5 Advantages of Biofuels

There are many advantages of biofuel, not least its ability to reduce climate changing carbon emissions.

Ever since the term "biofuel" first entered the consciousness of the average consumer, there has been a steady stream of new innovations to the technology used. While the opinion most people hold about biofuels has changed toward greater acceptance in recent years, and the advantages grow, this fuel source still remain does still come in for some criticism.

Advantage 1. Low Cost

Nevertheless, resistance is diminishing for one very good reason. 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. Nevertheless, there is the  disadvantage that, as the quantity of biofuel produced currently is relatively small compared with that of mineral oils, the price can go up rapidly when demand rises.

Advantage 2. Reliable 24 Hour/ Always On Energy

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.

Advantage 3. Biofuel Technology is Relatively New So New Technical Advances are Likely

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. via lovetoknow.com

Advantage 4. Biofuels are a Renewable Energy Source

Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels are a renewable energy source. Because they are derived from crops that can be harvested annually, or in the case of algae monthly, biofuels are theoretically unlimited. Despite this surface appearance of unlimited availability, biofuels do have restrictions.

Restrictions are treated in more depth in disadvantages of biofuels, but a brief consideration reveals that the threat to the food supply is the major limiting factor to the quantity of biofuel feedstock can be grown. via bfuel.org.uk

Advantage 4. Biofuels Release Fewer Pollutants

As gas prices rise and global warming becomes more pervasive, more people are using biofuels as a way to save money and decrease their consumption of fossil fuels. They release fewer pollutants, such as sulphur (from low quality oils from ship funnels for example), into the atmosphere, helping reduce air pollution.

Advantage 5. A Largely Untapped Energy Source

Biofuels are produced from so-called "energy crops" that include wheat, corn, soybeans and sugarcane, so they are sustainable. And if every nation can grow its own, there is a high likelihood these biofuels will never run out. via howstuffworks.com

Advantage 5. Won't Become Scarce and Run Out When the Wells Run Dry Like Oil

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.

Advantage 5. 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. via conserve-energy-future.com