Biofuel

"Biofuel is any fuel that is derived from biomass—that is, plant or algae material or animal waste. Since such feedstock material can be replenished readily, biofuel is considered to be a source of renewable energy, unlike fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Biofuel is commonly advocated as a cost-effective and environmentally benign alternative to petroleum and other fossil fuels, particularly within the context of rising petroleum prices and increased concern over the contributions made by fossil fuels to global warming. Many critics express concerns about the scope of the expansion of certain biofuels because of the economic and environmental costs associated with the refining process and the potential removal of vast areas of arable land from food production." "First-generation biofuels have the benefit of reducing the overall greenhouse gas emissions and zero carbon production in some cases as the carbon emitted during burning of biofuels is compensated by the carbon absorbed by the plants during growth. Second-generation biofuels, on the other hand, are technologies that are still in development. This new technology focuses on producing second-generation biofuels by microbial fermentation of non-food crops. Other sources include woody biomass from forestry, paper pulp, sawdust, bagasse, straw, stover, household food and garden waste. The carbon footprint and overall energy yield will be drastically improved when compared to first generation biofuels as there is no need for cultivating or harvesting the crops."

Biofuel