With a renewed focus on reduced emissions, less reliance on fossil fuels and a move toward renewables, the benefits of biofuels in transportation can’t be understated. In this piece, we’ll review the different types of biofuels, their benefit to transport organisations and where the challenges still lie.
What are biofuels?
Biofuels are derived from organic materials or biomass; hence the name. Over the years, we’ve refined our processes and looked to new sources, creating several generations of biofuels. The first generation of biofuels was derived from food crops like ethanol from corn and biodiesel from vegetable oil. That raised some concerns about food insecurity and true sustainability. So, a second generation of biofuels was derived from non-food crops and waste biomass. This solved the issue of using viable food sources but struggled to scale. The third and fourth generations revolve around algae-based biofuels and engineered plants and microorganisms.
The core benefits of biofuels in transportation
Switching from fossil fuels to biofuels in transportation grants a few key benefits, the first is environmental protection. With lower carbon emissions during the creation and use of these fuels, it’s better for the planet overall. All to that the positive impact on energy security and reducing oil dependence that the switch imparts. Lastly, there’s the economic potential of biofuels that can’t be ignored. These new fuel sources create jobs and rural development in locations that really need investment and infrastructure. Multitask Personnel explains, “They offer roles in construction, installation, maintenance and operation. This variety means people with different skills can find opportunities.” If your operation values a strong, local economy powered by green jobs; these fuels are providing an attractive avenue for socially-conscious enterprises.
Challenges and barriers
First, with the earlier generations of fuels, there was that food vs fuel dilemma. Are we fueling our trucks with products we or our herd animals should be eating? That’s largely been addressed with newer generations but there still are some concerns about the food chain with regards to algae and the impact of large-scale biomass cultivation in the ecosystem. Then you have our current technological limits and efficiency. Can we scale, streamline and innovate fast enough to keep up with the pace of demand for greener fuel types? Lastly, because we’re not technologically up to speed yet, we are struggling to achieve cost competitiveness with fossil fuels. That’s one of the biggest barriers.
Future trends
As our brightest minds work to create new methods for refining the second and third generation, we’re narrowing that cost gap. This is as people take a second look at how green EVs really are against Europe’s plan to cut oil usage drastically. There’s also the opportunity to integrate biofuels into current hybrid engines, further reducing the demand for fossil fuels. Lastly, policies like subsidies and tax credits could further influence the growth of biofuels, making it attractive for companies to invest.
In summation, the benefits of biofuels in transportation are numerous for socially conscious organisations and are becoming even more attractive as we find new ways of refining these fuel sources and optimising for scale.
Amanda Fox 