Biofuel represents a renewable energy source that is obtained by decomposing organic waste of animal or vegetable origin under certain conditions. This waste, represented in biomass, can undergo various transformation processes to produce thermal energy (heat) and even to represent a safe and clean alternative to fossil fuels.
As conventional fuel prices rise and global warming becomes more widespread, more and more countries are pushing the use of biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money.
Some examples of this type of energy are bioethanol, biomethanol, biobutanol, syngas, and some natural solid fuels, such as wood. Check advantages and disadvantages of bioethanol
These natural fuels are produced from crops of corn, sugar cane, soybeans and wheat, which means that its sustainability is guaranteed. If each country focuses on creating a special farming system to generate biofuels, it is likely that we are facing an inexhaustible source of energy.
On this occasion, we present the main advantages and disadvantages of biofuels.
10 advantages of biofuels
Reduce greenhouse gases
Research has revealed that biofuels such as bioethanol have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 65%.
In addition, experts say that biodiesel produced from edible oil can reduce these emissions by up to 87% compared to petroleum-based fuel.
They are sustainable
Although fossil fuels represent our main source of energy, their availability will run out at some point. This is not the case with biofuels, since most of their basic materials, such as manure and plants, are renewable and unlikely to run out any time soon.
They offer a good cost-benefit ratio
Although the price of biodiesel to the consumer is more expensive than traditional diesel, vehicles that use biodiesel save up to 30 percent more fuel than gasoline-powered vehicles.
In addition, biodiesel reduces emissions of polluting particles and benzene, a carcinogenic substance. As toxicity in the environment is reduced, so too health care costs are reduced.
High Quality Automotive Performance
Biofuel can power diesel engines no modifications or few changes to the engine. In fact, the performance of this natural fuel is the same as gasoline, except for areas with cold climates, where biodiesel vehicles can be slower.
Reduces dependence on oil imports
Currently, the world consumes about 85 million barrels of oil daily. This mainly affects non-producing countries, who invest large resources in imported oil.
With the use of biofuel, these governments will be able to save a lot of money, even more so if they launch production plants for this renewable energy.
Cleaner refineries
Fossil fuel refineries, such as oil, release tons of chemicals that affect our health and the environment. For their part, biofuel refineries They are respectful of our ecosystems, since its greenhouse gas emissions are substantially low.
They allow us to take care of our health
While fossil fuels contribute to deaths from air pollution by releasing acetaldehyde and other cancer-causing substances, biofuels emit fewer toxins into the air, which can considerably reduce respiratory diseases and “acid rain”.
Economic development in rural areas
Biofuels not only reduce dependence on oil imports, but can also boost the economy of the poorest rural areas.
Local communities can install their own biofuel generation plants, which increases the generation of employment and socioeconomic development.
It’s easy to get
Biofuels can be produced through multiple sources widely available such as crop debris, algae and manure. This makes them a much more viable alternative to fossil fuels, the raw material of which is difficult to process and will run out over time.
It is easy to store and transport
Unlike gasoline, whose storage and transportation process is complex and unsafe for people due to its high flammable potential, biofuels are much more manageable without negative consequences.
Disadvantages of Biofuels
It favors monocultures
The production of biofuels can favor monoculture, an activity that prevents soils from receiving the necessary nutrients by crop rotation. In addition, this practice favors the appearance of pests, which encourages the use of toxic pesticides.
High production cost
Not being a highly demanded energy source in the market, biofuel production is expensive relative to other fuels contaminants.
Increase the use of fertilizers
The cultivation of the feedstock to produce biofuels requires the use of fertilizers. The main disadvantage of this is that fertilizers have polluting substances for the surrounding ecosystems, including water.
Can cause food shortages
Most of the crops used to generate biofuels serve as food for all kinds of species. If more crops are created to produce this type of energy, there is the risk of food crops being displaced, which could represent a reduction in food production and an increase in its prices.
Industrial contamination
While biofuels have a smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuels, biofuel production is polluting, especially with water.
Its production depends on water
Because biofuels are generated by growing crops, overwhelming amounts of water are needed for the irrigation process. This can affect the supply of the vital liquid on a local scale..
Future price increase
Due to the low demand for biofuel, its production technology is not very efficient. Faced with the need to create better production techniques, s The investment in technology is expected to significantly increase the price of this natural fuel.
Detrimental modifications to land
When soils are used to produce feedstock for biofuels, vegetation must be removed from the site, which destroys the habitat of animals and eliminates natural resources. The deforestation of these lands inevitably leads to a carbon debt almost impossible to pay.
Contributes to global warming
While biofuels reduce the carbon footprint of fossil fuels, its production still generates greenhouse gases, which does not reverse climate change, but rather slows down its expansion.
Performance issues in cold weather
Biodiesel offers the same advantages as gasoline in terms of vehicle performance. However, in environments with cold climates, vegetable oil contained in biofuels is much more prone to freezing, which decreases engine capacity and slows down the vehicle.