. It is believed to redirect agricultural production away from food crops. It is especially not good in developing countries.

The central dispute is that biofuel production will compete with food supply in numerous ways. Consequently, this fight over rural investment, agricultural, infrastructure, water, fertilizers, human resource, etc. will cause food shortages and price increase.

Issue # 3: Does it not affect a considerable amount of land and water?It is a fact that biofuel production necessitates growing biomass such as crops which in turn require a massive amount of land and water. It is particularly alarming in regions known to have scarcity of water. Manufacturing biofuel would only worsen water problem.

We can’t deny the fact that in other parts of the world, water limits are becoming more severe. The presence of large-scale biofuels would greatly need enormous amount of water. This would only result to further reduction of water availability.

Issue # 4: does it not involve destruction of wild habitats?As stated above, manufacturing biofuel would necessitate growing biomass which requires large agricultural lands. Consequently, in some countries, the incidence of deforestation is alarmingly increasing as croplands are being created. It does not only destroy wild habitats but also increase carbon dioxide that is emitted when forests are burnt. The home occupied by indigenous people, subsistence farmers and endangered species is in reality affected by this land clearing for growing biomass.

The issues presented above are indeed hot topics that need to be clarified and answered. These controversies would result to a much continual and thorough studies and research that would greatly benefit not only the government but the public itself.

But despite of these uncertainties, biofuel is now widely used in different countries including United States, Brazil and some countries in Europe because it poses a very good potential as an alternative fuel.

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