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Breakthroughs on Biofuels
Written By ThoLe on Senin, 04 April 2011 | 19.34
This spectacular breakthrough biofuel on the development of biofuel technologies that are the result of innovation, research and human development over the years
• E. Coli Bacteria turned into high-density biofuel
Researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science genetically modified Escherichia coli, a bacterium often associated with food poisoning, to form long-chain alcohols containing more energy that help in the production of gasoline and even jet fuel.
• Two-step formula to convert corn stock cellulose and pine sawdust into gasoline additive
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin successfully converted raw biomass cellulose into fuel through a two-step formula. First, they split cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and later, convert it to 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), a biofuel with a 9% conversion rate. The researchers made use of corn stock cellulose and pine sawdust. Since DMF and gasoline have the same energy content and are insoluble in water, the product is being used as a gasoline additive. We first came to know that any form of biomass could be exploited to make biofuel.
• Commercial yeasts upgraded with a new enzyme to make ethanol
Eckhard Boles, co-founder of the Swiss biofuel company Butalco GmbH and a professor at Goethe-University in Frankfurt, Germany, has revealed a new enzyme that ferments xylose into ethanol. The patented application makes use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to teach the microorganisms to convert waste sugars, xylose and arabinose, into ethanol in a single step.
• Plant Gene Mapping found to catalyze biofuel production
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a “family tree” of genes, their evolutionary and structural properties, that separates one form of woody plant from a less woody one, thereby helping them engineer plants more amenable to biofuel production. By searching the genomes of woody Poplar trees and leafy Arabidopsis, the scientists identified 94 and 61 genes they suspected belonged to this family in those two species, respectively. They also made some interesting observations about gene expression and gene location in their study of the acyl-modifying enzyme genes.
• USDA-ARS suggested rejected watermelons as potential biofuel supplement
Wayne Fish, working with a team of researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory in Lane, Oklahoma, suggests that rejected watermelons can be the potential source of biofuel. Cashing in on the fruit-leftovers, the researchers are hopeful to exploit the neutraceutical value of lycopene and L-citrulline found abundantly in watermelon. Watermelon juice contains about 10% directly fermentable sugars and about 15 to 35 umol/ml of free amino acids. Either the whole juice concentrated thrice or the neutraceutical waste could be mixed with other concentrated feedstock to suffice it for bioethanol production. Hence, it serves as diluent and nitrogen supplement.
• Diatomic solar panels to help produce biofuel
A group of researchers at IISc (Indian Institute of Science) has proposed to deduce biofuel from genetically modified diatoms. T. V. Ramachandra, a professor of ecology at IISc working in close co-operation with Richard Gordon, a radiology professor at the University of Manitoba in Winnepeg, reflects his desire to make diatomic solar panels to help produce oil instead of generating electricity. Having oil droplets inside to store oil, the microscopic plants can be milked for it. Though not all of it, they can still be sure of the 1/4th of the entire mass. It hardly requires any further processing. Even then, the suitable extraction technology should be there to make it possible.
• MIT researchers to produce biofuel from TB bacteria
Researchers at MIT, headed by Professor Anthony Sinskey suggested to produce biofuel from a strain of bacteria using synthetic biology. These bacteria are in constant need of large amount of sugars and toxic compounds to produce lipids that can be converted into biodiesel. The team has already succeeded in engineering a strain of bacteria that eats glycerol, while another strain can eat a mix of two types of glucose and xylose. Since the basic chemistry and biology has been sorted out, the team is now working on producing the best yields. The research will be in process for another two to three years.
• Israel-US venture to convert Recyllose into ethanol
A joint Israel-US venture will seek to collect Recyllose, i.e. a recycled solids-based material produced from municipal wastewater, and produce ethanol from it at a demonstration plant. Qteros and Applied CleanTech have teamed up for the project wherein the former will license its microbes while the latter will ensure the actual production of wastewater ethanol. Qteros’ microbes are capable of converting one ton of Recyllose into 120 to 135 gallons of ethanol. The project site, cost and production stats are not yet revealed. If all goes well, the team wishes to sell the fuel or power the plant using it.
• Scientists identify enzyme that helps growing biofuel crops anywhere
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory researchers have identified an enzyme responsible for the formation of suberin — the woody, waxy, cell-wall substance found in cork. Suberin controls water and nutrient transportation in plants and keep pathogens out. The scientists hope to adjust the permeability of plant tissues by genetically manipulating the expression of this enzyme. If they succeed in doing so, it could lead to easier agricultural production of crops used for biofuels.
• Maize cell wall genes gets a second mention
Purdue University scientists, led by Nicholas Carpita, a professor of plant cell biology, identified and grouped genes responsible for cell wall development in maize. els production. Purdue’s scientists were particularly interested in the genes that regulate cellulose, lignin and other parts of plant’s cell walls. The team hopes to engineer catalysts or catalytic sites into plants and use heat or chemical catalysts to directly convert the biomass into fuel. The annotation of the maize cell wall genes also led to the discovery of more than 80 mutants involved in cell wall production.
• UT researchers switch to switchgrass for biofuel
A group of researchers headed by ecologist Christine Hawkes at the University of Texas is working to uncover switch grass species best suited for biofuel production. After receiving a grant worth $4.6 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, UT hopes to utilize the funding in conducting genetic studies on the switch grass varieties. Christine is examining the perennial grass grown atop the Welch Hall. Later, some of it will be relocated to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for virtual rain exposure.
• Ancient protein found to boost algal biofuel production
Researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have found a protein called LHCSR that discourages green algae from imbibing sunlight during photosynthesis. The discovery may lead to wheedle strains of algae more apt for artificial photosynthesis.
• Nanofarming to protect algae during biofuel production
A new technology developed by the researchers at DOE’s Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University, in partnership with Catilin, Inc., makes use of nanoparticles to absorb free fatty acids from living microalgae. It helps researchers to produce oil on a molecular level and mix it with a non-toxic biofuel catalyst to produce biofuel and enable the algae to keep growing. Dubbed the T300, the catalyst is recyclable and would replace the conventional biofuel catalyst sodium methylate, a salt that kills human nerve cells. According to Catilin, the T300 could shave up to 19 cents per gallon off the cost of conventional biodiesel production as well.
• Boosting renewable biofuel production with cyanobacteria
Arizona State University research team has developed a process to produce inexpensive renewable biofuels by programming a photosynthetic microbe that destructs itself. Better know as cyanobacteria, the blue-green algae offers a potentially higher yield than any plant crops do. During the study, researchers placed a suite of genes into the photosynthetic bacteria to release their precious, high fat cargo more conveniently. The scientists swapped parts from bacteriaphages that infect E. coli and salmonella, simply added nickel to the growth media, where the inserted genes produced enzymes that slowly dissolved the cyanobacteria membranes from within.
• E. Coli Bacteria turned into high-density biofuel
Researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science genetically modified Escherichia coli, a bacterium often associated with food poisoning, to form long-chain alcohols containing more energy that help in the production of gasoline and even jet fuel.
Now, we’ve figured out a way to engineer proteins for a whole new pathway in E. coli to produce longer-chain alcohols with up to eight carbon atoms.Says James Liao, UCLA professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering.
• Two-step formula to convert corn stock cellulose and pine sawdust into gasoline additive
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin successfully converted raw biomass cellulose into fuel through a two-step formula. First, they split cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and later, convert it to 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), a biofuel with a 9% conversion rate. The researchers made use of corn stock cellulose and pine sawdust. Since DMF and gasoline have the same energy content and are insoluble in water, the product is being used as a gasoline additive. We first came to know that any form of biomass could be exploited to make biofuel.
• Commercial yeasts upgraded with a new enzyme to make ethanol
Eckhard Boles, co-founder of the Swiss biofuel company Butalco GmbH and a professor at Goethe-University in Frankfurt, Germany, has revealed a new enzyme that ferments xylose into ethanol. The patented application makes use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to teach the microorganisms to convert waste sugars, xylose and arabinose, into ethanol in a single step.
• Plant Gene Mapping found to catalyze biofuel production
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a “family tree” of genes, their evolutionary and structural properties, that separates one form of woody plant from a less woody one, thereby helping them engineer plants more amenable to biofuel production. By searching the genomes of woody Poplar trees and leafy Arabidopsis, the scientists identified 94 and 61 genes they suspected belonged to this family in those two species, respectively. They also made some interesting observations about gene expression and gene location in their study of the acyl-modifying enzyme genes.
• USDA-ARS suggested rejected watermelons as potential biofuel supplement
Wayne Fish, working with a team of researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory in Lane, Oklahoma, suggests that rejected watermelons can be the potential source of biofuel. Cashing in on the fruit-leftovers, the researchers are hopeful to exploit the neutraceutical value of lycopene and L-citrulline found abundantly in watermelon. Watermelon juice contains about 10% directly fermentable sugars and about 15 to 35 umol/ml of free amino acids. Either the whole juice concentrated thrice or the neutraceutical waste could be mixed with other concentrated feedstock to suffice it for bioethanol production. Hence, it serves as diluent and nitrogen supplement.
• Diatomic solar panels to help produce biofuel
A group of researchers at IISc (Indian Institute of Science) has proposed to deduce biofuel from genetically modified diatoms. T. V. Ramachandra, a professor of ecology at IISc working in close co-operation with Richard Gordon, a radiology professor at the University of Manitoba in Winnepeg, reflects his desire to make diatomic solar panels to help produce oil instead of generating electricity. Having oil droplets inside to store oil, the microscopic plants can be milked for it. Though not all of it, they can still be sure of the 1/4th of the entire mass. It hardly requires any further processing. Even then, the suitable extraction technology should be there to make it possible.
• MIT researchers to produce biofuel from TB bacteria
Researchers at MIT, headed by Professor Anthony Sinskey suggested to produce biofuel from a strain of bacteria using synthetic biology. These bacteria are in constant need of large amount of sugars and toxic compounds to produce lipids that can be converted into biodiesel. The team has already succeeded in engineering a strain of bacteria that eats glycerol, while another strain can eat a mix of two types of glucose and xylose. Since the basic chemistry and biology has been sorted out, the team is now working on producing the best yields. The research will be in process for another two to three years.
• Israel-US venture to convert Recyllose into ethanol
A joint Israel-US venture will seek to collect Recyllose, i.e. a recycled solids-based material produced from municipal wastewater, and produce ethanol from it at a demonstration plant. Qteros and Applied CleanTech have teamed up for the project wherein the former will license its microbes while the latter will ensure the actual production of wastewater ethanol. Qteros’ microbes are capable of converting one ton of Recyllose into 120 to 135 gallons of ethanol. The project site, cost and production stats are not yet revealed. If all goes well, the team wishes to sell the fuel or power the plant using it.
• Scientists identify enzyme that helps growing biofuel crops anywhere
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory researchers have identified an enzyme responsible for the formation of suberin — the woody, waxy, cell-wall substance found in cork. Suberin controls water and nutrient transportation in plants and keep pathogens out. The scientists hope to adjust the permeability of plant tissues by genetically manipulating the expression of this enzyme. If they succeed in doing so, it could lead to easier agricultural production of crops used for biofuels.
• Maize cell wall genes gets a second mention
Purdue University scientists, led by Nicholas Carpita, a professor of plant cell biology, identified and grouped genes responsible for cell wall development in maize. els production. Purdue’s scientists were particularly interested in the genes that regulate cellulose, lignin and other parts of plant’s cell walls. The team hopes to engineer catalysts or catalytic sites into plants and use heat or chemical catalysts to directly convert the biomass into fuel. The annotation of the maize cell wall genes also led to the discovery of more than 80 mutants involved in cell wall production.
• UT researchers switch to switchgrass for biofuel
A group of researchers headed by ecologist Christine Hawkes at the University of Texas is working to uncover switch grass species best suited for biofuel production. After receiving a grant worth $4.6 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, UT hopes to utilize the funding in conducting genetic studies on the switch grass varieties. Christine is examining the perennial grass grown atop the Welch Hall. Later, some of it will be relocated to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for virtual rain exposure.
• Ancient protein found to boost algal biofuel production
Researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have found a protein called LHCSR that discourages green algae from imbibing sunlight during photosynthesis. The discovery may lead to wheedle strains of algae more apt for artificial photosynthesis.
• Nanofarming to protect algae during biofuel production
A new technology developed by the researchers at DOE’s Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University, in partnership with Catilin, Inc., makes use of nanoparticles to absorb free fatty acids from living microalgae. It helps researchers to produce oil on a molecular level and mix it with a non-toxic biofuel catalyst to produce biofuel and enable the algae to keep growing. Dubbed the T300, the catalyst is recyclable and would replace the conventional biofuel catalyst sodium methylate, a salt that kills human nerve cells. According to Catilin, the T300 could shave up to 19 cents per gallon off the cost of conventional biodiesel production as well.
• Boosting renewable biofuel production with cyanobacteria
Arizona State University research team has developed a process to produce inexpensive renewable biofuels by programming a photosynthetic microbe that destructs itself. Better know as cyanobacteria, the blue-green algae offers a potentially higher yield than any plant crops do. During the study, researchers placed a suite of genes into the photosynthetic bacteria to release their precious, high fat cargo more conveniently. The scientists swapped parts from bacteriaphages that infect E. coli and salmonella, simply added nickel to the growth media, where the inserted genes produced enzymes that slowly dissolved the cyanobacteria membranes from within.
Biofuels Coming Online: International Biofuel Use Expands
Written By ThoLe on Rabu, 25 Agustus 2010 | 02.54
By Phil Jarrell and Mary Rekas
One day, the oil used in preparing last night’s dinner might just be recycled to make biodiesel to run the family automobile. Once considered too expensive to compete with petroleum products, biofuels are becoming economically viable as petroleum prices surge and technological advances decrease biofuel costs.
The biofuel industry promises not only to reduce U.S. dependence on imported crude oil, but to create more demand for U.S. commodities used to make bio-products. U.S. commodity producers are already selling surpluses for biofuels as the industry grows.
In the United States, biofuel feedstocks range from grease wastes, animal fats, and soybeans for biodiesel to corn and sorghum for ethanol. Not far in the future, dedicated crops may begin to supply the biofuel industry. However, the development of biofuels is by no means limited to the United States. A number of other countries are investing heavily in their biofuel industries.
World Biofuel Snapshots
In the United States, ethanol is the primary biofuel in use. U.S. ethanol production now makes up about 3 percent of U.S. annual gasoline usage. In calendar 2005, the United States consumed 139.9 billion gallons of gasoline and 4.04 billion gallons of ethanol. By comparison, biodiesel consumption made up about 75 million gallons, out of 38.3 billion gallons of the diesel consumed for transportation.
To further encourage U.S. biofuel consumption, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for the first time established a federal mandate — called the Renewable Fuel Standard—to require a certain amount of biofuel consumption. Under the Act, Congress mandated a 4-billion gallon total for national biofuel consumption in 2006, with an increase to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012.
While the U.S. biofuel industry has been growing considerably, biofuels in other countries have been quite active as well. Similar to the United States, the EU (European Union) has established a biofuel mandate for member states, from a voluntary target of 2 percent of fuel consumption in 2005, up to 5.75 percent in 2010. While actual use for 2005 was below the target, biofuel use is still growing considerably in the EU.
In part reflecting the large use of diesel fuel, biodiesel has been the biofuel of choice in the EU, comprising 80 percent of EU biofuel use. Biodiesel production has significantly increased the consumption of rapeseed within the EU. Although biodiesel currently dominates in the EU, the increased mandate in EU biofuel consumption is also likely to cause significant growth in the production and consumption of ethanol.
Brazil, the world’s biggest producer of ethanol, already requires a 20-percent blend of ethanol with all gasoline that is sold (down from 25 percent earlier this year). Significant government support, including favorable tax incentives, has helped make ethanol a viable industry in the country, with production at 4.14 billion gallons in 2005. The recent advent of the flex-fuel vehicle has turned domestic consumption of ethanol around, and spurred investments in additional ethanol production.
Apart from its strong domestic growth, Brazil could be a significant beneficiary of increased biofuel use around the world, and the country has plentiful arable land for expanding these crops. The use of baggasse (residue left after extraction of oil or juice from commodities like olives, grapes, or sugar cane) to co-generate power for the sugar/ethanol mills results in lower energy usage in Brazilian ethanol production, a significant cost savings helping to make Brazil a major competitor.
Can Biofuels Compete?
As the world biofuel situation becomes more dynamic, there are several analytical issues to consider. One key issue is the long-term competitiveness of biofuels vis-à-vis petroleum. Most biofuels are currently price-competitive with petroleum. However, production costs of biofuels vary, depending on feedstock and other input prices, as well as the technology used to make the product.
In general, ethanol from corn in the United States and sugar cane in Brazil–both more established industries – will likely be cost-competitive with petroleum products even if petroleum prices fall considerably. Other biofuel production will likely require sustained petroleum prices to remain competitive.
Effects on Trade
Another key issue to consider in the biofuel arena is the impact of increased biofuel usage on the underlying feedstock. For example, what impact will increased corn ethanol usage in China have on Chinese corn exports, or how will EU sugar reforms affect the world ethanol market?
Another issue is how nonagricultural and nonpetroleum-producing countries will react to the availability of biofuels. In these countries (Japan, for example), some drivers for increased biofuel use are missing. Nevertheless, if such countries embrace biofuel use, then trade could play a larger role in filling their energy needs.
Finally, two ancillary issues regarding biofuels in the international arena are: 1) How will technological improvements affect the competitiveness of biofuels, relative to other fuels, and among countries? 2) What will be the impact of higher levels of byproducts from biofuel production on underlying feedstock markets?
Reports by FAS
About 30 countries currently either have active biofuel programs or will have soon. As the biofuel industry develops and worldwide consumption increases, FAS will be including analyses and descriptions of markets for biofuels and biofuel feedstocks in attaché reports. These reports will be located on the FAS Web site at: http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/AttacheRep/default.asp
Included with this overview article in the current edition of FAS Worldwide is “Belgium and the Netherlands Gearing Up for Biofuel Production,” a description of the Netherlands and Belgium biofuel industry, and EU plans to increase biofuel use, based on FAS Report E35235 by the FAS Office of Agricultural Affairs at The Hague, Netherlands.
For extensive reporting on Brazil’s ethanol dynamics, please see FAS Reports BR6002 and BR6001.
Phil Jarrell is a senior agricultural economist in the FAS Grain and Feed Division. E-mail: Philip.Jarrell@usda.gov
Mary Rekas is a public affairs specialist in the FAS Public Affairs Division. E-mail: Mary.Rekas@usda.gov
One day, the oil used in preparing last night’s dinner might just be recycled to make biodiesel to run the family automobile. Once considered too expensive to compete with petroleum products, biofuels are becoming economically viable as petroleum prices surge and technological advances decrease biofuel costs.
The biofuel industry promises not only to reduce U.S. dependence on imported crude oil, but to create more demand for U.S. commodities used to make bio-products. U.S. commodity producers are already selling surpluses for biofuels as the industry grows.
In the United States, biofuel feedstocks range from grease wastes, animal fats, and soybeans for biodiesel to corn and sorghum for ethanol. Not far in the future, dedicated crops may begin to supply the biofuel industry. However, the development of biofuels is by no means limited to the United States. A number of other countries are investing heavily in their biofuel industries.
World Biofuel Snapshots
In the United States, ethanol is the primary biofuel in use. U.S. ethanol production now makes up about 3 percent of U.S. annual gasoline usage. In calendar 2005, the United States consumed 139.9 billion gallons of gasoline and 4.04 billion gallons of ethanol. By comparison, biodiesel consumption made up about 75 million gallons, out of 38.3 billion gallons of the diesel consumed for transportation.
To further encourage U.S. biofuel consumption, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for the first time established a federal mandate — called the Renewable Fuel Standard—to require a certain amount of biofuel consumption. Under the Act, Congress mandated a 4-billion gallon total for national biofuel consumption in 2006, with an increase to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012.
While the U.S. biofuel industry has been growing considerably, biofuels in other countries have been quite active as well. Similar to the United States, the EU (European Union) has established a biofuel mandate for member states, from a voluntary target of 2 percent of fuel consumption in 2005, up to 5.75 percent in 2010. While actual use for 2005 was below the target, biofuel use is still growing considerably in the EU.
In part reflecting the large use of diesel fuel, biodiesel has been the biofuel of choice in the EU, comprising 80 percent of EU biofuel use. Biodiesel production has significantly increased the consumption of rapeseed within the EU. Although biodiesel currently dominates in the EU, the increased mandate in EU biofuel consumption is also likely to cause significant growth in the production and consumption of ethanol.
Brazil, the world’s biggest producer of ethanol, already requires a 20-percent blend of ethanol with all gasoline that is sold (down from 25 percent earlier this year). Significant government support, including favorable tax incentives, has helped make ethanol a viable industry in the country, with production at 4.14 billion gallons in 2005. The recent advent of the flex-fuel vehicle has turned domestic consumption of ethanol around, and spurred investments in additional ethanol production.
Apart from its strong domestic growth, Brazil could be a significant beneficiary of increased biofuel use around the world, and the country has plentiful arable land for expanding these crops. The use of baggasse (residue left after extraction of oil or juice from commodities like olives, grapes, or sugar cane) to co-generate power for the sugar/ethanol mills results in lower energy usage in Brazilian ethanol production, a significant cost savings helping to make Brazil a major competitor.
Can Biofuels Compete?
As the world biofuel situation becomes more dynamic, there are several analytical issues to consider. One key issue is the long-term competitiveness of biofuels vis-à-vis petroleum. Most biofuels are currently price-competitive with petroleum. However, production costs of biofuels vary, depending on feedstock and other input prices, as well as the technology used to make the product.
In general, ethanol from corn in the United States and sugar cane in Brazil–both more established industries – will likely be cost-competitive with petroleum products even if petroleum prices fall considerably. Other biofuel production will likely require sustained petroleum prices to remain competitive.
Effects on Trade
Another key issue to consider in the biofuel arena is the impact of increased biofuel usage on the underlying feedstock. For example, what impact will increased corn ethanol usage in China have on Chinese corn exports, or how will EU sugar reforms affect the world ethanol market?
Another issue is how nonagricultural and nonpetroleum-producing countries will react to the availability of biofuels. In these countries (Japan, for example), some drivers for increased biofuel use are missing. Nevertheless, if such countries embrace biofuel use, then trade could play a larger role in filling their energy needs.
Finally, two ancillary issues regarding biofuels in the international arena are: 1) How will technological improvements affect the competitiveness of biofuels, relative to other fuels, and among countries? 2) What will be the impact of higher levels of byproducts from biofuel production on underlying feedstock markets?
Reports by FAS
About 30 countries currently either have active biofuel programs or will have soon. As the biofuel industry develops and worldwide consumption increases, FAS will be including analyses and descriptions of markets for biofuels and biofuel feedstocks in attaché reports. These reports will be located on the FAS Web site at: http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/AttacheRep/default.asp
Included with this overview article in the current edition of FAS Worldwide is “Belgium and the Netherlands Gearing Up for Biofuel Production,” a description of the Netherlands and Belgium biofuel industry, and EU plans to increase biofuel use, based on FAS Report E35235 by the FAS Office of Agricultural Affairs at The Hague, Netherlands.
For extensive reporting on Brazil’s ethanol dynamics, please see FAS Reports BR6002 and BR6001.
Phil Jarrell is a senior agricultural economist in the FAS Grain and Feed Division. E-mail: Philip.Jarrell@usda.gov
Mary Rekas is a public affairs specialist in the FAS Public Affairs Division. E-mail: Mary.Rekas@usda.gov
Biofuel menjadi kambing hitam
Written By ThoLe on Selasa, 24 Agustus 2010 | 00.53
Tetapi kenyataannya biofuel ini dijadikan kambing hitam dan dipersalahkan karena dengan skala yang besar membuat goyahnya pertahanan pangan. Pemakaian bahan-bahan makan ini menimbulkan kekurangan akan bahan pangan. Di negara-negara berkembang sering terjadi demonstrasi karena pemakaian bahan pangan ini menjadi bahan bakar. Tapi ini semua tidak bisa diingkari penggunaannya. Tinggal bagaimana pemerintah sendiri dalam membatasi pemakaian bahan pangan menjadi bahan bakar.
Disisi lain adalah perkembangan lahan untuk penanaman bahan pangan dan bahan untuk biofuel yang sangat besar. Di negara-negara yang mempunyai tanah lahan gersang, berlomba-lomba membuat lahan ini dengan tanaman yang mampu hidup, seperti penanaman tanaman bunga matahari yang kiat pesat perkembangannya.
Sumber google
Apa itu Biofuel
Written By ThoLe on Sabtu, 14 Agustus 2010 | 00.17
Biofuel diproduksi dari organisme hidup atau dari metabolisme oleh-produk (produk makanan organik atau limbah). Untuk dianggap sebagai biofuel bahan bakar harus mengandung lebih dari 80 persen bahan terbarukan. Hal ini awalnya berasal dari proses fotosintesis dan karena itu sering bisa disebut sebagai sumber energi surya. Ada banyak pro dan kontra untuk menggunakan biofuel sebagai sumber energi
