Biofuels
Biofuels are fuels made from biomass (organic matter) which can be used instead of traditional fossil fuels. Biofuels are most commonly used for transport, but are also used for small heating applications
The three most common biofuels are:
- Biodiesel
- Bioethanol
- Biomethanol
Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils, and can either replace diesel completely or be mixed in different proportions. It is most commonly blended, as it gives better performance, and in the UK car warranties are made invalid if biodiesel is used to replace diesel completely. This type of biofuel can be used in diesel engines with no modifications. Typical feedstocks for biodiesel are mainstream agricultural crops such as oilseed rape (Northern Europe) and sunflower oil (Southern Europe).
Bioethanol is produced from a variety of agricultural feedstock, including starch crops, sugar crops and woody crops. By-products from the sugar industry, such as molasses, can also be used. The most typical feedstocks are wheat and sugar beet (Northern Europe) and sweet sorghum (Southern Europe). Bioethanol can be used in existing petrol engines, although some petrol is needed in addition to the fuel when cold starting.
Biomethanol is produced from wood, and is used in existing petrol engines in the same way as bioethanol. It is not as common as either biodiesel or bioethanol.
For more information:
Further useful information about the EU policy on bioenergy and biofuels can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/bioenergy/index_en.htm NNFCC short film about biofuels, including 'second generation' biofuels. http://www.nnfcc.co.uk/metadot/index.pl?id=5822;isa=DBRow;op=show;dbview_id=2539
Biodiesel filling stations is a directory of filling stations that supply biodiesel.
www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk
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