Biofuels
Biofuel is basically the term for the use of biomass material as fuel. These are created from dead biological material and are distinguished from fossil fuels, which are derived from biological material that had been dead for a very long time.
When crops are specifically grown and harvested in order to produce biofuels, then these fuels are known as agrofuels. Agrofuel crops are grown and harvested for one of two purposes:
one - Plants with a high sugar content can be fermented to produce ethanol (ethyl alcohol).
two - Plants with high amounts of vegetable oil can be used in a diesel engine, or they can be processed to produce fuels such as biodiesel.
The major use for biofuels is to burn them to produce energy for cooking and heating, wheras agrofuels are converted into fuels for engines. Biofuels can be used in a wide range of engines. Depending upon the engines this may require a small engine modification. Using biofuels to replace fossil fuels could cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 60%.
Biofuels within the UK
According to a report featured in the Rewnewable Energy Association (REA), the UK will face an uncertain use of biofuels for the next few years because of an error in legislation in 2009.
See the report at REA Bioenergy.
References
(REA) The Renewable Energy Association
(RFA) Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation