EQ2 Biofuels case study Flashcards
What are biofuels?
Fuel derived from living matter, such as agricultural crops, forestry or fishery products, and various forms of waste.
What are primary biofuels?
Fuelwood, wood chips, and other organic materials that are used in an unprocessed form, primarily for heating/cooking.
What are secondary biofuels?
Derived from the processing of biomass and include liquid biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel, which can be used by vehicles and in industrial processes.
Which country is widely using biofuels and why?
Brazil, to combat concerns about its energy security.
-Brazil started extracting ethanol from sugar cane and created flex fuel engines for new passenger vehicles.
What was the impact of Brazil’s use of biofuels?
It reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
This initiative is part of Brazil’s broader strategy to enhance energy security.
What are the strengths of biofuels?
High energy efficiency, environmentally friendly, and renewable energy.
-These strengths make biofuels an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.
What are the weaknesses of biofuels?
Initial investment cost, lack of infrastructure, insufficient and complex production, long payback period with existing technology.
What opportunities do biofuels present?
Creating alternatives to fossil fuels and revealing new business opportunities, ongoing technological advancements in fuel production from biomass.
What threats do biofuels face?
Various health problems during energy production, uncertainty of future policies on biofuel production, presence of fossil fuels produced at lower costs than biodiesel fuels.
