Biofuels

Biofuels; now impacting the energy sector!

Biofuels are set to make a significant contribution into meeting the carbon generating fossil fuels reduction commitments made by the European Community and are set to affect us all. During 2010 we saw the completion of the first reporting period under the UK Road Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO).

We work with a range of clients in the oil, gas and power sectors looking at the sustainable sourcing of biofuels and at the accounting for this information down the supply chain, the chain-of-custody as it is called, to prove the validity of claims being made. We are also working with several of the Roundtables assisting in the development of standards and audit/verification procedures to provide the assurance that is required.

We have a range of products to assist in understanding what is required and in preparing to meet those obligations.  To find out more contact us.      

Biofuels Overview

Biofuels is one way of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases from fossils fuels. They are also looked upon as a way of energy security, an alternative to fossil fuels - which are limited in availability.

This has brought about a great deal of scientific research into the issue of alternative energy, and bio fuels have been seen, potentially and environmentally as an affordable way for us to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

In addition to the dwindling supply of natural resources, the advent of peak oil and the reduction of greenhouse gas emission, people have shifted their interest to biofuels due to rising prices of oil and interests in rural development. The most important feature of biofuels is that they are renewable sources of energy. 

Also known as agrofuel, these fuels are mainly derived from biomass or bio waste. These fuels can be used for many purposes, but presently their main use is in transport fuels and smaller scale power generation.

The first generation biofuels have been derived from sources like starch, sugar, animal fats and vegetable oil. The fuel is obtained using the conventional techniques of production.

Some examples of which are biodiesel, which entails growing crops that contain high amounts of natural oil then through a process of hydrogenation or refining a more compatible bio diesel, substitute is created. This creates a biodiesel, which can be mixed with mineral diesel then used in any diesel-powered automobile.

A similar process that takes place creating bioethanol by fermenting crops such as sugar cane. This creates a natural ethanol, which can also be mixed with petrol to create a hybrid biofuel that can be used in any petrol powered vehicle.

However, problems exist due to the properties of ethanol as it is more corrosive than petrol and as a result, it cannot yet be used in many aircraft or boats.