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Preparing for the Future,
Today
Today, the world
is completely dependent upon technology. One of the greatest
technological
advances is the development in transportation. Almost all of today’s
most
popular innovations in transportation are powered by petroleum-based
products.
Thus, humans, dependent upon technology, rely heavily upon fossil fuels.
Biofuels
are renewable sources, which means they can be restored easily. As an
alternative for petroleum-based fuels, biofuels offer benefits both
economical
as well as environmental. Due to simple processes, biofuels can be
produced
very efficiently. Today, many companies are
researching ways to convert their nations’ usages to biofuels. With this
new
technology, our civilization can continue to progress further into the
modern age
of sciences.
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Did You Know?
· In
2008, biofuels were worth $34.8 billion
on the global market.
· The US uses corn
and soybeans to make biofuels, while Europe
tends to use flaxseed and rapeseed.
Brazil uses sugarcane and Asia uses palm
oil.
("Industry: Biofuels.")
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What is cellulosic ethanol?
According
to
Jessica Weber of ClimateWire, cellulosic ethanol is made
of
tough, inedible
plant parts, such as corn cobs or switch
grass,
broken down by enzymes into
simpler sugars that can be
fermented.
Now enzyme companies, like Novozymes®, say they are near to
breaking
down another tough obstacle: the cost of enzymes that will make the
next
generation of low-carbon fuels.
(“Economics”)
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What are biofuels,
anyway?
The term “biofuels”
refers to fuel produced from renewable biomass material, commonly used
as an
alternative, cleaner fuel source.
(“Biofuel Definition.”)
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Biomass is … ?
Biomass is organic
materials used as renewable energy sources, such as wood, crops, and
waste
(“Biomass
Definiton.”)
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What is ethanol?
Ethanol
is fuel
derived from alcoholic sugars found in crops such as
rice,
potato skins and
sugarcane. It is commonly made from corn and
wheat.
Corn is commonly the base
material in the United
States
due
to its affordability and
availability.
(“Uncovering”)
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