Algae as a biofuel? Capable of producing 30 times more oil per acre than crops used for biofuels, algae biofuel is also non-toxic, produces no sulfur byproducts, and biodegrades quickly. Israeli company Eco Energy is at the forefront of this groundbreaking research. Find out more at ISRAEL21c.org.
Article by David Odell
It seems apparent that the world is heading towards an energy crisis. The meter is heading towards "E" on petroleum and we need an alternative fuel vehicle. Cars can't run on good wishes alone and we need an alternative fuel source that is both economical as well as earth-friendly. One of the options for efficient energy seems to be the hybrid electric vehicle.Hybrid electric vehicles are a top contender to be the alternative fuel vehicle, replacing the gasoline powered vehicles of today. They are efficient, reliable and becoming most cost effective every day. No wonder they're quickly becoming popular. Besides the "green" factor, the designs of these types of vehicles are also pleasing to the eye - unlike the early clunky looking models.
Popularly known as the hybrid, this alternative fuel vehicle runs on battery electric power and good old fashioned gasoline. It gets much higher mileage per gallon than traditional vehicles and dispels less carbon dioxide to boot. Not only that, this alternative fuel vehicle is being adopted by and large in the marketplace. Most major automotive manufacturers produce at least one hybrid and you can buy them at any new car dealership. Many manufacturers of vehicles are adding hybrids to their line up of available models.
Another benefit to this kind of alternative fuel vehicle is that it will last longer because there's less wear and tear. Alternative energy research has given us a vehicle with a combustion engine that stops running when you enter a traffic jam or slow down considerably and the battery electric engine takes over. This means you won't wear your combustion engine out by taking off or slowing to idle. Instead, you can rely on the dependable and less complex battery engine that gives you better acceleration and torque to begin with. You also get the benefit of recapturing waste energy via the regenerative braking system, which helps minimize pollution.
Like any new technology, hybrids run with a higher price tag than traditional gasoline powered vehicles. At the present time, the lofty price tag of an alternative fuel vehicle would put a hurtin' on any blue collar worker's pocketbook. But for some, the benefits might just outweigh the costs. For instance, the "hybrid premium" is often offset by the payback period wherein the cost is balanced out by a savings on gas over time. Not to mention that most other types of alternative fuel cars depreciate much faster than a conventional car but that isn't the case at all with the hybrid. In fact, studies have shown that hybrid vehicles will actually depreciate at a slower rate than conventional vehicles, making this alternative fuel vehicle a better choice for consumers that want to live a "greener" lifestyle.
A final positive is that the hybrids can also run on other forms of alternative fuel. Vehicle manufacturers can add a flexible fuel engine, or you can just use bio-diesel, ethanol or biogas. This gives hybrids a flexibility that most others in the alternative fuel vehicle category don't have.
After much deliberation and consideration it would appear that the hybrid is the best choice when buying an alternative fuel vehicle. You have the benefit of higher gas mileage and better engine performance. As well as the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions which will help stave off global warming. These benefits make the hybrid a very popular and tangible alternative fuel vehicle, unlike some of the other vehicles in the category.
About the Author
David Odell has been a freelance writer for over 20 years and takes a great interest in the "Green Issues" He is the creator of:Start to go Green
Leading experts explore the need, challenges, opportunities and impacts of creating biofuels for a sustainable future Series: "Frontiers of Knowledge" [4/2008] [Science] [Show ID: 14378]
Article by Bill Williams
Is a Water4Gas fuel conversion "Environmentally" superior to
Biofuels- YES
Part 2
In Part 1 of this discussion I reviewed the environmental aspect of electric, hydrogen, and hybrid powered cars; in this document I will outline some of the deficiencies in the use of ETHANOL as a proposed "alternative" carbon-free, low-gas emission fuel.
Let's start by taking a look at where ethanol comes from, how it is produced, and why it is being touted as an energy efficient environmentally friendly biofuel.
Ethanol can be produced as a petrochemical via the hydration of ethylene, and biologically, by fermenting sugars with yeast. In this paper we will leave aside the ethanol produced petrochemically and take on board some facts relating to the field crops required to produce ethanol.
In the U.S.A ethanol as a fuel is derived mainly from maize (corn).
According to the "Renewable Fuel Association, in October '07, there were 131 grain ethanol bio-refineries in the U.S.A. with a further 72 refineries under construction.
Question: how much maize will these refineries consume just to
produce a biofuel?. Answer: America alone produces 270 million metric tons annually which is almost half the worlds harvest. It has been calculated that 500lbs of maize is required to fill one tank of the average american car; simple arithmetic will show that equates to approximately 12 tons of maize for 1 car for 1year. If America is producing 270 million tons p.a., which is the approximate amount required to keep 20 million cars on the U.S roads for one year then ALL of America's maize production is used on the production of fuel and none is left to use as FOOD.
Brazil now has a policy of supporting ethanol as a car fuel which is provided from domestically grown sugar cane, which not only has a greater concentration of sucrose than corn (approx. 30 of ethanol- regarding producing ethanol biofuels is directly at the expense of the food supply chain. Both sugar products and corn have soared up in price as a direct result
of these policies and the huge subsidies paid to farmers and industrial conglomerates. In fact the Asian Developement
Bank stated on Monday the 21st April this year "that developed nations should stop paying agricultural subsidies to encourage
biofuel production because those payments are making staple
foods more expensive."
Sweden does not help this situation either as its said that 13% of
new cars sold there now run on biofuel and practically every other
car maker in the world is trying to make their own version of a
biofuel car.
In following their policy to produce ethanol biofuel systems they have turned their backs to the fact that this policy has a negative effect on the environment by removing crops (food) from the food chain and where it is the case (Brazil, S.America) where tropical forests are being demolished to plant biofuel producing crops, they are removing those vital trees from from the land which themselves can literally absorb a ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in their lifetime.
Finally, a recent article in Science magazine states: "the use of US croplands for biofuels causes increased greenhouse gas emissions through emissions from land use change".
Having read the above it is incredible how anyone could perceive ethanol to be an ethical alternative fuel.
There is an ethical, environmentally friendly system available NOW,
but nobody in government nor anyone in the oil industry supports it.
WHY, - simply because they have a vested interest in the status quo.
The big conglomerates with government officials aiding them have invested BILLIONS in the aforementioned so called alternative fuels
and they have made huge mistakes but they wish to protect their bad investments at all costs, even at a cost to the world's environment.
As mentioned we do have an alternative system that is eco-friendly and it is available NOW; it is the Water4Gas fuel conversion system
which for a very small fee is yours to benefit from immediately.
What are the immediate benefits of installing a Water4Gas fuel conversion system?
a)..Your vehicle will dramatically produce significantly cleaner gas emissions thus reducing the amount of carbon dioxide discharged
into the air.
b)..You will reduce the amount of land required for crops to convert
to biofuel which can then be utilized for growing food crops.
c)..Reduced petrol/diesel consumption via improved m.p.g.
d)..Both a & b help to provide a better, healthier environment, (and
incidentally you'll find you have more cash left in your pocket.)
For full details of the Water4Gas fuel conversion system please visit:-
http://www.the-car-hub.co.uk
R.Bill Williams
About the Author
Bill is now retired but as a keen motorist has driven on most continents of the worldand has a keen interest in environmental issues, these account for only a couple of his many varied interests
Solazyme Unveils Renewable Biodiesel Derived from Algae via Scalable Process First car powered by algal biodiesel to demonstrate real-world driving at Sundance Solazyme, Inc., a synthetic biology company unleashing the power of aquatic microbes to create clean and scalable solutions for biofuel, industrial chemical, and health and wellness markets, today revealed the first ever algae-derived biodiesel fuel (Soladiesel™) to have undergone road testing by successfully powering a factory-standard automobile for long distances under typical driving conditions. The car and fuel will make their public debuts at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where they are also featured in Fields of Fuel, Josh Tickell's documentary about renewable fuels. Soladiesel biodiesel is clean, renewable, environmentally sustainable and scalable. Web: solazyme.com Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: www.facebook.com Video Rating: 4 / 5
Ever since the military allowed the design of the hummer to be made public, people have gone crazy over its design. General Motors acquired the brand name and marketing rights of the hummer and now that alternative fuels have begun to grow in popularity, they are also beginning to make an alternative fuel hummer.
Classically, the hummer has been a non-favorite vehicle for environmentalists because it gets horrific gas mileage and uses more gas than a regular vehicle. That is why it made sense for someone to come up the design for an alternative fuel hummer that would be easy on the environment as well as the drivers pocketbook.
There is a pioneer in the green movement to make a hummer that could run on alternative fuels. He is with a non-profit organization who promotes cleaner air by using cars that burn alternative fuels instead of gasoline. He decided that he was tired of his gas guzzling hummer and wanted to make it more environmentally friendly considering his association with him. So he set out to make an alternative fuel hummer. And he succeeded.
He now sells alternative fuel hummers that have shown to be very popular and selling at a really quick rate. He tricks out his vehicles and makes them visually appealing as well. He is highly thought of especially among the young crowd who want an environmentally safe vehicle that looks cool and can run on alternative fuel and that would be Toms hummers.
His alternative fuel hummers run on bio-diesel made from soybeans and corn. They use less petroleum than a hybrid car and are capable of running entirely on vegetable oil alone. That is right, you can run one of his alternative fuel hummers on Crisco! This alternative fuel hummer may be the biggest thing on the road, but it does not use one drop of petroleum and gets 23 miles per gallon.
Celebrities are big fans of these alternative fuel hummers including California governor Arnold Schwarzneggar who owns two hummers that run on bio-diesel. He recently had one of his hummers modified to run on hydrogen as well which emits absolutely no greenhouse gas which, of course, is great for the environment.
If you love the look of a hummer but want one that runs on alternative fuel, fear not. The product is out there to buy ready made or you can one converted into an eco-friendly vehicle. Keep in mind it will cost you some money, but when you consider what you are doing for our planet, owning and driving an alternative fuel hummer can be well worth the cost!
Eastwood Christian School Algae Biofuel Demonstration
The process of making the Bio Fuel is quite simple one. The only problem in mass production is the initial capital required that is often quite high. Following is he process of making the Bio Diesel with help of Algae. The required things for this are the Algae, the Nutrients Mix, Hexane, Oil Press, and Refinery.
There are different Algae that can be used for the Fuel generation. The best one of them is called Chlorella. These green algae have more lipids or the oil extraction ability then any other one. There are other Algae with high lipid too including the Dunaliella or Botryococcus but the oil production volume is higher in the Chlorella.
Algae are placed in the specially produced tanks, similar to the swimming pools. Algae are provided with the nutrients that might increase their reproduction rate and photosets as well. The nutrients for this process include Potassium, and Phosphorous. The Algae nutrients can be purchased from the various companies including Green Star Products.
Plastic tubs are found to be best suited place for the speedy algae growth. The algae are provided with the constant supply of fresh water and they grow in the shallow pounds about two meters high. The other important requirement for algae is the sunlight and salinity at the medium level which might be provided with salt addition to the water or by using the sea water.
In presence of all the ingredients the Algae fuel crop can be harvested in ten to fifteen days at most. The process of harvest is simple you dry the algae and take that for oil extraction. The remaining ten percent of algae will replenish the crop quickly and soon you can re harvest that too. The pressing can take out the three fourth of the diesel from the algae. The other can be taken out by mixing it with hexane. The hexane can filter the oil out from the pulp of the algae easily. On further distillation you can use the same oil for generation of the Bio ethanol and diesel as well.
The Algae Fuel is proving to be the best alternate to the fossil fuel resources. There are many companies and governmental agencies trying to make this fuel commercially viable as well. The Algae fuel might be Algae Oil Biodiesel sustainable for long run, but the carbon dioxide consumption of the fuel is similar to the other methods. The reason of this is that the carbon dioxide being absorbed by the Algae is returned to the environment when the fuel is used.
www.globalchange.com Why biofuel industry is dead -- biofuel by converting food into oil is stupid and immoral. Biodiesel, biomass, biowaste and sugar to fuel conversion into biofuels. Foor price rises. World bank report on biofuels and food prices. Ethanol and gasoline or petrol mix, European Union EU policy changes on biofuel. Biofuels policy reversal. Anti-biofuel campaigns. Biofuel blamed for food riots, hunger, food shortages, rising food prices, wheat prices, food hoarding and stockpiles. Biofuel production speculation in food futures. Biofuel links oil price to food price. Do biofuel quotas cause starvation, Africa Asia, India, China? Competition from biofuel manufafturers for food -- poor people cannot eat, food prices rise, biofuel means burning wheat in car engines, driving vehicles on biofuel, adding ethanol to petrol / gasoline. Biodiesel, soybean price rises, rice price rises, food riots, biofuel destruction of forests for agriculture. Non biofuel reasons for rising food prices: drought, crop failure, hoarding, ban on food exports, stockpiling of food, speculation on food commodities markets. Ethics of biomass fuel generation and increased use of fertilisers. Net carbon footprint of biofuel production. Net biofuel consumption or saving of CO2 / energy. Global trade in biofuels, food, oil and energy. Ethical crisis in biofuels industry. Federal government policy on biofuels and national energy policy. EU fuel regulations for ethanol, biodiesel and biomass fuel ...
Article by M.C.
When it comes to biodiesel turbine fuel and kerosene, there have been many searches on the net for this and it seems clear that many people have a question and they keep searching for the answer. The most common question is "Is it possible to make a biodiesel and kerosene blend or replace the kerosene entirely?".
When you think about diesel aircraft engines, this fuel performs quite well. The reason for this is because it is incredibly similar to diesel and so the aircraft is not able to notice the difference. However, because diesel fuel has a high stability rate, it is not used in the larger aircrafts such as 747s. Therefore it is highly unlikely that they will use biodiesel as a source of fuel any time soon for commercial flights. On the other hand, if you do have your own personal jet, it's worth looking into and inquiring about.
Kerosene as a fuel source is lighter than diesel but heavier than gasoline. It appears to be possible that a biodiesel element could be introduced to a kerosene mix. In the not too distant future it may be that airlines could charge a little extra than usual for flights that used this in their fuel blend hoping to attract passengers that would like to be friendly to the environment.
Even though bio fuel in aircrafts would reduce the amounts of harmful CO2 emissions, this would also mean that some of our agricultural resources would have to be dedicated strictly to air travel and would unfortunately be putting an increased strain on our natural resources. With that being said, although there are a few negatives there are definitely a lot of positives especially when it comes to being friendly to the environment for the use of biodiesel in the turbine fuel kerosene.
About the Author
If you need more information on biodiesel turbine fuel kerosene, please visit our website: http://biodieselcorner.com/
Pond scum to the rescue!! UpBeatnik aka Vic Aguilar Video Rating: 4 / 5
"We can create a more sustainable, cleaner and safer world by making wiser energy choices". ~ Robert Alan
The professor was touring villages in Karnataka, gathering information for a program called Sustainable Transformation of Rural Areas. Soil and growing conditions were harsh in much of the area, and many of the villages were poor.
In one such village, the professor and his team of research assistants stopped in a tea stall. Naturally, the strangers drew attention in the small village. One villager struck up a conversation with the professor, and asked what the visitors were doing.
"We're looking for ways to use science and engineering principles to solve real-life problems in villages like this one", Professor Shrinivasa told the man. The villager thought for a moment. "Well, we use oil from the Honge tree to light the lamps in our temples", the man volunteered. "Maybe you could find some other use for that oil".
Indeed he could. The professor, who is based at the Indian Institute of Science, found that the Honge tree (whose Latin name is Pongamia Pinnata) grew throughout the village, and oil could easily be extracted from the tree's plentiful pods.
He also recalled that many years ago Rudolf Diesel had used peanut oil when demonstrating his invention, the diesel engine. The professor told his colleagues, "Let's try this oil in a diesel engine right here in the village".
They got some oil, borrowed a small diesel engine, started it up and – boom! – the engine fired up, ran smoothly and kept running smoothly. Villagers immediately began using the local oil instead of spending money to buy diesel fuel.
That was a decade ago, and since then Professor Shrinivasa has traveled to relatively less fertile lands across India to promote the planting of Pongamia trees as a source of alternate fuel.
My wife Girija and I met Professor Shrinivasa recently, and found that he had lost no passion for his cause. He talked enthusiastically about the benefits of Pongamia-based bio-diesel. For one, it is grown in dry lands and hence does not lead to the food shortages sometimes caused when farmers grow corn or soya for bio-fuel instead of other crops for food.
Second, in terms of emissions, bio-diesels are carbon neutral: the carbon dioxide absorbed by the trees is released when the fuel is burnt. Third, in terms of particles that cause pollution and respiratory diseases, bio-diesel emissions are less harmful than petrol and diesel.
The economics are compelling. A hectare of wasteland growing Pongamia trees can yield 10 tonnes of seeds worth around Rs. 40,000. Horticulture is far less labor intensive and hence can be done at relatively low costs, providing a good return to the farmers.
The professor's calculations show that India has adequate availability of wastelands that can be planted with enough Pongamia trees to meet the entire nation's petrol and diesel requirements.
But this calls for enormous political will and an ability to overcome the petroleum lobbies. As a lone champion, Professor Shrinivasa has yet to build the momentum to battle these forces – but continues on his path regardless.
The Connected Age requires us to look for viable alternatives in various aspects of our daily lives. It requires us the boldly embrace these new alternatives – as they emerge.
It requires us to battle the vested interests and the entrenched beliefs of the industrial age with the vision of creating a more inclusive and sustainable world. And it requires us to step forward the way the professor has, and to support people like him who have stepped forward. Do share your own insights in this area.
The New Constructs is an initiative to examine our beliefs and assumptions - about life and living - that we need to reinvent in order to create a more inclusive and sustainable world. It is an opportunity for each one of us to connect, collaborate and co-create the world that we will rebuild for posterity. Do post your own examples on the Wall. Sudhakar Ram is Chairman and Co-Founder of IT solutions provider, Mastek. He believes that creating a sustainable world would require a shift in the "constructs" that drive our attitudes and actions.
This is a UV resistant Hurricane Polycarbonate Window Shield panel that holds 80 pounds of liquid easily. By pumping water in with a small 7 watt water pump, a vacuum is created preventing the entire water mass from rushing out the bottom.
One alternative, hydrogen (see authors article Hydrogen - Fuel of the Future, or Just a Spark in the Dark?) , has gained some stock reasons for its failure to gain support and acceptance.
1. No distribution network.
2. Fear of explosion.
When the automotive industry was active in testing this fuel, tests were similarly carried out with liquid petroleum gas (LPG). This fuel also had no bulk distribution network and was also more volatile than petrol. For safe handling both hydrogen and LPG require a robust fuel tank. In Europe LPG gained acceptance and promotion and is now widely available, hydrogen didn’t.
Interestingly, LPG is produced by the same companies that produce petrol and diesel as it is a by-product of that process. More interestingly LPG is produced from the same raw product as petrol. This comes from the same oil fields as petrol. Hydrogen does not come from oil fields.
More recently bio-diesel was extensively prototyped and tested. Again it failed to lift off in a marketing sense.
Bio-fuel is produced from green mass, grown in farm fields and not pumped from oil fields.
Alternative fuels are inherently more expensive than fossil derived fuels. Apparent price parity with petrol/diesel only comes about because the cost of fossil derived fuel is maintained at a high value through supply control of the raw material and taxation on derivative sales. This could be seen as a global attempt at triple bottom line accounting as while oil and gas are relatively cheap to mine, the oil field to petrol pump costs take no account of the millions of years it took the earth to lay down the deposits.
Yet even in countries where petrol and diesel prices are the highest, consumption continues to rise. An indicator, perhaps, that more expensive alternative fuels will not find themselves priced beyond the market.
Marketing and market timing are the key factors here. If and when the world does run out of fossil fuels there will be many alternatives to choose from. The current stalemate is that the producers of raw fossil fuels (countries not companies) cannot withstand the effect that a mass movement away from this resource would create.
This is a very general summary of a very complex world situation, also it does not take account of the environmental issue that surround it, but you can rest assured that, given a gradual process of development, the world’s wheels will not stop turning for want of petrol.
It would seem then that the dichotomy is that though millions will be adversely affected by global warming, if the world were to make the major step of ditching the use of fossil fuel consumption in favour of an alternative, that switch would also adversely affect millions.
Chris A Watkins is an engineer with many years experience in vehicle fleet management. In recent years he has been more active in IT and writing and has a keen interest in environmental issues. www.ffox.biz http:\cawatkins.blogspot.com
Algae is the fastest growing plant life, and as an organism it converts sunlight into oil, scientists theorize that Algal biofuel can produce a whopping 30 times more energy per acre than any other biofuel option. The US Department of Energy has estimated that if Algal Biofuel replaced all conventional fuel in the country, it would require 15000 square miles of land to harvest the algae... which is roughly one seventh of the area that is used to harvest corn in the US every year. And a diverse group of byproducts, such as neutraceuticals and feedstocks for producing plastics, can be created in algal biofuel operations, making the production more cost effective. But before we start celebrating the great biofuel solution we've been looking for, there are a few problems... the biomass for producing a significant amount of algal biofuel just doesn't exist yet. The algae has to be grown from scratch and harvesting it is very expensive at this point in time. The potential of Algal Biofuel is staggering... but the problem is that, as of now, it's all just potential. It might be years before the technology catches up to make producing algal biofuel on a large scale possible... but when that time comes, we might be able to finally celebrate a more efficient, renewable, and environmentally friendly energy source. For more information on this exciting and developing technology, check out AlgalBioMass.Org. I'm Elizabeth Chambers. Check back here for more eco friendly news and tips ... Video Rating: 4 / 5
Article by Adam teaser
We are in a situation that we have to control our emission as higher as possible restricting the Climatic change which is main criteria in recent days. Moreover, Climatic change is believed to initiate the doom's day of earth. Researches were started in identifying the sources of emission in order to take control measures accordingly. They found that emissions from the vehicle due to burning of petrol are one of the major contributors to the carbon emission to the atmosphere.
As a controlling measure, Use of Bio-diesel or Bio-fuel is recommended. Bio-diesel or Bio-fuel is nothing but the oil extracted from the Seeds of Jatropha or Karanja tree. The Fuel extracted from these plants are found to contain the properties of fuel with less carbon content in it. Therefore, the burning of these oils will emit very less carbon-di-oxide when to compare to the usual petrol or diesel.
In addition, it has also known that petroleum is a non-renewable resource and due to its increase in demand, we have no option other than going in for an alternative fuel. Karanja Oil and Jatropha Oil are compared to prove, which is better to use as fuel. It is found that Jatropha oil contains some toxic constituents in it thus extracted oil from the seeds of Jatropha is not worth using. Even though the emission of fumes from this oil is less, it discharges highly toxic contents in the atmospheric air causing nasal and lung diseases by its inhalation. Skin when exposed to such fume cause infections as well.
In the case of Karanja oil is not so, it is well known that Karanja oil has many medicinal values as neem. It is also getting nick name "Cousin of Neem". Emission by this oil is sure to be less and non-toxic. Comparing the production of these two oils, Jatropha oil takes nearly 10 years, including its cultivation and extraction but for Karanja Oil is already available in large scale, besides it can also adopt in dry places. The cost of Karanja Oil is cost effective than Jatropha oil ensuring it affordable.
Environmental protection Agency (EPA) in United States has evaluated Karanja Oil as one of the best Organic and Eco-friendly Oil after Neem but not the Jatropha Oil; it's because of its negative effects against the environment. Therefore, Jatropha, even though has the capacity to serve as an Alternative bio-fuel not worth using it. Then Karanja oil the cousin of neem can be the right choice of green technology in controlling emission from automobiles.
About the Author
Adam teaser is fond of writing articles in Bio Science, He has got 10 years of experience in Bio research and he recommends to buy Neem Oil from Plasma Power, which is EPA registered Neem oil registered for sale in Florida, Texas, California, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Hawaii, New Mexico, Minnesota, Michigan and Iowa.
Grow mass amounts of algae and produce 20000+ gallons of bio-fuel on one acre. With the amount of farm space of 1/10 the size of New Mexico we could produce enough fuel to fill the United States' need for oil.
Article by Kobra
There is a current dilemma and ongoing debate for how and what we can use as alternative fuels to power our cars, homes, appliances, computers and other oil dependant machines. The main source of our current fuels (crude oil) are from fossils which are extracted from decayed bodies of ancient creatures, a large portion of which are found in the Middle East.
Little did we expect that the answer to the scarcity and expensive consumption of oil in the world is in the hands of our natural and replenishable resources. Ironically, we have come full circle and rediscovered how natural and abundant resources such as plants can produce eco friendly alternatives to oil. This essentially brings us back to the basics, to the time where our ancestors lived by survival of the fittest, in the absence of technologies we are so used to today. We just need to rediscover things and be creative in order to find what better alternatives there are.
Currently, a lot of studies are being conducted to answer this call to minimize cost and the negative effects in purchasing and relying on crude oil. This is due to the fact that the non-renewable energy that is sourced out from fossils will soon be depleted and as long as we are completely dependent on it, all of us will suffer from it. We need an energy source that is as renewable as it is environmentally friendly.
Hurray! An answer has come to town. and most of us can't believe that we have found alternative sources of fuel from plants. This alternative source of energy is collectively called Bio Fuels. Bio Fuels are sourced out from different living organisms or from waste of animals and food products. To be classified as a bio fuel, these fuels must be from of at least 80% renewable sources.
Several bio fuel technologies have been pursued. Following is a list of some of the recently studied plants and wastes as source of energy:
1. Jatropha 2. Algae 3. Vegetable Oil Waste 4. Swine Waste 5. Hydrogen Fuel from Non-food sources 6. Bio-based Butanol 7. Woody Biomass Resources 8. Bacteria on ancient living creatures 9. Sugarcane 10. Hydrogen form Farm Waste 11. Hydrogen-producing bacteria 12. and more (some sources for research)
There have been a lot of documentation on several of the above listed. Others are newer and people may not be familiar with them. The bottom line is that the quicker we can remove our dependency on non-replenishable and environmentally harmful fuel sources, the quicker we can begin to reverse the negative effects they have had on the planet. This does not even begin to mention the overwhelming amount of blood shed, corruption and greed that has stemmed from our dependency on said fuels.
Bio Fuels are just one new technology becoming more popular and studied in an effort to help the planet. Many alternative materials, such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo are becoming more prevalent in the world as well. These materials can not only be used to better the environment from traditional cotton and other clothing, but they aid in restoring the soil and reducing harmful toxins and chemicals on the planet as well.
Mother earth has a lot to offer us. It is up to us to use the resources available to us wisely, and use our brains and technology to plan ahead for future generations. We must act now and be in the know! Be a green advocate and promote environmental conservation and preservation!
About the Author
Kobra is a regular person who likes to voice his opinion on several topics. One of his current projects is working on the organic clothing store, TheGreenOutfitters.com. They bring organic & earth friendly clothing & accessories to people who care about the planet and keeping it a beautiful place. Please share your opinions here and at his blog.
Bryan Garner, News Channel 5 visits a farm in Fellsmere that produces algae which replaces crude oil. Fred Tennant (Vice President of Petroalgae) says it is cheaper than oil, a lot cheaper. Arizona State developed this Algae and or process. Bits of algae fed with carbon dioxide grow dark green. From seed to harvest in just two days. This video was taken before the gas reached the four dollar mark. The kick in the ass is that this company will not produce it for the public. So I don't see it effecting pump prices, EVER! RECORDED IN MAY 2008
As the term suggests, bio-fuels are fuels that are formed when biological matter decomposes. The bio-fuels are mostly derived from plants. Bio-fuels exist in all the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.
Difference between bio-fuels and fossil fuels
Bio-fuels are different from fossil fuels in the following ways:
• Fossil fuels take a million years to build whereas bio-fuels can be made extremely fast, in a matter of days.
• Fossil fuels generate huge amounts of pollution. Bio-fuels are comparatively safer.
• Bio-fuels are renewable sources of energy unlike fossil fuels.
Different types of bio-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 second generation of bio-fuels is mainly derived from waste biomass, thus making it a more balanced option compared to the first-generation bio-fuels. Different kinds of alcohols and diesel generated from wood fall into the category of second generation bio-fuels.
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 bio-fuels in the fourth generation are derived by a method in which micro-organisms are raised to work with carbon dioxide to generate fuel.
Advantages of bio-fuels
Bio-fuels prove advantageous in the following ways:
• Bio-fuels lessen the burden on gradually-vanishing fossil fuels.
• Bio-fuels are environment-friendly. They help reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
• Bio-fuels, especially, bio-diesel prove to be very cost-effective for consumers.
Disadvantages of bio-fuels
Bio-fuels are not bereft of criticism. Though beneficial for the environment, bio-fuels have its disadvantages, paradoxically in the environmental purview. Bio-fuels have received criticism for many reasons, a couple of which are stated below:
• Economists have long debated on the usefulness of first generation bio-fuels when compared to the lack of food they cause. 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.
Renewable Energy ReviewsAt Jomanz.com we list honest and independent reviews of the best Top Performing Products. Each Review is ranked according to a number of factors, and visitors to our site can post their own reviews that we list.
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