Ethanol biofuel is one of the most common and widely used biofuels out there. It is one of the easiest ways to make your motoring more sustainable, as it can be put into a regular petrol engine – or, better still, a hybrid vehicle combining a petrol-powered internal combustion engine and an electric motor – and there’s no need to buy a new car. It might not be the greenest or most sustainable way to drive, as ethanol is never used in pure form in an engine, but it’s certainly a start.

Ethanol is more sustainable than fossil fuels because it is sourced from plants. This means that no new carbon and similar emissions will be added to the atmosphere, as any carbon released by using this biofuel (or UK Syntech‘s ASB as well)was in the atmosphere not that long ago. Moreover, some of the carbon taken up by the plants used for making ethanol doesn’t go into the ethanol and won’t be released into the atmosphere. Both ways, this means that less new carbon dioxide is being added to the atmosphere, and every little reduction adds up in the long term.

Biofuel Basics

Ethanol used as biofuel is produced similarly to wine and other alcoholic beverages – and you may have guessed already from the name that ethanol is a type of alcohol. The process of producing ethanol fuel is fermentation of the sugars and starches in plant material, followed by distillation and dehydration (removing the water) to produce a pure alcohol – a lot purer than what you’ll find in the local bottle shop and something you definitely shouldn’t drink.

The hardest part of the process is what happens before the fermentation step. Although all plant matter (known as biomass) includes starches and sugars, many plants have a hard, woody layer known as lignin, which has to be removed before fermentation. This means pretreatment is needed to remove this hard outer layer so the sugars can be fermented by beneficial microbes (starches can be transformed into sugars, but this makes the process longer).

Many methods are used for pretreating the biomass to produce the sugars that can be fermented and ultimately turned into ethanol biofuel. These include chemical methods, physical methods and bacterial methods. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. Chemical methods are quick and don’t require high energy inputs, but they often use harsh chemicals that aren’t good for the environment afterwards. Physical methods that smash the biomass to break or remove the lignin coating don’t involve toxic chemicals but require a lot of energy. Bacterial methods don’t require as much energy and don’t involve toxic chemicals, but the process takes a lot longer. Good things take time, I guess!

Research into bioethanol and the process of making it is a hot topic for many scientists in many fields these days. The goal is to make the process more efficient and more sustainable. The experts are always looking for new pretreatment methods, feedstocks and new strains of bacteria that break down the plant materials. One of the challenges is that sometimes, a method that works well for one type of biomass doesn’t work well for another.

What Is Ethanol Fuel Made From?

To ensure something’s sustainable, you must ask where it comes from and what it’s made from. This is the case of ethanol. Some people question whether the use of biofuels causes problems with food supply, either because food crops are used as feedstocks for biofuel production rather than feeding people or animals or because they take away land, fertilizer and food resources needed for growing food. It’s a good question. However, things have changed since the early days, and ethanol fuel is more sustainable than you might think. Biologists and agronomists are always looking for plant crops with multiple purposes, such as food–feed–fuel crops (food is for humans; feed is for animals) or food–fibre–fuel crops. Now, that’s what sustainability is all about making full use of every part of the plant!

Here, we’ll take a look at some of the plant materials (biomass) used as feedstocks for producing ethanol biofuel.

Corn (Maize)

One of the earliest feedstocks used for making bioethanol fuel was corn – common sweetcorn or maize like you’d buy in the supermarket as popcorn or corn on the cob. Corn has a high amount of sugar (it’s used for the notorious high-fructose corn syrup that is thought to be responsible for many obesity problems), but the downside is that it is also a food crop. Although the world would probably be better off with less high-fructose corn syrup, corn is important for feeding animals (especially in the USA) and people (corn chips, anybody?). This has discouraged the use of corn as a feedstock.

However, if you’ve ever seen a photo of a cornfield, you’ll see that not all of the corn plant is edible by humans or animals. After the cobs have been harvested, the leftover bits are known as stover, and it’s also got a lot of sugars in it and has potential as a feedstock. This has turned corn into a dual-purpose or even triple-purpose crop, where people and animals eat the corn while the stover is used as a fuel feedstock.

Miscanthus

Miscanthus × giganteus, also known as elephant grass, is a plant you probably have never heard of. It’s a plant that grows very vigorously, spreads easily and doesn’t require pampering the way many common crop plants do (e.g., it doesn’t need pesticides or much fertilizer, if any). It also contains a high proportion of carbon – think of how much it will take from the atmosphere! This makes it very suitable for producing biofuels, and because it can grow on scrubby land, it doesn’t compete with food plants.

Miscanthus is a dream feedstock, as it grows with very little input in terms of water or fertiliser and grows in places you’d never dream of growing crops. It can also handle conditions other plants can’t handle – drought, salt stress, floods, heat and cold. It can grow 3–4 metres tall in one year – and then do it again the next year. It’s grown in many parts of the world, including the UK. The only challenge is related to harvesting and collecting the stuff – which is probably easier than the process used for extracting fossil fuels, so I don’t know what they’re fussing about.

Straw

Straw is what’s left over after a grain has been harvested. Common types of straw used as a feedstock are from wheat, barley and rice. Previously, straw was used as animal bedding, and even (in earlier days) for human bedding, but with the rise of the car, there was less call for straw in stables. A lot of straw was burned after the harvest. However, now that they’ve worked out how to use straw as a biofuel feedstock, it’s becoming a valuable resource again.

Sugarcane

The sugar you put in your coffee is the juice of the sugarcane plant. When sugar is harvested and milled, a lot of waste is generated – at least 30% of the plant is considered waste. This sugarcane waste is known as bagasse. Bagasse still contains a lot of cellulose material that can be used as a feedstock for ethanol. In fact, in Brazil, which has a massive sugarcane industry and is the second-largest producer of ethanol fuel, all fuel is at least a biofuel blend, and many vehicles in the Brazilian fleet use either a biofuel blend or pure ethanol – or both!

Wood

Wood is harder to turn into ethanol because it has a higher proportion of lignin – the woody stuff that makes wood… wood. However, researchers have found bacteria that will break it down so it can be used for making ethanol biofuels. This means that all the leftovers after a tree has been logged for timber can be used for producing fuel. It also means that some trees that grow vigorously, such as willow, can be grown as a feedstock on land that isn’t suitable for producing food.

HVO Fuel in the UK

Now, let’s have a natter about HVO Fuel, a rising star in the UK’s green motoring scene. HVO, which stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is a renewable diesel made from waste fats and oils. It’s a bit like the cool cousin of traditional biodiesel. The beauty of HVO is that it’s made without the complex chemical processes that some biofuels go through. Plus, it’s got a lower carbon footprint, making it a top choice for those wanting to drive cleaner on our British roads. With the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, HVO Fuel is gaining traction and might just become a common name at our local petrol stations. So, next time you’re having a chinwag about sustainable fuels, don’t forget to mention HVO!

Ethanol Biofuel vs HVO Fuel: Understanding the Differences

Ethanol biofuel and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel are distinct in their composition, production processes, and applications. Here’s a brief comparison:

Source and Composition:

• Ethanol Biofuel: An alcohol-based fuel derived primarily from fermented sugars and starches of plants, most commonly corn and sugarcane.
• HVO Fuel: A renewable diesel produced from waste fats, residues, and vegetable oils through hydro treatment.

Production Process:

• Ethanol Biofuel: Involves fermentation of sugars and starches, followed by distillation to produce ethanol.
• HVO Fuel: Entails treating vegetable oils and fats with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, removing oxygen from the molecules, and converting them into paraffinic hydrocarbons.

Applications:

• Ethanol Biofuel: Typically blended with gasoline (petrol) and used in petrol engines. Common blends include E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) and E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline).
• HVO Fuel: Can be used as a direct replacement for conventional diesel in diesel engines without modifications.

Environmental Impact:

• Ethanol Biofuel: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline, but cultivating crops for ethanol can have environmental impacts, such as land use changes and water consumption.
• HVO Fuel: Boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional diesel and some biofuels, often made from waste and residues. It also offers better storage stability and cold properties compared to traditional biodiesel.

Understanding these differences can help in making informed decisions about sustainable fuel choices.

Other Waste Products

Last but not least, all food waste products can be used to make ethanol. This ranges from other types of waste from agriculture and the food production industry (such as the grain left over after brewing beer) to kitchen scraps and food waste from the restaurant trade. This isn’t being used commercially half as much as it should be – at least not yet. The idea of turning what we throw away into something we can use as fuel excites me, and I hope that more will be done with this in the future. After all, local councils already collect rubbish, so how hard would it be to set up a system for collecting food waste for use as biofuel? Watch this space!…

Hey there! Colin here. Ever had that moment when you’re filling up your car and you think, “Is there a greener way to do this?” Well, I had that epiphany once while munching on some peanuts. Funny enough, those peanuts led me to the world of biodiesel. But more on that later!

What is Biodiesel?

Remember my peanut story? The original diesel engine could run on peanut oil! Mind blown, right? Biodiesel is like your regular diesel, but with a green cape on. It’s made from natural oils, and if Rudolf Diesel (yes, the Diesel guy) were here, he’d give us a thumbs-up for going back to his original idea.

The Science Behind Biodiesel

Now, I’m no “mad scientist”, but I’ve done my homework. Biodiesel is made by refining natural fats and oils. Think of it as giving these oils a makeover to become the superhero fuel we need. And while I might not have a lab coat, I’ve got a stack of research papers that say biodiesel is the real deal.

Biodiesel’s Origins: Where Does It Come From?

It’s like the age-old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? In the biodiesel world, it’s more about the soybean or the algae. Biodiesel can come from a variety of sources, from everyday kitchen oils to exotic plants you probably can’t pronounce (I know I struggled!).

The Green Side of Biodiesel

While I might not have a green thumb (my cactus died last summer), I’m all about green energy. Biodiesel is a champion when it comes to being eco-friendly. It reduces carbon emissions, and the best part? The CO2 it releases was recently in the atmosphere, thanks to the plants it came from. It’s like Mother Nature’s version of recycling!

Biodiesel in Action: Real-world Applications

Storytime! I once took a road trip in a biodiesel-powered car. Smooth ride, and I felt like an eco-warrior the whole way. From cars to buses and even some planes, biodiesel is making its mark. And with the research I’ve dug into, it’s clear this isn’t just a passing trend.

The Challenges (Because Nothing’s Perfect, Right?)

Life’s not always a bed of roses; biodiesel has its thorns. There’s the debate about using food sources for fuel and that pure biodiesel can turn into a mini ice block in cold weather. But hey, every superhero has a weakness. The good news is that experts (like yours truly) are finding ways to overcome these challenges.

The Future of Biodiesel and Sustainable Energy

If I had a crystal ball, the future would look green and biodiesel-y. With continuous research and innovations, biodiesel is set to play a starring role in sustainable energy. And while I can’t predict the future, my research-backed gut feeling says we’re on the right track.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, my deep dive into the world of biodiesel. From peanuts to a greener planet, it’s been quite the journey. And while I might not be a scientist in a lab, I’m armed with knowledge, a dash of humour, and a passion for a sustainable future. Here’s to greener roads ahead; remember, every drop of biodiesel counts!

Got thoughts, questions, or your peanut-inspired epiphanies? Drop them in the comments below. Let’s fuel this conversation!…

We all know that fossil fuels won’t last forever, to say nothing of their carbon footprint. We need to clean up our act when it comes to transportation and think about how we can get from A to B more sustainably.

We could use active modes of transport (walking, biking, etc.) or public transport (bus, train, etc.). Still, there’s no getting around the fact that if you’ve got a lot of stuff to carry – taking furniture or a bunch of plants for the garden home from the shop, for example – these options aren’t a goer. I’ll talk about those active modes more in another post, but I know, and you know, there are times when a car is the most realistic option. We cannot return to using ox carts or horse-drawn wagons when we need to take loads and a large family.

Given that cars are a necessity for many people (but not everybody), it’s important to think about how we can be more sustainable in our transportation options – what’s known as green motoring. For many people, the simplest option is to switch from a car with a large engine to something smaller. Although that’s a good start and does help cut down the carbon footprint, these small-engined vehicles still rely on fossil fuels. Much more can be done to clean up our act and drive sustainably.

There are three pathways to sustainable or green motoring: electric vehicles or EVs, hydrogen power and biofuels. Here, I will give you the basics on all of them so you can work out which one is best for you.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are getting much attention from governments and car manufacturers. These are the sexy side of sustainable motoring – and we get a reminder from Tesla’s different models (S, X, 3 (which looks like a backward E) and Y). Almost every motoring manufacturer has read the signs of the times, and they’re all making EVs.

EVs come in two main types: hybrid and full battery (BEVs). Hybrids use a regular internal combustion engine and an electrical motor; BEVs use just the electrical motor.

How Does It Work?

A fully electric vehicle or BEV uses electricity to power the wheels – it’s as simple as that. The principle of the motor is the same as any electrical motor, like the sort you find inside a blender. The electrical motor inside a BEV or EV is more potent than kitchen appliances, but the basic working principles are the same.

Unlike the toys we got as presents as children, batteries are included in an EV, and they’re rechargeable. Like all batteries, the electrical potential energy is used up when you ask them to do things, and the batteries run flat. This means that the batteries have to be recharged. This can be done at home with an in-home charging point or at one of the many public charging stations nationwide.

Advantages

EVs are quiet and don’t emit any pollution from the motor when it’s in use. They also don’t stall (one of the big problems with learning to drive something with an internal combustion engine) and don’t have a complicated gearing system. There aren’t any complicated power and torque curves because full power and torque are always available.

Disadvantages

The two main disadvantages of EVs are charging issues and range. Charging is a simple process, but it’s a lengthy one. This can be a problem when demand is high, as happened in London just before Christmas 2022. However, as more and more charging points become available, high-speed charging points, this problem is likely to clear up. The range is something that the manufacturers are working on. Even so, it’s important to remember that the range you’ll see advertised with a new model of EV is what they get under test conditions. You will likely get different results depending on the weather conditions, what you’re carrying, how you drive and what else you ask the car to do (lights, heating, charging your phone, etc.).

One other issue is the problem with sourcing lithium, as many (but not all) sources of the lithium needed for the rechargeable batteries are from developing countries, and the process of mining them can be a bit dodgy in some situations in terms of how sustainably it’s done and how they treat the workers.

The other issue is the problem of generating electricity. All the power used to charge an EV must come from somewhere. Some ways of generating electricity are more sustainable than others, and this is something that we need to think about.

Hydrogen Power

A hydrogen-powered vehicle uses hydrogen as a fuel – not for burning but for generating electricity for powering an electric motor. A vehicle that uses hydrogen is sometimes called a hydrogen fuel cell.

How Does It Work?

Hydrogen gas goes into a fuel cell (you can think of this as a battery), and the gas molecules are split into an electron, which makes electricity, and a proton. This chemical reaction produces two things: electricity and water. The electricity runs the motor and everything else in the car. The water goes out the back in the form of exhaust. Fresh hydrogen gas is pumped into the car’s fuel tank when it runs low, like petrol or diesel.

This is still comparatively new technology, and only a few hydrogen fuel cell cars are on the market. However, the manufacturers and other developers are working on this and the best way to safely manufacture, store and transport the hydrogen gas.

Advantages

A hydrogen vehicle has all the advantages of a battery EV when it comes to emissions, carbon footprints, and noise. However, they are quicker to refuel, as the hydrogen fuel for the fuel cell is pumped in. The range in a hydrogen vehicle is about what you’d get from a car with an internal combustion engine.

Hydrogen is a super-abundant resource, and the gas can be obtained from water (even dirty water – it doesn’t need clean water) with some electricity. The process means that electricity and water produce hydrogen, which is then turned back into electricity and water. And on it goes.

Disadvantages

Hydrogen fuel cells are expensive because the catalysts that split the hydrogen atoms into protons and electrons are rare metals such as platinum. This means that the cars are costly. The problem is that hydrogen is a volatile gas, so transporting and storing it can be tricky (although they’re working on this). Because it’s such a new technology, there aren’t many places where you can refuel hydrogen vehicles… at least not yet.

Biofuels

Biofuels are like fossil fuels (and can be chemically identical), but they don’t come from fuel reserves. Instead, they are produced in a short time and are made from (mostly) plants. There are two types of biofuel used for motoring: bioethanol and biodiesel.

Some biofuels are made from vegetable waste products, such as leftovers from the sugarcane industry or the wood industry. Others come from oil-bearing plants such as maise and jatropha. Others come from algae. There are a lot of sources, so I’ll have to talk more about these in another post.

How Does It Work?

Biofuels work just like your regular combustion engine – they can be pumped into a standard car. Often, biofuels are mixed with fossil fuels to help the engine run better.

You may ask how biofuels are sustainable. The answer is that they cut down on carbon emissions because they come from plants. The carbon that comes out of the back of a vehicle running on biodiesel was part of a plant last year and was in the atmosphere the year before, so they’re not adding any new carbon to the atmosphere. They also burn cleaner than conventional engines, creating less pollution.

Advantages

Biofuels can run in your current vehicle, so you don’t need to buy a new one. Biofuels are already used widely around the world, often as mixtures. The infrastructure is already in place for fuelling stations.

Disadvantages

Biofuels still pump out pollutants from the exhausts. Because they need to be mixed with fossil fuels, they still contribute to carbon emissions.

There’s also the issue of all the inputs (water, pesticides, fertiliser) needed to grow the crops used for biofuels and the problem of fuel crops competing for space with food crops. However, marginal land, waste products (such as the stems of maise) and plants that grow with minimal inputs are often used. The algae used for biodiesel are grown on sewage and wastewater, so that doesn’t compete with other crops or people for clean water.…

OK, I am back. Did you miss me? Colin is here. Colin, the clean energy freak. yes, that’s right – you heard correctly. To be as passionate about clean, sustainable energy, you have to be a bit freakishly dedicated to the cause.

I know I speak Chinese to some people who are new to biofuel/biodiesel ideas. Can’t blame you – it’s being spoken about almost everywhere by politicians and big company CEOs; however, not many people really understand what these terms mean.

Don’t worry, you are not alone. Most people on this planet do not get it. That is why Uncle Colin will give you the most important takeaway nuggets, so you don’t have to read millions of words.

Here is a great video to get you started if you prefer to watch and not read:

Here goes. Biofuel is made of vegetable oil. It has organic origins. Now, this oil can be of any source, i.e. rapeseed, sunflower, palm. You name it – you can make biodiesel from it. The kicker is that the final product is not completely organic. In simplest terms – you get the plants, press them, make oil and then add chemicals to the oil in order to make it ready to be used in cars. The difference between the various grades of the end product (biodiesel) depends on the process, type and amount of chemicals added to the plant oil. Some are cleaner than others. Some are not. All in all, biofuels are good for the planet because: a) they replace fossil fuels; b) they produce less toxic chemicals in the air.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

It’s not as simple as I described it, but this crash definition of biofuels and biodiesel will be handy initially. Should you wish to go down the rabbit hole (and have the required millions of years of time to read everything), I will provide references to explore in your own free time. You have been warned, though :). …