One of the major benefits of biofuels is that they are renewable and sustainable. Biofuel companies are becoming more common as we work to free ourselves from petroleum. Companies specializing in the development and production of biofuels are converting a variety of plants and animal by-products into energy. Biodiesel and ethanol are the two most commonly produced biofuels, as they are used to power our vehicles.

If you are considering upgrading your fleet to biofuel, you need to do your homework. Understanding biofuels basics, and the benefits and costs associated with these fuels will help you to make a sound business decision that will benefit your business and the environment.

When gathering essential biofuel information, consider the following:

1. Learn how corn and other plants are converted into ethanol, the most readily available of the biofuels.

2. Understand biodiesel, the workhorse of the biofuels.

3. Discover what types of vehicles are available that run on biofuels.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Expand your knowledge of biofuels by learning about ethanol

Of the available types of biofuels, ethanol is probably the most well- known. Ethanol, a type of alcohol that is blended with gasoline, is sold at gas stations across the country and is primarily used in passenger and light duty vehicles.

I recommend: The American Coalition for Ethanol is a non-profit organization that supports increased ethanol production and use. The group maintains a list of ethanol conferences and trade shows, which can help you get involved in the industry. The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition promotes the use of E85 fuel, which is 85% ethanol. The organization has conducted several ethanol case studies, which they make available free of charge.

Get more information on one of the major biofuels, biodiesel

Many companies in biofuels specialize in biodiesel, which is renewable, clean-burning, and is used to power light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. These companies use a process called transesterification to separate glycerin from fat, which creates fuel from plants or animals. It can be burned on its own, but is usually blended with petroleum diesel.

I recommend: The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is a trade association that represents the industry and coordinates research and development. The NBB provides a comprehensive set of fact sheets on biodiesel. EcoBusinessLinks provides a comprehensive list of biodiesel companies. Use this resource to find contact information for a variety of producers, suppliers and equipment dealers that specialize in some aspect of biodiesel.

Find a range of vehicles that burn biofuels for energy

Most modern cars can burn petroleum fuels that have a small percentage of biofuels blended into them. Burning straight biofuels, or high percentage blends, requires a modified engine. Biodiesel kits can convert diesel engines to run on the renewable fuel, or you can purchase a new vehicle designed to run on 85% ethanol.

I recommend: The Green Car Congress provides analysis of biofuel vehicles and related technologies. Biodiesel America offers information about biofuel vehicles. Use their car guide to find a range of new and used models that can run on biofuels.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The federal government provides incentives for switching to renewable energy, including biofuels. Switching to biofuel gas doesn't have to be more expensive than purchasing conventional vehicles.

Petroleum fuels are on the way out in the world’s new green scene. While biofuels are not widely available, with a few simple tools and some time, you can convert your current diesel vehicle to a cleaner, friendlier version that just might save you money.

The leader board of up-and-coming energy sources, at least where companies in biofuels are concerned, boasts the following new faces:

1. Biodiesel, made from used cooking oil for use in diesel engines, with little conversion. Biodiesel companies aren’t the only ones who can make it – so can you.

2. Ethanol, currently made from corn, has people concerned that too much of the world’s farmland will be consumed for its creation. Biofuel companies are looking for alternative fuel crops.

3. Methanol, the by-product of organic decay is a new player in earth biofuels.

4. Straight vegetable oil biofuels; although your fleet will smell like French fries, you won’t be held captive at the gasoline pumps.

Action Steps
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Make your own biofuel gas

Many companies in biofuels offer instructions and kits for sale. Do your research, buy your kit, make your biodiesel; prepare for old carbon, and possibly rust, that may clog your car's fuel filters when you start using your fuel. In the beginning, you may not see cost savings due to your vehicle's required conversion package and increased maintenance expenses.

I recommend: Watch videos at Evolution Biodiesel Kits to learn about the benefits of biofuels and information about biofuels making machines.

Convert your diesel vehicle to use biofuels

You may choose to use your homemade fuel exclusively, or you may opt to use your product as a fuel additive for petroleum-based diesel. Your first decision, however, is whether you'll convert waste vegetable oil to fuel, or use straight vegetable oil to power your vehicles. Once you've made your decision, buy the appropriate conversion kits for your specific diesel engines.

I recommend: Rover Hybrids offers dual straight vegetable oil/waste vegetable oil (SVO/WVO) conversion kits for Powerstroke and Cummins diesel engines, complete with 40-60 gallon in-bed tanks. For other options, including kits for SVO conversion and a larger selection of engine kits, chat with folks in the know at the Frybrid member forum.

Find other ways to promote the benefits of biofuels

The more biofuel companies in existence, the more support and raw materials will be available for your own production. Blogging isn't just for experts, but there are plenty of them out there. Learn from their experience, and share yours. Find outlets through which you can sell your fuel, or find local WVO supplies by networking with other earth biofuels enthusiasts.

I recommend: Biodiesel companies are cropping up all over, and offer free biofuel information for the general public. BFC Gas and Electric and BP are biofuel companies offering support and research for the alternative fuels market. The United States Department of Agriculture provides research funding and all the latest information for consumers and companies in biofuels.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Research your vehicle first. Only a diesel engine can currently run alternative fuels.

The benefits of biofuels include reduced emissions, renewability and, ultimately, energy sustainability. Biofuels are increasingly looked to as a substitute for petroleum, which drives research and development. Biofuel technology benefits from this increased interest, and is evolving rapidly.

Several sources offer the latest news and trends in the biofuels industry. Whether you are considering an investment in biofuel technology, or are interested in starting a related business, you should keep track of the most recent biofuels news and trends.

Get current biofuel information from a variety of sectors in the industry:

1. Stay current on biofuels research and development.

2. Keep an eye on biofuels production and consumption trends and policies.

3. Learn about the newest cars and trucks powered by biofuel gas and diesel.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay ahead of competition with cutting edge biofuels research and development

Biofuels companies are constantly working to produce better fuels that will not negatively impact the world's food supply. Monitor the latest biofuels research development news so you can stay ahead of the game.

I recommend: Biodiesel Magazine is an online source for all things biofuel. The site also offers a forum where you can comment on blogs, and a weekly radio program that discusses the latest industry news. ScienceDaily is a valuable news source for current alternative fuels research. The website provides links to articles, videos, books and images related to biofuels.

Monitor key statistics in the biofuels industry

The biofuels industry is growing in an effort to switch to sustainable forms of energy. Both ethanol and biodiesel companies have seen increased demand in recent years as a result of this effort. Track the changes in production and consumption to determine whether you want to invest in the industry.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center provides the most up-to-date statistics for biofuel production and consumption in the United States. You can download all their data for free in spreadsheet format. Biofuels Digest offers blogs and news on current trends in biofuel production. The company also keeps track of current policy regarding biofuels.

Go green with vehicles powered by biofuels

Once limited to traditional cars modified with biodiesel kits, consumers now have a variety of biofuel powered vehicles to choose from. As companies in biofuels become more commonplace and biofuels become more readily available, vehicle technology will improve.

I recommend: The CleanTech Group will help to keep you informed about developments in biofuel vehicles.The company archives past articles so you can learn about the stages of vehicle development. Popular Mechanics is an excellent resource for learning about the latest developments in biofuel powered vehicles. View past and current articles, or use the car and truck buyer's guide to find the vehicles that are right for your sustainable business fleet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To ensure you get the most current information on biofuel companies, sign up for RSS feeds from your favorite sources. Most news services offer feeds that deliver news to your browser or desktop.

Constantly changing economic and environmental factors have lead to an increasing interest in renewable energy options, such as biofuels. By reducing or eliminating the need for politically and environmentally charged fossil fuels, these alternative options to traditional gasoline and diesel fuels can help to conserve both money and the environment. Learning the basic biofuel terminology will help guide you through the alternative fuel universe and aide you in determining if this switch is right for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Renewable energy

Renewable energy is any energy that originates from a source that constantly renews itself, such as sunlight, plant matter (including biofuels), and the movement of water and wind. This is in contrast to non-renewable energy, which is drawn from a source with only a limited supply, such as fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas.

I recommend: National Renewable Energy Laboratory provides information on a variety of renewable resources, including biofuels.

Biomass

Biomass is carbon containing, organic material from plants and animals. These materials contain stored energy from the sun that can be used for energy. This energy can be accessed through burning, decomposition, fermentation or distillation. Sources of biomass energy include wood, crops, landfill gas, human or animal waste and organic garbage.

I recommend: The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the United States Department of Energy addressed frequently asked questions about biomass and biofuels.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is fuel made of fatty acid compounds that results in fewer pollutants than standard petroleum diesel. These fatty acids can be gathered from new or used vegetable oils and animal fats and made into biodiesel by transesterification and subsequent refining.

I recommend: The Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center offers more information on biodiesel.

Transesterification

Transesterification is the process that separates the triglycerides, found in plant oils and animal fats, into esters and a glycerol. The esters are the molecules that make up biodiesel. This is usually done by exposing the triglyceride to an alcohol (usually methanol) and a catalyst (usually a strong alkaline substance such as sodium hydroxide).

I recommend: The Energy Systems Research Unit explains the biodiesel production process, including transesterification.

Ethanol/gasohol

Ethanol is a grain alcohol made from plant matter, such as corn. It is combined with unleaded gasoline to form what is sometimes called gasohol. This ethanol/gasoline combination is cleaner burning and more renewable than straight gasoline. The most common combination, which can be used in all unleaded gasoline burning cars, is E10 (10% ethanol/90% unleaded gasoline). Some new cars, termed flexible fuel vehicles, can use E85 (85% ethanol/15% unleaded gasoline).

I recommend: The American Coalition for Ethanol offers a large amount of information on ethanol and its benefits as a biofuel.

Cellulosic biofuel

Cellulosic biofuel is a highly efficient form of ethanol that can produce up to three times more energy with low amounts of polluting byproducts. It can also be made from agricultural and industrial wastes, dipping into human and livestock food supplies less than corn-based ethanol.

I recommend: Harvesting Clean Energy discusses the current and future benefits of cellulosic biofuel.