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{{Redirect|Bio-energy|the term bio-energy in the context of non-mechanist philosophy or alternative medicine|Vitalism}}
{{dablink|For articles on specific fuels used in vehicles, see [[Biogas]], [[Bioethanol]], [[Biobutanol]], [[Biodiesel]], [[Straight vegetable oil]], and [[Wood gas generator]].}}
[[Image:99woodgas.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Saab 99]] running on [[wood gas]]. Gas generator on trailer.]]
{{Renewable energy sources}}
'''Biofuel''' is defined as solid, liquid or gas [[fuel]] derived from recently dead [[biological material]] and is distinguished from [[fossil fuel]]s, which are [[petroleum#formation|derived from long dead biological material]]. Theoretically, biofuels can be produced from any ([[biology|biological]]) carbon source; although, the most common sources are [[photosynthesis|photosynthetic]] [[plant]]s. Various plants and plant-derived materials are used for biofuel manufacturing. Globally, biofuels are most commonly used to power [[#Liquid fuels for transportation|vehicles]], heating homes [[cornstoves]] and [[Kitchen stove|cooking stove]]s. Biofuel industries are expanding in [[Europe]], [[Asia]] and the [[Americas]].


== October 2008 ==
__TOC__
Biofuels offer the possibility of producing energy without a net increase of carbon into the atmosphere. This is because the plants used in the production of the fuel [[co2 sequestration|removed {{co2}} from the atmosphere]]; unlike fossil fuels, which return carbon that was stored beneath the surface for millions of years back into the atmosphere. Therefore, biofuel is, in theory, more [[carbon neutral]] and less likely to increase atmospheric concentrations of [[greenhouse gas]]es. (However, doubts have been raised as to whether this benefit can be achieved in practice, [[Biofuel#Energy_efficiency_and_energy_balance_of_biofuels| see below]]). The use of biofuels also reduces dependence on petroleum and enhances [[Energy security and renewable technology|energy security]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.epa.gov/smartway/growandgo/documents/faq.htm#i_05 |title= SmartWay Grow & Go }}</ref>


[[Image:Information.png|25px]] Welcome to Wikipedia. One or more of the [[Wikipedia:External links|external links]] you added in <span class="plainlinks">[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logic_puzzle?diff=244815505 this edit]</span> to [[:Logic puzzle]] do not comply with our [[Wikipedia:External links|guidelines for external links]] and have been removed. Wikipedia is [[Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not#LINK|not a collection of links]]; nor should it be used for [[Wikipedia:Spam|advertising or promotion]]. You may wish to read the [[Wikipedia:Introduction|introduction to editing]]. Thank you. <!-- Template:uw-hugglespam1 --> [[User:Tohd8BohaithuGh1|Tohd8BohaithuGh1]] ([[User talk:Tohd8BohaithuGh1|talk]]) 18:15, 12 October 2008 (UTC)
There are two common strategies of producing biofuels. One is to grow crops high in sugar ([[sugar cane]], [[sugar beet]], and [[sweet sorghum]]<ref>[http://www.energycurrent.com/?id=3&storyid=10539 ICRISAT: Sweet sorghum balances food and fuel needs]</ref>) or [[starch]] ([[corn]]/[[maize]]), and then use [[yeast]] [[fermentation]] to produce ethyl alcohol ([[ethanol]]). The second is to grow plants that contain high amounts of [[vegetable oil]], such as [[oil palm]], [[soybean]], [[algae]], or [[jatropha]]. When these oils are heated, their [[viscosity]] is reduced, and they can be burned directly in a [[diesel engine]], or they can be chemically processed to produce fuels such as [[biodiesel]]. Wood and its byproducts can also be converted into biofuels such as [[woodgas]], [[methanol]] or [[ethanol fuel]]. It is also possible to make [[cellulosic ethanol]] from non-edible plant parts, but this can be difficult to accomplish economically.

Biofuels are discussed as having significant roles in a variety of international issues, including: mitigation of [[carbon emissions]] levels and [[oil prices]], the "[[food vs fuel]]" debate, [[deforestation]] and [[soil erosion]], impact on [[water resources]], and energy balance and efficiency.

==History and policy==
Humans have used biomass fuels in the form of solid biofuels for heating and cooking since the discovery of fire. Following the discovery of electricity, it became possible to use biofuels to generate electrical power as well. However, the discovery and use of [[fossil fuels]]: [[coal]], [[Natural gas|gas]] and [[Petroleum|oil]], have dramatically reduced the amount of biomass fuel used in the developed world for transport, heat and power.<ref>
biofuels-p2.html National Geographic, ''Green Dreams'', Oct 2007]</ref> However, when large [[supply|supplies]] of [[crude oil]] were discovered in [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Texas]], [[petroleum]] based fuels became inexpensive, and soon were widely used. Cars and trucks began using fuels derived from [[mineral oil]]/[[petroleum]]: [[gasoline]]/[[petrol]] or [[diesel]].

Nevertheless, before [[World War II]], and during the high demand wartime period, biofuels were valued as a strategic alternative to imported oil. Wartime Germany experienced extreme oil shortages, and many energy innovations resulted. This includes the powering of some of its vehicles using a blend of gasoline with alcohol fermented from potatoes, called ''Monopolin''.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} In Britain, [[grain alcohol]] was blended with [[petrol]] by the [[Distillers Company Limited]] under the name ''Discol'', and marketed through [[Esso]]'s affiliate Cleveland.{{Fact|date=January 2008}}

During the peacetime post-war period, inexpensive oil from the [[Middle East]] contributed in part to the lessened economic and geopolitical interest in biofuels. Then in 1973 and 1979, geopolitical conflict in the Middle East caused [[OPEC]] to cut exports, and non-OPEC nations experienced a very large decrease in their oil [[supply]]. This "[[energy crisis]]" resulted in severe shortages, and a sharp increase in the prices of high [[demand]] oil-based products, notably [[petrol]]/[[gasoline]]. There was also increased interest from governments and academics in energy issues and biofuels. Throughout history, the fluctuations of [[supply and demand]], [[energy policy]], [[military]] conflict, and the environmental impacts, have all contributed to a highly complex and volatile market for energy and fuel.

In the year 2000 and beyond, renewed interest in biofuels has been seen. The drivers for biofuel [[research and development]] include rising oil prices, concerns over the potential [[oil peak]], [[greenhouse gas emission]]s (causing [[global warming]] and [[climate change]]), rural development interests, and instability in the Middle East.

==Biomass==
[[Image:Sugar cane leaves.jpg|thumb|[[Sugar cane]] can be used as a biofuel or food.]]
{{main|Biomass}}
Biomass is material derived from recently living [[organism]]s. This includes plants, animals and their by-products. For example, manure, garden waste and crop residues are all sources of biomass. It is a [[renewable energy]] source based on the [[carbon cycle]], unlike other [[natural resource]]s such as [[petroleum]], [[coal]], and [[nuclear reactor|nuclear]] fuels.

Animal waste is a persistent and unavoidable pollutant produced primarily by the animals housed in industrial sized farms. Researchers from Washington University have figured out a way to turn manure into [[biomass]]. In April 2008 with the help of imaging technology they noticed that vigorous mixing helps microorganisms turn farm waste into alternative energy, providing farmers with a simple way to treat their waste and convert it into energy.<ref> [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080417/ap_on_bi_ge/farm_scene_waste_as_fuel;_ylt=AkqcOw73x0nKfqJCs2.iF1Ss0NUE]</ref>

There are also [[agriculture|agricultural]] products specifically grown for biofuel production including [[maize|corn]], [[switchgrass]], and [[soybeans]], primarily in the United States; [[rapeseed]], [[wheat]] and [[sugar beet]] primarily in Europe; [[sugar cane]] in Brazil; [[palm oil]] and [[miscanthus]] in South-East Asia; [[sorghum]] and [[cassava]] in China; and [[jatropha]] in India. [[Hemp]] has also been proven to work as a biofuel. [[Biodegradable]] outputs from industry, agriculture, forestry and households can be used for biofuel production, either using [[anaerobic digestion]] to produce [[biogas]], or using [[second generation biofuels]]; examples include straw, timber, manure, rice husks, sewage, and food waste. Biomass can come from waste plant material. The use of biomass fuels can therefore contribute to waste management as well as fuel security and help to prevent climate change, though alone they are not a comprehensive solution to these problems.

== Energy from bio waste ==
[[Image:Used vegetable cooking oil.png|frame|Waste vegetable oil which has been filtered.]]
Using waste biomass to produce energy can reduce the use of fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce pollution and waste management problems. A recent publication by the European Union highlighted the potential for waste-derived bioenergy to contribute to the reduction of global warming. The report concluded that 19 million tons of oil equivalent is available from biomass by 2020, 46% from bio-wastes: municipal solid waste (MSW), agricultural residues, farm waste and other biodegradable waste streams.<ref>European Environment Agency (2006) How much bioenergy can Europe produce without harming the environment? EEA Report no. 7</ref><ref>Marshall, A. T. (2007) Bioenergy from Waste: A Growing Source of Power, [http://www.waste-management-world-magazine ''Waste Management World Magazine''], April, p34-37</ref>

[[Landfill]] sites generate gases as the waste buried in them undergoes [[anaerobic digestion]]. These gases are known collectively as [[landfill gas]] (LFG). This is considered a source of renewable energy, even though landfill disposal is often non-sustainable. Landfill gas can be burned either directly for heat or to generate [[electric power|electricity]] for public consumption. Landfill gas contains approximately 50% [[methane]], the gas found in [[natural gas]].{{Fact|date=January 2008}}

If landfill gas is not harvested, it escapes into the atmosphere: this is undesirable because methane is a [[greenhouse gas]] with much more [[global warming potential]] than carbon dioxide.<ref name="IPCC2001"> [http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/248.htm IPCC Third Assessment Report], accessed August 31, 2007.</ref><ref name="EPAGWP"> [http://www.epa.gov/nonco2/econ-inv/table.html Non-CO2 Gases Economic Analysis and Inventory: Global Warming Potentials and Atmospheric Lifetimes], U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, accessed August 31, 2007</ref> Over a time span of 100 years, one ton of methane produces the same greenhouse gas (GHG) effect as 23 tons of CO<sub>2</sub >.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} When methane burns, it produces carbon dioxide in the ratio 1:1 -- CH<sub>4</sub> + 2O<sub>2</sub> = CO<sub>2</sub > + 2H<sub>2</sub >O. So, by harvesting and burning landfill gas, its global warming potential is reduced a factor of 23, in addition to providing energy for [[Combined heat and power|heat and power]].

It was recently discovered that living plants also produce methane.<ref>{{cite journal
| journal = Nature
| volume = 439
| pages = 187–191
| year = 2006
| doi = 10.1038/nature04420
| title = Methane emissions from terrestrial plants under aerobic conditions
| author = Frank Keppler, John T. G. Hamilton, Marc Bra, and Thomas Röckmann}}</ref> The amount is 10 to 100 times greater than that produced by dead plants in an aerobic environment {{Fact|date=January 2008}} but does not increase global warming because of the [[carbon cycle]].{{Fact|date=January 2008}}

[[Anaerobic digestion]] can be used as a waste management strategy to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and generate methane, or [[biogas]]. Any form of biomass can be used in [[anaerobic digestion]] and will break down to produce [[methane]], which can be harvested and burned to generate heat, power or to power certain automotive vehicles.

A 3 [[mega|M]][[Watt|W]] landfill power plant would power 1,900 homes.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} It would eliminate 6,000 tons per year of methane from getting into the environment.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} It would eliminate 18,000 tons per year of '''CO<sub>2</sub >''' from fossil fuel replacement.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} This is the same as removing 25,000 cars from the road,{{Fact|date=January 2008}} or planting {{convert|36000|acre|km2|0}} of forest,{{Fact|date=January 2008}} or not using {{convert|305000|oilbbl|m3}} of oil per year.{{Fact|date=January 2008}}

==Liquid fuels for transportation==
[[Image:Diesel prices.jpg|thumb|170px|In some countries biodiesel is less expensive than conventional diesel.]]
Most transportation fuels are liquids, because vehicles usually require high [[energy density]], as occurs in [[liquid]]s and [[solid]]s. Vehicles usually need high [[power density]] as can be provided most inexpensively by an [[internal combustion engine]]. These engines require clean burning fuels, in order to keep the engine clean and minimize [[air pollution]]. The fuels that are easier to burn cleanly are typically liquids and [[gas]]es. Thus liquids (and gases that can be stored in liquid form) meet the requirements of being both portable and clean burning. Also, liquids and gases can be [[pump]]ed, which means handling is easily mechanized, and thus less laborious.

== Types ==
=== First generation biofuels ===
'First-generation biofuels' are biofuels made from [[sugar]], [[starch]], [[vegetable oil]], or [[animal fat]]s using conventional technology.<ref name="UN report"> [http://esa.un.org/un-energy/pdf/susdev.Biofuels.FAO.pdf UN biofuels report]</ref> The basic feedstocks for the production of first generation biofuels are often seeds or grains such as wheat, which yields starch that is fermented into bioethanol, or sunflower seeds, which are pressed to yield vegetable oil that can be used in biodiesel. These feedstocks could instead enter the animal or human food chain, and as the global population has risen their use in producing biofuels has been criticised for diverting food away from the human food chain, leading to food shortages and price rises.

The most common first generation biofuels are listed below.

====Vegetable oil====
{{main|Vegetable oil used as fuel}}

Edible vegetable oil is generally not used as fuel, but lower quality oil can be used for this purpose. Used vegetable oil is increasingly being processed into biodiesel, or (more rarely) cleaned of water and particulates and used as a fuel. To ensure that the fuel injectors atomize the fuel in the correct pattern for efficient combustion, vegetable oil fuel must be heated to reduce its [[viscosity]] to that of diesel, either by electric coils or heat exchangers. This is easier in warm or temperate climates. [[MAN B&W Diesel]], [[Wartsila]] and [[Deutz AG]] offer engines that are compatible with straight vegetable oil, without the need for after-market modifications. Vegetable oil can also be used in many older diesel engines that do not use common rail or unit injection electronic diesel injection systems. Due to the design of the combustion chambers in [[indirect injection]] engines, these are the best engines for use with vegetable oil. This system allows the relatively larger oil molecules more time to burn. However, a handful of drivers have experienced limited success with earlier pre- "pumpe duse" VW TDI engines and other similar engines with [[direct injection]].

====Biodiesel====
{{main|Biodiesel|Biodiesel around the world}}
Biodiesel is the most common biofuel in Europe. It is produced from [[oil]]s or fats using [[transesterification]] and is a liquid similar in composition to fossil/mineral diesel. Its chemical name is fatty acid methyl (or ethyl) ester ([[Fatty acid methyl ester|FAME]]). Oils are mixed with sodium hydroxide and methanol (or ethanol) and the chemical reaction produces biodiesel (FAME) and [[glycerol]]. One part glycerol is produced for every 10 parts biodiesel. Feedstocks for biodiesel include animal fats, vegetable oils, [[soy]], [[rapeseed]], [[jatropha]], [[mahua]], [[mustard plant|mustard]], [[flax]], [[sunflower]], [[palm oil]], [[hemp]], [[thlaspi arvense|field pennycress]], and [[algae fuel|algae]]. Pure biodiesel (B100) is by far the lowest emission diesel fuel. Although [[liquefied petroleum gas]] and hydrogen have cleaner combustion, they are used to fuel much less efficient petrol engines and are not as widely available.

Biodiesel can be used in any [[diesel engine]] when mixed with mineral diesel. The majority of vehicle manufacturers limit their recommendations to 15% biodiesel blended with mineral diesel. In some countries manufacturers cover their diesel engines under warranty for B100 use, although [[Volkswagen]] of [[Germany]], for example, asks drivers to check by telephone with the VW environmental services department before switching to B100<!-- (see [[Biodiesel#Use|biodiesel use]]) -->. B100 may become more viscous at lower temperatures, depending on the feedstock used, requiring vehicles to have fuel line heaters. In most cases, biodiesel is compatible with diesel engines from 1994 onwards, which use 'Viton' (by DuPont) synthetic rubber in their mechanical injection systems. Electronically controlled 'common rail' and 'pump duse' type systems from the late 1990s onwards may only use biodiesel blended with conventional diesel fuel. These engines have finely metered and atomized multi-stage injection systems are very sensitive to the viscosity of the fuel. Many current generation diesel engines are made so that they can run on B100 without altering the engine itself, although this depends on the fuel rail design.

Since biodiesel is an effective solvent and cleans residues deposited by mineral diesel, engine filters may need to be replaced more often, as the biofuel dissolves old deposits in the fuel tank and pipes. It also effectively cleans the engine combustion chamber of carbon deposits, helping to maintain efficiency. In many European countries, a 5% biodiesel blend is widely used and is available at thousands of gas stations.<ref>[http://www.biodiesel.de/ ADM Biodiesel: Hamburg, Leer, Mainz<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk Welcome to Biodiesel Filling Stations<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Biodiesel is also an ''oxygenated fuel'', meaning that it contains a reduced amount of carbon and higher hydrogen and oxygen content than fossil diesel. This improves the combustion of fossil diesel and reduces the particulate emissions from un-burnt carbon.

In the USA, more than 80% of commercial trucks and city buses run on diesel. The emerging US biodiesel market is estimated to have grown 200% from 2004 to 2005. "By the end of 2006 biodiesel production was estimated to increase fourfold [from 2004] to more than 1 billion gallons,".<ref>[http://www.wfs.org/futcontja07.htm THE FUTURIST], [http://www.prleap.com/pr/80099/ Will Thurmond]. July-August 2007</ref>

====Bioalcohols====
{{main|Alcohol fuel}}
[[Image:EthanolPetrol.jpg|right|thumb|Information on a pump in California.]]
Biologically produced [[alcohols]], most commonly [[ethanol]], and less commonly [[Propan-1-ol|propanol]] and [[butanol]], are produced by the action of [[microorganism]]s and [[enzyme]]s through the [[fermentation]] of sugars or starches (easiest), or cellulose (which is more difficult). [[Biobutanol]] (also called biogasoline) is often claimed to provide a direct replacement for [[gasoline]], because it can be used directly in a gasoline engine (in a similar way to biodiesel in diesel engines).

[[Butanol]] is formed by [[Clostridium acetobutylicum|ABE fermentation]] (acetone, butanol, ethanol) and experimental modifications of the process show potentially high net energy gains with butanol as the only liquid product. Butanol will produce more energy and allegedly can be burned "straight" in existing gasoline engines (without modification to the engine or car),<ref>[http://www.butanol.com/ ButylFuel,LLC Main Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and is less corrosive and less water soluble than ethanol, and could be distributed via existing infrastructures. [[DuPont]] and [[BP]] are working together to help develop Butanol.

[[Ethanol fuel]] is the most common biofuel worldwide, particularly [[Ethanol fuel in Brazil|in Brazil]]. [[Alcohol fuel]]s are produced by fermentation of sugars derived from [[wheat]], [[corn]], [[sugar beet]]s, [[sugar cane]], [[molasses]] and any sugar or starch that [[alcoholic beverage]]s can be made from (like [[potato]] and [[fruit]] waste, etc.). The [[ethanol]] production methods used are [[enzyme]] digestion (to release sugars from stored starches, [[ethanol fermentation|fermentation]] of the sugars, [[distillation]] and [[drying]]. The distillation process requires significant energy input for heat (often unsustainable [[natural gas]] [[fossil fuel]], but cellulosic biomass such as [[bagasse]], the waste left after sugar cane is pressed to extract its juice, can also be used more sustainably).

Ethanol can be used in petrol engines as a replacement for [[gasoline]]; it can be mixed with gasoline to any percentage. Most existing automobile petrol engines can run on blends of up to 15% bioethanol with petroleum/gasoline. Gasoline with ethanol added has higher [[octane]], which means that your engine can typically burn hotter and more efficiently. In high altitude (thin air) locations, some states mandate a mix of gasoline and ethanol as a winter [[oxidizer]] to reduce atmospheric pollution emissions.

[[Ethanol fuel]] has less [[BTU]] energy content, which means it takes more fuel (volume and mass) to produce the same amount of [[work done|work]]. More-expensive premium fuels contain less, or no, ethanol. In high-compression engines, less ethanol, slower-burning premium fuel is required to avoid harmful [[pre-ignition]] (knocking). Very-expensive aviation gasoline (Avgas) is 100 octane made from 100% petroleum. The high price of zero-ethanol Avgas does not include federal-and-state road-use taxes.

Ethanol is very [[corrosive]] to fuel systems, [[rubber]] [[hose]]s and [[gasket]]s, [[aluminum]], and [[combustion chamber]]s. Therefore, it is illegal to use fuels containing alcohol in aircraft (although at least one model of ethanol-powered aircraft has been developed, the [[Embraer EMB 202 Ipanema]]). Ethanol also corrodes [[fiberglass]] fuel tanks such as used in marine engines. For higher ethanol percentage blends, and 100% ethanol vehicles, engine modifications are required.

It is the hygroscopic (water loving) nature of relatively polar ethanol that can promote corrosion of existing pipelines and older fuel delivery systems. To characterize ethanol itself as a corrosive chemical is somewhat misleading and the context in which it can be indirectly corrosive, somewhat narrow; i.e., limited to effects upon existing pipelines designed for petroleum transport.

[[Corrosive]] ethanol cannot be transported in petroleum pipelines, so more-expensive over-the-road stainless-steel tank trucks increase the cost and energy consumption required to deliver ethanol to the customer at the pump.

In the current alcohol-from-corn production model in the United States, considering the total energy consumed by [[farm equipment]], cultivation, planting, [[fertilizers]], [[pesticides]], [[herbicides]], and [[fungicides]] made from petroleum, [[irrigation]] systems, harvesting, transport of feedstock to processing plants, [[fermentation]], [[distillation]], drying, transport to fuel terminals and retail pumps, and lower [[ethanol fuel]] energy content, the net energy content value added and delivered to consumers is very small. And, the net benefit (all things considered) does little to reduce un-[[sustainable]] imported oil and fossil fuels required to produce the ethanol.<ref>{{cite web
| url= http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e780d216-5fd5-11dc-b0fe-0000779fd2ac.html
| title= "OECD warns against biofuels subsidies"
|author= Andrew Bounds
|date= 2007-09-10 |publisher= ''[[Financial Times]]''
| accessdate= 2008-03-07 }} </ref>

Although ethanol-from-corn and other food stocks has implications both in terms of world food prices and limited, yet positive energy yield (in terms of energy delivered to customer/fossil fuels used), the technology has lead to the development of cellulosic ethanol. According to a joint research agenda conducted through the U.S. Department of Energy,<ref>see "Breaking the Biological Barriers to Cellulosic Ethanol")</ref> the fossil energy ratios (FER) for cellulosic ethanol, corn ethanol, and gasoline are 10.3, 1.36, and 0.81, respectively.<ref>Brinkman, N. et al., "Well-to-Wheels Analysis of Advanced/Vehicle Systems", 2005.</ref><ref>Farrell, A.E. et al. (2006) "Ethanol can Contribute to Energy and Environmental Goals", ''Science'', '''311''', 506-8.</ref><ref>Hammerschlag, R. 2006. "Ethanol's Energy Return on Investment: A Survey of the Literature 1999-Present", ''Environ. Sci. Technol''., '''40''', 1744-50.</ref>

Many car manufacturers are now producing [[flexible-fuel vehicle]]s (FFV's), which can safely run on any combination of bioethanol and petrol, up to 100% bioethanol. They dynamically sense exhaust oxygen content, and adjust the engine's computer systems, spark, and fuel injection accordingly. This adds initial cost and ongoing increased vehicle maintenance.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} Efficiency falls and pollution emissions increase when FFV system maintenance is needed (regardless of the fuel mix being used), but not performed (as with all vehicles). FFV [[internal combustion engine]]s are becoming increasingly complex, as are multiple-[[propulsion]]-system FFV [[hybrid vehicles]], which impacts cost, maintenance, [[reliability]], and useful lifetime [[longevity]].{{Fact|date=May 2008}}

Alcohol mixes with both petroleum and with water, so [[ethanol fuel]]s are often diluted after the drying process by absorbing environmental moisture from the atmosphere. Water in alcohol-mix fuels reduces efficiency, makes engines harder to start, causes intermittent operation (sputtering), and oxidizes aluminum ([[carburetor]]s) and steel components ([[rust]]).

Even dry ethanol has roughly one-third lower energy content per unit of volume compared to gasoline, so larger / heavier fuel tanks are required to travel the same distance, or more fuel stops are required. With large current un-[[sustainable]], non-[[scalable]] subsidies, [[ethanol fuel]] still costs much more per distance traveled than current high gasoline prices in the United States.<ref>{{cite web
| url= http://zfacts.com/p/436.html
| title= With only 2/3 the energy of gasoline, ethanol costs more per mile
|date= 2007-04-27 |publisher= zFacts.com
| accessdate= 2008-03-07 }} </ref>

[[Methanol]] is currently produced from [[natural gas]], a non-[[renewable]] [[fossil fuel]]. It can also be produced from [[biomass]] as biomethanol. The [[methanol economy]] is an interesting alternative to the [[hydrogen economy]], compared to today's hydrogen produced from [[natural gas]], but not [[hydrogen production]] directly from water and [[state-of-the-art]] clean [[solar thermal energy]] processes.<ref>[http://www.hydrogensolar.com/ Hydrogen Solar home<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

====Biogas====
[[Image:Biogas pipes.JPG|right|thumbnail|300px|Pipes carrying biogas]]
{{main|Biogas}}
Biogas is produced by the process of [[anaerobic digestion]] of [[organic material]] by [[anaerobe]]s. It can be produced either from biodegradable waste materials or by the use of [[energy crop]]s fed into [[anaerobic digester]]s to supplement gas yields. The solid byproduct, [[digestate]], can be used as a biofuel or a fertilizer. In the UK, the National Coal Board experimented with microorganisms that digested coal in situ converting it directly to gases such as methane.

Biogas contains [[methane]] and can be recovered from industrial anaerobic digesters and [[mechanical biological treatment]] systems. Landfill gas is a less clean form of biogas which is produced in [[landfill]]s through naturally occurring anaerobic digestion. If it escapes into the atmosphere it is a potent [[greenhouse gas]].

Oils and gases can be produced from various biological wastes:

* [[Thermal depolymerization]] of waste can extract methane and other oils similar to petroleum.
* [[GreenFuel Technologies Corporation]] developed a patented bioreactor system that uses nontoxic photosynthetic algae to take in smokestacks flue gases and produce biofuels such as biodiesel, biogas and a dry fuel comparable to coal.<ref> [http://www.greenfuelonline.com/ greenfuelonline.com] </ref>

====Solid biofuels====
Examples include wood, grass cuttings, domestic refuse, charcoal, and dried [[manure]].

====Syngas====
{{main|Gasification}}
[[Syngas]] is produced by the combined processes of [[pyrolysis]], combustion, and [[gasification]]. Biofuel is converted into [[carbon monoxide]] and energy by pyrolysis. A limited supply of oxygen is introduced to support combustion. Gasification converts further organic material to hydrogen and additional carbon monoxide.

The resulting gas mixture, syngas, is itself a fuel. Using the syngas is more efficient than direct combustion of the original biofuel; more of the energy contained in the fuel is extracted.

Syngas may be burned directly in internal combustion engines. The [[wood gas generator]] is a wood-fueled gasification reactor mounted on an internal combustion engine. Syngas can be used to produce [[methanol]] and [[hydrogen]], or converted via the [[Fischer-Tropsch process]] to produce a synthetic [[petroleum]] substitute. Gasification normally relies on temperatures >700°C. Lower temperature gasification is desirable when co-producing [[biochar]].

=== Second generation biofuels ===
{{main|Second generation biofuels}}
Supporters of biofuels claim that a more viable solution is to increase political and industrial support for, and rapidity of, second-generation biofuel implementation from [[non food crop]]s, including [[cellulosic biofuel]]s.<ref name=2G> http://www.renewable-energy-world.com/articles/print_screen.cfm?ARTICLE_ID=308325 {{Dead link|date=March 2008}} </ref> Second-generation biofuel production processes can use a variety of [[non food crops]]. These include waste biomass, the stalks of wheat, corn, wood, and special-energy-or-biomass crops (e.g. [[Miscanthus]]). Second generation (2G) biofuels use [[biomass to liquid]] technology, including [[cellulosic biofuel]]s from [[non food crop]]s.<ref>{{cite web
| url= http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/2007%20Speeches/PDF%20PPT/CSomerville.pdf
| title= "Development of Cellulosic Biofuels"
| author= Chris Somerville
|date= |year= |month=
| format= [[PDF]]
| publisher= [[United States Department of Agriculture|U.S. Dept. of Agriculture]]
|pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=
| accessdate= 2008-01-15 }} </ref> Many second generation biofuels are under development such as [[biohydrogen]], [[biomethanol]], [[2,5-Dimethylfuran|DMF]], Bio-DME, [[Fischer-Tropsch]] diesel, biohydrogen diesel, mixed alcohols and wood diesel.

[[Cellulosic ethanol]] production uses non food crops or inedible waste products and does not divert food away from the animal or human food chain. [[Lignocellulose]] is the "woody" structural material of plants. This feedstock is abundant and diverse, and in some cases (like citrus peels or sawdust) it is a significant disposal problem.

Producing [[ethanol]] from [[cellulose]] is a difficult technical problem to solve. In nature, [[ruminant]] livestock (like [[cattle]]) eats grass and then use slow enzymatic digestive processes to break it into [[glucose]] (sugar). In [[cellulosic ethanol]] laboratories, various [[experimental]] processes are being developed to do the same thing, and then the sugars released can be fermented to make ethanol fuel.

Scientists also work on experimental [[recombinant DNA]] [[genetic engineering]] organisms that could increase biofuel potential.

=== Third generation biofuels===
{{Main|Algae fuel}}

'''Algae fuel''', also called '''oilgae''' or '''third generation biofuel''', is a biofuel from [[algae]]. Algae are low-input, high-yield [[wikt:feedstock|feedstock]]s to produce biofuels. It produces 30 times more energy per acre than land crops such as soybeans.<ref name="wapo-algae">{{cite web
| url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/03/AR2008010303907.html
| title= "A Promising Oil Alternative: Algae Energy"
|author= Eviana Hartman |date= 2008-01-06 |work= |publisher= ''[[Washington Post]]''
|pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=
| accessdate= 2008-01-15 }} </ref> With the higher prices of [[fossil fuel]]s ([[petroleum]]), there is much interest in [[algaculture]] (farming algae). One advantage of many biofuels over most other fuel types is that they are [[biodegradable]], and so relatively harmless to the environment if spilled.<ref> [http://www.globeco.co.uk/Bio-diesel_news_0007.html Globeco biodegradable bio-diesel] </ref><ref> [http://www.friendsofethanol.com/facts.html Friends of Ethanol.com biodegradable ethanol] </ref><ref> [http://www.energy-arizona.org/archive/200708280001_low_cost_algae_production_system_introduced.php Low Cost Algae Production System Introduced] </ref>

The [[United States Department of Energy]] estimates that if algae fuel replaced all the petroleum fuel in the United States, it would require 15,000 square miles (38,849 [[square kilometer]]s), which is roughly the size of [[Maryland]].<ref name="wapo-algae"/>

Second and third generation biofuels are also called '''advanced biofuels'''.

Algae, such as ''Chlorella vulgaris,'' is relatively easy to grow, [http://algaloildiesel.wetpaint.com/page/PROPAGATION+OF+ALGAE+BY+USE+OF+COVERED+PONDS] but the algal oil is hard to extract. There are several approaches, some of which work better than others. See: '''''Prospects for the Biodiesel Industry'''''. [http://algaloildiesel.wetpaint.com/page/PROSPECTS+FOR+THE+BIODIESEL+INDUSTRY]

=== Fourth generation biofuels===

An appealing '''fourth generation''' biofuel is based on the conversion of [[vegoil]] and [[biodiesel]] into gasoline. <ref>[http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/05/24/got-some-biodiesel-you-cant-use-convert-it-to-gasoline-with-bi/ Got some biodiesel you can't use? Convert it to gasoline with Biolene - AutoblogGreen<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

[[Craig Venter]]'s company [[Synthetic Genomics]] is genetically engineering microorganisms to produce fuel directly from [[carbon dioxide]] on an industrial scale.<ref>[http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/227 Craig Venter: On the verge of creating synthetic life, TED Talk Feb 2008]</ref>

== Worldwide production and consumption ==
{{split|Biofuels by region|discuss=Talk:Biofuel#Split proposal|date=September 2008}}
Recognizing the importance of implementing bioenergy, there are international organizations such as IEA Bioenergy,<ref> [http://www.ieabioenergy.com/IEABioenergy.aspx IEA bioenergy] </ref> established in 1978 by the [[OECD]] [[International Energy Agency]] (IEA), with the aim of improving cooperation and information exchange between countries that have national programs in bioenergy research, development and deployment. The [[United Nations|U.N.]] International Biofuels Forum is formed by [[Brazil]], [[China]], [[India]], [[South Africa]], the [[United States]] and the [[European Commission]].<ref> {{cite web
| url= http://www.un.org/News/briefings/docs/2007/070302_Biofuels.doc.htm
| title= Press Conference Launching International Biofuels Forum
| date= 2007-03-02 | publisher= [[United Nations]] Department of Public Information
|pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=
| accessdate= 2008-01-15 }} </ref> The world leaders in biofuel development and use are Brazil, United States, France, Sweden and Germany.

{{Seealso|Biodiesel around the world}}

=== Israel ===

IC Green Energy, a subsidiary of Israel Corp., aims by 2012 to process 4-5% of the global biofuel market (~4 million tons). It is focused solely on non-edible feedstock such as [[jatropha]], [[castor]], cellulosic biomass and algae.<ref>{{citeweb | url=http://cleantech-israel.blogspot.com/2008/05/ic-green-energy-and-yom-tov-samia.html | title=IC Green Energy and Yom Tov Samia | accessdate=2008-06-20 | date=2008-05-23 | publisher= Cleantech Investing in Israel}}</ref> In June 2008, [[Tel Aviv]]-based Seambiotic and Seattle-based Inventure Chemical announced a joint venture to use CO2 emissions-fed algae to make ethanol and biodiesel at a biofuel plant in Israel.<ref>{{citeweb | url=http://cleantech-israel.blogspot.com/2008/06/seambiotic-to-build-algae-based-biofuel.html | title=Seambiotic to build algae-based biofuel plant in Israel | accessdate=2008-06-20 | date=2008-06-20 | publisher= Cleantech Investing in Israel}}</ref>

=== Asia ===
In [[China]], the government is making E10 blends mandatory in five provinces that account for 16% of the nation's passenger cars. In Southeast Asia, [[Thailand]] has mandated an ambitious 10% ethanol mix in gasoline since 2007. For similar reasons, the palm oil industry plans to supply an increasing portion of national diesel fuel requirements in [[Malaysia]] and [[Indonesia]].{{Fact|date=January 2008}}

{{Main|Biofuels in India}}
In India, a bioethanol program calls for E5 blends throughout most of the country targeting to raise this requirement to E10 and then E20.

=== Europe ===
The [[European Union]] in its [[biofuels directive]] (updated 2006) has set the goal that for 2010 that each member state should achieve at least 5.75% biofuel usage of all used traffic fuel. By 2020 the figure should be 10%. As of January 2008 these aims are being reconsidered in light of certain environmental and social concerns associated with biofuels such as rising food prices and deforestation.<ref>{{cite web
| url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7186380.stm
| title= "EU rethinks biofuels guidelines"
|author= Roger Harrabin |date= 2008-01-14 |publisher= ''[[BBC News]]''
|pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=
| accessdate= |accessmonthday= |accessdaymonth= |accessyear= }} </ref>

{{seealso|Directive on the Promotion of the use of biofuels and other renewable fuels for transport}}

==== France ====
[[France]] is the second largest biofuel consumer among the EU States in 2006. According to the Ministry of Industry, France's consumption increased by 62.7% to reach 682,000 [[Tonne of oil equivalent|toe]] (i.e. 1.6% of French fuel consumption). Biodiesel represents the largest share of this (78%, far ahead of bioethanol with 22%). The unquestionable biodiesel leader in Europe is the French company [[Diester Industrie]]. In bioethanol, the French [[agro industry|agro-industrial]] group Téréos is increasing its production capacities.

====Germany====
Germany remained the largest European biofuel consumer in 2006, with a consumption estimate of 2.8 million tons of biodiesel (equivalent to 2,408,000 toe), 0.71 million ton of vegetable oil (628.492 toe) and 0.48 million ton of bioethanol (307,200 toe).

The biggest German biodiesel company is [[ADM Ölmühle Hamburg AG]], subsidiary of the American group [[Archer Daniels Midland Company]]. Among the other large German producers, [[MUW]] (Mitteldeutsche Umesterungswerke GmbH & Co KG) and EOP Biodiesel AG. A major contender in terms of bioethanol production is the German sugar corporation, [[Südzucker]].<ref>{{cite web
| url= http://www.checkbiotech.org/green_News_Biofuels.aspx?infoId=15225
| title= EU biofuels barometer: Germany & France in the lead
|author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors=
| date= 2007-07-30 |work= |publisher=
|pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=
| accessdate= 2008-01-15 }} </ref>

====Spain====
The Spanish group [[Abengoa]], via its American subsidiary Abengoa Bioenergy, is the European leader in production of bioethanol.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}

====Sweden====
{{Main|Biofuel in Sweden}}
The government of [[Sweden]] and the national association of auto makers, BIL Sweden, have started work to end oil dependency. One-fifth of cars in [[Stockholm]] can run on alternative fuels, mostly [[ethanol fuel]]. Stockholm is to introduce a fleet of Swedish-made hybrid ethanol-electric buses. Plans for [[oil phase-out in Sweden]] by 2020 was announced in 2005.<ref name='swegov2031'>{{cite web | url=http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/2031/a/67096
|title=Making Sweden an OIL-FREE Society |author=Prime Minister's Office Commission on Oil Independence
|accessdate=2007-02-13}} </ref>

====United Kingdom====
In the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation]] (RTFO) (announced 2005) is the requirement that by 2010 5% of all road vehicle fuel is renewable. In 2008 a critical report by the [[Royal Society]] stated ''that biofuels risk failing to deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from transport and could even be environmentally damaging unless the Government puts the right policies in place''.<ref>{{cite web
| url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7187361.stm
| title= "Biofuels 'are not a magic bullet'"
|author= Richard Black
|date= 2008-01-14 |work= |publisher= ''[[BBC News]]''
|pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=
| accessdate= 2008-01-15 }} </ref><ref> {{cite web
| url= http://royalsociety.org/document.asp?latest=1&id=7366
| title= "Sustainable biofuels: prospects and challenges"
|author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors=
| date= 2008-01-14 |work= |publisher= [[The Royal Society]]
|pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote=
| accessdate= 2008-01-15 }} </ref>

=== Brazil ===
{{Main|Biofuel in Brazil}}
[[Image:Four Brazilian full flex-fuel automoviles 05 2008.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Typical [[Brazil]]ian [[flexible-fuel vehicle|"flex" models]] from several car makers, that run on any blend of [[ethanol (fuel)|ethanol]] and [[gasoline]].]]
The government of [[Brazil]] hopes to build on the success of the Proálcool ethanol program by expanding the production of biodiesel which must contain 2% biodiesel by 2008, and 5% by 2013.

===Colombia===
[[Colombia]] mandates the use of 10% ethanol in all gasoline sold in cities with populations exceeding 500,000.<ref>Press release from the Presidencia De La República de Colombia [http://www.presidencia.gov.co/prensa_new/sne/2003/agosto/26/16262003.htm "COLOMBIA SE ALISTA PARA ENTRAR A LA ERA DEL ETANOL"]</ref> In [[Venezuela]], the state oil company is supporting the construction of 15 sugar cane distilleries over the next five years, as the government introduces a E10 (10% ethanol) blending mandate.{{Fact|date=January 2008}}

=== USA ===
{{Main|Biofuel in the United States}}

In 2006, the [[United States]] president [[George W. Bush]] said in a [[2006 State of the Union address#Energy|State of the Union]] speech that the US is "addicted to oil" and should replace 75% of imported oil by 2025 by alternative sources of energy including biofuels.

Essentially all [[ethanol fuel]] in the US is produced from [[corn]]. Corn is a very energy-intensive crop, which requires one unit of fossil-fuel energy to create just 0.9 to 1.3 energy units of ethanol.{{Verify source|date=August 2008}} A senior member of the [[House Energy and Commerce Committee]], Congressman [[Fred Upton]] introduced legislation to use at least E10 fuel by 2012 in all cars in the USA.
The 2007-12-19 US [[Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007]] requires American “fuel producers to use at least 36 billion gallons of biofuel in 2022. This is nearly a fivefold increase over current levels.”<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071219-6.html | title= Bush Signs Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007}}</ref> This is causing a significant shift of resources away from food production. American food exports have decreased (increasing grain prices worldwide), and US food imports have increased significantly.

Most biofuels are not currently cost-effective without significant subsidies. "America's ethanol program is a product of government subsidies. There are more than 200 different kinds, as well as a 54 cents-a-gallon tariff on imported ethanol. This prices Brazilian ethanol out of an otherwise competitive market. Brazil makes ethanol from sugarcane rather than corn (maize), which has a better [[EROEI]]. Federal subsidies alone cost $7 billion a year (equal to around $1.90 a gallon)."<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10250420 | title= Food Prices: Cheap No More}}</ref>

General Motors is starting a project to produce [[E85 fuel]] from [[cellulosic ethanol|cellulose ethanol]] for a projected cost of $1 a gallon. This is optimistic, because $1/gal equates to $10/MBTU which is comparable to [[woodchips]] at $7/MBTU or [[cord wood]] at $6-$12/MBTU, and this does not account for conversion losses and plant operating and capital costs which are significant. The raw materials can be as simple as corn stalks and scrap petroleum-based vehicle tires,<ref>''G.M. Buys Stake in Ethanol Made From Waste'' By MATTHEW L. WALD Published: January 14, 2008 [[New York Times]] [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/business/14gm.html?ei=5070&en=8461e0f658455111&ex=1200978000&adxnnl=1&emc=eta1&adxnnlx=1200428791-KwYo2SIqRNjzFuH/Aw1/3g Link]</ref> but used tires are an expensive feedstock with other more-valuable uses. GM has over 4 million E85 cars on the road now, and by 2012 half of the production cars for the US will be capable of running on E85 fuel. But by 2012, the supply of ethanol will not even be close to supplying this much E85. Coskata Inc. is building two new plants for the ethanol fuel. Theoretically, the process is claimed to be five times more energy efficient than corn based ethanol, but it is still in development and has not been proven to be cost effective in a free market.

The greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 86% for cellulose compared to corn’s 29% reduction.{{Fact|date=January 2008}}

=== Canada ===
The government of [[Canada]] aims for 45% of the country’s gasoline consumption to contain 10% ethanol by 2010.

=== New Zealand ===

A bioethanol blend was introduced commercially in [[New Zealand]] for the first time by the company [[Gull (company)|Gull]] on [[1 August]] [[2007]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/9/story.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10455139 |title= Gull introduces NZ's first biofuel blend }}</ref>. It contained 10% ethanol made from dairy by product by Anchor Ethanol, a subsidiary of Fonterra Ltd. On [[8 August]] [[2008]], Gull introduced a 91-octane bioethanol blend in Albany, Auckland.<ref name="Biofuel Aklnd">{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1318360/1990632 |title= Biofuel goes mainstream in Aklnd }}</ref> The blend, 'regular plus', contained 10% [[ethanol]] and included bioethanol made from [[whey]]. Gull planned to release the fuel to 33 stations, and marketed it as under $2 per litre<ref name="$2 a litre">{{cite web | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/4648312a11.html |title=New blend of biofuel to sell for less than $2/L }}</ref>. On release, the company said it would try to keep the price two cents less than its standard 91-octane fuel.

Days earlier, it was reported that British fuel producer Argent Energy would abandon plans to build a plant in Tauranga to produce tallow-based biodiesel. The plant would have cost over $100 million to build, and would have competed with cheaper sugar-based ethanol imports from Brazil. The plant could not proceed because a 42c/L [[tax break]] on bioethanol until 2010 had not been approved by the government<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10525056 |title= Tallow biofuel plant plans scrapped }}</ref>.

Ecodiesel, a company owned by a group of New Zealand farmers, plans to build<ref name="Biodiesel NZ">{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0710/S00217.htm |title= Commercial production of biodiesel in New Zealand }}</ref> a biodiesel plant by the end of 2008. The plant will be built in stages and cheaper than Argent's, and could produce 20 million litres of tallow-based biodiesel per year by [[April 2009]]<ref name="Biodiesel NZ"/>.

The New Zealand government, lead by Helen Clarke, introduced a Biofuel Bill in [[October 2007]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Legislation/Bills/4/c/9/00DBHOH_BILL8317_1-Biofuel-Bill.htm |title= Introduction of Biofuel Bill in New Zealand }}</ref>.

Dickon Posnett, head of Argent's New Zealand subsidiary, said New Zealand had some of the best raw materials for biofuels in the world.

=== Developing countries ===
Biofuel industries are becoming established in many [[developing countries]]. Many developing countries have extensive biomass resources that are becoming more valuable as demand for biomass and biofuels increases. The approaches to biofuel development in different parts of the world varies. Countries such as India and China are developing both bioethanol and biodiesel programs. India is extending plantations of [[jatropha]], an oil-producing tree that is used in biodiesel production. The Indian sugar ethanol program sets a target of 5% bioethanol incorporation into transport fuel.<ref> [http://www.ethanolindia.net/ethanol_govt.html Ethanol India website] </ref> China is a major bioethanol producer and aims to incorporate 15% bioethanol into transport fuels by 2010. Costs of biofuel promotion programs can be very high, though.<ref>See Jörg Peters and Sascha Thielmann (2008) Promoting Biofuels: Implications for Developing Countries, Ruhr Economic Papers #38 ([www.rwi-essen.de] for download)</ref>

In rural populations in developing countries, biomass provides the majority of fuel for heat and cooking. Wood, animal [[dung]] and crop residues are commonly burned. Figures from the [[International Energy Agency]] (IEA) show that biomass energy provides around 30% of the total primary energy supply in developing countries; over 2 billion people depend on biomass fuels as their primary energy source.<ref> [http://pdf.wri.org/page_forests_008_woodfuels.pdf world resources institute document on wood fuels] (PDF) </ref>

The use of biomass fuels for cooking indoors is a source of health problems and pollution. 1.3 million deaths were attributed to the use of biomass fuels with inadequate ventilation by the International Energy Agency in its World Energy Outlook 2006. Proposed solutions include improved stoves and alternative fuels. However, fuels are easily damaged, and alternative fuels tend to be expensive. Very low cost, fuel efficient, low pollution biomass stove designs have existed since 1980 or earlier.<ref>Scientific American</ref> Issues are a lack of education, distribution, corruption, and very low levels of foreign aid. People in developing countries often cannot afford these solutions without assistance or financing such as [[microloan]]s. Organizations such as [[Intermediate Technology Development Group]] work to make improved facilities for biofuel use and better alternatives accessible to those who cannot get them.

==Issues with biofuel production and use==
{{main|Issues relating to biofuels}}
Biofuels are proposed as having such benefits as: reduction of [[greenhouse gas]] emissions, reduction of [[fossil fuel]] use, increased national [[energy security]], increased [[rural development]] and a sustainable fuel supply for the future.

However, biofuel production is questioned from a number of angles. The chairman of the [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]], [[Rajendra Pachauri]], notably observed in March 2008 that questions arise on the emissions implications of that route, and that biofuel production has clearly raised prices of corn, with an overall implication for food security.<ref>[http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L26549810.htm Reuters AlertNet - U.N.'s Pachauri urges caution in biofuel use<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=428913 Who caused the world food crisis?<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> This is debatable because the extent or contribution to which biofuels have increased prices of corn may be overshadowed by the increase in the costs of all fuels--by increasing planting, harvesting, and transit costs of low energy density (and bulky) crops.

Biofuels are also seen as having limitations. The feedstocks for biofuel production must be replaced rapidly and biofuel production processes must be designed and implemented so as to supply the maximum amount of fuel at the cheapest cost, while providing maximum environmental benefits. Broadly speaking, first generation biofuel production processes cannot supply us with more than a few percent of our energy requirements sustainably. The reasons for this are described below. Second generation processes can supply us with more biofuel, with better environmental gains. The major barrier to the development of second generation biofuel processes is their capital cost: establishing second generation biodiesel plants has been estimated at €500million.<ref> [http://www.nnfcc.co.uk Nexant Chem Systems study] </ref>

==See also==
{{EnergyPortal}}
{{Portal|Ecology}}
{{Portal|Sustainable development|Sustainable development.svg}}
{{Wikinewscat|Renewable energy}}

{|
|- valign=top
|
* [[:Category:Biofuel by country]]
* [[Algaculture]] and [[algology]]
* [[Anaerobic digestion]]
* [[Bioalcohol]]
* [[Biobutanol]], a direct biofuel that replaces gasoline.
* [[Biodiesel]]
* [[Bioenergy]]
* [[Biofuelwatch]]
* [[Biogas]] and [[Biogas powerplant]]
* [[Bioheat]], a biofuel blended with [[heating oil]].
* [[Biohydrogen]]
* [[pyrolysis|Biomass to liquid bio-oil]]
* [[Energy crop]]
* [[Energy density]]
* [[Energy Policy Act of 2005]]
* [[Energy security]]
|
* [[Ecological sanitation]] and biogas.
* [[Energy content of biofuel]]
* [[Ethanol fuel]]
* [[European Biofuels Technology Platform]]<ref>[http://www.biofuelstp.eu European Biofuels Technology Platform - Home Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* [[Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008]]
* [[Gasification]]
* [[Green crude]]
* [[Hybrid vehicle]]
* [[List of emerging technologies]]
* [[List of vegetable oils]] section on oils used as biodiesel
* [[Low-carbon economy]]
* [[Straight vegetable oil]]
* [[United Nations Environment Programme]] (UNEP)
* [[Vegetable oil economy]]
* [[Waste vegetable oil]]
|}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|title=Biofuels Engineering Process Technology|author=Caye Drapcho, Nhuan Phú Nghiêm, Terry Walker |date=August 2008 |publisher=[McGraw-Hill] |isbn=0071487492; 9780071487498 |url=http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?isbn=0071487492}}

==External links==
* {{dmoz|Science/Technology/Energy/Renewable/Biomass_and_Biofuels/|Biofuels}}
* [http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/stations_locator.html Alternative Fueling Station Locator] ([[EERE]]).
* [http://www.bioenergywiki.net BioenergyWiki] - a [[wiki]] on [[biofuels]] and related subjects, including bioenergy [[sustainability]].
* [http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/apr08/6182 How Much Water Does It Take to Make Electricity?] -- Natural gas requires the least water to produce energy, some biofuels the most, according to a new study.
* [http://ec.europa.eu/energy/res/events/biofuels.htm International Conference on Biofuels Standards] - European Union Biofuels Standardization
*[http://www.iea.org/textbase/nppdf/free/2004/biofuels2004.pdf International Energy Agency: Biofuels for Transport - An International Perspective]
* [http://www.reportbuyer.com/energy_utilities/alternative_energy/biofuels/european_biofuels_challenge.html The European Biofuels Challenge Developments in European Union Policy and Industry Drivers] Free Report
* [http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2007/0148-2/latest/versions.aspx Biofuel Bill in New Zealand]
* [http://www.gsm.mq.edu.au/facultyhome/john.mathews/energy%20publications/JM%202008_Carbon-negative%20biofuels_Energy%20Policy.pdf Carbon-negative biofuels]

{{Environmental technology}}
{{Sustainability}}

[[Category:Alternative propulsion]]
[[Category:Anaerobic digestion]]
[[Category:Biodegradable waste management]]
[[Category:Bioenergy]]
[[Category:Biofuels]]
[[Category:Sustainable technologies]]
[[Category:Energy sources]]

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[[bg:Биогориво]]
[[cs:Biomasa#Biopalivo]]
[[da:Biobrændsel og biobrændstof]]
[[de:Biokraftstoff]]
[[et:Biokütus]]
[[el:Βιοκαύσιμα]]
[[es:Biocombustible]]
[[eu:Bioerregai]]
[[fr:Biocarburant]]
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[[no:Biobrensel]]
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[[pt:Biocombustível]]
[[qu:Kawsasqamanta rawrana]]
[[ru:Биотопливо]]
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