The Wide Variety of Biofuel Sources

There are many pros and cons of methanol fuel, but this alternative energy source can play a part in meeting the energy needs of the future. Methanol may also be called wood alcohol or M85 which is a blend of 85% percent methanol mixed with 15% gasoline. This type of biofuel is similar to ethanol and is very efficient and clean burning, making it eco friendly. Methanol is produced using a process that starts with methane gas and then uses steam and catalysts to turn this gas into biofuel. There are a few disadvantages to methanol, because this fuel does not operate as well in cold weather, but this problem has been fixed when M85 is created instead of a straight methanol mixture. Methanol does not contribute to global warming or pollution, and is a very powerful alternative fuel source.

Another earth friendly option is the biomass fuel biobutanol as direct replacement of gasoline. Biobutanol offers many benefits. This fuel is a better alternative than ethanol and fossil fuels. Biobutanol does not have a corrosive effect like ethanol, and requires less engine maintenance and repair. It does not evaporate as quickly as other fuels, so it can be stored much longer without losing effectiveness. There is no conversions or alterations needed to a traditional gasoline engine to burn biobutanol fuel instead, so switching over can be very convenient and simple to do. It is a biofuel which is low cost, clean burning, and could be used right now in place of traditional gasoline and other fossil fuels.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as LPG, is another solution to using fuels which do not pollute or speed up global warming, even though this fuel is really a fossil fuel found in the earth. What is a liquefied petroleum gas? This fuel is a naturally occurring gas that can be found around other fossil fuel reserves in the earth, and is a combination of both propane and butane gas. This fuel is carbon based, but half a million vehicles in the U.S are LPG fueled and it does not have a negative impact on the environment. The gas is highly pressurized and there is an airtight delivery system, so no gas can get into the air. This fuel reduces sulfur in the air and acid rain, as well as greenhouse emissions and air pollution.

Another alternative method is to use municipal solid waste management to produce biomass fuel. This technology takes municipal solid waste, or garbage, and turns it into biofuels which can power your car, as well as electricity and heat for your home. Cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel can be produced from municipal solid waste. All organic materials can be used in these processes to provide biofuels which are safer and nicer to the earth and environment. Biofuels cut down on carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, and will not contribute to global warming. A few third world countries have objected to biofuels because of food shortages, but using municipal solid waste to produce biofuels does not affect the food supply at all.

One alternative and renewable fuel source is waste vegetable oil, also called WVO. The future of waste vegetable oil, just like the future of municipal solid waste management, is strong and bright for the same reasons. Both technologies take something that has been discarded and turns it into a valuable energy resource. Many people have seen commercials and news stories about cars and owners who use discarded waste vegetable oil for fuel. The oil must be strained, but that is the only disadvantage. The energy needs of the future must be met with environmentally friendly sources, and WVO can be one of these.

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