Biofuels+Page


 * Biomass / Biofuel [[image:biofuel.jpg align="right"]] **


 *  What is it? **

 Biofuels are alcohols, ethers, esters and other chemicals made from cellulosic biomass such as herbaceous and woody plants, agricultural and forestry residues, and a large portion of municipal solid and industrial waste.

 Biofuels are used to produce electricity, and as fuel for transportation methods. They add fewer emissions to the atmosphere than petroleum fuels and use up wastes for which we currently have no use. Unlike other sources of energy, biofuels are a renewable source.

 Bioethanol is the most widely used biofuel. It's added to gasoline to improve vehicle performance and reduce air pollution.

 Ethanol is an alcohol, and most of it is made using a process similar to brewing beer. Starch crops are converted into sugars, the sugars are fermented into ethanol, and the ethanol is distilled into its final form. Ethanol made from cellulosic biomass materials instead of starch crops is called bioethanol.

NPR Visualizing the Energy Grid - Learn about the energy resources powering our country and our state, and find out how they are interconnected.
 * Learn More **

Energy Explained - US Energy Information Administration. Learn about how each energy resources is found and used to provide the energy we need.

Energy4Me - Compare the pros and cons of each energy resource.

CBC News Online | May 20, 2009 [], - Additional information about energy resources.

Buzzle: Pros and Cons of Energy - Additional information about energy resources.

Estimated cost per kilowatt hour by resource:




 * Video Resources: **

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