Biofuels: An Approach for Greener and Secure Energy Future

Description

Biofuels are alternative fuels made from plant and plant-derived resources. Biofuels are used mainly for transportation. There are two types of biofuels: bioethanol and biodiesel. Bioenergy is energy derived from biofuels. Biofuels are fuels produced directly or indirectly from organic material - biomass - including plant materials and animal waste. Overall, bioenergy covers approximately 10% of the total world energy demand. Traditional unprocessed biomass such as fuelwood, charcoal and animal dung accounts for most of this and represents the main source of energy for a large number of people in developing countries who use it mainly for cooking and heating. Biofuel, any fuel that is derived from biomass-that is, plant or algae material or animal waste. 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. Many critics express concerns about the scope of the expansion of certain biofuels because of the economic and environmental costs associated with the refining process and the potential removal of vast areas of arable land from food production. The biofuels book provides a roadmap for understanding the broad sweep of technological and energy policy issues that intermingle and intertwine.