I have to admit, that the discussion of biofuels, while interesting, I just can’t seem to get into writing about them! Fortunately Earth 911 one of my favorite blogs just wrote an incredible easy to read update about biofuels.
Biofuels are a growing topic of debate, especially in the past five years as national sentiments supporting energy independence and alternative fuels have gained momentum.
As the U.S. continues legislating, developing and promoting alternative fuels to supplement, and possibly replace, fossil fuels such as coal and oil (e.g. some of the provisions in the House-approved Clean Energy and Security Act), a refresher, and possibly an introduction, to biofuels might be helpful in sorting through this important issue.
What’s in a Name
To start, there are various types of biofuels. For example, it’s important to note the distinction between biodiesel, which only works with diesel engines (such as those found in semi-trucks) and ethanol, which is blended with gasoline and can be used to power a variety of vehicles.
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
In the beginning, scientists tested corn ethanol, however several problems made working with the vegetable harder than researchers initially thought. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
All biofuels can provide an alternative combustion fuel source to gasoline and diesel. The main types of biofuels include: Read more..…