An Overview of Biofuel

Abstract

Fossil fuels applications are linked with current widely held environ- mental issues. The decline of these fuels resources with environmental penalties has compelled for substitutes and usage of renewable biofuel as energy sources; has gained a significant importance in last two decades. Production of biodiesel, biogas and bioethanol from various feedstock, several kinds of wastes, many types of biomass and agricultural residues, is ecological viable and sustainable option. The involvement of biofuel in worldwide transportation fuels seems to be revolving about 5% over the next decade. But, many studies put forward that biofuel may share up to a one fourth of transport fuel supplies by 2050. In the first part of the chapter, advantages and applications of mostly used biofuel is presented. The second part of the chapter keeps concepts about biodiesel. Biogas production and composition has been addressed in third portion. Finally, the production of bioe- thanol from different feedstock has been discussed. Instability of fossil fuels prices in last decade and environment concerns has increased biofuel production many folds. Such a fast growth has been resulted controversial and raised some concerns over potential water use in production of biofuel.