The Importance of Renewable Fuels and Their Different Processes

by Pedro Malpartida* (Advanced Biofuels USA) This paper, prepared in partial completion of graduation requirements at George Mason University, presents information about the topic of biofuels and renewable fuels and the different processes, which were studied as part of an internship with Advanced Biofuels USA. This paper summarizes information learned and used while working on projects for the organization.

There are still huge developments being studied and researched globally, but some types of biofuels have already been established. Biofuel production has become a universal idea and can be implemented anywhere around the world. Transportation plays a huge part in the consumption of fossil based fuel and biofuels seem to be a promising alternative to combat dependence on it.

Typically, when the topic of renewable energy comes up, people tend to think mainly of solar or wind, or they are the first two categories to be mentioned. This makes sense since these two types of renewable energy are the most common and are established sources of energy.

Although solar and wind energy sources have proven to replace non-renewable sources of power, they may not be as green as they seem to be. These energy sources have crucial environmental drawbacks. The production of photovoltaic panels used for solar energy is a major problem. These panels are made of polysilicon and silicon, which, while being produced, can release environmentally dangerous by-products. More specifically, when inadequate waste treatment occurs, silicon tetrachloride and hydrofluoric acid are released into the environment [1].

As for wind energy, the dismantling of a wind turbine during its end of life isn’t so environmentally friendly. One option is to incinerate it, but by doing so, inorganic loads in the material become a pollutant. Another option is to recycle the materials, but an efficient recycling method has not been established quite yet [2].

Although renewable electricity is needed to replace fossil carbon for transportation powered by electricity, there is a need for a better replacement of oil and gas used in transportation. A very promising renewable transportation fuel is said to be biofuel [3].

The most common biofuel for transportation produced is ethanol, which makes up 10-15% of the fuel in todays’ gasoline-powered cars in the US. Not only has ethanol been incorporated into gasoline to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it also helps with engine deterioration. There are three other commonly used biofuels for transportation: biodiesel and renewable diesel, which differ from regular petroleum diesel; and renewable natural gas (RNG). Similarly to ethanol with gasoline, biodiesel and renewable diesel can be mixed in with regular diesel to improve certain combustion characteristics. RNG can replace or be mixed with natural gas or methane in compressed natural gas vehicles.

Fossil fuels still make up almost 80% of the energy consumption worldwide [4]. It may be decreasing, but it is not decreasing fast enough. As global warming becomes a bigger threat, the need for an environment-friendly source of energy becomes more crucial [5]. This being the case, extensive research and testing is being done to make biofuels a more viable option to reduce CO2 emissions.

As industrialization and human population increases, a need for a more sustainable way of life becomes more necessary. Biofuels have been around for quite some time now, but certain drawbacks call for better generations and solutions. The “food vs. fuel” debate plays a big role in the hindering of first generation biofuels. But even the successors of this first generation have their limitations. Although the third and fourth generations are fairly new, they propose the closest solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Sure enough there will be a fifth generation to arise, which will hopefully provide the answers we need. There is also an increase in the research of recycling of waste products to convert into renewable fuels, which have resulted in promising results.

*Pedro Malpartida, a graduating senior engineering student at George Mason University majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Renewable Energy, is interning at Advanced Biofuels USA.