Biomass as a Fossil Fuel

Biofuel (also called agrofuel) can be defined as solid, liquid, or gas fuel consisting of, or derived from biomass. Biofuels are used globally: biofuel industries are expanding in Europe, Asia and in America. The most common use for biofuels is for transport.

Biomass is material derived from recently living organisms. It includes plants, animals and their by-products or if they have died and decomposed. For example, manure, garden waste and crop residues are all sources of biomass. It is a renewable energy source based on the carbon cycle, unlike other natural resources such as petroleum, coal, and nuclear fuels.

Biofuels and other forms of renewable energy aim to be carbon neutral. This means that the carbon released during the use of the fuel, e.g. through burning to power transport or generate electricity, is reabsorbed and balanced by the carbon absorbed by new plant growth. These plants are then harvested to make the next batch of fuel.

Biodiesel is the most common biofuel in Europe. It is produced from oils or fats using transesterification and is a liquid similar in composition to mineral diesel. Biodiesel

Biogas is produced by the process of anaerobic digestion of organic material by anaerobes. It can be produced either from biodegradable waste materials or by the use of energy crops fed into anaerobic digesters to supplement gas yields. The solid by product, digestate, can be used as a biofuel or a fertilizer. Biogas is 60% methane. This can be used to produce electricity. Biogas

Solid Biofuels Examples include wood, charcoal, and dried excrement. Biofuel industry Biofuel industries are becoming established in many developing countries. Many developing countries have extensive biomass resources that are becoming more valuable as demand for biomass and biofuels increases. The approaches to biofuel development in different parts of the world varies. Countries such as India and China are developing both bioethanol and biodiesel programs