Historical Development of Biofuels

Abstract

Biofuel, also called as agrofuel, is derived from biomass and may exist in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. The use of waste biomass to generate energy may reduce waste management problems like pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the use of limited amount of fossil fuels. Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels are a renewable energy source. Because they are derived from crops that can be harvested annually, or in the case of algae monthly, biofuels are theoretically unlimited. There is a potential for bioenergy obtained from waste to decrease the speed of global warming. Biofuels have emerged as an ideal choice to meet these requirements. Huge investments in research and subsidies for production are being done in most of the developed countries. The choice of raw material for biofuel production ranges from molasses for bioethanol and nonedible oil for biodiesel depending on nations. Global initiatives started in 1970s with pioneer work by Melvin Calvin in the United States, D.O. Hall in King’s College London, Stewart in CSIRO, Australia, and Prof. Sato and Yamada were some leading groups to undertake biofuel work. Melvin Calvin inspired us (AK and team) to take work on laticifers in Rajasthan. We were among the pioneers to start work on biofuels in Rajasthan with support from Department of Non Conventional Energy Sources (DNES) Govt of India in early 1980’s. Initial researches were confined to discover candidate crop species, the agrotechnological zones in which they might be grown and predicted yields. Cost of production of feedstock was assessed in relation to cost of alternative crops such as wheat and grain sorghum in southern and eastern Australia. At present, governments have initiated the use of alternative sources of energy for ensuring energy security, generating employment, and mitigating CO2 emissions. Attempts were also made to produce energy from waste. One waste management strategy is anaerobic digestion. In anaerobic digestion, any sort of biomass can be utilized. This waste breaks down and gives rise to methane. This methane is harvested and burned to create heat and power to run some automobiles and vehicles.