Biofuels from Waste

This Catalyst article examines the differences between fossil fuels and biofuels. At present, fossil fuels are used to provide most of our global energy requirements. Fossil fuels are a finite resource as they take millions of years to form and the remaining supplies are being used at a greater rate than can be sustained. When burnt, fossil fuels release carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This stored form of carbon is released, increasing atmospheric CO2, adding to greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change. It is therefore essential that alternative energy sources are developed. This article describes new efforts to replace fossil fuels with biofuels and in particular it looks at the case for the production of biobutanol from biomass.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2010, Volume 21, Issue 1.

Catalyst is a science magazine for students aged 14-19 years. Annual subscriptions to print copies of the magazine can be purchased from Mindsets.