Biofuels

Gasoline, coal, natural gas, diesel and other commodities that come from fossil fuels are non-renewable. Nowadays the renewable fuel is available. It can be produced from a renewable source. Ethanol and biodisel are most common renewable fuel in the market.

Ethanol becomes more and more important to reduce U.S. foreign dependence upon foreign sources of energy while at the same time benefits farm revenues growth. Now about 90% of Ethanol production for renewable comes from corn. (For a list of biorefinery, click HERE.)

The most common ethanol/gasoline blends are E10 and E85. Below is the detail information of E10 and E85 from the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council.

“E10 – 10% ethanol / 90% unleaded gasoline

This most common blend of ethanol is approved for use in any make or model of vehicle sold in the U.S., with no modifications necessary to the engine.

E85 – 85% ethanol / 15% unleaded gasoline

This alternative fuel is for use in flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) – currently numbering more than 6 million on U.S. roads, with auto manufacturers producing more each year. To accommodate this increase in the number of FFVs, more E85 pumps are available nationwide. Where E85 is not available, FFVs can operate on straight gasoline or any ethanol blend up to 85%.”

However, the corn price has been increased charply due to the huge demand and driven up the food price. U.S. is now looking for non-food sources to produce Ethanol called Cellulosic biomass which is Corn stover, switchgrass, miscanthus, woodchip and bamboo.

How does Ethanol produce from Cellulosic Biomass?

Source: Renewable Fuels Association

Bamboo, according to our study, can product ethanol 8 times more than corn does. Also, it causes no harm to our environment. Please click here to see detail.