The importance of bioethanol and biodiesel from biomass

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide a global approach on liquid biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel, a key topic for the future of energy for transportation. The term biofuel is referred to as liquid or gaseous fuel for the transport sector that are predominantly produced from biomass. There are several reasons for biofuels to be considered as relevant technologies by both developing and industrialized countries. They include energy security reasons, environmental concerns, foreign exchange savings, and socioeconomic issues related to the rural sector. Bioethanol is a petrol additive/substitute. It is possible that wood, straw, and even household wastes may be economically converted to bioethanol. Bioethanol is derived from alcoholic fermentation of sucrose or simple sugars, which are produced from biomass by hydrolysis process. Biodiesel is an environmentally friendly alternative liquid fuel that can be used in any diesel engine without modification. There has been renewed interest in the use of vegetable oils for making biodiesel due to less pollution and its renewable nature in contrast to conventional petroleum diesel fuel.