biomass fuels

biomass fuels are fuels derived either from organic matter or organic matter derivatives. It's a 'broad church' of technologies with many interesting avenues of research and development. The most commonly encountered biomass fuels at the time of writing are:

Biodiesel
Diesel-fuel produced from processing bio-based raw ingredients. Yellow Grease and vegetable oils are the most common of those. This is a booming area, not least due to punative fuel duties which many argue are more for fiscal gain than envronmental protection! Biodiesel can be made at home or on an industrial scale and the methods of doing so reflect this wide spectrum.

BioEthanol
In a similar vein to Biodiesel, only this fuel is added to conventional, fossil-based petrol in varying degrees. Usually, up to 5% but it can comprise 85% - 90% of the petrol mix if target engines are suitably modified.

Biomass Plasma
This is really an industrial-scale-only application at the moment. It refers to the area of biomass plasma gasification and pyrolysis to create synthetic gases (syngas) which can then be used to generate energy through a variety of means.

This biomass fuels section of the site is designed to provide a varied and interesting resource which will allow you to read up on the theory of it all, research how to go about using biofuels and even make a start into building your own equipment or finding a biofuel supplier. Additionally, you'll find all the latest news and developments in all the different areas of this green renewable throughout the pages.

We've also researched good, relavant further reading which can be found to the right hand side of each page. These links take you through to Amazon where you can take a closer look and make a purchase if you're so inclined.

biomass fuels articles

biomass fuels in the news

Gevo Produces Isobutanol, Hydrocarbons and Jet Fuel from Cellulosic Biomass - Earthtimes (press release)
30 Jul 2010 at 7:49pm
Gevo Produces Isobutanol, Hydrocarbons and Jet Fuel from Cellulosic BiomassEarthtimes (press release)... derived from cellulosic biomass. The company also successfully converted the cellulosic isobutanol into isobutylene and paraffinic kerosene (jet fuel). ...

Boost for biomass power in first energy statement - FarmersWeekly
27 Jul 2010 at 4:39pm
letsrecycle.comBoost for biomass power in first energy statementFarmersWeekly... guarantees to electricity generation from liquid fuels. DECC has also published proposals for "robust and credible standards" to ensure that the biomass ...Government's planned biomass greenhouse gas target unchallengingENDS Report (subscription)Biomass plants guaranteed renewables supportENDS Report (subscription)...

Rentech Schedules Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter Conference Call - Earthtimes
30 Jul 2010 at 5:35pm
EarthtimesRentech Schedules Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter Conference CallEarthtimes... the patented Rentech Process based on Fischer-Tropsch chemistry, Rentech offers an integrated solution for production of synthetic fuels from biomass. ...

LS9, Inc. Makes Major Scientific Breakthrough in Converting Sugar to Alkanes - Earthtimes (press release)
29 Jul 2010 at 7:02pm
LS9, Inc. Makes Major Scientific Breakthrough in Converting Sugar to AlkanesEarthtimes (press release)LS9's patent pending discovery enables the conversion of renewable biomass into fuels and chemicals without the need for these costly and energy intense ...and more »

Powerful argument - PlanningResource (subscription)
30 Jul 2010 at 9:25am
Powerful argumentPlanningResource (subscription)Under the existing system, decisions on wind farms, biomass plants and other small-scale energy projects are often turned down by councillors against the ...and more »

AMs warning over 'Tesco-isation' - WalesOnline
29 Jul 2010 at 9:52am
AMs warning over 'Tesco-isation'WalesOnlineTHE Assembly's cross-party sustainability committee will today warn of the ?Tescoisation? of Wales' wood market because of government subsidies for biomass ...