Biofuel Disadvantages: In the creation of first generation biofuels, huge amounts of land are needed. According to some estimates, expansion by Indonesian palm oil plantations caused the vast majority of that nation's deforestation in the late '80s and '90s. All of these plants grow better when given fertilizer. One obvious consideration is the gel, or clouding, point: A fuel that turns solid well above water's freezing point would not be very useful in a cold location. But if the tractors that tend the field burn 75 gallons of fuel in the season, the truck to transport the corn to a processor burns 20 gallons on the trip, and the processor uses the energy of 40 gallons of fuel to run its distillation equipment, is the ethanol produced really an environmentally friendly, low-emission fuel? However, the high greenhouse emissions, deadly air pollution, instable fossil-based energy prices, and strong growth of global transportation fuel demand have boosted extensive research efforts in developing bioenergy. There are several different types of biofuels: liquid biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel; solid biofuels like wood pellets, fuelwood, or animals waste; and biogas like landfill gas. Perhaps the most straightforward of biofuel's drawbacks is the most obvious: It isn't petroleum-based fuel, so it will operate differently in engines designed for petroleum-based fuel. Bloomberg Businessweek. Bioenergy is less expensive. The sun stores resources into these materials thanks to photosynthesis. Biofuel production may decrease the pesticide pollution if done sustainably and right, especially if perennial polycultures are involved. Excessive use or improper application can leave surplus fertilizer in the soil, which is then washed through regional watersheds and transferred into rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. Careful fertilizer application can help prevent widespread pollution problems, but expanding biofuel production to meet the world's demand opens the door for more mistakes in this realm. The advantages and disadvantages of HYV seeds are shown in the table below: Biofuels Biofuels are any kind of fuel manufactured from living things or from waste. Brazil and the United States are among the leading producers of ethanol. Associate Professor of Engineering Systems and Atmospheric Chemistry, Engineering Systems Division and Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Biofuels are a renewable resource, so they can be replenished over time. Biomass production uses a lot of water 5. For example, it is estimated that growing one hectare of corn for biofuels takes between 3,000 and 5,000 cubic meters of water per year. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Matt Cunningham Will alternative fuels deplete global corn supplies? If you use ethanol for your vehicles, you reduce up to 86% of greenhouse gas emissions more than fossil fuel. "Environmental Effects of Genetically Modified Food Crops -- Recent Experiences." Central to the problem is corn's relatively high water requirement. This may sound contradictory to the advantages of biofuels mentioned earlier in this article. 10+ Amazing Pros and Cons of Biofuels | Environment Buddy It generates harmful emissions 2. If the land used to grow a biofuel feedstock has to be cleared of native vegetation, then ecological damage is done in three ways. Biodiesel is a non-toxic fuel producing lower emissions as compared to fossil fuels when burnt. Disadvantages of Biofuels. Or how animal fats, like whale oils, were used extensively in the 17th century to fuel lamps. What is biofuel? What are the advantages and disadvantages? The widespread use of biofuels in daily operations requires different storage and handling equipment, engine modifications, and adapted fuel delivery systems. Its application in transport industry would cut a big part of the air pollution originating from this growing industry [2]. As an alternative source of energy, they also reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing or emitting negative effects that come with the use of this polluting and limited source that has been powering our economies since the industrial revolution but has also brought about increased pollution levels and emissions of greenhouse gases. One distinctive promise of biofuels is that, in combination with an emerging technology called carbon capture and storage, the process of producing and using biofuels may be capable of perpetually removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Biofuel is used to power vehicles, and is being produced by gasification in countries such as Sweden, Austria, and the . But if not done with an eye toward conserving resources and maintaining the spirit of reducing emissions through plant-based fuels, this ramping up of production can lead to greater environmental problems than the ones it's meant to solve. . In small countries, or in municipalities where landfills are full and . The Indonesian palm oil problem is really a combination of biofuel's drawbacks. This removes the need for application of chemicals and the risk of runoff and water contamination is simply lower. Biofuels are often not compatible with traditional fossil fuel infrastructure because they have different chemical and physical properties. sunlight and water. Biofuels and the environment - Energy Information Administration November 2007. Its also worth noting that the cost of fossil fuels fluctuates greatly depending on the market and political situation. Moisture is more likely to be absorbed by biofuels than fossil diesel, which causes problems in cold weather. But in much the same way that oranges will never be a cash crop in Alaska, there will always be some regions that simply can't support large-scale production of biofuel-rich crops. Researchers are investigating ways to genetically engineer less thirsty crops, and carefully planning what biofuel crops to plant in a given region can mitigate this problem [source: Lau]. The regional nature of high-producing plants such as palm oil means that certain parts of the world are agricultural gold mines: Biofuel demand motivates plantations to expand quickly. Biofuel typically involves contemporary carbon fixation, such as happens in plants or microalgae during photosynthesis. It may cause food scarcity because of the lucrative prices of bioethanol some farmers may sacrifice food crops for Biofuel production 3. Explore the increasing production of ethanol biofuel in the U.S and its downside, Learn the process of producing biodiesel from rapeseed oil. However, in terms of cost, the overall benefits of using biofuels are much higher. Advantages of Biofuels - Biofuel Information June 12-13, 2003. Biofuels, and the process of integrating them into our fuel use habits, can be costly. The transition to biofuels will affect especially economic sectors of agriculture, manufacture, reprocessing, recycling, and transportation. China's Xi Outshines Trump as the World's Future Energy Leader, Fact or Fiction? Advantages of Biofuels. Second, the oil produced by these plants is not identical. Incredibly safe. Uses land that could be used to grow food. This difference affects the viability of the oil as fuel. Biofuels Advantages and Disadvantages in 2022. So, extensive production of biofuel is a negative-sum game. An example of such practice could be plantation of diverse prairie grass mixtures. Advantages and Disadvantages of Biodiesel Fuel Biogas: Converting Waste to Energy | White Papers - EESI Bioenergy is energy derived from any fuel that is originated from biomass. By using biofuels as an alternative energy source, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which can help to reduce our impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable energy system that is more locally based. Adjunct Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota. What are the economic advantages of using biofuels? Ignorance Conclusion What does it mean? Whereas oil is a finite resource and comes from unique materials, biofuels can be produced from a broad variety of ingredients, including crop waste, manure, and other by-products. Quick Navigation for Advantages and disadvantages of biofuels, [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK196452/. 1. . For example, the production of biofuels can create jobs and stimulate economic development, but it can also lead to higher food prices and competition with other industries for resources. Similarly, nutrients that are returned to the soil through crop rotation and allow fields to lay fallow disappear under extreme monocultural farming. Union of Concerned Scientists. For example, Range Fuels in Georgia similarly attempted to gasify waste from the pulp and paper industry and transform it into ethanol directly but foundered in perfecting its catalysts. Environment. Long-time monoculture farms must use much more fertilizer than sustainable peers, and this increases water pollution. The first generation biofuels are produced from food crops grown on arable land. Moreover, the crops that are grown to produce biomass absorb carbon dioxide which helps clean the air. Common fertilizers include nitrogen and phosphorus. This fuel is made from the decomposition of organic matter. Let's start with one of the main arguments against the use of biofuels. That directly translates into more expensive bacon and ham at the grocery store [source: Carey]. As an alternative to landfills, incineration offers the following advantages: #1 Far more efficient use of space. Energy-to-Waste: Pros & Cons of Advanced Gasification - EQTEC And while the range of oil-producing crops considered viable for biofuel production is wide enough to fit most growing zones, the most productive crops simply won't grow everywhere. and environmental chaos ensued. The pure form (B100) can be employed as a fuel for vehicles but is commonly used as a diesel additive to reduce particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons in diesel vehicles. Had it been the season's popular strain of corn, there could have been an ecological disaster as monarchs migrated through the corn-heavy American Midwest [source: Mellon and Rissler]. 1 Feb. 2011. The heat, in turn, can be used to run generators in a power plant to produce electricity. Most fossil fuels will expire one day. University of Minnesota. There is a variety of applications, including electricity generation, and heating. In general, biofuels are more expensive to produce than fossil fuels on a per-unit energy basis. Hundreds and even thousands of hectares of unbroken acres of one crop are an irresistible destination for plant pests; pest groups can explode uncontrollably in this tempting environment. Bioethanol is a type of alcohol produced by fermentation, often from carbohydrates made in sugar or starchy crops like corn, sugarcane, or sweet sorghum. Compared to fossil fuels, biofuels are considered to be a more environmentally friendly and sustainable energy source due to their renewability and lower emissions of greenhouse gases during burning. biomass energy - National Geographic Society When biodiesel is utilized as a combustible fuel, the engine durability increases. Some estimates state that algae and cyanobacteria could yield between 10 and 100 times more fuel per unit area than second-generation biofuels. And again, not every climate region is suitable for a high-yield crop that could produce economically viable biodiesel [source: Burpee]. One potential challenge to the reliability of biofuels is their limited availability, as they are only produced from certain feedstocks (as mentioned in the disadvantages section). In theory, this sounds like a terrific way to keep up with biofuel crop demand. In general, biofuels can be a reliable energy source if they are produced and used in a responsible and sustainable manner. The greenhouse emission potential of biofuel varies considerably, from levels comparable to fossil fuels in some situations to negative emissions in others. But the conversions impose additional time and money on the biofuel users. Biofuels are an alternative to fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal). (Nov. 16, 2010)http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/31/business/worldbusiness/31biofuel.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1290625375-G4EOxMpw99oBdvPcW6DvCw, Tsuneishi, Scott. Scientists sounded the alarm, and further tests by academic and industry researchers confirmed that the corn's pollen posed a threat to monarchs. How "Green" Is Your Fuel? Creation and Comparison of Automotive Biofuels Disadvantages of Biofuels One disadvantage of biofuels is that not all biofuels can be created equally. Pros and Cons Of Biofuel - Go Blue Sun By burning solid waste, the amount of garbage dumped in landfills is reduced by 60 to 90 percent, and reduces the cost of landfill disposal and amount of land required for landfill. While they can burn cleaner, producing synthetic fuels often causes just as much, if not more, pollution than traditional gasoline. The production, distribution, and use of biofuels can create jobs in a variety of sectors that will support the production and use of this sustainable alternative. "Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S." July 1, 2010. With aims such as reducing the costs of biofuel, it enables high-value products from biomass or waste resources, as well as the reduction in the cost of bioenergy production. The most common types of liquid biofuels are bioethanol and biodiesel. Drawbacks of Bioethanol | Biofuels - Lafayette College Increases Pollution in contrast to wind and solar 10. And high-consumption production practices -- moving palm oil with petroleum-powered trucks and the practice of draining and burning peat bogs to prepare farmland -- have made the southeast Asian nation one of the world's leading greenhouse gas emitters [source: Rosenthal]. And trash-based biofuels need not compete on cost with fuels, as long as they offer a lower cost than their other competitorlandfills. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. It takes up to 1.4 gallons of ethanol to replicate the mileage that 1 gallon of gasoline can provide. Companies such as Ineos Bio are turning trash into other chemicals such as plastics. During their combustion in furnaces and boilers, they produce heat just like fossil fuels do. Farmers of corn, cotton, and soybeans, all possible sources of biofuel, are increasingly planting genetically modified types of those plants. The crops tend to be lesser varieties of the original, say of corn, for . The benefits of biofuels compared to fossil fuels depend on a variety of factors that need to be considered when used on a large scale. This can limit the scale of biofuel production and make it more vulnerable to disruptions such as droughts, pests, and price fluctuations. Biofuels Disadvantages There are some complicating aspects about disadvantages of biofuels that we should look at. Biomass and the environment - Energy Information Administration Biomass and Biofuel Advantages and Disadvantages - Vista Projects High Cost of Production Even with all the benefits associated with biofuels, they are quite expensive to produce in the current market. A study in 2005 showed that using available farming and production technologies, from 27 to 118 percent more energy is needed to produce a gallon of biodiesel than the energy existing in it. Corn-based ethanol, for example, has a higher density than gasoline; fuel injectors have to be larger in an ethanol-only engine to match the fuel flow of a comparable gasoline engine. On the other hand, because many biofuel feedstocks require land, water, and other resources, research suggests that biofuel production may give rise to several undesirable effects. Plant-based fuel can be produced almost anywhere, comes from a renewable resource and often produces cleaner emissions than petroleum-based fuel. "The business of ethanol is a very substantial market opportunity," Chornet says. However, ready access to food imports, and the ease of exporting, hinge on a wide range of political and social factors. This means that when garbage rots in landfills, that stinky gas can be used for energy! Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2e12d729352bd1 However, the cost of biofuel production has been decreasing in recent years due to advancements in technology and economies of scale. But that price quickly reaches consumers. Biodiesel, which has found greatest acceptance in Europe, is used in diesel engines and usually blended with petroleum diesel fuel in various percentages. Additionally, biofuel production can also lead to changes in land use patterns, as farmers may shift from growing food crops to biofuel crops in order to take advantage of government incentives or higher prices for biofuel crops. 6 May 2015. But biofuels aren't completely cost-free. This is a great news for sustainable future planning since the use of biofuels is in agreement with the development of a circular economy by closing the loop on resource use. As of now, the interest and capital investment being put into biofuel production is fairly low, but it can match demand. Biofuel uses waste natural materials, and produces fewer emissions as a result. According to studies, the levels of carbon dioxide emissions and particulate matter are reduced with biofuels, however, the nitrogen oxides are slightly higher than at fossil fuels [1]. While technology eventually will limit these ratios, the ratio of energy input to the output of modern biofuel production is an important disadvantage to its widespread use. On the other end, if previously untouched natural ecosystem is transformed into a monoculture field than there is a high chance that pesticide pollution will appear and will affect the surrounding environment. Corrections? About 3.5 million tons of garbage is discarded in landfills every day. It takes biomass and turns it into a clean-burning fuel. 100% Biodiesel is actually just as biodegradable as sugar and ten times less toxic when compared with table salt. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Moreover, not every climate zone is proper for a high-yield crop that could produce biodiesel economically. Overall, the reliability of biofuels as an energy source will depend on the specific circumstances of their production and use. As a result, looking for unsaturated oil as a biofuel source is reasonable. Most biofuels are formed from plant matter. In the long term, this may lead to a decrease in food availability, nutritional quality of available foods, diversity of food crops, and possibly endanger food security. It is also important to consider the full life cycle of biofuels, from production to end-use to ensure that they are used in the most sustainable and efficient manner possible. Discover world-changing science. That has yet to be an energy source that comes without some drawback. March 2005. 10+ Major Pros and Cons of Biodiesel Fuel | Environment Buddy In fact, the 468 million metric tons of trash produced in North America each year could provide 47 billion liters of ethanolor roughly the same amount as produced from corn, which presently supplies 10 percent of U.S. gasoline demand. Likewise, the fertilizer, water and land required to produce enough biofuel to reduce fossil fuel consumption significantly can create other problems, ranging from increased pollution to decreased access to food. Their main perk is that they are produced from organic materials which replenish seasonally. And. What is biomass? Biofuels can require significant amounts of water for irrigation and processing, which can lead to water depletion and competition with other water uses, including even water for households, or for food production. In evaluating the economic benefits of biofuels, the energy required to produce them has to be taken into account. Renewability Is an Advantage It takes a very long time for fossil fuels to be produced. 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. These emissions include carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels during the production process and nitrous oxide from soil that has been treated with nitrogen fertilizer. Add other resource costs into the equation, such as the gallons of fresh water needed to grow the plants and the amount of fertilizer needed to keep them healthy, and it becomes even harder to equate biofuel with real energy and carbon emission savings. As a result, converting plant biomass to ethanol requires processing much larger amounts of feed stock to produce the same amount of biofuel than conventional biofuels. Second, the oil these plants produce is not equal. While biofuels certainly have many potential benefits, there are also a number of challenges and trade-offs associated with their production and long-term use at larger scale. The use of biofuels can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy system. "Oil Yields and Characteristics." The penalty for the convenience of not annotating object lifetime manually in the source code is overhead, often leading to decreased or . Biofuels - Some crops, like corn and sugar cane, can be converted into a biofuel called ethanol. What are the economic drawbacks of using biofuels. One way is through direct competition for land, water, and other resources. Many biofuel crops are used to make biodiesel. Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas A&M University. The growth of all of these plants is better when fertilized. Technical Challenges Perhaps the simplest drawback of biofuels is that it is not petroleum-based fuel so that they will work differently in engines developed for petroleum-based fuel. Biofuels are generally of two categories: gaseous biofuel and liquid biofuel. (Dec. 13, 2010)http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/BiotechCrops/, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. True, a plant-based fuel comes from a renewable source, while fossil fuels will eventually run out. Biogas reduces Soil and water pollution. But there's another complication that arises with this selection. It contributes to deforestation 4. Biofuels: The Solution To Energy Crisis And Global Warming, Or Part Of 22 Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels - Environment Go! Some crops will grow better in certain areas and may not grow at all in other regions. When they are used as fuel, they leave gummy residue in the engine. Furthermore, the burning of coal and oil raises the temperature and warms the planet. Given that the conversion rate is lower than with first-generation biofuels, cellulosic ethanol is dominantly used as a gasoline additive. Nitrogen added to drinking water can cause health problems, like methemoglobinemia, a disease that prevents infants from using the oxygen in their blood. (Nov. 19, 2010)http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_yield.html, Lau, Michael H. et al. "You can place it in refineries throughout North America. They are found in liquid, solid or gas states. Sugar Cane Until recently, sugar cane was the world's main source of ethanol, because of its prevalence in Brazil. References: Ann, Ngee. This is a problem that biofuel crops, food crops, gardens, and lawns have in common all over the world. This means that more biofuel is required to produce the same amount of energy as a smaller amount of fossil fuel. Some of the disadvantages of biofuels apply mainly to low-diversity biofuel sourcescorn, soybeans, sugarcane, oil palmswhich are traditional agricultural crops. The New York Times. They cover the soil year-round, and support biodiversity of small soil fauna and mammals by providing nutrients. Performance & security by Cloudflare. And the singular nature of a monoculture crop increases the risk of a total loss for the farmer; imagine the damage if a severe strain of corn blight hit an ethanol-producing corn farm [source: Altieri].