Renewable fuels can be defined as energy sources that are made from renewable resources. Examples include hydrogen fuel or biofuels. They are in contrast to non-renewable fuels, which are petroleum, natural gas, LPG, and other fossil fuels. They can also include nuclear power. Currently, there are numerous initiatives underway to develop renewable fuels and the technologies needed to produce them.
Cellulosic Biofuels
Cellulosic biomass biofuels are renewable, clean energy sources that are derived from biomass. This source of energy has tremendous potential to help the US achieve energy independence. Since 1995, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been researching cellulosic ethanol. The company manages the National Bioenergy Center, which has developed cellulosic ethanol as a drop-in alternative to gasoline.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel can be made from renewable resources. It is a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel. It has lower carbon emissions than petroleum, and it can be biodegradable as fast as sugar. It has many advantages for the environment, and the economy. It can be made locally from sustainably-grown crops. Some projects even convert kitchen waste into biodiesel.
Bioethanol
Bioethanol is a form of renewable fuel. It can be made by fermenting sugars in the presence oxygen. The yeasts, facultative anaerobes which live in sugar-rich environment, are responsible for the fermentation process. Yeasts used in bioethanol production can be either obtained from culture collections or isolated from their natural environments. For bioethanol production, yeasts from nature are the best choice because they are more efficient in converting sugars to ethanol.
Biomethane
Although the industry for biomethane is small, it has significant growth potential. It can also be used in existing infrastructure. Policies to reduce carbon emissions are crucial for the growth and sustainability of the biomethane business.
Bio-diesel
Bio-diesel, an alternative fuel made from renewable resources, is a form of alternative fuel. It is one of the preferred fuels of the U.S. government, and is also used in the manufacturing and construction industries. As diesel-powered vehicles decline in demand, this renewable fuel will see significant growth. Diesel-powered passenger vehicles account for just 1% of all U.S. vehicle sales.
Bio-ethanol
Ethanol, a renewable fuel, is made from the fermentation of carbon-based materials. These feedstocks have the ability to harvest sunlight and return nutrients to the earth. These feedstocks include sugar beets (sugar cane), bagasse and sugar beets as well as cellulose sludges.