Bio-fuels differ from fossil fuels as follows:
1. 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.
2. Fossil fuels are the main culprit behind the large amounts of pollution present today.
3. Fossil fuels unlike bio-fuels, cannot be renewed, once depleted, that’s it. game over.
There are four categories of bio-fuels. Which are First, Second, Third and Fourth generation. Which can be explained as follows.
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.
Waste biomass is the main source of second generation bio-fuels. Which in itself is a more balanced option in comparison to first generation fuels. Various types of alcohols and diesel created from wood fall into 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:
1. Bio-fuels can reduce the burden on the gradual depletion of fossil fuels.
2. Being extremely environment friendly. Bio-fuels assist in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
3. And finally, bio-fuels are very cost effective for consumers. Especially 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.
If we take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the creating or bio-fuel. It does not seem as if there is a quick solution at hand. Although bio-fuel is regarded as the solution to our power needs. Maybe the answer lay with home owners who could start creating their own power requirements in their back yards. Just a thought.
