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Biofuel: What Is It & What Are The Leading Countries
So far, the most recognized use of biofuels is in ethanol, a gasoline mix of biofuels and fossil fuels (oil). Brazil has developed to a point at which it exports a surplus of ethanol, and the vast majority of motor vehicles are of a flex-fuel design. Furthermore, the original ethanol "recipe" was 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent biofuel, but Brazil gradually has improved the mix to 75 and 25 percent. Currently, the main use of biofuel is for the production of ethanol, a gasoline mix of biofuels and fossil fuels. Brazil has been able to optimize their production to a point where they are exporting their surplus. The majority of their vehicles are also able to efficiently use ethanol. They are finding new ways to improve the original recipe of 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent biofuel. So far, they have managed to get a recipe of 75 percent gasoline and 25% biofuel. Why are Biofuels so important for the future? Fossil fuels supplies will eventually be depleted by humans. Biofuels are derived from renewable crops. This is the reason why they are considered green energy alongside solar, wind and geothermal sources. Also, Biofuels produce less carbon dioxide than fossil fuels. Scientists believe that this is the main cause of global warming. Brazil's Courageous, Controversial Investment Brazil has been investing in biofuels since the 1970's when other nations were closing their doors for the development of this alternative energy source. This was especially hard for the Brazilian government as oil prices were low. The spark for Brazil came with the Middle East oil embargo of 1973. Investments were required in agricultural production of sugarcane, and in building new facilities, backed by government subsidies and tax cuts. By 1990, Brazil was producing 20 times more ethanol than in 1973 and had become "energy independent," an achievement that is the envy of other nations. The world's first automobile to run on ethanol was a 1979 Fiat produced in Brazil. Brazil is now sharing its knowledge about ethanol internationally with a focus on developing countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. Analysts are saying that results are starting to show with the decline in oil prices in the past couple of months. Other countries have been inspired by Brazil's success and are currently investing in their own biofuels with the resources available. For example, Europe is using wheat and sugar beets, Asia is using palm oil and the United States are slowly replacing corn with soybean and switch grass. Great Britain is investigating the development of solid biofuels with manure and trash. Still, no nation has yet to find an eco-friendly biofuel that matches Brazil's sugarcane. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Ariel Dess specializes in helping companies successfully import and export with Latin America. To access to his valuable resources, tips and links, click here wholesalers |
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