Fuels, like coal and crude oil, are non-renewable resources. This is because they take so long to be formed that they cannot be replaced. When they’re burned they produce harmful, greenhouse gases which increase the effects of global warming.

Biofuels, on the other hand, are made by the fermentation of natural products. Biogas, for example, is mainly composed of methane and can be formed by the anaerobic fermentation of a variety of plant products or even waste material which contains carbohydrates.

Biodiesel is another biofuel. This can be produced from plant oils like rapeseed oil. It’s possible to use it as a replacement for diesel in cars without any adjustments needed in the engine.

Economically, biofuels create jobs (as more people are needed to produce them), farmers receive more money and because biofuels limit people’s demand for fossil fuels the price of fuel is able to drop.

However, it also brings up ethical concerns. Crops that could be used as food are instead being used to make biofuels. This could eventually lead to food shortages and then the price of food increasing.

Biogas generators

A biogas generator can be used as an alternative energy source. They simply need natural waste. Bacteria break this waste down and the waste products of this process include methane which can be used for energy. They range in size from a third-world generator supplying a single family to much larger commercial versions.

A biogas generator can be affected by its surrounding climate. If the weather is hot, then more methane is produced. However, cooler weather will slow down the rate at which bacteria break down the waste.