A biofuel is a type of fuel whose energy is derived from biological carbon fixation.

In other words, Fuel which is produced from renewable biological resources◦ Plant biomass ◦ Treated municipal and industrial waste. 

What is Biofuel?

To reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

To reduce reliance on foreign oil.

To lower emissions of greenhouse gases.

Why biofuels?

1.There is no emission of hazardous gases.

2.Raw material is locally available in every region of the world.

3.Friendly with the environment, so they do not cause global warming

4.The energy release per unit mass of biofuel is greater than the energy released from the unit mass of fossil fuels.

Advantages of biofuels

Two methods to form biofuel :

a) Sugar crops and starch are grown and through process of fermentation, ethanol is produced.

b) Plants are grown naturally to produce oil like algae.

Or Oils are heated to reduce viscosity, then directly use as fuel for diesel engines

• Made from sugar, starch, and vegetable oil. First generation Biofuel

• Made from non-edible plant materials. Second generation Biofuel

• Made from algae and microbes.Third generation Biofuel

They can be divided into three categories

Biodiesel

Biogas

SyngasBioalcohols

Vegetable Oil

FIRST GENERATION

Biodiesel is a famous biofuel in Europe Produced from oils or fats using trans-

esterification after mixing the biomass with methanol and sodium hydroxide.

Biodiesel

Inputs: ◦ Fat/Vegetable Oil (“Feedstock”)◦ Methanol/Ethanol◦ Catalyst - “Lye” (Sodium Hydroxide or Potassium

Hydroxide)◦ Water

Outputs:◦ Biodiesel◦ Dirty Water◦ Glycerine

Making Biodiesel

Bio-diesel feed stock:PalmCoconut Rapeseed/ Mustard seedSunflowerCornSoybeanPeanutsAlgaeUsed restaurant oilAnimal fats

Palm seeds

Coconut seeds

Rapeseeds

Sunflower seeds CornSoybean seeds

Pond Algae

Biodiesel can be termed clean fuel as it does not contain carcinogens

Its sulphur content is also lesser than the mineral diesel.

It possesses high biodegradability and lubricating property.

Improves engine efficiency. Domestic resource, Readily mixes with petroleum diesel fuel in any ratio. Greatly reduces particulate matter and carbon

monoxide emissions.

Advantages of biodiesel

BIOALCOHOL

Bioalcohols• Biologically produced alcohols, most

commonly ethanol and less Commonly propanol and butanol.

Synthesis:• Bioalcohols are produced by the action of 

microorganisms  and enzymes through the fermentation of sugars or starches (easiest), or cellulose (which is more difficult).

Fire places Fuel for vehicles Ethanol fuel is the most commonly used bio-

fuel in the world and particularly in Brazil. 

Application of bio-ethanol

VEGETABLE OIL

Generally used for cooking purpose.

Vegetable oil is mainly used for the production of biodiesel.

Vegetable oil

To produce Electricity Cooking purpose Space heating Water heating

Application of biogas