WHAT ARE BIOFUELS?
The use of biofuels arose with the rapid growth of the automotive industry. During the 1900s, many inventors were experimenting the efficiency of different kinds of fuels. The earliest and most significant use of ethanol as a source of fuel occurred in 1826, when Nicolaus August Otto, a German inventor used ethanol to power an early engine. Since then, biofuels has been a commonly used energy source. [5]
Instead of using fossil fuels, biofuel is produced using biomass such as plants, wood, seaweed, and even ethanol. One way biofuels are produced is through anaerobic digestion, a biological process in which microorganisms break down or ferment organic matter in the absence of oxygen. [3]
The biofuel industry has been growing steadily but slowly. The industry faces various challenges such as lack of government and public support. The government and the public do not have as many incentives to invest in biofuels. However, this can change. The biggest steps the biofuel industry needs to take is to raise public awareness for the use and benefits of biodiesel and promote policies that will endorse the industry. [1]
Another major challenge the industry faces is the economic concern. Producing biofuels requires very expensive machinery. In the coming years, scientists hope to create a cheaper and more efficient way to produce biofuels