Biofuel: Overview, Definition, Types, Process, Examples, and Limitations

What is Biofuel?

Biofuel is a type of fuel that is created quickly from biomass, as opposed to the lengthy natural processes that result in the development of fossil fuels like oil. Some people confuse the terms biomass and biofuel because biomass can be used directly as fuel (such as wood logs).

The term "biofuel," is typically only used to refer to liquid or gaseous fuels utilised in transportation. This name convention is used by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the United States. Some basic points about Biofuel are discussed below:

• Biofuel is a renewable source of energy which is obtained from organic materials such as plant matter or animal waste.

• It is used to produce energy, heat, electricity and also transportation fuel.

• Biofuel is also used to reduce greenhouse emissions due to air pollution.

• They are also known as one of the controlling agents for carbon emission and are known as carbon neutral agents.

• The biofuel industry is also used in agriculture practice and distribution in ruler economic areas to increase production and processing activities.

Types of Biofuels

Biofuels are classified based on the raw materials and the method of production. They are a cleaner, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. All parts of the world generally have access to biofuel, which mostly includes fuels like

• Biodiesel

• Bioethanol

• Biomethanol

Advantages of Biofuels

Biofuels are eco-friendly and sustainable energy solutions. Some of the major advantages of biofuel are discussed below:

• It is a renewable source of energy.

• It is biodegradable as it is made from organic biomass.

• It can be produced locally, which decreases the nation’s dependence upon foreign energy.

• Because biofuels are produced locally, biofuel manufacturing plants can employ thousands of workers, creating jobs in rural areas.

• Combustion of biofuel releases non-toxic compounds, which lowers the risk of cancer and disorders of the respiratory system.

• When biofuels are burned, they produce significantly less carbon output, making them safer alternatives and also lowering global warming.

Disadvantages of Biofuels

Despite their benefits, biofuels come with certain drawbacks. Some of the major disadvantages of biofuel are discussed below:

• Large-scale production may lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

• While they are cleaner to burn but the process to produce the fuel has hefty carbon emissions.

• To refine biofuels and to build necessary manufacturing plants, a high initial investment is required.

• They are temperature sensitive, especially during low temperatures they turn solid.

• Massive quantities of water are required for proper irrigation of biofuel crops as well as in manufacture. This can put a strain in local and regional water resources.

• The demand for agricultural land rises as a result of the generation of biofuels from biomass.

Applications of Biofuels

Biofuels are primarily used in transportation. They also have applications in industrial processes and even domestics purposes like cooking.

• Diesel cars and trucks can run on biodiesel

• It can also be used in the aviation industry, and use biofuels to power aircraft.

• It is used as a fuel for power generation in thermal combustion.

• Biodiesel serves as an effective solvent to clean up oil spills due to its non-toxic and biodegradable properties.

• Blending bioethanol with a small portion of gasoline is more cost-effective.

Exam Relevance

During exam preparation, different types of questions about Biofuel are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.

Biofuels NEET MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is not a biofuel?

1. Bioethanol

2. Biodiesel

3. CNG

4. Biogas

Correct answer: 3) CNG

Explanation:

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a fossil fuel, not a biofuel. It is derived from natural gas reservoirs, whereas biofuels like bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas are obtained from biological sources such as plants and organic waste.

Hence, the correct answer is 3) CNG.

Q2. Which organism is commonly used in the production of bioethanol?

1. Lactobacillus

2. Rhizobium

3. Saccharomyces cerevisiae

4. Azotobacter

Correct answer: 3) Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Explanation:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as yeast, is used in fermentation of sugars to produce bioethanol, a type of biofuel. The process involves anaerobic respiration, where glucose is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Hence, the correct answer is 3) Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Q3. Biogas is produced by

1. aerobic breakdown of biomass

2. anaerobic breakdown of biomass

3. with the help of methanogenic bacteria

4. both 2 and 3

Correct answer: 4) both 2 and 3

Explanation:

Microbes in the Production of Biogas - During this digestion, bacteria produce a mixture of gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. These gases form biogas and can be used as a source of energy as it is inflammable. The anaerobic bacteria involved in biogas production break down organic matter, such as plant and animal waste, in the absence of oxygen. Biogas, primarily composed of methane, can be harnessed for cooking, heating, and electricity generation, offering a renewable energy source.

Hence, the correct option is (4). Both 2 and 3

Also Read:

• MCQs on Microbes in Production of Biogas

• Single Cell Protein

• Cloning Vector

FAQs on Biofuels

What is biofuel with an example?

Biofuels are the fuels which are produced from organic products and wastes. They are a renewable source of energy as they can be replenished. They are also environment friendly as compared to petroleum fuels because they have lower carbon emissions. The common commercially used biofuels are bioethanol, biodiesel and biomethane.

What are the types of biofuels?

1. First-generation biofuels: It is also called conventional biofuels. It includes sugar, starch, or vegetable oil.

2. Second-generation biofuels: It is known as advanced biofuel and can be manufactured from different types of biomass like wood, straw and waste plastic.

3. Third-generation biofuels: It is extracted from algae, mostly marine algae.

What are the advantages of biofuels?

• Renewable source: Biofuels are a renewable source of energy as they are made from biomass and can be replenished.

• They release less CO₂ compared to fossil fuels and hence Reduces greenhouse gases

• They reduce dependence on imported petroleum.

• They are biodegradable and cleaner as they produce less air pollution and are safer for the environment.

What are the disadvantages of biofuels?

• Biofuels often provide less energy per liter than fossil fuels.

• Some of the biofuels use food crops, hence it can affect food availability.

• Cultivation of crops for biofuels requires large amounts of water.

• Deforestation may occur to grow biofuel crops.

• Not all biofuels can be used in the current car models.