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Fossil Fuels
Definition: Formed from animals, trees and smaller plants million years ago

Renewable or Non Renewable? Energy sources that are used up faster than they can be produced on earth.

Examples are: Coal, petroleum and gas

Energy Transformations involved:
Petroleum 2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g)->16CO2 (g) + 18H2O
Natural Gas  CH4(g) + 2O2(g) -> CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)
Energy used to produce coal in a power station is not all converted from coal to electricity. Much is lost in the process as heat energy, kinetic energy etc. Overall efficiency is 30-40%
Transformations from chemical energy in coal, thermal energy in the burning of coal, thermal energy in steam, mechanical energy of turbine, electrical energy from generator.
Environmental Impact:
• Usage and dependence on Fossil fuels can result in climate change, oil spills, air pollution
• they give off carbon dioxide when burned thereby causing a greenhouse effect- main contributory factor to the global warming
Advantages:
Coal is in abundant supply
Fossil fuels are easy to find

Disadvantages:
Environmental hazards
It is non-renewable
Emissions

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Bioalcohols (ethanol, propanol, butanol), Biodiesel, Biogas, Bioethers, Vegetable oil, fat, solid biofuels including wood, dried plants, manure and seeds

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Begins as chemical energy, when burnt releases heat energy and then kinetic energy which can be used. Some of the energy may be lost as it may not have been used initially, or because it may be lost to the surroundings as just heat energy when it is burnt.

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• Some crops used to produce the feedstock for the process of biofuels may generate more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels do.

The nitrous oxide that is released from fertilisers impacts on global warming 300x more than carbon dioxide.

• Greenhouse gases can be emitted when the land is changed from growing one crop to another.

• Biodiversity may increase due to the restoration of degraded lands.
Biodiesel fuel blends can also accelerate the rate of petroleum diesel degradation through co-metabolism

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·         Less effiecent than fossil fuels

·         Certain fuels can cause damage to the machine for example E10 fuel in a car

·         Biofuels are still in the early stages of development, so the results vary and we do not have a full grasp on the topic

·         The land required to grow crops could become costly

·         Land for growth will diminish as cities continue to push out their borders

·         Many nations will be unable to provide land that is suitable such as middle eastern or African countries as the climates, and ground conditions do not support life in abundances required

·         As of the moment, biofuels are more expensive for less of a result in comparison to the fossil fuel counterpart

·         Can hurt, even destroy middle-eastern countries such as Saudi-Arabia or Iraq as their economy’s thrive off the exporting of oils

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Produce less greenhouse gases overall than fossil fuels when they are burned

Are alternative sources to fossil fuels - allowing for greater fuel security for countries with little or no oil reserves of their own

May not produce any particulates, such as soot and other fine particles

Land is not cleared of other plants just to make way for biofuel crops

The biofuels are used at the same rate as the rate of production of biomass

1. Cost Benefit: As of now, biofuels cost the same in the market as gasoline does. However, the overall cost benefit of using them is much higher. They are cleaner fuels, which means they produce fewer emissions on burning. Biofuels are adaptable to current engine designs and perform very well in most conditions. This keeps the engine running for longer, requires less maintenance and brings down overall pollution check costs. With the increased demand of biofuels, they have a potential of becoming cheaper in future as well. So, the use of biofuels will be less of a drain on the wallet.

2. Easy To Source: Gasoline is refined from crude oil, which happens to be a non-renewable resource. Although current reservoirs of gas will sustain for many years, they will end sometime in near future. Biofuels are made from many different sources such as manure, waste from crops and plants grown specifically for the fuel.

3. Renewable: Most of the fossil fuels will expire and end up in smoke one day. Since most of the sources like manure, corn, switchgrass, soyabeans, waste from crops and plants are renewable and are not likely to run out any time soon, making the use of biofuels efficient in nature. These crops can be replanted again and again.

4. Reduce Greenhouse Gases: Fossil fuels, when burnt, produce large amount of greenhouse gases i.e. carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases trap sunlight and cause planet to warm. The burning of coal and oil increases the temperature and causes global warming. To reduce the impact of greenhouse gases, people around the world are using biofuels. Studies suggests that biofuels reduces greenhouse gases up to 65 percent.

5. Economic Security: Not every country has large reserves of crude oil. For them, having to import the oil puts a huge dent in the economy. If more people start shifting towards biofuels, a country can reduce its dependance on fossil fuels. More jobs will be created with a growing biofuel industry, which will keep our economy secure.

6. Reduce Dependance on Foreign Oil: While locally grown crops has reduce the nation’s dependance on fossil fuels, many experts believe that it will take a long time to solve our energy needs. As prices of crude oil is touching sky high, we need some more alternative energy solutions to reduce our dependance on fossil fuels.

7. Lower Levels of Pollution: Since biofuels can be made from renewable resources, they cause less pollution to the planet. However, that is not the only reason why the use of biofuels is being encouraged. They release lower levels of carbon dioxide and other emissions when burnt. Although the production of biofuels creates carbon dioxide as a byproduct, it is frequently used to grow the plants that will be converted into the fuel. This allows it to become something close to a self sustaining system.

Biofuels are a renewable energy source in that they are created from plants that can be regrown each year. Biofuels also do not require many changes(if any) in cars and other places of use to be utilized. Some consider the use of biofuels as carbon neutral since the carbon produced when burning them is offset by the carbon consumed by the plants they came from. In the United States, biofuels can help reduce the dependence on foreign oils, which fluctuate in price rapidly. Biofuels may help to buffer against the change.

Biofuel advocates frequently point out the advantages of these plant- and animal-based fuels, such as:

Cost: Biofuels have the potential to be significantly less expensive than gasoline and other fossil fuels. This is particularly true as worldwide demand for oil increases, oil supplies dwindle, and more sources of biofuels become apparent.

Source material: Whereas oil is a limited resource that comes from specific materials, biofuels can be manufactured from a wide range of materials including crop waste, manure, and other byproducts. This makes it an efficient step in recycling.

Renewability: It takes a very long time for fossil fuels to be produced, but biofuels are much more easily renewable as new crops are grown and waste material is collected.

Security: Biofuels can be produced locally, which decreases the nation's dependence upon foreign energy. By reducing dependence on foreign fuel sources, countries can protect the integrity of their energy resources and make them safe from outside influences.

Economic stimulation: Because biofuels are produced locally, biofuel manufacturing plants can employ hundreds or thousands of workers, creating new jobs in rural areas. Biofuel production will also increase the demand for suitable biofuel crops, providing economic stimulation to the agriculture industry.

Lower carbon emissions: When biofuels are burned, they produce significantly less carbon output and fewer toxins, making them a safer alternative to preserve atmospheric quality and lower air pollution.

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Fossil Fuels

Definition: a natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms. Sources of energy formed from the accumulated remains of living organisms.

Renewable or Non Renewable? Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources as they are used up faster than they can be produced on Earth.

Examples are: Natural gas, oil, peat, petroleum and coal

Energy Transformations involved:

Petroleum 2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g)->16CO2 (g) + 18H2O

Natural Gas CH4(g) + 2O2(g) -> CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)

Environmental Impact: Burning fossil fuels releases harmful air pollutants into the air that are damaging to the environment and public health. Primarily releases sulphur dioxide emissions as a result of burning coal which contributes to the formation of harmful particulate matter and can in turn lead to acid rain. Burning fossil fuels also releases carbon dioxide and other gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global climate change.

Advantages:

·         Easily available- great source of energy used daily. High demand has also improved mining and refinery advancements

·         Produces large amounts of energy- easily combustible and produce high amounts of energy, process to harness energy is quite simple

·         Stable- don’t form any other compounds if stored for a long time

·         Easily stored and transported

·         Low cost

·         Easy set up

Disadvantages:

·         Environmental hazards

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In the efforts to decarbonize the transportation sector, vehicles with varying degrees of electrification get most of the attention. But liquid fuels will predominate a while longer thanks to the delivery infrastructure circling the globe, dispensing fuels that contain significantly more energy per kg than batteries.

That leaves a gap for a clean liquid fuel which is quietly being filled with biofuels.According to the Renewable Fuels Association, biofuels have eliminated 232 million metric tonnes (255 short tones) of carbon, the equivalent of taking 5 million cars off the road since 2007. Yet, it is reportedly not even being mentioned by the US delegation at the COP21 in Paris. Biofuels are clearly controversial, but are they getting the respect they deserve? Given how much is at stake here, perhaps it's time to take a closer look.

First-generation biofuel, also known as starch-based ethanol, represents the vast majority of biofuel that is being added, as a 10% blend, into gasoline today. For the most part, in the US, it is derived from corn. Corn sugars are distilled into ethanol the same way that whiskey is made.

At present, corn production volumes have grown enormously, as has the efficiency of conversion. The supply chain is well prepared to keep pace with increasing goals. However, the distribution infrastructure has not kept pace, citing concerns about a blend wall.

Corn ethanol has a lot of detractors with a variety of objections: everything from the fact that it's a big government program, to opponents of big Ag on environmental grounds, to petroleum interests who see it as a competitor. But when all is said and done, corn ethanol, is the first step in a journey that will lead to clean, renewable liquid fuels that can play an enormous role in rapidly reducing carbon emissions.

Here are a few things that are not commonly known about ethanol. Ethanol has a very high octane rating. This means that blending ethanol into gasoline eliminates the need to blend in costlier and more toxic additives to raise the octane level to the required minimum of 87, a fact overlooked in most cost comparisons.

While ethanol contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, its high octane rating actually allows it to generate more power in an engine with a high compression ratio. That is why Formula 1 racing cars use ethanol as their fuel of choice. Unfortunately, those engines cannot run regular gasoline without harmful "knocking." As Wolfgang Warnecke, Shell's Chief Scientist for Mobility said, "As engine engineers, what we'd like to see is an engine that can vary its compression ratio. That way, depending on the fuel you are running, the compression ratio would adapt." No such engine is yet on the market.

Those concerned that using corn for fuel could be taking food off the table may not realize that only the starch from the corn is used. The protein fraction, which is 40% of the corn, is returned as animal feed known as distiller's dry grain (DDG).

(Biofuel dream come true for in India)

Newer processes also separate out corn oil, which can be used for food or to make biodiesel. As the levels of corn being produced increase to keep pace with increasing gasoline consumption, more of these food products also become available. Says Jack Rogers, Biofuel Global Marketing Manager for Novozymes, a Danish producer of enzymes used in ethanol production, "People and animals are starch rich and protein poor."

While people argue that when all the energy required to grow corn is factored in, corn ethanol is barely net positive; that equation continues to improve as both farm productivity and conversion efficiency grow (thanks to high performance enzymes). Says Rogers, "since 2005, the number of gallons of ethanol per acre, has increased from 409.7 to 489, close to a 20% increase." Costs have fallen as well.

These improvements, however, pale in comparison to the reduced carbon footprint enabled by second-generation, or cellulosic ethanol. Cellulosic, refers to the woody parts of the plant, such as the leaves and stalks, which have little or no food value. It also includes wood chips, grasses, and forestry residue. This opens the door to far less energy-intensive plants that can grow without fertilizers or cultivation.

But while starch-based ethanol uses age-old distillation techniques, extracting sugars that are biochemically locked into cellulose, was not something that people knew how to do. So, cellulosic ethanol, which was the prize all along, for which the whole corn ethanol program was largely used to create an infrastructure, became a challenge, to the biotech industry.

According to Thomas Schrøder, Head of Biomass Conversion at Novozymes the results stack up something like this. If we look at carbon footprint, and give gasoline a reference rating of 100, we find that corn ethanol, depending on how it is produced, will have a footprint in the range of 50-70. Cellulosic ethanol, on the other hand, can be produced with a footprint ranging from 30 to zero.

Though the industry is in its infancy, the technology has arrived. DuPont recently opened the world's largest cellulosic plant in Nevada, Iowa. It will produce 30 million gallons of ethanol from 375,000 metric tons (413 million short tons) of corn stover provided by local farmers. The company plans to license its technology in several countries including China. All told, there are currently two commercial plants in Brazil, three in the US, two in Europe, and one in China, representing a total investment of $2 billion. While the chemistry has been solved, says Schrøder, there are still issues associated with the mechanics of the process that are holding things back. In short, "how do you push through 30-50 metric tons (33-55 short tons) of biomass per hour without jamming up the works?"

Numerous biotech startups are building demonstration plants utilizing various approaches. Says Schrøder, "Most plants that are out there today are there because someone wanted to demonstrate the viability of the technology."

One such startup is Sweetwater Energy of Rochester NY. They have patented technology for producing low-cost sugars and clean lignin fiber from multiple non-food plant materials. Both the sugars and the lignin can be used in a wide variety of commercial products. Another company working on advanced biofuels is Red Rock Biofuels. They leverage a commercially proven Fischer-Tropsch technology to convert sustainably harvested biomass residues from forests and sawmills into jet fuel and diesel products. The company is preparing to begin construction of its first refinery in Lakeview, Oregon in early 2016. Both Red Rock and Sweetwater are also working on advanced biofuels.

Others, like Maryland-based Fiberight are looking at creative ways to utilize cellulosic production as part of an integrated process. Fiberight is a waste-disposal company that has launched a business of extracting maximum value from the waste stream. Separating food and organic matter from pulp from cardboard, the company produces both compressed gas, which is used to run their trucks, as well as cellulosic ethanol. The company has projects underway in the UK, in Maine and a cellulosic facility in Iowa that takes in 650 metric tons (717 short tons) of trash per day and produces 8 million gallons of ethanol per year.

As promising as these second-generation biofuels are, they are not the end of the story. Third-generation and even fourth-generation biofuels are in the works. Third-generation biofuels use a feedstock that is potentially less expensive and far easier to work with than corn, wood, sawgrass or sugarcane. That would be microalgae. According to biofuel.org, "When it comes to the potential to produce fuel, no feedstock can match algae In terms of quantity or diversity... First, algae produce an oil that can easily be refined into diesel or even certain components of gasoline. More importantly, however, is a second property in it can be genetically manipulated to produce everything from ethanol and butanol to even gasoline and diesel fuel directly."

Algae feeds directly on CO2, which means it could play a dual role in the climate battle. Not only could it displace hydrocarbon fuels, but it could also be coupled with an emission source, such as a power plant to capture CO2. Pond Biofuels has partnered with a cement plant in Canada to produce biodiesel from algae. Over 30 companies are currently involved in the production of oils from algae. A number of them, such as Sapphire Energy and Solazyme are producing high value oils for food and pharmaceuticals as they transition into a higher volume biofuel business. Algenol plans to announce a commercial production facility in the US this year capable of 8,000 gallons of fuel per acre at $1.30 per gallon.

Last, but certainly not least, are the fourth-generation fuels. Sweetwater Energy is working with Naturally Scientific of Nottingham, England to develop an engineered biological process that can create oil for biodiesel, directly from carbon dioxide, not using algae, as others are trying, but rather through the use of an embryogenic cell culture.

Says Dr. Sarad Parekh, Sweetwater's CTO, "The flexibility of this process is that you can convert sugars into oil. This is totally different from the conventional seed processing where you have to grow the seed, cultivate, harvest, dry, crush, extract and refine. The beauty of this process is that it eliminates many of these steps, just as plants will do in the field, but we are doing it in a contained tank."

Finally, cellulosic producer Red Rock Biofuels recently announced a merger with Joule, inventors of a "reverse combustion" process that can connect to a CO2 exhaust stream, and using only engineered bacteria, non-potable water, and energy provided by solar panels, produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Says Tom Jensen, Executive VP for Joule Unlimited, "We believe it's possible to develop sustainable solutions for hydrocarbon combustion."

Instead of burning a fuel with oxygen and producing energy plus CO2, they take CO2, add energy, which they get from solar panels, and use it to produce either ethanol or diesel. They do it using photosynthetic micro-organisms called cyanobacteria, some of the oldest living organisms on the planet. Last year they commissioned an end-to-end integrated plant in New Mexico, co-located next to industrial carbon dioxide emitters which provide the "fuel."

One acre of bacteria, using Joule's process, can make as much as 25,000 gallons of ethanol. That's ten times as much as can be made from forest residue and fifty times that which can be grown from corn.

Combining Joule with Red Rock will provide some powerful synergies. The waste CO2 from the Red Rock process can be input to the Joule process, while the depleted bacteria from Joule can be used as biomass for Red Rock. It's too early to calculate the overall efficiency of this system, but, says Jensen, the results will be accretive. It's not unlike adding cellulosic capabilities to a corn ethanol plant, or a combined heat and power system, where additional output is derived from the same level of input. Says Joule CEO Serge Tchuruk,"I don't think anybody can claim to be carbon-neutral, but I think we are close." The company plans to build a 1,000 acre facility in 2017.

Eni, the Italian company that sponsors this publication, has also been quite active in biofuels. In Europe, the emphasis there has been on diesel which is more widely used compared to the US. The EU Renewable Directive (similar to the RFS), calls for a 10% blend by 2020, with most of that going into diesel fuel. Eni has, in collaboration with the American company UOP, developed a proprietary Ecofining TM process.

According to Carlo Perego, Director of Eni's Research Center for Non-Conventional Energy, the process accepts a variety of feedstocks including, rapeseed, soybean, carinata, palm, pennycress, jatropha, camelina, tallow, lard, used cooking oils and algal oil. This green diesel can be blended with conventional diesel in any amount without adverse effects. The process can also produce green LPG, naphtha, and jet fuel as byproducts. The company has a green refinery online in Venice, which has been producing 300,000 metric tons (330,000 short tons) per year since April 2014. They are also building a green refinery in the town of Gela, Italy that will have an annual capacity of 750,000 metric tons (827,000 short tons), and are conducting a demonstration of algae-based oil and lignino- cellulosic based microbial oil, both suitable for Ecofining TM.

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In the efforts to decarbonize the transportation sector, vehicles with varying degrees of electrification get most of the attention. But liquid fuels will predominate a while longer thanks to the delivery infrastructure circling the globe, dispensing fuels that contain significantly more energy per kg than batteries.

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LoveToKnow Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels

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LoveToKnow Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels

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Since the term "biofuel" first entered the energy lexicon of the average consumer, there has been a steady stream of advancements to this technology. While public perceptions on biofuels may have changed over the years, quite a lot of interest in the pros and cons of this fuel source still remain. It is important for all consumers to seriously consider both the positive and negative aspects of this still-emerging technology.

Advantages of Biofuels

Biofuel advocates frequently point out the advantages of these plant- and animal-based fuels. No fuel source is completely positive or completely negative. Consumers need to weigh the pros and cons of biofuels to determine whether they feel comfortable with this resource as an alternative to traditional fuels.

Related Articles

Low Cost of Biofuels

Biofuels prices have been falling and have the potential to be significantly less expensive than gasoline and other fossil fuels. In fact, ethanol is already cheaper than diesel and gasoline. This is particularly true as worldwide demand for oil increases, oil supplies dwindle, and more sources of biofuels become apparent.

According to RFA (Renewable Fuels Association) February 2019 Ethanol Industry Outlook report, 2018 was a record breaker for ethanol production, reaching 16.1 billion gallons of renewable ethanol. This report states, "Ethanol remains the highest-octane, lowest-cost motor fuel on the planet." Additionally, in 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) allocated $73 million for 35 bioenergy research and development (R&D) projects. Goals for the project are:

To reduce drop-in biofuel costs

To "enable high-value products from biomass or waste resources"

To reduce the cost of producing biopower

Former Secretary Rick Perry said the overall R&D goal is to "produce affordable biofuels that are compatible with existing fueling infrastructure and vehicles across a range of transportation modes, including renewable-gasoline, -diesel, and -jet fuels." Even U.S. production of 1 billion tons (dry tons) of non-food biomass won't cause a problem in food and agricultural marketplace.

Source Material

According to RFA, the DOE funded R&D projects include, the cultivation intensification processes for algae as biofuel, systems research of advanced hydrocarbon biofuel technologies and renewable energy from urban and suburban wastes - wet waste methane. Whereas oil is a limited resource that comes from specific materials, biofuels can be manufactured from a wide range of materials including crop waste, manure, other byproducts, and algae. This makes it an efficient step in recycling.

Security

Biofuels can be produced locally, which decreases the nation's dependence upon foreign energy. By reducing dependence on foreign fuel sources, countries can protect the integrity of their energy resources and make them safe from outside influences. In addition, biofuels can shift dependency on fossil fuels to a large extent since most fuel

Economic Stimulation

Because biofuels are produced locally, biofuel manufacturing plants can employ hundreds or thousands of workers, creating new jobs in rural areas. Biofuel production increases the demand for suitable biofuel crops, providing economic stimulation to the agriculture industry. Fueling homes, businesses and vehicles with biofuels are less expensive than fossil fuels.

Lower Carbon Emissions

When biofuels are burned, they produce significantly less carbon output and fewer toxins than carbon fuels. Lower carbon emissions make them a safer alternative to preserve atmospheric quality and lower air pollution.

Renewability Is an Advantage

It takes a very long time for fossil fuels to be produced. However, biofuels are easier to produce and are renewable as new crops are grown and waste material is collected. Many waste materials of food crops can be used in creating biofuels. The residue from the agriculture production of fruits and grains includes, straw and bagasse (sugar cane fiber) that are easily accessible to generate biomass.

First Generation Biofuels

The EPA states several first generation resources are used to create biofuels, such as sugarcane and sugar beet known as sugar crops. Another biofuel is made using soybean and canola, known as oilseed crops. Starch crops are corn and sorghum. Animal fats and oils are processed to make biodiesel. The bioalcohols these crops produce include, ethanol, propanol and butanol.

Second Generation Biofuels

The Encyclopedia Britannica discusses second generation biofuels as having a smaller impact on the environment since unlike first generation biofuels, the raw materials are from nonedible plants, some of these plants that humans don't eat, include bamboo, grasses, various woods (sawdust) and plants. However, cellulose biofuels currently have a lower conversion rate in production, making them more suitable as fuel additives instead of a replacement for gasoline.

Third Generation Biofuels

Biofuels made from algae are referred to as third generation biofuels. Algae is very promising as a biofuel since it generates a quality and diverse fuel. Algae produces an oil that is easy to refine into a diesel fuel, However, algae stability is less than other biofuels. The highly unsaturated oil is volatile at high temperatures.

Example for Running a City on Biofuel

National Geographic features Kristianstad, a Swedish city that runs on biogas. The city generates its electric and heating needs from the production of biogas. Cars are fueled along with city buses and garbage trucks. The city's two refineries produce enough biofuel to replace their annual gasoline requirements of 1.1 million gallons.

Disadvantages of Biofuels

Despite the many positive characteristics of biofuels, there are also many disadvantages to these energy sources. These can be made as arguments against substituting biofuels for fossil fuels.

Energy Output

Biofuels have a lower energy output than traditional fuels and therefore require greater quantities to be consumed in order to produce the same energy level. This has led some noted energy analysts to believe that biofuels are not worth the work to convert them to ethanol rather than electricity.

Production Carbon Emissions

Several studies have been conducted to analyze the carbon footprint of biofuels, and while they be cleaner to burn there are strong indications that the process to produce the fuel - including the machinery necessary to cultivate the crops and the plants to produce the fuel - has hefty carbon emissions. In addition, cutting forests to grow crops for biofuels adds to carbon emissions.

High Cost

To refine biofuels to more efficient energy outputs, and to build the necessary manufacturing plants to increase biofuel quantities, a high initial investment is often required, making its production currently more expensive than other ways to fuel cars, even though this could change in the future.

Food Prices

As the demand for food crops, such as corn grows for biofuel production, it raises prices for necessary staple food crops. According to the University of Michigan, the increase in biofuel feedstock meant a higher demand on corn, raising the price as much as 20% to 50%. With the conversion of land to biocrops, less crops for human consumption means higher prices and in some cases could case food shortages

Food Shortages

There is concern that using valuable cropland to grow fuel crops could have an impact on the cost of food and could possibly lead to food shortages. biocrops may increase production costs through the increased use of land and demand of water for crop irrigation. Some experts point to the 2008 world food crisis over rice as an example of what could happen due to increases in biocrops, although the rice crisis had nothing to do with biofuels and was caused by trade restrictions and panic buying. Still it is the shortage that is used as an example of what could happen when not enough food is produced and currently, biocrops compete with food crops.

Water Use

Massive quantities of water are required for proper irrigation of biofuel crops as well as to manufacture the fuel, which could strain local and regional water resources. A 2018 assessment on the water impact of U.S. biofuels also looked at the impact of displace row crops by energy crops for biofuel and the irrigation requirements. It was discovered that energy crops were larger than row crops, required a longer growing season and reduced the flow of water. The transpiration (water movement in plants and evaporation) increased 15% to 30% and in some cases, this rate of water consumption increased as much as 60% to 80%.

The Future of Biofuels

Biofuels are not a silver bullet for the energy problems of the world. To solve the issue of dwindling fossil fuel reserves, all viable means of harvesting energy should be pursued to their fullest. However, the fact remains that biofuels are a reliable alternative energy resource. With more development and research, it is possible to overcome the disadvantages of biofuels and make them suitable for widespread consumer use. When the technology is available, many of the disadvantages will be minimized and the market very clearly has potential. Much of this could rely on the ability of energy producers to discover better plants to raise for fuel that use less water, less land, and grows quickly.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels | LoveToKnow

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Since the term "biofuel" first entered the energy lexicon of the average consumer, there has been a steady stream of advancements to this technology. While public perceptions on biofuels may have changed over the years, quite a lot of interest in the pros and cons of this fuel source still remain.

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LoveToKnow Advantages and Disadvantages of Non Renewable Energy

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LoveToKnow Advantages and Disadvantages of Non Renewable Energy

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Unlike renewable energy, non-renewable energy sources will become depleted. That calls for a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of non-renewable energy and its outlook.

Arguments Surrounding Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energies seem abundant, so you may think that if channeled correctly, supplies will be safe and ample for future generations. There are many arguments for and against non-renewable energy. These include:

Advantages of Non-Renewable Energy

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, non-renewable energy sources cannot be replenished in a short period. They include fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, coal, and uranium used for nuclear energy.

The main advantages of non-renewable energies is that they are abundant and affordable. For example, oil and diesel are still good choices for powering vehicles. Non-renewable energy is cost effective and easier to product and use. According to National Geographic, there are reservoirs of non-renewable energy sources throughout the world.

Disadvantages of Non-Renewable Energy

On the other side are the disadvantages to non-renewable energy. Solarschools.net indicates that once sources of non-renewable energies are gone they can't be replaced or revitalized.

The mining of non-renewable energy and the by-products they leave behind causes damage to the environment. There is little doubt that fossil fuels contribute to global warming. When fossil fuels are burned, nitrous oxides causes photochemical pollution, sulphur dioxide creates acid rain, and greenhouse gases are emitted.

A major disadvantage of non-renewable energy is the challenge of breaking humans of their habit of leaning on it. The Union of Concerned Scientists reports it's an uphill battle to sway consumers that the so-called "public goods" of renewable energy, such as reducing pollution for everyone, may not be enough to convince them to pay more for cleaner energy.

As countries disagree through wars and differences, the prices of non-renewable energies such as oil has become a commodity where price fluctuation is always eminent. The burning of fossil fuels continues to rise producing high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) which climatologists believe is a major cause of global warming.

Energy Source Information

Rider University has developed a list of five criteria for evaluating any energy source, including non-renewable sources:

1. Availability - Is the energy source available and for how long? Fifteen years is considered to be near, fifteen to fifty years is intermediate, and over fifty years is considered to be long.

2. Energy yield - How much of other energy is needed to produce the energy? Rider University uses a net energy ratio this is summed up as "Energy produced divided by energy expended during production." The higher the ratio, the better the energy yield.

3. Cost - How much does the energy cost to develop and manufacturer? For example, needed high-technology to produce nuclear energy may be a detriment to its use.

4. Environment - How does the energy affect the environment? Further, does extracting, transporting, and using the source outweigh the effects on the environment? Using coal as an energy source comes into play in these criteria.

5. Renewable - Is the energy source a candidate for a renewable energy? Is it sustainable? Rider University experts say, "Why develop it if you're just going to run out of it?" Oil, for example, falls into these criteria.

Potential Implications

The case for utilizing non-renewable energy sources is favored by some and disfavored by environmentalists who plead for the need of renewable energy sources such as solar power and wind power. Lifestyle and mindset seem to play a role as well. According to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, the economic implications of future energy policy is also a factor. Those who are for continued development of non-renewable energy sources may have high stakes as far as profits. Those against it face the challenge of changing the mindset that non-renewable energy sources are, indeed, bad for the environment and continue to contribute to global warming.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Non Renewable Energy | LoveToKnow

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Unlike renewable energy, non-renewable energy sources will become depleted. That calls for a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of non-renewable energy and its outlook. Non-renewable energies seem abundant, so you may think that if channeled correctly, supplies will be safe and ample for future generations.

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LoveToKnow Advantages of Renewable Energy

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LoveToKnow Advantages of Renewable Energy

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Focus on Biomass, Methane, and General Advantages

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There are many advantages associated with renewable energy. Find out about the different benefits of various types of renewable power sources so that you can make an informed decision about energy consumption in your home.

Benefits of Different Types of Renewable Energy

Solar Energy

Solar power is created through the use of panels and other methods of collecting heat from the sun and converting it into energy.

Solar power allows consumers to be more self-sufficient with regards to their energy supply. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) indicates that the modular nature of solar power systems makes them less likely to succumb to widespread collapse, which is good for individual consumers and good for society as a whole.

Solar energy is one form of renewable energy that you can install in your home. You gain energy independence when you install a solar system in your home.

For individual consumers and society at large, solar power is ultimately cost-effective. Solar energy requires what you may consider to be a large initial investment. Your cost includes installation and maintenance of the system. The California Solar Electric Company indicates that the rate at which solar systems pay for themselves will vary, but it will happen in the short-term or the long-term.

Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy taps into an infinite source. Solar energy is free and renewable and as long as the sun shines, you have a source of energy.

Wind Energy

Like solar energy, wind energy offers you a clean, alternative and renewable source of energy. You can have your own system or be part of a network that offers service to a community.

Wind energy is ultimately cost-effective for consumers and for societies. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (OEERE) indicates that wind energy is among the most affordable of all renewable energy technologies.

The UCS includes wind energy when describing energy sources that are not accompanied by air pollutants. The introduction of wind energy is better for the environment and for human health.

The OEERE emphasizes the fact that the introduction of wind turbines can help many rural economies. On a larger level, since wind energy is domestic, it can help national economies as well, according to the OEERE. Individual rural people can benefit, and citizens can all benefit from a more stable economy and energy supply.

Biomass

Biomass replaces fossil fuel with an alternative, renewable form of energy. Examples include corn, soybeans, and agricultural wastes. This form of energy is implemented at the utility level.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) indicates that using biomass as a fuel source cuts down on the space needed for landfills while allowing existing landfills to persist for longer.

The advantage of using this form of energy is that it's readily available. In some cases, the use of biomass accomplishes two goals: provides energy and deals with a waste product such as sewage sludge.

The combustion of biomass produces fewer harmful byproducts than the combustion of other fuel sources. PUCO indicates that burning coal produces significantly more ash, and that biomass ash actually has some useful applications for agricultural soil.

Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity harnesses the power of downstream water flow to generate electricity.

Like solar and wind energy, you are essentially using a free source of energy, which causes no emissions. Of course, geography plays a key role in how hydroelecric power works and whether this form of energy can be implemented in an area.

The OEERE also indicates that hydropower can allow societies to become more self-sufficient with regards to energy since it is produced domestically.

Hydroelectricity is sustainable, since it is ultimately a product of the water cycle, as the OEERE indicates. Long after fossil fuels resources are gone, the forces that make hydroelectricity possible will still be continuing on the Earth.

Methane

Methane energy provides another renewable energy source that benefits both the environment and especially farmers. Methane can be created from cow manure, which generates heat. This heat is captured and converted into energy.

Methane is an efficient source of energy that allows people to take advantage of waste products as opposed to unnecessarily consuming resources that may have other uses.

The methane energy source helps the environment by removing agricultural waste and providing additional income to farmers while supplying a clean form of energy. PUCO indicates that the gas-to-energy projects conducted through landfill sites make use of the landfill emissions that were already being produced. This situation contrasts sharply with the fact that so many resources go into mining coal and obtaining other nonrenewable sources of energy.

The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) indicates that agricultural manure is a source of water and air pollution, so processing manure for the sake of energy production can help counteract those problems.

Methane itself is a potent greenhouse gas, so turning methane into an energy source can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, according to the SECO.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy extracts heat from the earth and transfers it for use in your home. Geothermal heat is a byproduct of the natural decaying of minerals in the ground and the absorption of solar energy deep within the earth. While ancient uses of geothermal were limited to heating, modern technology allows for it to be converted into electricity. The most common home application uses geothermal for direct heating.

According to National Geographic (NatGeo), one of the biggest advantages of geothermal power, even relative to other types of renewable energy, is its availability. Geothermal energy can be extracted all year long.

NatGeo also indicates that geothermal energy is one of the cheapest energy sources available. Individuals and local and national economies can all benefit from this comparatively affordable energy source.

General Advantages of Most Renewable Energies

The environmental advantages of switching to renewable energy are unmistakable. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stresses the importance of being able to produce energy without creating harmful greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution. On an individual level, using many of the renewable energy sources will reduce your carbon footprint because alternative sources such as solar energy, wind power, and hydroelectricity produce no emissions.

Many forms of renewable energy produce no solid waste, reducing pollution production.

With solar and wind energy, there is no water discharge, making your overall environmental impact from using these energy sources minimal.

Considering that your home energy and cooling and heating costs contribute to the greatest amount of your carbon footprint, choosing renewable energy can greatly reduce your overall environmental impact.

These sources are not detrimental to the earth since they do not require any mining or drilling.

The EPA also indicates that the sheer number of available renewable energy sources is one of the fundamental strengths of renewable energy. Switching to a system involving multiple renewable energy sources means societies get to enjoy a varied and stable energy supply.

In addition to all the environmental benefits, the EPA stresses the economic benefits of using renewable energy. Investing in renewable energy can lead to job creation in everything from installation to manufacturing, according to the EPA. Naturally, many individuals will benefit from this situation, since they will be able to take advantage of the new job opportunities

Goal of Using Renewable Energy

The goal in using renewable energy sources is to reduce the negative environmental effects associated with non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas. Opting to use a renewable energy source will not only translate into cost savings for you over the long haul, but will also help protect the environment from the risks of fossil fuel emissions of non-renewable energy sources.

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Advantages of Renewable Energy | LoveToKnow

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There are many advantages associated with renewable energy. Find out about the different benefits of various types of renewable power sources so that you can make an informed decision about energy consumption in your home. Solar power is created through the use of panels and other methods of collecting heat from the sun and converting it into energy.

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Turnbull talks up coal as part of energy mix

The Australian

January 17, 2017

RACHEL BAXENDALE

Malcolm Turnbull has highlighted his longstanding belief in coal as part of the world’s energy mix for the foreseeable future, in an oblique dig at Tony Abbott and others within the right of the Coalition who do not agree with his stance on climate change.

The Prime Minister said every credible agency and research group had underlined the importance of coal in the world’s energy mix, and harked back to 2009, when he lost the Liberal Party leadership to Tony Abbott after MPs lost faith in him over his support for an emissions trading scheme.

“If I go back to 2009, when I was the opposition leader, I made this very point then,” Mr Turnbull told a press conference in Brisbane this afternoon.

“We are the biggest coal exporter in the world. If anybody — if any country — has a vested interest in demonstrating that clean coal and cleaner coal with new technologies can make a big contribution to our energy mix — and, at the same time, reduce our emissions in net terms — it’s us.”

“Our approach, and my approach, to energy is absolutely pragmatic and practical. This is not a matter for ideology.”

Mr Turnbull said both renewables and fossil fuels would have a role to play in energy production in the future.

“Treating this as an ideological thing where people say, “Renewables are bad” or “All fossil fuel is bad” is wrong. You’ve got to make sure you get the right mix,” he said.

“And above all, this is the most important point — energy has to be affordable.

“We’ve got to be able to afford to pay the bills, and it’s got to be reliable.

“You don’t want to be in the situation South Australia is, where they have the most expensive — and the least reliable — electricity in Australia.”

PM to reveal Ley replacement

Malcolm Turnbull says he will not be releasing the findings of his department’s investigation into sacked health minister Sussan Ley’s travel claims.

The Prime Minister received the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s report on Friday, shortly before he accepted Ms Ley’s resignation.

Ms Ley stood aside five days earlier pending an investigation into her travel, which included the purchase of an $795,000 apartment and New Year’s Eve celebrations with one of Australia’s wealthiest women during taxpayer-funded trips to the Gold Coast.

Asked whether Cabinet Secretary Arthur Sinodinos, who is currently acting as Ms Ley’s replacement, would take on the role permanently, Mr Turnbull said he would be making an announcement “very shortly”.

But he said the departmental report into Ms Ley’s claims would not be released.

“The advice that I’ve received from the secretary of my department is advice to me and the governance committee of Cabinet, so the practice has not been to release advice of that kind,” Mr Turnbull said.

“In the past, the practice has not been to release advice of that kind.”

The Prime Minister refused to give any indication as to whether Mr Sinodinos would be promoted.

“I have such a talented team — they’re all extremely able, and I’m not going to comment on any individual in respect of the vacancy that you’ve referred to,” he said.

Bill Shorten accused Mr Turnbull of being “so bereft of supporters in his cabinet” that he’s been forced to “recycle the dodgy Senator Sinodinos”.

The Opposition Leader said Mr Turnbull would only elevate Senator Sinodinos because he didn’t want to bring Tony Abbott back into the cabinet or cause a wider reshuffle.

“The only reason Malcolm Turnbull is having a reshuffle is because one of his government ministers was simply mistreating the expenses system and making Australians really angry at all politicians,” he said.

“What Malcolm Turnbull should be doing today is not recycling the dodgy Senator Sinodinos, he should, instead, be focusing on policies which help this company and thousands of companies like it around Australia promote and maintain Australian jobs. We are happy to take questions on this and other matters.

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University of Melbourne ditches fossil fuel links in green push

University of Melbourne chief financial officer Allan Tait.

JULIE HAIRE

12:00AM January 25, 2017

Australia’s richest university is set to offload fossil fuel-exposed companies from its $2 billion endowment by 2021 in a bid to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The University of Melbourne said it was creating a framework to guide divestment decisions, rather than using the blunt selldown of all companies

This would take into account a company’s emissions intensity and emissions reduction plan, its alignment with global climate change agreements and its transition towards embracing renewable energy. Even so, holdings in up to $100 million worth of shares could still be offloaded.

Melbourne joins a growing list of Australian and international universities, superannuation and endowment funds committing to eliminate their exposure to fossil fuels. The move has drawn the ire of politicians and some companies have accused organisations involved in divesting as not understanding their businesses.

Melbourne will join with Australian National University, Swinburne, Sydney and Queensland University of Technology in divestment plans, but other institutions such as the University of Queensland and the University of NSW have said they will not divest.

Melbourne chief financial officer Allan Tait said: “Within five years, the university will be divested from, or in the process of divesting from, any material holdings that don’t satisfy the requirements of this framework.

“The university has a responsibility to lead strongly and act decisively in addressing global societal challenges, such as building a more sustainable world.

“Melbourne has close to $2bn in investment funds. At any one time the allocation that is applied to the Carbon Underground 200 list is anywhere between 3 and 5 per cent,” Mr Tait added.

“Our view is that fossil fuel-related companies are going to be part of the solution.”

That list represents the top publicly traded coal, oil and gas reserve-owning companies globally, ranked by the carbon emission potential of their reported fossil fuel reserves.

“They are not necessarily just causing the problem but will contribute to the solution and we think any solution is going to require serious engagement and collaboration and that includes with elements of the fossil fuel industry,” Mr Tait said.

Mr Tait said the university had links with 19 of the CU200 list, including research partnerships, scholarships, alumni relations and intern arrangements.

“Our Energy Institute has relationships with some of the biggest companies, such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto. We are committed to working with them to help determine what some of the solutions might be, such as new energy sources, how to harness them, more efficient ways to use and store alternative energy, and secure energy waste.

“We think working with these companies is of fundamental importance and we don’t think it compromises us on our sustainability or investment front.”

Melbourne will cut mains water use by floor area by 12 per cent, reduce landfill waste by 20kg per person by 2020, shrink the car fleet by 20 per cent and increase the number of bicycle spaces by 10 per cent. It will also embed sustainability thinking into undergraduate study.

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We've all heard the term biofuel and seen the signs for E10 or B5 at the petrol station, but what exactly are biofuels -- and why should we use them? In contrast to finite fossil fuel resources such as coal and oil, biofuels are liquid fuels made from sustainable feedstocks, agricultural and municipal wastes and residues, animal fats and recycled cooking oils.

While making fuel from waste products might sound a bit odd, global biofuel production is reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and overseas energy suppliers, and it's part of a larger bioenergy movement that also includes solar, wind and hydro power generation.

There are three biorefineries in Queensland that manufacture two types of biofuel; bio based ethanol fuel (seen at the fuel pumps as E10 which contains a blend of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent conventional petroleum; and E85, or Bio E-Flex, consisting of 85 percent ethanol), and biobased diesel fuel (popular blends include B5 containing 5 percent biodiesel, and B20 containing 20 percent biodiesel).

The industry is good for the economy and the environment, and the state's biofutures hub has just been given a $20m investment by the Queensland State Government as part of its Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.

From 1 January 2017, the mandate will require the fuel industry to meet targets for the sale of biobased petrol -- such as E10 and biobased diesel. That's not far away, so here are five things about biofuels you should know.

1. Biofuels Are Made From Plant By-Products And Recycled Oils

As opposed to synthetic ethanol made from finite resources such as coal and gas, bioethanol uses glucose from sugar cane and molasses, starch -- from corn and grain -- or cellulose. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils such as canola, animal fats or recycled greases.

Bioenergy expert Dr Stephen Schuck, manager of Bioenergy Australia, said researchers are also looking into other organic matter to increase production. "Conventional biofuels are a stepping stone towards a much larger future and wider range of liquid biofuels," he said. "A wider range of feedstocks and production processes will bring down processing costs, and lower the cost of fuel."

2. Biofuels Are Safe To Use In 85 percent of cars on Queensland roads

RACQ spokesman Paul Turner said most, but not all, cars sold in Australia after 1986 can safely use E10. He said the RACQ wants Queenslanders to have more choices at the pump, but it also wants motorists to be informed about biofuels.

"Many of the cars we drive now aren't built in Australia but in Asia or Europe," Turner said. "In those countries they have a large ethanol usage. The fact is that 85 percent of petrol cars on our roads in Queensland can use E10 safely and efficiently."

Motorists can check the compatibility of their vehicle on the E10OK website. Biofuels are becoming so widely accepted they are also used in mowers, trucks, boats and even jets, with researchers at the University of Queensland investigating high-tech fermentation processes to turn sucrose from sugarcane into an advanced aviation biofuel.

And Qantas has already conducted trial flights using a 50:50 blend of biofuel made from recycled cooking oil and conventional jet fuel.

3. Biofuels are better for the environment and your health

Dr Schuck said numerous national and global studies, including those conducted by the CSIRO and the Clean Energy Council, showed biofuels burn cleaner than fossil fuels.

"Time and time again these studies show that the performance of some of these conventional liquid biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to their fossil fuel equivalent," he said.

And Queensland Renewable Fuel Association general manager Larissa Rose said that with less tailpipe emissions from cars, biofuels are good news for our health, too.

"When you move to higher blends such as E85 the US department of Energy has reported that 'E85 decreases the emissions of CO2, as well as the emissions of many harmful toxics, such as benzene -- a known carcinogen'." She said Australian studies by the CSIRO also back these claims.

4. Biofuel supports Queensland farmers and creates jobs

The Queensland biofuels industry is a win-win for regional industries, as more demand could create long-term and stable markets for sugarcane and sorghum, which in turn increases jobs.

"This will allow investment to be made and our agricultural production to grow," Rose said. "This will provide more jobs and money into regional economies that have been struggling, in some cases, for decades." It also opens up farming opportunities for new produce, such as the pongamia tree.

The University of Queensland's Professor Peter Gresshoff is researching the potential of the drought-resistant tree, often seen on Brisbane streets. Pongamia trees can produce 20,000 seeds per year, the oil from which can then be turned into 5000 litres of biodiesel. Biofuels could also soon bring a massive boost to the Queensland economy with the US Navy partnering with the State as a potential refuelling station for its Great Green Warships Fleet initiative.

5. Ethanol can give more grunt than regular fuel

Biofuels also give you plenty of bang for your buck at the bowser too -- bioethanol actually has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline. So much so, that E85 bioethanol is the fuel of choice for the V8 Supercars. Red Bull Racing and V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup saying he believes the V8 engines run better on E85.

"Ethanol has increased detonation over octane, so the engines actually run cooler than previously, hence (the) wear is less," he said. "As a consequence we have been able to extend servicing life, so much so that currently we can run an engine for up to three or four rounds (not races) before they need servicing."
The Queensland Government is leading Australia's bio-economic revolution through the Advance Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan. One of the actions from this plan is the introduction of a biofuels mandate. The biofuel mandate is a step towards growing Queensland's biofuel and bio-manufacturing industries. It will provide certainty so the industry can invest, innovate and create jobs as part of a cleaner, greener future for Queensland. A flourishing biofuels industry will also create the foundation for a new high-value bio-manufacturing industry. Check to see if your car is E10 compatible -- Search E10 OK?

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5 Things You Need To Know About Biofuels

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We've all heard the term biofuel and seen the signs for E10 or B5 at the petrol station, but what exactly are biofuels -- and why should we use them? In contrast to finite fossil fuel resources such as coal and oil, biofuels are liquid fuels made from sustainable feedstocks, agricultural and municipal wastes and residues, animal fats and recycled cooking oils.

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Textbook pages Chapter q

Fossil Fuels 101 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaXBVYr9Ij0
Biofuels 101 -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGmwtDffc74

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Energy sources that are used up faster than they can be produced on earth.

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Energy sources than can produced faster than are used by society.

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Coal, petroleum and gas

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Formed from animals, trees and smallers plants million years ago

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Petroleum 2C8H18(l) + 25O2(g)->16CO2 (g) + 18H2O

Natural Gas CH4(g) + 2O2(g) -> CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)

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Biological matter obtained from plants or animal products (biomass) which is used in a combustion reaction to provide energy