5 Affordable Biofuels

Biofuels, derived from biological materials, are the subject of ongoing research, though they haven’t yet come close to replacing petroleum and crude oil-based diesel. Given that fuels have differing energy content per gallon, price-per-gallon comparisons aren’t sufficient; instead, we should assess the price per energy unit. As of late 2010 in the U.S., gasoline averaged around $2.78 per unit, while ethanol was priced at about $3.45 per equivalent. Biodiesel was priced at approximately $2.86 per unit [source: U.S. Department of Energy]. While biofuels may one day be a cheaper and greener alternative to fossil fuels, some still present environmental concerns. The production of certain affordable biofuels could inadvertently harm ecosystems. Research is focused on next-gen feedstocks like algae and grasses, though they remain costly to produce. In the meantime, we can explore a few biofuels that are easier on the pocketbook.

5. Corn

Corn is one of several feedstocks that can be transformed into ethanol and used as a fuel source. By 2010, 187 ethanol plants across the United States were in operation, with corn as the primary feedstock [source: Renewable Fuels Association]. Although corn ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it contains less energy than gasoline, meaning vehicles powered by this biofuel get fewer miles per gallon. Large-scale production of corn ethanol could also lead to a corn shortage for food purposes. Additionally, corn ethanol faces criticism for its environmental impacts. Critics argue that converting natural habitats like grasslands and rainforests to grow corn results in an overall increase in greenhouse gas emissions [source: The Nature Conservancy]. Furthermore, the process of converting corn into ethanol relies heavily on fossil fuels. Nonetheless, corn remains a popular choice: currently, about a third of U.S. corn production is used for fuel [source: The New York Times].

4. Sugarcane

Brazil’s success with sugarcane as a biofuel began in response to the oil crises of the 1970s. Faced with oil shortages and soaring prices, the Brazilian government heavily promoted sugarcane ethanol. They mandated the use of ethanol by its major oil company, provided $4.9 billion in low-interest loans, and offered subsidies to keep ethanol affordable. Today, subsidies are no longer necessary, and over 70 percent of new cars sold in Brazil are "flex fuel" vehicles that can run on anywhere from 100 percent to 25 percent ethanol [source: Hofstrand]. While millions of acres of sugarcane are cultivated in Brazil, this option isn’t feasible for many countries, including the U.S., due to the specific climate needed to grow sugarcane successfully. Brazil has the perfect conditions to grow sugarcane and enough land to make it a reliable fuel source for the country.

3. Plant Oils

A variety of plant oils, including canola, palm, and soybean oils, have been used to produce renewable fuels. The resulting biofuel, known as biodiesel, delivers better fuel efficiency than gasoline but still falls short of the performance of petroleum-based diesel. Pure biodiesel’s fuel economy and power are about 10 percent less than petroleum diesel, while biodiesel blends with petroleum are about 2 percent less efficient [source: U.S. Department of Energy]. Canola, part of the mustard family, produces seeds with a high oil content of around 40 percent, making it a common feedstock for fuel in the U.S. and Canada. Palm oil, predominantly produced in Malaysia and Indonesia, offers economic benefits but raises concerns about environmental harm. Biodiesel shares similar issues with ethanol, such as competing with food crops and contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions due to the conversion of natural areas into biofuel farms [source: The Nature Conservancy].

2. Recycled Cooking Grease and Oil

Though it may not be the most appetizing idea, waste products like used cooking grease and oil are being utilized as low-cost feedstocks for fuel. These materials are appealing because they are both budget-friendly and eco-conscious. The environmental and energy concerns typically associated with cultivating crops like corn, sugarcane, or palm trees are avoided by using a waste product that’s already available and requires disposal. Recycled cooking oil, or "yellow grease" (which could be made from soy, palm, or canola oil), is one such example. However, you can’t just pour used grease directly into your vehicle’s gas tank. It must be refined to remove impurities before being converted into clean-burning fuel.

1. Jatropha

The seeds of the jatropha plant, a toxic shrub that thrives in harsh conditions, have garnered significant interest as a potential biofuel feedstock, especially in India and Africa. Since jatropha is non-edible, it doesn't compete with food crops, a common concern with other biofuel sources. This resilient plant is drought-tolerant, grows rapidly, and its seeds can contain up to 40 percent oil, making it an attractive option for low-cost biofuel. While these traits sound promising, jatropha cultivation has yet to produce high enough yields, possibly due to its cultivation on low-quality soils [source: Johnson]. Additionally, jatropha requires substantial water during growth, which could hinder its large-scale adoption despite its affordability.