Green Innovation: Eco Friendly Bio-fuels

K.Praneeth kumar(MBA II year) Dr.Br.Ambedkar Inst of Mngt & Tech. Praneeth.kuncham@gmail.com .ABSTRACT Green-innovation is a term used to describe products and processes that contribute to sustainable development. It is often used to describe a range of related ideas, from environmentally friendly technological advances to socially acceptable innovative paths towards sustainability. This paper makes an attempt to explain the developments in the technology and sciences which helps us in replacing the conventional non renewable energy resources i.e. with bio-fuels. Bio-fuel is a type of fuel whose energy is derived from biological carbon fixation. Bio-fuels include fuels derived from biomass conversion, as well as solid biomass, liquid fuels and various biogases. In 2010 worldwide bio-fuel production reached 105 billion liters (28 billion gallons US), up 17% from 2009, and biofuels provided 2.7% of the world's fuels for road transport. The bio-fuel utilization has a two fold effect of reducing pollution and replacing the conventional energy resources. KEY WORDS Green Innovation, Bio-fuel, Conventional energy, Pollution, Development. INTRODUCTION: Bio-fuel refers to any solid, liquid or gas fuel that has been derived from biomass. It can be produced from any carbon source that is easy to replenish such as plants. Bio-fuels include fuels derived from biomass conversion, such as solid biomass, liquid fuels and various biogases . The main practical benefit of using bio-fuel alternatives is, that within some volume constraints, they can be integrated with fossil fuels and used within existing energy systems such as car and lorry engines. There are two main environmental benefits of using bio-fuels in place of fossil fuels. First, because they are renewable, bio-fuels offer the potential for long-term, relatively cheap, secure energy supplies. Second, biofuels can contribute significantly less to greenhouse gas emissions in their production and use than oil or natural gas NEED FOR THE STUDY Bio-fuels are gaining increased public and scientific attention, driven by factors such as oil price spikes, the need for increased energy security, concern over greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and government subsidies. WORLD WIDE SCENARIO In 2010 worldwide bio-fuel production reached 105 billion liters (28 billion gallons US), up 17% from 2009, and bio-fuels provided 2.7% of the world's fuels for road transport, a contribution largely made up of ethanol and biodiesel. Global ethanol fuel production reached 86 billion liters (23 billion gallons US) in 2010, with the United States and Brazil as the world's top producers, accounting together for 90% of global production. The

world's largest biodiesel producer is the European Union, accounting for 53% of all biodiesel production in 2010. As of 2011, mandates for blending bio-fuels exist in 31 countries at the national level and in 29 states/provinces. According to the International Energy Agency, bio-fuels have the potential to meet more than a quarter of world demand for transportation fuels by 2050

TYPES OF BIO-FUELS There are many different bio-fuels available in the World. One of the most common is E10 fuel, which is actually a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% petroleum. This formula has been improved in recent years with the introduction of E15 fuel (15% ethanol, 85% petroleum); E20 fuel (20% ethanol, 80% petroleum); E85 fuel (85% ethanol, 15% petroleum); E95 fuel (95% ethanol, 5% petroleum) and E100 fuel which is ethanol with up to 4% water. FIRST GENERATION BIO-FUELS: 'First-generation' or conventional bio-fuels are made from sugar, starch, and vegetable oil. Bio-alcohols, Bio-diesel and Green diesel are first generation bio-fuels. Bio-alcohols: Biologically produced alcohols, most commonly ethanol and less commonly propanol and butanol, are produced by the action of microorganisms and enzymes through the fermentation of sugars or starches (easiest), or cellulose (which is more difficult). Biobutanol (also called bio-gasoline) is often claimed to provide a direct replacement for gasoline, because it can be used directly in a gasoline engine (in a similar way to biodiesel in diesel engines). Ethanol fuel is the most common bio-fuel worldwide, particularly in Brazil. Alcohol fuels are produced by fermentation of sugars derived from wheat, corn, sugar beets, sugar cane, molasses and any sugar or starch that alcoholic beverages can be made from (like potato and fruit waste, etc Ethanol can be used in petrol engines as a replacement for gasoline; it can be mixed with gasoline to any percentage. Most existing car petrol engines can run on blends of up to 15% bio-ethanol with petroleum/gasoline. Butanol is formed by ABE fermentation (acetone, butanol, ethanol) and experimental modifications of the process show potentially high net energy gains with butanol as the

only liquid product. Butanol will produce more energy and allegedly can be burned "straight" in existing gasoline engines (without modification to the engine or car), and is less corrosive and less water soluble than ethanol, and could be distributed via existing infrastructures. Biodiesel: In some countries biodiesel is less expensive than conventional diesel. Biodiesel is the most common bio-fuel in Europe. It is produced from oils or fats using transesterification and is a liquid similar in composition to fossil/mineral diesel. Feedstocks for biodiesel include animal fats, vegetable oils, soy,rapeseed, jatropha, mahua, mustard, flax, sunflower, palm oil, hemp, field pennycress, pongamia pinnata and algae. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine when mixed with mineral diesel. In many European countries, a 5% biodiesel blend is widely used and is available at thousands of gas stations. Biodiesel is also an oxygenated fuel, meaning that it contains a reduced amount of carbon and higher hydrogen and oxygen content than fossil diesel. This improves the combustion of biodiesel and reduces the particulate emissions from unburnt carbon. Green diesel: Green diesel, also known as renewable diesel, is a form of diesel fuel which is derived from renewable feedstock rather than the fossil feedstock used in most diesel fuels. Green diesel feedstock can be sourced from a variety of oils including canola, algae, jatropha and salicornia in addition to tallow. Second generation bio-fuels (advanced biofuels): Second generation bio-fuels are bio-fuels produced from sustainable feedstock. Sustainabilty of a feedstock is defined among others by availability of the feedstock, impact on GHG emissions and impact on biodiversity and land use. Many second generation bio-fuel under development are - Cellulosic ethanol, Algae fuel, biohydrogen, biomethanol, DMF, Bio-DME, Fischer-Tropschdiesel, bio-hydrogen diesel, mixed alcohols and wood diesel. Cellulosic ethanol production uses non-food crops or inedible waste products and does not divert food away from the animal or human food chain. Lignocellulose is the "woody" structural material of plants. This feedstock is abundant and diverse, and in some cases (like citrus peels or sawdust) it is in itself a significant disposal problem. The recent discovery of the fungus Gliocladium roseum points toward the production of so-called myco-diesel from cellulose. This organism has the unique capability of converting cellulose into medium length hydrocarbons typically found in diesel fuel. Scientists are also working on experimental recombinant DNA genetic engineering organisms that could increase bio-fuel potential.

ADVANTAGES

Doesnt require any radical changes to switch to the use of bio-fuels- unlike the difficulties in switching to other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Are cheaper than fossil fuels. Many governments are now offering tax incentives to buy greener cars that run on bio-fuels (ethanol being one example). Are considered carbon neutral by some people. This is because the carbon dioxide they release when burnt is equal to the amount that the plants absorbed out of the atmosphere. Therefore, they dont contribute to global warming. However, it does require some fuel to power the machinery on the farms where bio-fuels are produced. Still, they are better than fossil fuels! Research suggests that they reduce carbon emissions by 50-60%. Reduce dependence on foreign oils. Oil fluctuates in price rapidly, so changing to bio-fuels will help buffer against the change. Emit less particulate pollution than other fuels, especially diesel. Are renewable sources of energy as you can just keep producing more. Ethanol is very inexpensive to produce. Can help prevent engine knocking.

ISSUES WITH PRODUCTION AND USE OF BIOFUELS There are various social, economic, environmental and technical issues with bio-fuel production and use, which have been discussed in the popular media and scientific journals. These include: the effect of moderating oil prices, the "food vs. fuel"

debate, poverty reduction potential, carbon emissions levels, sustainable biofuel production, deforestation and soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, impact on water resources, as well as energy balance and efficiency. Biodiversity A fear among environmentalists is that by adapting more land to produce crops for bio-fuels, more habitats will be lost for animals and wild plants. It is feared for example, that some Asian countries will sacrifice their rainforests to build more oil plantations. The food V fuel debate Another concern is that if bio-fuels become lucrative for farmers, they may grow crops for bio-fuel production instead of food production. Less food production will increase prices and cause a rise in inflation. Non-sustainable bio-fuel production Many first generation bio-fuels are not sustainable. It is necessary to create sustainable bio-fuel production that does not affect food production, and that doesnt cause environmental problems. Bio-fuels have been blamed for pushing up food prices, failing to meet environmental standards,increasing demand for water and nitrate fertilizers, and encouraging the destruction of natural habitats including rainforests. Its still an on-going controversy which governments around the world are struggling to contain. CONCLUSION Overall, it is clear that bio-fuel is an advantageous, cost-effective, environmentallyfriendly fuel alternative. The fact that societies and countries can tap into local available resources to meet their energy requirements. By employing the use of bio-fuels, greenhouse gas emissions have been shown to be measurably reduced. The impact of all of this on a global scale makes the incorporation of bio-fuels into our lives essential and an idea whose time has come. Together, we can save the world, one drop at a time! BIBLIOGRAPHY: Biofuels production, trade and sustainable development: emerging issues-By Annie Dufey Biofuels-By Wim Soetaert, Erick J. Vandamme Biofuels: production, application and development -By Alan H. Scragg http://wanttoknowit.com http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk http://www.theglobalist.com http://www.forbes.com