Biofuels as Alternative Sources of Energy

February 23, 2010 by · 4 Comments
Filed under: Blog 

Biofuels are produced by converting organic matter into fuel for powering our society. These biofuels are an alternative energy source to the fossil fuels that we currently depend upon. The biofuels umbrella includes under its aegis ethanol and derivatives of plants such as sugar cane, as well aS vegetable and corn oils. However, not all ethanol products are designed to be used as a kind of gasoline. The International Energy Agency (IEA) tells us that ethanol could comprise up to 10 percent of the world’s usable gasoline by 2025, and up to 30 percent by 2050. Today, the percentage figure is two percent.

However, we have a long way to go to refine and make economic and practical these biofuels that we are researching. A study by Oregon State University proves this. We have yet to develop biofuels that are as energy efficient as gasoline made from petroleum. Energy efficiency is the measure of how much usable energy for our needed purposes is derived from a certain amount of input energy. (Nothing that mankind has ever used has derived more energy from output than from what the needed input was. What has always been important is the conversion—the end-product energy is what is useful for our needs, while the input energy is just the effort it takes to produce the end-product.) The OSU study found corn-derived ethanol to be only 20% energy efficient (gasoline made from petroleum is 75% energy efficient). Biodiesel fuel was recorded at 69% energy efficiency. However, the study did turn up one positive: cellulose-derived ethanol was charted at 85% efficiency, which is even higher than that of the fantastically efficient nuclear energy.

Recently, oil futures have been down on the New York Stock Exchange, as analysts from several different countries are predicting a surge in biofuel availability which would offset the value of oil, dropping crude oil prices on the international market to $40 per barrel or thereabouts.  The Chicago Stock Exchange has a grain futures market which is starting to “steal” investment activity away from the oil futures in NY, as investors are definitely expecting better profitability to start coming from biofuels. Indeed, it is predicted by a consensus of analysts that biofuels shall be supplying seven percent of the entire world’s transportation fuels by the year 2030. One certain energy markets analyst has said, growth in demand for diesel and gasoline may slow down dramatically, if the government subsidizes firms distributing biofuels and further pushes to promote the use of eco-friendly fuel.

There are several nations which are seriously involved in the development of biofuels.

There is Brazil, which happens to be the world’s biggest producer of ethanols derived from sugars. It produces approximately three and a half billion gallons of ethanol per year.

The United States, while being the world’s greatest oil-guzzler, is already the second largest producer of biofuels behind Brazil.

Michael
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/biofuels-as-alternative-sources-of-energy-705402.html

Tags:

  •  

    My Pains, My Chiropractor

    Having low back pains has made me very familiar with Chiropractors.  As a health care discipline and profession, it emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of medical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine thus I usually run to my Nashville chiropractor for my pains. 
    As the third largest health profession, behind medicine and dentistry, chiropractic care for low back pains became common. With their license, practitioners in the field are reliable enough given the education and training they obtained. 
    My Nashville Chiropractor has been taking care of me for ages now and without his help, I would not be able to function properly nor write this blog post without pain. So, if you even need chiropractic care, do your research because getting a good chiropractor may just be your saving grace too. 

    The Unexpected Benefits of a Good Colon Cleanse!

    Why are so many people looking for the perfect colon cleanse? Given all of our unhealthy diets and unhealthy lifestyles, colon cleansing is a great way to regulate and improve the function of the colon. A regular colon cleanse is also helpful in preventing constipation. A good colon cleanser, coupled with a healthy diet rich in fibers gets rid of undigested waste as well as the hardened fecal mater that is blocking the passageway of the colon. Waste has no problem passing through the intestinal organs, preventing constipation.

    There are many benefits associated with colon cleansers, but perhaps one that people do not expect is the significant weight loss that may come with it. The average colon weighs at about 4 pounds, but it has the amazing ability to store up to 30 pounds of fecal matter. Once the colon is rid of this, it is only natural for a person's weight to go down too!

    Effective Sleep Aid Remedies

    As more and more people experience trouble sleeping, the search for effective sleep aid remedies grows along with it too. From warm milk to prescription sleeping pills, most insomniacs are borderline desperate to try out anything! While it may be helpful to try out herbal infusions and teas, soothing baths, doctors insist on caution when taking over the counter sleeping pills. These pills may do more harm than good, pumping the body with potentially dangerous chemicals. What's more, taking these sleeping pills can lead to dependency, making it harder than ever to fall asleep without them. The best solution is still to go with something natural, which poses less threat to side effects.

    Getting Menopausal Symptoms Under Control

    Many women complain about the very uncomfortable symptoms associated with the onset of menopause. While it is different for every woman, a common denominator always seems to be hot flashes, night sweats and the need for menopause relief. Many women live in fear of exhibiting these symptoms while in public! Who wants to experience a hot flash in front of everyone to see?!

    A great way to get menopausal symptoms under control is to use Hot Flash freedom, a natural and safe progesterone cream! It's so effective that thousands of people swear by it, including, Dr. Matazarro, a Quincy dentist and a respected member of her community. Why not try it? It just might be what you need to get rid of hot flashes and other menopausal discomforts!

    The Search for the Perfect Dentist

    Tooth problems can be quite bothersome, not to mention, expensive! The longer you leave it unattended, the worse it becomes! There are people who have trouble looking for the perfect dentist, which is why they let their tooth problems go on unattended. These people have obviously not heard of the amazing Glastonbury Dentist that I have come to swear by! I am confident that they're not all that's out there. I've heard good things about Richmond Dentist, Dr, Charles Martin. He is always talked about as being the one of the best Richmond Dentist around! My cousin from Kauai also swears by her Kauai Dentist , Dr. Clyde Ishida. He comes with a great recommendation!

    All these referrals just give me confidence in saying that the perfect dentist is out there for you! So, stop hesitating and start your search! It's the only way you'll say goodbye to your tooth troubles!

    Solutions for Retirees

    You could even make it easier for you by looking into an Assisted Living Decatur arrangement. You'll not only be in a comfortable home, but it will be amongst a beautiful community, equipped with the latest innovations in landscaping such as synthetic turf golf courses. You could really make retiring an excellent opportunity to create a new and exciting life!

    Looking for Business Finance Options?

    Why not take the plunge and look into your Business Finance Options! You may just find a invoice discounting receivables a proposition that is to your liking, and one that can give you the funding you need to make your dream business idea into a reality!

    Making a Mark on Your Online Business!

    Everywhere you look there are exciting and new ideas popping up. Things like Flower Essences are new and exciting concepts, and are carving out their respective niche markets. Perhaps you have an idea that can be marketed too? Getting an edge over its competitors and drawing in thousands upon thousands of potential customers is perhaps every online business' dream! While there are many ways to go about it, perhaps the most effective is to have a compelling web designer to draw up a website your potential clients can really resonate to! Another way to get the hits that you need is to employ effective Search Engine Optimization Techniques as this SAME Conference attendee!

    If you consistently aim to provide both for your customers, then there is no doubt that they will just keep on coming and coming!

    Easy Travel and Ticket Sources

    Looking for something new to do? Why not get out of the humdrum of daily life and indulge yourself in a little treat! Take the family on a Disney Vacation, equipped with a complete Disney Guide! Get wet and wild at the water park captial of the world, Wisconsin Dells.

    Or why not pay homage to your local sports team and see a game? There are tons of tickets being sold online. With just a simple search, anyone can avail of Warrior tickets, Ranger Tickets, Leafs Tickets, Nationals Tickets, Celtic Tickets, Kings Tickets, Red Wings Tickets, Dodger tickets, Magic Tickets, Heat Tickets, Angels Tickets and so much more! Best sellers include Charger tickets, Cardinal Tickets, Packers Tickets, Giant Tickets, Seahawk Ticks, Raven Tickets, Clippers Tickets, Chief Tickets, Thunder Tickets, Redskin Tickets, Cowboys Tickets, Texans Tickets, Raiders Tickets , Viking Tickets, Dolphin Tickets and 49ers Tickets!

    I'm sure a pair of tickets would make for a fabulous holiday or even birthday gift. I'm even thinking of getting my brother some Ranger Tickets. I know he's bound to enjoy it! Why not do the same thing? I'm sure the recipient would be over the moon with your thoughtful present!

    Professional Water Damage Cleanup Can Be a Lifesaver

    I just found out first-hand how hard it is to deal with water damage. I own a little grocery store at our town, and it’s pretty much my family’s main source of livelihood. When a pipe blew in the building that our grocery store was occupying, the whole first level got flooded and there was a lot of damage done; including our store. I didn’t know how to get started on getting things back to normal, and the thought of dealing with insurance just made my head hurt. It was bad enough to go through the flood, now we had to deal with the water damage cleanup too. It’s a good thing that the nearby store shared a number for a water damage Orlando restoration company with us. Restoration companies help you recover from both water damage and fire damage. The company that I called even offered insurance billing services which were exactly what I needed. They got my grocery store back to normal a lot faster than I expected. I also found out that they offer their services 24 hours a day and have a 30 minute response time. This is very useful because we never know when disaster will strike. I’ll definitely call the same number in the future and I will also recommend that you keep a restoration services number on your fridge or in your emergency phone numbers list. You don’t want to be looking for a number to call when you’re already knee deep in water.