Revolutionising Energy: A Dive into the World of Biofuels

Global warming is a crisis and just one aspect of climate change. Carbon emissions, also known as greenhouse gases, are blanketing the earth and trapping the sun’s heat, creating rising temperatures and sea levels. 

This results in increased droughts which are expanding deserts and reducing land for food growth. It causes changes in rainfall which creates extreme storms and flooding, destroying communities and costing billions in damages. The rising temperatures mean increased wildfires and unlivable heat. If things continue the way they are, the earth will become uninhabitable.

So, what can we do?

Renewable energy is a huge step towards protecting, and even improving our environment. By using energy with reduced carbon emissions or carbon emission offset initiatives, we can start to make a change. One of these renewable energy sources is biofuels, but what are they, and how can using them within the transportation, aviation, and construction industries help?

Understanding biofuels

Let’s take a closer look at what biofuels are and why they hold such importance.

What are biofuels?

Biofuels are defined as fuel derived immediately from living matter, known as biomass, typically plant-based. Biomass differs from other renewable energy sources because it can be converted directly into liquid biofuels. Biofuels can also be produced using domestic, industrial or agricultural biowaste. 

There are two common biofuels in use today: ethanol and biodiesel. 

Ethanol, made from plant matter (biomass), is an alcohol. It’s used as a blending agent with gasoline that increases octane and reduces carbon monoxide and other emissions that result in smog.

Biodiesel, often referred to as FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), is made from either new or used vegetable oils, recycled cooking grease, or animal fats. It is a replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel that burns much cleaner than its traditional alternative. Biodiesel is used to ​​fuel compression-ignition engines, just like regular diesel.

Why are biofuels important?

Biofuels are changing the environment for the better. They are crucial for combating climate change, meeting rising energy consumption needs, and making the most of natural resources. Biofuels provide a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels and, on top of that, are renewable. This makes biofuels an endless, decarbonising solution to steer the future of fuel in a far more eco-friendly direction.  

How are biofuels produced?

Production methods all come down to the feedstock and the type of biofuel being produced. For example, ethanol is created by fermenting animal fats or vegetables high in sugar, while other biofuels are created by deconstructing feedstocks into their chemical components which are then processed in several different ways and stages.

Because they are made from renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats, wood chippings and sugar cane, biofuels can be continually produced. Fossil fuels are exhaustible, so will eventually run out, whereas biomass can be repeatedly reproduced. 

Advancements in technology mean that production methods are constantly being made more efficient and sustainable, helping grow the bioenergy sector to benefit our future.

Advantages and challenges

Biofuels have many advantages and benefits but they are not without their challenges. Let’s explore both sides of biofuel production and usage.

The advantages of biofuels

The benefits of biofuels are numerous, which makes them popular in industries such as the automotive and aviation sectors. These advantages include:

A lower carbon footprint

Biofuels leave a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional fossil fuels due to both their production and their emissions when burnt. Traffic is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, but substituting the fossil fuels vehicles use with renewable biofuels means reduced emissions. 

Switching to electric vehicles also benefits the environment, but it isn’t as accessible as biofuels due to a lack of electric charging networks and the high cost of electric vehicles.

Energy security 

By reducing the world’s dependence on fossil fuels, biofuels can help create energy security. Biofuel means energy security will be enhanced and safeguarded, as it will meet the increasing demand with alternatives that can be continually renewed. 

Waste reduction

As many biofuels can be produced using waste, from agricultural by-products to used cooking grease, one of its benefits is the resources it uses. The amount of waste will significantly reduce if it is used to create biofuel, making the most of our natural materials which will benefit our future on this planet. 

Biofuel concerns and challenges

As with everything in life, drawbacks often come alongside the pulls. The concerns facing biofuels are constantly being worked on, with hopeful advancements on the horizon to reduce these challenges.

Land use

There are current concerns around the competition between land for biofuel crops and land for food crops, putting food security into doubt. To make enough room for both, there is a chance of deforestation, which goes against the mission behind eco-friendly biofuel.

Resource intensity

The sustainability of biofuels can be limited by the amount of resources required in production. Water, energy and fertilizers are all required to create biofuels, and using too much can create water scarcity and even the greenhouse gases these fuels are trying to reduce.

Lack of awareness and support

Biofuel cannot make the significant differences it is capable of without awareness and support from the public. With the above challenges thrown into the spotlight, public perception can be altered and put a block in place when it comes to advancement. 

Real-world applications

Green fuels are in use today, paving the way for a more renewable future. 

Automotive industry

Reducing the carbon emissions from road vehicles impacts the environment in a significantly positive way. Using ethanol and biodiesel as a substitute for fossil fuels in vehicles lowers the amount of harmful emissions released. Biofuels can be used as additives which boost efficiency, too, but not all vehicles are built to support biofuel. It’s hopeful that in future, all vehicles will be able to run on renewable, clean energy.

Aviation industry

One of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in our atmosphere, the aviation industry is in need of an upgrade in terms of fuel. A current biofuel option is becoming increasingly popular in this industry, known as SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). Only HEFA-SPK (Hydro-processed esters and fatty acids – synthetic paraffinic kerosene), a blend of SAF, is mature enough to use today, but soon more will be available to help reduce harmful emissions.

Renewable energy

Biofuel fits into the broader landscape of renewable energy sources with its position only growing as advancements are made. While challenges hold it back, its benefits outweigh them, and so in future, we are sure to see more of a transition from fossil fuels to biofuels and a successful integration with existing infrastructure.

The future of biofuels

The future of biofuels is bright, with hopeful prospects on the horizon that can help us reduce carbon emissions and improve our environment for generations to come. Ongoing research and technological advancements will lead to more efficient and affordable processes to create biofuels. 

Through advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology, there is the possibility of creating high-yield, low-input crops and microorganisms to use to create biofuel. Research is also going into new feedstocks, including algae which would be an excellent source material due to the ability to grow it in large amounts in non-arable land. This would reduce the competition for space for growing food crops, one of the main challenges facing biofuels.

As more research and funding goes into the development of renewable energy, the more likely it is that biofuel production could be decentralised. This would enable local communities to reduce their dependence on centralised energy sources and generate their own energy instead.

With all of this considered, the future of transportation and the powering of industries will become cleaner and more cost-effective, helping businesses operate better as well as our environment. Biofuel, if the challenges and concerns are dealt with, could become our main source of energy, from heating homes to running construction machinery and everything else in between. 

Renewable fuels available with Fuelsource

As time goes on and the development of technology and processes continues, we at Fuelsource are hopeful that soon we’ll be able to deliver even more green fuel to you and your business. 

Currently, we can supply you with HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a renewable alternative to gas oil that offers up to a 90% reduction in carbon emissions. It’s used as a direct alternative to diesel, with little to no modifications required to your current engines.

We also offer Carbon-Offset Diesel. There is no difference in the fuel itself, but the slight increase in price means the extra goes towards carbon-reducing initiatives across the globe, including carbon capture, reforestation and renewable energy investment. 

It’s important to stay informed on the advancements in biofuels and to use them where possible, contributing to a healthier environment and a better future for the next generations. In the years to come, we anticipate more and more accessible renewable energy sources, with biofuel on the front line for many businesses and industries. 

To enquire about our green fuels and arrange a fuel delivery, give us a call on 0207 846 0255, or use our simple online form to get a personal quote today.