Additionally, the amount of water used in biofuel production is also affected by the specific farming practices used. They are found in liquid, solid or gas states. But while different crops can become biodiesel through the same process, the resulting fuel can vary greatly in its ability to produce power. Numerous unsaturated oils have undesirable burn properties. A 2009 study suggests that, in the rush to produce enough corn-based ethanol to meet federal alternative energy requirements, biofuel demand is already putting stress on fresh water supplies in the Great Plains and central Southwest [source: McKenna]. (Nov. 15, 2010)http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/22428/page1/, Mellon, Margaret and Jane Rissler. Biofuels are made from a wide range of materials. There are four generations of biofuels based on how they are made. Some of the disadvantages of biofuels apply mainly to low-diversity biofuel sourcescorn, soybeans, sugarcane, oil palmswhich are traditional agricultural crops. It is also important to consider the full life cycle of biofuels, from production to end-use to ensure that they are used in the most sustainable and efficient manner possible. In fact, the 468 million metric tons of trash produced in North America each year could provide 47 billion liters of ethanolor roughly the same amount as produced from corn, which presently supplies 10 percent of U.S. gasoline demand. We are working hard to improve our content. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. When biodiesel is utilized as a combustible fuel, the engine durability increases. Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas A&M University. The process is not always cost-effective: Yes, though it may pay cash to the contributors, the truth is this process needs a lot of money, time and land to set up a plant and run. Some studies are underway to increase the yields of biofuel from weather-tolerant crops. By burning solid waste, the amount of garbage dumped in landfills is reduced by 60 to 90 percent, and reduces the cost of landfill disposal and amount of land required for landfill. (Nov. 19, 2010)http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_yield.html, Lau, Michael H. et al. Biofuel production may decrease the pesticide pollution if done sustainably and right, especially if perennial polycultures are involved. Explore our digital archive back to 1845, including articles by more than 150 Nobel Prize winners. Biofuels are often not compatible with traditional fossil fuel infrastructure because they have different chemical and physical properties. Jan. 31, 2007. Biodiesel, which has found greatest acceptance in Europe, is used in diesel engines and usually blended with petroleum diesel fuel in various percentages. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) determines bioenergy as a renewable energy form. Quick Navigation for Advantages and disadvantages of biofuels, [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK196452/. All of these plants grow better when given fertilizer. There are several different types of biofuels: liquid biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel; solid biofuels like wood pellets, fuelwood, or animals waste; and biogas like landfill gas. and environmental chaos ensued. But in other regions, the same plants would be impossible -- or extremely costly -- to grow. Some of the disadvantages of biofuels apply mainly to low-diversity biofuel sourcescorn, soybeans, sugarcane, oil palmswhich are traditional agricultural crops. Ethanol-production facilities use far more electricity to run than they produce in fuel. Its worth noting that the negative effects of biofuels can be mitigated by adopting appropriate policies and regulations, such as implementing sustainable land use practices, supporting research and development of advanced biofuels, and promoting the use of biofuels in a way that doesnt compete with food production. In theory, this sounds like a terrific way to keep up with biofuel crop demand. The widespread use of biofuels in daily operations requires different storage and handling equipment, engine modifications, and adapted fuel delivery systems. Technologies that allow to completely disrupt biomass, make it more homogeneous and reduce their retention time, are therefore necessary to ensure their effective loading and their complete digestion in the plant and help to reduce some disadvantages of biogas . For example, Range Fuels in Georgia similarly attempted to gasify waste from the pulp and paper industry and transform it into ethanol directly but foundered in perfecting its catalysts. Another type of biofuel is biodiesel. New York City spends roughly $400 million each year to transport 14 million tons of waste to incinerators and landfills. Source: New York Times, June 2, 2017. Can Renewable Energies Solve the Grave Problem of Climate Change? But it is even more economical solution in terms of paying a cost set by international political agreements. It seemed like a win-win idea: European demand for biofuel was set to spike, driven in part by regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It has the same advantages as for AD (items 3 to 6 inclusive) over spreading untreated organic waste material on land. Disadvantages of Biofuels One disadvantage of biofuels is that not all biofuels can be created equally. This is a problem that biofuel crops, food crops, gardens, and lawns have in common all over the world. As of now, the interest and capital investment being put into biofuel production is fairly low, but it can match demand. This lessens the risk of respiratory illnesses due to reduced air pollution. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Matt Cunningham The first generation biofuels are produced from food crops grown on arable land. biofuel, any fuel that is derived from biomassthat is, plant or algae material or animal waste. Nevertheless, in 2012 Edmonton will host a chemical plant owned by Enerkem that will turn garbage into 36 million liters of ethanol and methanol per year. This can lead to food insecurity in local communities and increase in food prices. One obvious consideration is the gel, or clouding, point: A fuel that turns solid well above water's freezing point would not be very useful in a cold location. To learn more about biofuels, click to the next page. The ragged stripes stretching from east to west are growing zones: regions where water supply, temperature and sunlight make hospitable climates for certain types of plants. Plant-based fuel can be produced almost anywhere, comes from a renewable resource and often produces cleaner emissions than petroleum-based fuel. See also carbon sequestration. Compared to petroleum-based gasoline, ethanol is a less effective fuel. Advantages of Biofuels Biofuels costs have been declining and are likely to be far cheaper than petrol and other fossil fuels. First, there is the issue of output. What does it mean? Disadvantages of Biofuels 1. It might seem counterintuitive at first, but some scientists argue that widespread biofuel production is a negative-sum game: Producing enough biodiesel or ethanol to replace one gallon of petroleum fuel, they argue, requires the energy equivalent to several gallons' worth of petroleum fuel [source: Pimentel]. The simple economic system of supply and demand of biofuels increases the demand for corn, for example, and it becomes more expensive. Just consider: biodiesel is a biodegradable fuel that releases less emissions when burned. However, most of these crops are also accepted as food products. These air pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as damage to crops, forests, and other ecosystems. In addition, energy crops grown for biofuel can compete for the worlds natural habitats. In the end, making a fuel from garbage remains a promising opportunityas long as the waste is already divvied up into its own component parts, as is happening in Edmonton and at the Three Rivers landfill near Pontotoc, Miss. While technology eventually will limit these ratios, the ratio of energy input to the output of modern biofuel production is an important disadvantage to its widespread use. These landfills not only spread foul smell but also contaminate underground water sources. In any case, the regeneration of biofuels is also not fast enough to be considered a renewable energy source. ", David Biello is a contributing editor at Scientific American. "The business of ethanol is a very substantial market opportunity," Chornet says. Producers that focus on a single cash crop each year face an increased risk of pest development, water pollution, and catastrophic failure. For example, it is estimated that growing one hectare of corn for biofuels takes between 3,000 and 5,000 cubic meters of water per year. Scientists sounded the alarm, and further tests by academic and industry researchers confirmed that the corn's pollen posed a threat to monarchs. Meanwhile, E4Tech's study Sustainable Aviation FuelsFuelling the Future estimates a potential global supply of up to . As a breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminants, landfills can allow pollution to contaminate the land, sea and air. The lower energy density means that transportation and storage of biofuels could be more challenging and may increase the cost of using biofuels as the main fuel source. And high-consumption production practices -- moving palm oil with petroleum-powered trucks and the practice of draining and burning peat bogs to prepare farmland -- have made the southeast Asian nation one of the world's leading greenhouse gas emitters [source: Rosenthal]. While they can burn cleaner, producing synthetic fuels often causes just as much, if not more, pollution than traditional gasoline. With the removal of impurities from biogas, biomethane is produced. Biofuels are a renewable resource, so they can be replenished over time. Biofuels Advantages and Disadvantages in 2022. Monoculture isn't a problem confined to biofuel production; it's an issue that had been studied for years in relation to large-scale food crop production. Long-time monoculture farms must use much more fertilizer than sustainable peers, and this increases water pollution. The amount of water used to grow biofuels varies depending on the type of biofuel, the location, and the farming practices used. The character of biofuels when they are only produced from certain feedstocks, such as specific crops, like rapeseed, or certain waste materials, means that they may be in limited supply. The regional nature of high-producing plants such as palm oil means that certain parts of the world are agricultural gold mines: Biofuel demand motivates plantations to expand quickly. Biofuel production is currently equivalent to just a tiny fraction. On the other end, if previously untouched natural ecosystem is transformed into a monoculture field than there is a high chance that pesticide pollution will appear and will affect the surrounding environment. In general, biofuels are more expensive to produce than fossil fuels on a per-unit energy basis. Temperate zone plant biomass per hectare could be as high as 20 t. Switchgrass have reported yields up to 30 t ha 1. Turning garbage into fuel is potentially an answer to two pressing problemsdiminishing the world's dependence on fossil fuels and an alternative to burying trash in landfills. The green biomass from these grasses can be harvested regularly for the use as a biofuel. Furthermore, biofuels can also be more expensive to produce than fossil fuels, which can make them less competitive in the market and discourage investment in the biofuel industry. Other companies, such as Wheelabrator, simply fortify the gas and burn it directly to produce electricityalthough that can result in the emissions of toxic chemicals, such as dioxinsor employ additional complex chemical steps. Exorbitant Production Costs 2. (Dec. 13, 2010)http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/BiotechCrops/, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. Utilizing our garbage may help keep flora and fauna healthy, resulting in a healthier ecosystem. However, some biofuel crops, such as corn and sugarcane, are considered to be water-intensive and their production requires large amounts of irrigation. Biofuels are a more. The greenhouse gases bring about global warming by trapping sunlight. Such a material is said to be carbon neutral. In practice, however, the industrial production of agricultural biofuels can result in additional emissions of greenhouse gases that may offset the benefits of using a renewable fuel. Incredibly safe. Many biofuel crops are applied to produce biodiesel. A study in 2005 showed that using available farming and production technologies, from 27 to 118 percent more energy is needed to produce a gallon of biodiesel than the energy existing in it. One of the main advantages of biofuels is their relatively low cost. The quantity of vegetable oil available in an acre of crops can range greatly, from 18 gallons for corn to 635 gallons per acre for oil palm. Segregating organic waste from the garbage to generate Biogas considerably reduces wastes from landfills. Biofuel Biomass is the only renewable energy source that can be converted into liquid biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. "E85 Vs Conventional Gasoline - Tech Knowledge." This means that more biofuel is required to produce the same amount of energy as a smaller amount of fossil fuel. Most fossil fuels will expire one day. "Oil Yields and Characteristics." The unique nature of a monoculture crop raises the risk of a complete loss for the farmer; if a severe strain of corn blight hits an ethanol-producing corn farm, there will be significant damage. Biofuel crops are no different from petunias or peppers in this regard. "Biofuel" is a major buzzword in transportation circles these days, and for good reason. Higher the diversity of plants, better natural resistance to diseases and pests. In general, biofuels can be a reliable energy source if they are produced and used in a responsible and sustainable manner. Hydrogenating, or treating the oil with hydrogen, can mitigate this problem, but increased processing means increased cost [source: Journey to Forever]. Ignorance Conclusion Consequently, it makes sense to look for an unsaturated oil as a biofuel source. It isn't as effective a fuel as traditional gasoline. This may sound contradictory to the advantages of biofuels mentioned earlier in this article. Economic and environmental considerations, https://www.britannica.com/technology/biofuel, United States Environmental Protection Agency - Economics of Biofuels, biofuel - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). "Biofuels and their Impact on Food Prices." Monoculture refers to the practice of growing one heavily concentrated crop, rather than the rotation of various crops through a farmer's fields over time. Will alternative fuels deplete global corn supplies? This can limit the scale of biofuel production and make it more vulnerable to disruptions such as droughts, pests, and price fluctuations. Biofuels also supply environmental benefits but, depending on how they are manufactured, can also have serious environmental drawbacks. Furthermore, the burning of coal and oil raises the temperature and warms the planet. Liquid biofuels are of particular interest because of the vast infrastructure already in place to use them, especially for transportation. The Pros of Biofuels (Nov. 16, 2010)http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/31/business/worldbusiness/31biofuel.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1290625375-G4EOxMpw99oBdvPcW6DvCw, Tsuneishi, Scott. By that time, the corn had been on the market for a season. There will come a time when they will . One way to counter this lies in simple diplomacy: The globalization of world commerce means that it's now easier than ever to move food supplies from one part of the world to another in response to increased demand. (Dec. 13, 2010)http://www.goldenfuelsystems.com/index.php, Journey to Forever. Pure ethanol and biodiesel are nontoxic and biodegradable, and if spilled, they break down into harmless substances. Biofuels are definitely cheaper than fossil fuels. Bioenergy is energy derived from any fuel that is originated from biomass. Unlike the first-generation ethanol biofuel produced from food crops, second-generation cellulosic ethanol is derived from low-value biomass that possesses a high cellulose content, including wood chips, crop residues, and municipal waste. Fuel." Likewise, the nutrients that are put back into the soil through crop rotation and allowing fields to lay fallow disappear under intense monocultural farming. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Consumers living in a low-producing region need to have biofuel by moving through pipes or trucks to them. You may think that biofuels are used mainly in transport, but thats not all. A major concern people face is that the growing use of biofuels may also mean a growth in food prices. Ethanol can be used instead of gasoline in many cars. The oil in their grains is pressed out, filtered, and reformed to fuel by a chemical process. Also, alcohol fuels (including ethanol) may corrode or damage some of the metal and rubber fittings utilized in gasoline-based engines. About 3.5 million tons of garbage is discarded in landfills every day. Biofuel can generate electricity and can be created from various waste products collected from the farming industry. It generates harmful emissions 2. And once the engine's running, the differences in combustion properties between gasoline and ethanol means that the ethanol-converted engine needs to have its ignition timing adjusted to operate properly [source: Tsuneishi]. Drivers of vehicles who use these fuels usually have to install heating units to protect the fuel tank and lines free from gelled fuel or dual-fuel mechanisms flushing the engine with petroleum diesel during start-up and shut-down. Although it has been stated quite extensively that biofuels have an overall positive environmental impact, it may be well to explore the disadvantages of biofuels in this respect. (Jan. 14, 2011)http://www.environmentmagazine.org/Archives/Back%20Issues/November%202007/Naylor-Nov07-full.html, Pimentel, David and Tad W. Patzek. 1. It increases costs as well as the emissions produced in production and transport. Some estimates state that algae and cyanobacteria could yield between 10 and 100 times more fuel per unit area than second-generation biofuels. Lets explore the pros and cons of biofuels in order to better understand their future potential as our energy source. While local crops have reduced the countrys dependence on fossil fuels, some experts believe it will take a long time to solve the energy needs. Careful fertilizer application can help prevent widespread pollution problems, but expanding biofuel production to meet the world's demand opens the door for more mistakes in this realm. "The Ripple Effect: Biofuels, Food Security and the Environment." It may cause food scarcity because of the lucrative prices of bioethanol some farmers may sacrifice food crops for Biofuel production 3. As a result, converting plant biomass to ethanol requires processing much larger amounts of feed stock to produce the same amount of biofuel than conventional biofuels. Biofuel uses waste natural materials, and produces fewer emissions as a result. Here at Linquip you can send inquiries to all Renewable Energy suppliers and receive quotations for free, Your email address will not be published. Loss of natural habitat can change the hydrology, increase erosion, and generally reduce biodiversity of wildlife areas. And while biofuel is not as clean as other renewables and won't get us out of the woods when it comes to reversing the impacts of climate change, it is a reliable renewable source. High Cost of Production Even with all the benefits associated with biofuels, they are quite expensive to produce in the current market. In the transport sector, they are often used as a substitute for gasoline and diesel fuel. Biofuels can require significant amounts of water for irrigation and processing, which can lead to water depletion and competition with other water uses, including even water for households, or for food production. Biofuel Disadvantages: In the creation of first generation biofuels, huge amounts of land are needed. "Growing Zone Information." Second, the oil produced by these plants is not identical. Some biofuel crops, such as corn and sugarcane, are considered to be high-input crops not only when it comes to water demand but even when it comes to the use of pesticides to protect them against insects, weeds, and diseases. Except providing new livelihood opportunities for local families, they could also represent a sustainable and innovative option that will contribute to rural development. Updates? Moreover, the crops that are grown to produce biomass absorb carbon dioxide which helps clean the air. The generation of biofuels, a priori, represents several advantages over obtaining fossil fuels used to get fossil energy.The main advantage is that the regeneration of resources does not take millions of years as it happens with coal, oil, or natural gas.. Biofuels are obtained from crops and plants that contain large amounts of sugar. One potential challenge to the reliability of biofuels is their limited availability, as they are only produced from certain feedstocks (as mentioned in the disadvantages section). We are going to describe these advantages in this section. However, other biofuel crops, such as switchgrass and miscanthus, are considered to be low-input crops and need less pesticides. Utilization of Fertilizers 4. Purdue Extension. After the incineration process is complete, the total mass of the remaining garbage can be reduced by up to 85 percent, while its volume may shrink by as much as 95 percent [5].. The production of biofuels often leads to land use changes, such as the conversion of natural habitats to cropland. An unfortunate disadvantage of biogas today is that the systems used in the production of biogas are not efficient. Environment. They are perennial. All Rights Reserved. List of Cons of Biofuels 1. Biofuels are made from various sources, including manure, crop waste, algae, other byproducts, and plants grown specifically for fuel. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). 2015-2023 Greentumble. Biofuels are compatible with current engine designs and work very well in most conditions. The use of biofuels can therefore help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy system. Biofuels could be a sustainable energy source over the long term if they are produced and used in a responsible and well-planned manner when all the pros and cons of biofuels versus fossil fuels are considered. With international trends swinging toward sustainable transportation, fuels such as corn-based ethanol and biodiesel from soy, switchgrass and palm oil seem like a good step toward cleaner, greener highways. Making biofuels from waste makes dollars--and sense, Edmonton is Canada's chief oil city as well as the capital of Alberta, the province that hosts the bulk of the country's tar sands. Our goal is to inspire people to change their attitudes and behaviors toward a more sustainable life. However, this is not the only reason to encourage the use of biofuels. Land Use Modifications 9. For the billions of people who live on only a few dollars per day, even a small increase in food prices could put their access to proper nutrition at risk. The production and use of biofuels generates significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than the production and use of highly polluting fossil fuels. Discover world-changing science. This is a problem biofuel crops share with food crops, gardens and lawns worldwide. But while different crops can be converted to biodiesel through the same process, the resulting fuel can be very different in its ability to produce energy. Biofuels are generally of two categories: gaseous biofuel and liquid biofuel. Excessive use or improper application can leave surplus fertilizer in the soil, which is then washed through regional watersheds and transferred into rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. The oil in their seeds is pressed out, filtered and converted to fuel using a chemical process. Biofuels - Some crops, like corn and sugar cane, can be converted into a biofuel called ethanol. Bloomberg Businessweek. Biofuel is commonly advocated as a cost-effective and environmentally benign alternative to petroleum and other fossil fuels, particularly within the context of rising petroleum prices and increased concern over the contributions made by fossil fuels to global warming. Which brings us to the second advantage. The growth of all of these plants is better when fertilized. There is a variety of applications, including electricity generation, and heating. Weather issue 11. Biofuel production boosts the demand for suitable biofuel products and strengthens the agriculture industry. What are the disadvantages of biofuels? When fossil fuels burn, they produce large amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide.
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