In 2013 Enerkem plans to open a plant there, too, with the help of $130 million in taxpayer funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy. After all, a better harvest would reduce prices and ensure there's enough corn or soybeans on hand to feed and fuel the world, right? Meanwhile, E4Tech's study Sustainable Aviation FuelsFuelling the Future estimates a potential global supply of up to . Utilization of Fertilizers 4. One way is through direct competition for land, water, and other resources. These emissions include carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels during the production process and nitrous oxide from soil that has been treated with nitrogen fertilizer. 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. Biofuel Disadvantages: In the creation of first generation biofuels, huge amounts of land are needed. Future Price Growth 8. Dependence on Water and Oil Resources. Long-time monoculture farms have to use much more artificial fertilizer than their more sustainable peers, increasing water pollution. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels. Typically, garbage collection has certain disadvantages: Garbage collection consumes computing resources in deciding what memory is to be freed, reconstructing facts that may have been known to the programmer. By being renewable, they are a type of fuel that could potentially support sustainable development by promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing our impact on the environment. Being forced to import oil creates problems for their economy. Consumers living in a low-producing region need to have biofuel by moving through pipes or trucks to them. The rise in demand for food-biofuel crops can have a positive effect for crop producers, in the form of higher prices for their produce. At the same time, biofuels generally have a lower energy density per unit of mass than fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel. Corrections? 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. Increases Pollution in contrast to wind and solar 10. This makes it something close to a self-sustaining system. Anything that is local comes with an extra benefit. The benefits of biofuels compared to fossil fuels depend on a variety of factors that need to be considered when used on a large scale. A number of factors play into any fuel's cost, both in economic and environmental terms, and biofuel doesn't always come out as the most sustainable option. Land use is also a major factor in evaluating the benefits of biofuels. One of the main advantages of biofuels is their relatively low cost. MIT Technology Review. In this regard, cellulosic biomass is considered to be more beneficial. Partial combustion is a fuel-burning with insufficient oxygen to convert the biomass entirely to carbon dioxide and water. So, it could be a threat to food security or access to adequate nutritious food for the population. It contributes to deforestation 4. The production, distribution, and use of biofuels can create jobs in a variety of sectors that will support the production and use of this sustainable alternative. This is a great news for sustainable future planning since the use of biofuels is in agreement with the development of a circular economy by closing the loop on resource use. The development of a biofuels industry can have both positive and negative economic impacts, depending on the specific circumstances. Most of the waste generated worldwide is biodegradable. 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. They produce industrial pollution. This difference affects the viability of the oil as fuel. The production cost per liter of ethanol is still high compared . Some algal species contain up to 40 percent lipids by weight, which can be converted into biodiesel or synthetic petroleum. This lessens the risk of respiratory illnesses due to reduced air pollution. Studies show that biofuels decrease greenhouse gases by up to 65 percent. In the United States ethanol biofuel is made primarily from corn (maize) grain, and it is typically blended with gasoline to produce gasohol, a fuel that is 10 percent ethanol. Compatibility refers to the ability of a fuel to be used in existing infrastructure and equipment without modification or damage. True, a plant-based fuel comes from a renewable source, while fossil fuels will eventually run out. This necessarily destroys animal dwellings, microcosms (micro ecosystems), and reduces the overall health of a region's natural resources. Your IP: Some studies are underway to increase the yields of biofuel from weather-tolerant crops. The green biomass from these grasses can be harvested regularly for the use as a biofuel. "Biofuels and their Impact on Food Prices." Biogas and syngas are two types of gaseous biofuels. During initial tests of a modified strain of corn, researchers discovered that the crop, which had been engineered to fight off a moth known to prey on corn, produced pollen that could possibly kill larvae of the monarch butterfly. "Growing Zone Information." Producers that focus on a single cash crop each year face an increased risk of pest development, water pollution, and catastrophic failure. However, most of the time, the word biomass simply signifies the biological raw material from which the fuel is made, or some kind of thermally-chemically changed solid end product, like torrefied pellets or briquettes. This can make them less practical for some applications, such as long-distance transportation. Biofuels have some advantages over their counterparts. Students replicate commercially available alternative fuels, E85 and biodiesel, as well as create an experimental fuel blend of waste . Fuel." (Nov. 16, 2010)http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/31/business/worldbusiness/31biofuel.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1290625375-G4EOxMpw99oBdvPcW6DvCw, Tsuneishi, Scott. "Preventing Pollution Problems from Lawn and Garden Fertilizers." This can be achieved through the use of waste materials and non-food crops for biofuel production, as well as the adoption of sustainable practices such as minimal tillage and the use of cover crops. April 2009. Because of the higher-than-petroleum gel point of many biodiesel-producing oils, a biodiesel engine can be difficult -- if not impossible -- to start in cold weather. Growing demand for food-biofuel crops may have a positive result for crop producers due to higher prices for their products. And. 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. As an alternative source of energy, they also reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing or emitting negative effects that come with the use of this polluting and limited source that has been powering our economies since the industrial revolution but has also brought about increased pollution levels and emissions of greenhouse gases. The penalty for the convenience of not annotating object lifetime manually in the source code is overhead, often leading to decreased or . Other biofuel crops, such as switchgrass and miscanthus, are considered to be more water-efficient and need less water for irrigation. The burning of fossil fuels generates a variety of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Biofuel is used to power vehicles, and is being produced by gasification in countries such as Sweden, Austria, and the . (Dec. 11, 2010)http://www.burpee.com/gardening/content/gygg/growing-zone-information/growingzoneinfo.html, Carey, John et al. Many biofuel crops are used to make biodiesel. Even if plant waste can be used as raw material, the demand for these products will still exist. The use of biofuels improves energy security of individual countries by diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance of countries on a single energy source. Similar to petroleum fuels, biofuels are flammable (especially ethanol) and must be transported carefully. The liquid biofuel in greatest production is ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is made by fermenting starch or sugar. The pure form (B100) can be employed as a fuel for vehicles but is commonly used as a diesel additive to reduce particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons in diesel vehicles. Biogas is used predominantly in the electricity sector. Segregating organic waste from the garbage to generate Biogas considerably reduces wastes from landfills. Carbon monoxide emissions are lower than that . Although current gas reservoirs will remain available for many years, they will deplete in anot-too-distant future. Moreover, the crops that are grown to produce biomass absorb carbon dioxide which helps clean the air. In order for biofuels to become widely used, researchers are working on developing biofuels that are more similar in properties to fossil fuels. This isn't the selective breeding that farmers have practiced for years; genetically modified crops are altered in the lab to tolerate herbicides better, fight off pests or produce higher yields. On the other hand, burning garbage produces air pollution and releases the chemicals and substances in the waste into the air. Biofuels are made from various sources, including manure, crop waste, algae, other byproducts, and plants grown specifically for fuel. Given all the negative effects, ethanol which is derived from crops does not make economical sense as a mainstream biofuel. The widespread use of biofuels in daily operations requires different storage and handling equipment, engine modifications, and adapted fuel delivery systems. The production of biofuels can be more expensive than the production of fossil fuels due to the costs of growing and processing the feedstocks. Scientists sounded the alarm, and further tests by academic and industry researchers confirmed that the corn's pollen posed a threat to monarchs. Or how animal fats, like whale oils, were used extensively in the 17th century to fuel lamps. This may involve the use of advanced technologies. Long-time monoculture farms must use much more fertilizer than sustainable peers, and this increases water pollution. 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. 1. Renewability Is an Advantage It takes a very long time for fossil fuels to be produced. An important consideration is the gel point; a fuel that becomes solid above the freezing point of water is not very useful in a cold location. Also, It increases microbial growth in the engine, making the engine filters clogged. While the advantages of biomass energy are plenty, there are also some shortcomings, including: 1. Disadvantage of Biofuels Energy output Indirect Carbon Emissions Much Higher Initial Cost Food Prices May Strain Water Resources Destruction of Cultivable Land Conclusion on Biofuel Pros and Cons Related Resources Biofuel Pros and Cons Analysis: How Does It Work? In evaluating the economic benefits of biofuels, the energy required to produce them has to be taken into account. But in other regions, the same plants would be impossible -- or extremely costly -- to grow. Here at Linquip you can send inquiries to all Renewable Energy suppliers and receive quotations for free, Your email address will not be published. Also, these crops can be planted again. Also, alcohol fuels (including ethanol) may corrode or damage some of the metal and rubber fittings utilized in gasoline-based engines. 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. Will alternative fuels deplete global corn supplies? Advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy. With aims such as reducing the costs of biofuel, it enables high-value products from biomass or waste resources, as well as the reduction in the cost of bioenergy production. As crude oil prices rise, we need several other alternative energy solutions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, the cost of biofuel production has been decreasing in recent years due to advancements in technology and economies of scale. (Dec. 11, 2010)http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg2923.html, Rosenthal, Elisabeth. The most common types of liquid biofuels are bioethanol and biodiesel. Omissions? Sugar Cane Until recently, sugar cane was the world's main source of ethanol, because of its prevalence in Brazil. Researchers are working to increase biofuel yields from weather-tolerant crops [source: Lau]. The production of biofuels can compete with food production for land and resources, which can lead to higher food prices. It may cause food scarcity because of the lucrative prices of bioethanol some farmers may sacrifice food crops for Biofuel production 3. The major disadvantage to using algae to produce biofuels is the cost, which in part is due to the fact that the practice of using algae to produce biofuels is relatively new and requires additional research and development to find less costly production methods. You may think that biofuels are used mainly in transport, but thats not all. "Modern Agriculture: Ecological impacts and the possibilities for truly sustainable farming." It causes air pollution 3. For example, bioethanol and biodiesel have a higher tendency to absorb moisture than fossil fuels, which can cause corrosion in fuel systems and engines. Union of Concerned Scientists. Pure ethanol is difficult to vaporize meaning starting a car in cold weather could be more difficult that a car that runs on petrol. September 2007. Second, the oil these plants produce is not equal. A number of manufacturers sell components for biodiesel and greasecar conversions, and intrepid tinkerers often find ways to overcome the gelling problem. "Oil Yields and Characteristics." "Essentially, we intersect [with the waste] before it goes to the landfill, where it would just contribute to the methane gas already coming from there," says Ineos business manager, Dan Cummings. 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. 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. Bioethanol is a type of alcohol produced by fermentation, often from carbohydrates made in sugar or starchy crops like corn, sugarcane, or sweet sorghum. Biofuels, on the other hand, are produced from biological materials, which are generally considered to be cleaner-burning than fossil fuels. To begin a detailed discussion of this subject, the following are some of the recognised benefits and drawbacks of biofuels. 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. Biofuels are an energy source obtained from organic material (animal waste, plants, etc. 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. The major disadvantage of fuel ethanol, however, is its production cost. 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 . "Once a Dream Fuel, Palm Oil May Be an Eco-Nightmare." As an alternative to landfills, incineration offers the following advantages: #1 Far more efficient use of space. Biodiesel is less efficient than gasoline Biomass: Should we focus on more eco-friendly renewable energy? Soil, groundwater and air pollution. In general, biofuels can be a reliable energy source if they are produced and used in a responsible and sustainable manner. Plantation owners prepared their operations to meet the demand . Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Matt Cunningham