Biofuels have enormous advantages that easily outweigh any disadvantages that may exist. The most common biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. They are blended with gasoline to generate alternative fuels.
Renewable, Sustainable Fuel
Biofuel generation involves waste material, organic matter or manure, crop waste, plant waste, etc. So, the feedstock for biofuels itself is renewable, making biofuels renewable. Unlike traditional fuels, biofuels are quicker and easier to generate. Moreover, they reduce carbon emissions.
Cost-Efficient
Biofuels use crop/ plant waste – used cooking oil, organic matter, plants etc as raw material. All these sources of production are ecological and easy to collect besides being affordable as well. Biofuels are non-toxic and biodegradable. In totality, biofuel generation might appear to be an expensive affair, but the economic cost is in the negative. In the future, it is expected to be cheaper as the demand shoots up. An increase in biofuel demand will reduce the cost of production. In addition, the environmental impact of fossil fuels is massive when compared to biofuels. Biofuels are environmentally friendly.
The durability of the vehicle’s engine
Biofuels can be easily blended to accommodate existing engine designs. It has a higher cetane number and lubricating capabilities. For instance, with biodiesel as a combustible fuel, the durability of the engine increases. It improves the lasting power of engines at low maintenance. Also, it keeps pollution and carbon emissions under check. Moreover, biodiesel is sustainable and much more ignitable as compared to petroleum diesel.
Impact on our Economy
Most countries depend on oil imports to meet their fuel needs. However, a gradual shift to using biofuels will help strengthen our country’s economic security. Moreover, one can reduce the extreme dependence on fossil fuels. Promoting biofuel enables the generation of employment opportunities and encourages the growth of local agricultural industries. Also, the cost of biofuels is lesser than fossil fuels. With increased job possibilities, rural economic promotion, and reduced fuel pricing, a country can better ensure its economic security.
Reduce Dependence
All the countries depend upon fossil fuels to meet their energy needs. These fuels are not available in the country but imported from a foreign land. Biofuels are a replacement for not only the traditional fossil fuels but also eliminate the need for importing oil. Biofuels improve fuel supply and make the supply sustainable. Since it is sustainable, the dependence on traditional fossil fuels and imports can culminate entirely in the future.
Ecological Efficiency
Fossil fuels are finite and have a detrimental impact on the environment. On the contrary, biofuels are sustainable/ renewable and reduce environmental degradation. Biofuels can reduce up to 80% of carbon emissions. Also, the disposal process of organic matter/ feedstock used for biofuels is eased out through recycling and reuse. Biofuels are biodegradable that subsequently reduce soil and underground water contamination. They assist in conserving the atmosphere and significantly lower the pollution level.
Less Pollution
Fossil fuel combustion releases greenhouse gases, i.e. carbon dioxide. This leads to global warming. Biofuels are a great alternative to reduce carbon emissions and global warming. These are also known as green fuels, as they do not add to the CO2 burden.
People are awakening to the economic, social, and environmental benefits of biofuels. The government is taking steps and working towards achieving a greener economy. Multiple boards/ associations are being set up for efficient management of organic matter in order to produce biofuels. However, we are still far away from a complete transition.
Motivated by the vision of reducing our dependence on crude oil, we discovered that if collected and processed efficiently, used cooking oil has immense potential to achieve green fuel use in the country.
India, with its massive consumption of cooking oil, has a staggering possibility of becoming independent in the production of biodiesel. This achievement will also supplement the usage of electric vehicles. While biodiesel can support public transport, electric vehicles can ably take care of the consumer segment.
