When people talk about biofuels they are essentially referring to ethanol or biodiesel. Ethanol is mostly derived from corn (maize) and sugar cane. Ethanol is favoured in the Americas, US and Brazil producing most of the world's ethanol). Europe and China produce biodiesel. Here the sources are usually soybeans, sunflower, canola -- and waste cooking oil!
Algae is increasingly a possibility, and this week brings news of companies seeking investment in this area.
Biofuels can be produced from any number of plant crops. Actually, from ANY plant material. A recent technology makes biofuel by breaking down plant cell walls.
Biofuels can be produced from any number of plant crops. Actually, from ANY plant material. A recent technology makes biofuel by breaking down plant cell walls.
Earlier this week in South Africa, the Department of Energy announced that compulsory blending of fuel with a percentage of biofuels is to commence on the 1 October 2015. It is the step that the biofuels sector and many in agriculture have been waiting for. Without this, biofuels would always have been just a nice idea.
Find the press release here.
Biofuels is one of the chapters in The Agri Handbook.
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