Bio fuels – Could Very Well Save Our Planet.

What are Bio-fuels? Simply put. Bio-fuels are natural fuels that are created when biological matter decomposes. Mostly from plant life. And are present in three forms of matter, namely. Solid, Liquid and Gas. In this article we will take a closer look at the various types of bio-fuels, the advantages, disadvantages and differences between bio-fuels and fossil fuels.

In brief,Bio-fuels differ from fossil fuels in the following:

Million of years are required for the creation of fossil fuels whereas in comparison. Bio-fuels can be created in a very short space of time, within days in some cases.

Fossil fuels have been shown to create large amount of pollution whereas bio-fuels are far safer.

Bio-fuels are renewable sources of energy unlike fossil fuels.

Bio-fuels have been categorized into four types: first generation, second generation, third generation, and fourth generation.

First generation bio-fuels are mainly created from vegetable fats, starch and sugar which in turn come from food crops. Another derivative of first generation fuels is animal fats. Examples of this type of Bio-fuels are bio gas, bio-diesel and vegetable oil.

Second generation bio-fuels come mainly from waste biomass. This in itself makes this a more balanced option compared to the first generation bio-fuels. Different types of alcohols and diesel derived from wood are examples of second generation bio-fuels.

Third generation bio-fuels are derived from algae. Large scale farming of algae is required for the creating of these bio-fuels. The algae fuels are very environmentally friendly because they easily decompose back into the soil without damaging the soil.

Lastly, the fourth generation bio-fuels use a method in which micro-organisms are raised which work with carbon dioxide to generate the fuel.

Bio-fuels have proven to be advantageous in the following areas:

Bio-fuels can reduce the burden on the gradual depletion of fossil fuels.

Being extremely environment friendly. Bio-fuels assist in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

Bio-fuels can be very cost-effective for the consumer. A good example of this is Bio-diesel.

However, bio-fuels are not without criticism. Though beneficial on the environment. There are disadvantages. Some of the main criticism’s are:

The debate on the viability of first generation bio-fuels has been ongoing. The main issue being the impact on food production when food is needed for the production of fuels. Some people believe that if food crops are used to generate fuel. The quality of the crops may no longer be fit for human consumption.

The creation of large quantities of bio-fuel would require large areas of farming land. Which would mean that to create bio-fuels without reducing farm land used to feed the nations. New land would be required which in turn could encroach on the natural habitat of plants and animals.

Alow me to add in closing. In light of the ongoing discussions regarding global warming and the depletion of our fossil fuels. Maybe the time has come for man to find safe alternatives. Bio-fuels could be answer to save our planet. Time will be the judge.