2010. Ethanol can be used instead of gasoline in many cars. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2e12d729352bd1 The major disadvantage to using algae to produce biofuels is the cost, which in part is due to the fact that the practice of using algae to produce biofuels is relatively new and requires additional research and development to find less costly production methods. During their combustion in furnaces and boilers, they produce heat just like fossil fuels do. Disadvantages of Biofuels One disadvantage of biofuels is that not all biofuels can be created equally. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). An important consideration is the gel point; a fuel that becomes solid above the freezing point of water is not very useful in a cold location. Industrial Pollution 6. They are found in liquid, solid or gas states. The water demands of some biofuel crops can put unsustainable pressure on local water resources if not handled carefully. The use of regular feedstock, such as corn and soybeans, as a primary component of first-generation biofuels sparked the food versus fuel debate. Anything that is local comes with an extra benefit. Biofuels may emit lower carbon footprints but the process involved in the production of these fuels largely depends on oil and water. Let us know if you liked this article. Ethanol also absorbs water easily giving it a high tendency to corrode materials. Source: New York Times, June 2, 2017. 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. To learn more about biofuels, click to the next page. These air pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as damage to crops, forests, and other ecosystems. These landfills not only spread foul smell but also contaminate underground water sources. Its lubricating properties are significantly better. Your email address will not be published. Examples include ancient people burning wood and branches to generate fire. This is a serious contra argument to consider especially with climate change already shifting our ability to grow crops in certain areas. And once the chemicals are in the water supply, bad things can happen. "Ethanol Production Using Corn, Switchgrass, and Wood; Biodiesel Production Using Soybean and Sunflower." A pig farmer, for example, may have to pay a few extra dollars per bushel to buy corn to feed his livestock. Their main perk is that they are produced from organic materials which replenish seasonally. 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]. Air quality sensing of particulate matter shows that levels of this damaging pollutant are high around such sites. Read more about us. 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]. Diverting that waste to anaerobic digestion would turn a cost into an opportunity, generating revenue from energy production and co-products. Home > Renewable Energy > Biofuels Advantages and Disadvantages in 2022. 2023 Scientific American, a Division of Springer Nature America, Inc. "Measuring Corn Ethanol's Thirst for Water." Disadvantages of Biofuels Despite the benefits, there are some disadvantages of biofuels that make the general population hesitant to use them. It seemed like a win-win idea: European demand for biofuel was set to spike, driven in part by regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Because of the higher gel point of many biodiesel producing oils than petroleum, it is difficult, if not impossible, to start a biodiesel engine in cold weather. Therefore, the use of biofuels is less of a drain on the wallet. 2. Additionally, biofuel production can also lead to changes in land use patterns, which can displace local communities and increase the cost of land. Potential drawbacks include changes to land use patterns that may increase GHG emissions, pressure on water resources, air and water pollution, and increased food costs. Also, alcohol fuels (including ethanol) may corrode or damage some of the metal and rubber fittings utilized in gasoline-based engines. This lessens the risk of respiratory illnesses due to reduced air pollution. Explore the increasing production of ethanol biofuel in the U.S and its downside, Learn the process of producing biodiesel from rapeseed oil. This means that more biofuel is required to produce the same amount of energy as a smaller amount of fossil fuel. IATA believes that by 2020 we could see 3%-4% of fuel comprised of second generation biofuels, which is made from biomass, agricultural residues or waste, rather than from the oil crops used for first generation biofuels. Converting degraded agricultural land that is out of production to such high-diversity biofuel sources could increase wildlife area, reduce erosion, cleanse waterborne pollutants, store carbon dioxide from the air as carbon compounds in the soil, and ultimately restore fertility to degraded lands. (A Comprehensive Guide), Top 10 Solar Panel Companies and Manufacturers in the US in 2023, What are the Negative Aspects of Renewable Energy? They produce industrial pollution. After all, a better harvest will lower prices and ensure there is enough corn or soybeans on hand to feed and provide the fuel to the world. Biological source of energy can be produced in many cases from locally available resources, which in turn decreases our reliance on imported fossil fuels that are even becoming rarer. One way to deal with this lies in simple diplomacy: The globalization of world commerce means that today it is easier than ever to transfer food supplies from one point of the world to another in response to increased need. This fuel is made from the decomposition of organic matter. If more people turn to biofuels, a country can diminish its dependence on fossil fuels. Dependence on Water and Oil Resources. 7. The ragged stripes stretching from east to west are growing zones: regions where water supply, temperature and sunlight make hospitable climates for certain types of plants. As of now, the interest and capital investment being put into biofuel production is fairly low, but it can match demand. In recent years, biofuel development and use has risen significantly. The first way damage is caused is by destroying local habitat. Updates? Disadvantages of Biofuels 1. "Food vs. The development of a biofuels industry has great potential to stimulate economic development in rural areas with less job possibilities by creating new markets for crops and other agricultural products. Biofuels could be a sustainable energy source over the long term if they are produced and used in a responsible and well-planned manner when all the pros and cons of biofuels versus fossil fuels are considered. For example, emphasis on ethanol derived from corn is shifting grasslands and brushlands to corn monocultures, and emphasis on biodiesel is bringing down ancient tropical forests to make way for oil palm plantations. Farmers of corn, cotton, and soybeans, all possible sources of biofuel, are increasingly planting genetically modified types of those plants. The proper way to grow biofuels to serve all needs simultaneously will continue to be a matter of much experimentation and debate, but the fast growth in biofuel production will likely continue. We are a couple of environmentalists who seek inspiration for life in simple values based on our love for nature. Second, the oil produced by these plants is not identical. Omissions? They are perennial. Advantages of Biofuels. Another way in which biofuel production can compete with food production is through the use of food crops, such as corn, as feedstocks for biofuels rather than spending resources on processing corn for human consumption. They are cleaner fuels, meaning that they produce fewer emissions during burning. Because of the higher-than-petroleum gel point of many biodiesel-producing oils, a biodiesel engine can be difficult -- if not impossible -- to start in cold weather. And alcohol fuels (including ethanol) can corrode or damage some of the metal and rubber fittings used in gasoline-powered engines. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are non-renewable, which means they are finite and will eventually run out. Disadvantages of Biofuels Production of biofuels can be quite inefficient Large amounts of raw materials have to be used Significant greenhouse gas emissions in the production chain Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides High initial investments required Increase in global food prices Global hunger and starvation High water demand Biodiesel is a non-toxic fuel producing lower emissions as compared to fossil fuels when burnt. But genetically modified crops have accidentally created unwanted and sometimes threatening traits like what happened during primary tests of a modified strain of corn. Disadvantages No fuel is perfect, and there are some biofuel disadvantages - especially if plants are grown specifically. June 12-13, 2003. Land use is also a major factor in evaluating the benefits of biofuels. An example of such practice could be plantation of diverse prairie grass mixtures. Compatibility refers to the ability of a fuel to be used in existing infrastructure and equipment without modification or damage. Biofuels also supply environmental benefits but, depending on how they are manufactured, can also have serious environmental drawbacks. Other biofuels include methane gas and biogaswhich can be derived from the decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygenand methanol, butanol, and dimethyl etherwhich are in development. If farmers are incentivized to plant crops that are not well suited for the location, they may end up needing more water than any other crops would. Looking for Renewable Energy Device & Equipment Prices? Companies such as Ineos Bio are turning trash into other chemicals such as plastics. However, in terms of cost, the overall benefits of using biofuels are much higher. The pure form of ethanol (E100) can be used as a fuel for vehicles, but it is usually applied as an additive to gasoline to increase octane and enhance vehicle emissions. This means they require more space to store the same amount of energy than fossil fuels. Biofuels are compatible with current engine designs and work very well in most conditions. That directly translates into more expensive bacon and ham at the grocery store [source: Carey]. Even if plant waste can be used as raw material, the demand for these products will still exist. But the fertilizers can have detrimental effects on the environment, and expanded biofuel production could pose a major threat due to freshwater pollution. All Rights Reserved. Although current gas reservoirs will remain available for many years, they will deplete in anot-too-distant future. Biofuels refer to fuels made from plant materials. What are the disadvantages of biofuels? List of Disadvantages of Algae Biofuel. 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. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. Nevertheless, in 2012 Edmonton will host a chemical plant owned by Enerkem that will turn garbage into 36 million liters of ethanol and methanol per year. Renewability Is an Advantage It takes a very long time for fossil fuels to be produced. Ethanol-makerand oil refinerValero Energy Corp. has also invested in Enerkem. Most of the waste generated worldwide is biodegradable. 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. "It's a pittance being spent on reducing our dependence on oil than putting our boys in harm's way overseas," says Coskata's Wesley Bolsen, chief marketing officer and vice president for government affairs. True, a plant-based fuel comes from a renewable source, while fossil fuels will eventually run out. Utilization of Fertilizers 4. There is a variety of applications, including electricity generation, and heating. Because biofuels can be produced from renewable resources, they bring less pollution to the planet. A Lack of Food 5. Adverse consequences can occur when chemicals are in the water supply. Most biofuels are formed from plant matter. Fuel." Segregating organic waste from the garbage to generate Biogas considerably reduces wastes from landfills. . Biofuels are made from a wide range of materials. (Jan. 14, 2011)http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID-346-W.pdf, Altieri, Miguel A. To begin a detailed discussion of this subject, the following are some of the recognised benefits and drawbacks of biofuels. In this respect, ethanol made from corn represents a relatively small energy gain; the energy gain from sugarcane is greater and that from cellulosic ethanol or algae biodiesel could be even greater. (Nov. 19, 2010)http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_yield.html, Lau, Michael H. et al. As an alternative source of energy obtained from renewable and biological material, these fuels can be produced using waste materials. Lets have a look at the main advantages of biofuels over fossil fuels: Biofuels replenish over time, whereas fossil fuels are non-renewable and will eventually run out. 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. Bioenergy can reduce the waste problem. Making biofuels from waste makes dollars--and sense, Edmonton is Canada's chief oil city as well as the capital of Alberta, the province that hosts the bulk of the country's tar sands. But it is even more economical solution in terms of paying a cost set by international political agreements. A way to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases is to use biofuels around the world. Drivers of vehicles who use these fuels usually have to install heating units to protect the fuel tank and lines free from gelled fuel or dual-fuel mechanisms flushing the engine with petroleum diesel during start-up and shut-down. (Dec. 13, 2010)http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/BiotechCrops/, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. Advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy. 2009. Continue reading with a Scientific American subscription. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like When considering large scale hydropower the disadvantage causing the LEAST environmental impact would be Decreased of flow of silt and sand to natural downstream deposits Disruption of the life cycle of anadromous and endemic fish Flooding of upstream habitat Change of job sources in the area, When a mineral resource is too deep . 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. While technology may eventually narrow those ratios, the input-output energy ratio of modern biofuel production is a major drawback to its widespread use. Biofuels Disadvantages There are some complicating aspects about disadvantages of biofuels that we should look at. Uses land that could be used to grow food. Given the expense of converting this mix of dirt and heavy oils to more usable petroleum products, the province is not keen on alternative fuels. Union of Concerned Scientists. Biomass is plant or animal material like wood, energy crops, and waste from forests, farms, or yards utilized as fuel to generate electricity or heat. Consumers living in a low-producing region would need to have biofuel trucked or piped to them, increasing both cost and the amount of emissions produced in production and transport [source: Pimentel]. 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]. Less garbage in landfills. China's Xi Outshines Trump as the World's Future Energy Leader, Fact or Fiction? Students replicate commercially available alternative fuels, E85 and biodiesel, as well as create an experimental fuel blend of waste . In theory, this sounds like a terrific way to keep up with biofuel crop demand. biofuel, any fuel that is derived from biomassthat is, plant or algae material or animal waste. They cover the soil year-round, and support biodiversity of small soil fauna and mammals by providing nutrients. By that time, the corn had been on the market for a season. Liquid biofuels are of particular interest because of the vast infrastructure already in place to use them, especially for transportation. Under this vision, biofuel crops would remove carbon dioxide from the air as they grow, and energy facilities would capture the carbon dioxide given off as biofuels are burned to generate power.
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