The use of biofuels is growing around the world. It is expected that biofuels will become an important part of the global energy mix and significantly contribute to meeting energy demand, but what are biofuels?
Biofuels are fuels derived from organic matter, especially plant matter - that can be converted to energy. It includes solid biomass (wood pellets, logs, straw), liquid biofuel (biodiesel and bioethanol derived from plant oils), and biogas (gas derived from the breakdown of organic content, e.g. manure).
A major benefit of biofuels is that chemically, they can be identical to existing fuels we currently use, e.g. oil and gas. Still, the source means that the products are clean.
What are biofuels opportunities in the Isle of Man?
In the Isle of Man, we can have the ability to grow our fuel on the island. We will benefit from our plantations, new kelp farms, energy crop farms, and waste; while maximising the biodiversity benefits.
This will create new economic opportunities for farming, fisheries, research and development, and biotech firms across the island while also ensuring security in the way our fuel is sourced.
Our work on the Future Energy Scenarios has shown that the most cost-effective route to decarbonise electricity is to import electricity from the UK. However, analysis shows biofuel generators can also help reduce electricity costs if they are operated during periods where other technologies (primarily wind and solar) are unavailable. The reason is that during these times, electricity costs in GB are much higher than the cost of electricity produced from biofuel generators.
Limiting the operation of biofuel plants to these high peak periods also ensures that the fuel is used sustainably.
Which sources of biofuel can be produced on our island?
Some of the organic materials used to create the biofuel that we can produce on the island are:
- Sugar beet
- Sugarcane
- Wheat
- Plantation Wood
- Straw
- Grass
- Animal Waste
- Sewage
- Sunflower oil
- Microalgae
- Macroalgae
- Kelp
- Sea Grass
- Elephant Grass
- Bamboo
- Miscanthus
Is biofuel carbon neutral?
Carbon-neutral is the term used to describe a fuel that does not cause a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Biofuels belong to this class because the emissions produced during their combustion are offset by gases absorbed while growing the organic material used as a substrate for their synthesis.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), bioenergy or biofuel can mitigate GHGs if resources are sustainably developed and efficient technologies are applied.
The organic matter used to produce biofuel takes in carbon dioxide as it grows and then releases this carbon dioxide when the fuel is burned. In doing so, it can be regarded as carbon neutral. However, this depends on the sustainability of the source material and the efficiency of combustion.
Are biofuels "clean energy?"
Although it has been established that biofuels do produce some levels of GHGs during their combustion, it is also recognised that the released levels are significantly lower than those obtained from burning fossil fuels (depending on the type and source of the biofuel). When combined with their relative carbon-neutrality, biodegradability, and non-toxicity, biofuels can be regarded as a clean energy source (depending on the type and source of the biofuel).
Providing the biofuel feedstock is sustainably sourced and managed, the fuels can have net-zero carbon emissions. If natural sequestration opportunities are maximised along with this growth, the resultant biofuel combustion can be carbon negative.
An excellent example of this is kelp farming. Providing kelp is farmed in an area previously devoid of vegetation. The kelp can sequester carbon dioxide as it grows while encouraging other organisms, e.g. mussels, to grow in the same place. Such organisms build reefs that sequester carbon dioxide from the surrounding sea.
Where can I learn more about biofuels?
Have a look at the IPCC report 2021 Chapter 2: Bioenergy.
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