Biofuels Basics

Biofuels provide a renewable and sustainable source of energy
By Nathan Eidem, Writer 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.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

• 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.