Biofuel is a type of renewable energy derived from organic matter, known as biomass. This can include plants, algae, agricultural waste, and animal fats. Biofuels are classified into generations: first-generation biofuels are made from food crops like corn and sugarcane (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel); second-generation biofuels are produced from non-food sources like wood, crop residues, and waste; and third-generation biofuels are derived from algae. They are considered a potential alternative to fossil fuels in the transportation sector.
The concept of using biological materials for fuel is not new. Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, demonstrated his engine running on peanut oil in 1900. Henry Ford also designed his original Model T to run on ethanol. However, the discovery of vast petroleum reserves and the low cost of gasoline led to the dominance of fossil fuels for most of the 20th century, sidelining biofuels until interest was renewed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
The modern push for biofuels is driven by concerns over climate change, energy security, and the finite nature of fossil fuels. Many countries have mandated the blending of biofuels (like ethanol in gasoline) into their fuel supplies. However, biofuels are also the subject of debate. First-generation biofuels face criticism for their impact on food prices, land use, and deforestation. This has spurred research and development into advanced, more sustainable second and third-generation biofuels that do not compete with food sources and have a smaller environmental footprint.