Before we jump into the topic “pros and cons of biofuel” we should know that fossil fuels have brought us the first three industrial revolutions. Coal, gas, and oil are combustion materials for transforming chemical energy into heat energy. Since 1750, the vivid use of fossil fuels has led to grave issues like environmental pollution alongside non-renewable resource depletion.
The declining resources and degrading environment led us to develop biofuels like bioethanol and biodiesel. Such fuels are produced from renewable resources. They also produce less greenhouse gases (GHGs) than fossil fuels. However, certain reports suggest that growing bioethanol feedstock like sugarcane and corn may cause food insecurity and land cannibalization. On the other hand, procuring used cooking oil, discarded animal fat, and non-edible vegetable oils for biodiesel solves waste dumping without causing food insecurity.
Let us take a deeper look into the environmental pros and cons of biofuel production.
Environmental Pros of Biofuel Production
Lower GHG emissions than Fossil Fuels
Biodiesel and bioethanol are lauded for their eco-friendly properties. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and produces significantly fewer pollutants compared to fossil fuels.
The combustion of biodiesel results in lower emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons. Mixing with commercial petrol and diesel produces fewer pollutants resulting in cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Lower Cost of Production
Producing biodiesel can be more cost-effective than fossil fuels. The feedstocks are used cooking oil, animal tallow, and non-edible vegetable oils (jatropha oil, karanji oil, neem oil, etc). Most feedstocks are often waste products from food processing industries. This reduces the cost of raw materials and the price of biodiesel. Moreover, biodiesel production processes have become more efficient due to technological development further lowering costs.
Making Use of Waste
Biodiesel production repurposes waste materials, turning them into valuable energy sources. Used cooking oil, animal fats, and other nonedible oils that would otherwise be discarded are converted into biodiesel.
This not only provides a sustainable fuel source but also reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Less Use of Agricultural Land
Biodiesel feedstocks come from waste products and require less land than crops grown specifically for other biofuel production. This step helps preserve natural habitats and reduces deforestation. It also mitigates biodiversity loss and soil degradation.
Bioethanol, on the other hand, uses cellulose-based feedstock such as algal oils, wood, forestry residues, husks, straw, stubbles, perennial grass, and ecological biomass crops. It does not cause land cannibalization and consumes agricultural byproducts.
Prevents Health Issues and The Loss of Biodiversity
By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, biofuels help decrease air pollution. This leads to fewer health issues related to poor air quality, such as respiratory problems and heart disease. Moreover, using waste products for biodiesel reduces the pressure to clear land for agricultural purposes, protecting biodiversity.
Low Carbon Footprint
One of the most significant advantages of biodiesel is its net energy gain and negative carbon footprint. Biodiesel produces 93% more energy alongside a significant net energy gain value. Bioethanol shows 25% net energy gain.
A Healthy Alternative to Cooking for Developing Areas
Biogas can serve as a healthier alternative to traditional cooking fuels. Many households use wood or charcoal for cooking which produces harmful smoke. Biogas offers a cleaner-burning option and improves indoor air quality. It also reduces air pollution caused by improper burning of agricultural byproducts used for cooking.
Environmental Cons of Biofuel Production
Land Cannibalization
Biofuel production in developed countries requires vast amounts of arable land. Biofuel production primarily focuses on agricultural byproducts. However, producing non-edible crops in arable land can cause land cannibalization. The reduction of land available for growing food may lead to higher food prices and food insecurity. The competition for land between fuel and food crops can strain resources.
Deforestation
To meet the growing demand for bioethanol, large areas of forests and natural habitats are often cleared to make way for crop cultivation. Deforestation has severe environmental impacts, the loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and the release of stored carbon dioxide.
Forests act as carbon sinks and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbon stored in the trees is released back into the atmosphere when these forests are destroyed.
Intensive Water Use
Bioethanol production requires substantial amounts of water for crop irrigation. It can deplete local water supplies in regions where water is already scarce. It can worsen water scarcity issues affecting both local communities and ecosystems.
Soil Degradation
Monoculture farming means the same crop is grown repeatedly on the same land. It depletes soil nutrients and reduces soil fertility. It can cause lower crop yields over time and the need for increased use of chemical fertilizers.
These fertilizers can have harmful environmental effects, such as water pollution from runoff damaging aquatic ecosystems.
Loss of Biodiversity
Bioethanol production often involves the large-scale cultivation of single-crop species that reduces biodiversity. Monoculture farming practices create a less diverse agricultural landscape, which can make ecosystems more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental changes. The reduction in biodiversity can affect not only plants but also the animals and insects that rely on diverse habitats.
Feedstock Choices Decide Environmental Impact of Biofuel Production
Discussing the pros and cons of biofuel production makes it clear that feedstock choices determine its environmental impact. In this aspect, biodiesel production relies on used cooking oil, animal fat, non-edible vegetable oils, and restaurant grease. Bioethanol uses cellulosic and lingo-cellulosic feedstock (mainly agricultural waste, ecological biomass, forestry residues, etc).
Proper procurement of this feedstock can solve the negative environmental issues of biofuel production. Such feedstocks will not lead to land cannibalization, deforestation, monoculture, and the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides. These feedstocks will not end up in landfills and water bodies.
Know How to Harness the Potential of Biofuel with Mag Tech
Mag Tech assists in crafting a sustainable plan for biofuel production from environment-friendly feedstocks. With our 10 years of experience, we make sure our environment is saved with such exclusive alternatives to fossil fuels. Get in touch with us to know more about the environmental benefits with the pros and cons of biofuel production.
