What are biofuels?

Biofuels have been around for years but have always been kept on the sidelines due to the existence of petrol and diesel. The increase in the price of oil together with the interest in protecting the planet and reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, have made them to be taken as a renewable alternative in many sectors such as industry, transport or domestic environment.

If you are interested in the sustainability sector and want to train in everything related to the environment, the Master in Sustainability at Universidad Europea will give you the skills and knowledge to succeed in leading vital change in whatever sector you choose in the years ahead. 

Biofuels definition

Biofuels are fuels from organic sources such as organic waste and different types of biomass. They are one of the possible solutions for the reduction of CO2 emissions in terms of mobility issues as they can be used to generate electricity, heat or motion for domestic, industrial and transport purposes.

In compliance with current regulations, most petrol stations are supplied with 10% renewable fuels. Most of these biofuels come from wheat, oilseeds, or sugar beet and sugar cane with high sugar content.

How are biofuels produced?

Biofuels are produced from biomass, which can be of plant, animal or organic origin. The following are the types of biofuels produced from mechanical, biological and thermochemical processes.

• First-generation biofuels: these are created from agricultural crops, resulting in biofuels such as biodiesel or bioethanol from vegetable oils. They are a bridge to biofuels as they currently meet sustainability and carbon footprint criteria.
• Second generation biofuels: these are biogas and biomethane. These are biofuels from organic waste, which helps to reduce waste to landfill.
• Third generation biofuels: this fuel is extracted from algae and plants of aquatic origin with 50% natural oil. However, it is not yet commercialised.
• Fourth generation biofuels: these are biofuels that are not yet commercialised. They are based on the genetic modification of certain microorganisms to store carbon dioxide.

Biofuels: examples and applications

The following are the main types of fuels that exist, as well as their basic characteristics and origin.

• Biodiesel: produced from vegetable and animal oils, it is considered a renewable and sustainable fuel.
• Hydrobiodiesel: usually comes from used cooking oil and can be used as a complement to fuel. It is a hydrotreated biofuel that emits less greenhouse gases than traditional fuel.
• Biomethane: is a purer gas than biogas. It can be used for electricity generation, heat and vehicle propulsion when mixed with conventional gas.
• Biobutanol: is obtained by fermentation of some organic materials or forest residues. Due to its energy density, this fuel can be transported and stored more easily than other fuels.
• Bioethanol: obtained by fermentation of materials such as corn, beet and other agricultural crops rich in sugars or starch. It is used as an additive for conventional petrol.
• Biogas: comes from the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter such as agricultural waste, sewage or manure among others. It is a type of renewable gas that helps to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Advantages and disadvantages of biofuels

Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of biofuels today.

Advantages of biofuels

• Security against countries that do not have fossil fuel reserves.
• Renewable source.
• Low cost.
• Reduction ofgreenhouse gas emissions.

Disadvantages of biofuels

• Regional constraints such as water use, fertiliser use and crops.
• Land use change restrictions.
• Land occupation for general biofuels material and not for human food.

If you are interested in environmental sustainability, biodiversity and the different types of renewable energies among other areas, the School of Sustainability at Universidad Europea has a wide variety of degrees and masters where you can dedicate yourself professionally to what you like the most.