Definitions for "Biofuel"
Alcohols, esters, ethers, and other chemicals (biodiesel, ethanol, and methane) made from cellulosic biomass sources or organic matter (herbaceous and woody plants, animal fats, agricultural and forest waste, or municipal solid and industrial waste) within an active carbon cycle. Production and combustion of biofuels take and replenish the CO² in a circular, sustainable fashion. These fuels are used for stationary and mobile applications, i.e., electricity and transportation. Two commonly used biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.
A gaseous, liquid or solid fuel derived from a biological source, e.g. ethanol, rapeseed oil or fish liver oil.
The joint name of fuels which originate from plants (biomass). This can include everything from wood and straw to refined biofuels such as pellets and ethanol. Biofuels are converted solar energy; plants transform solar energy into chemical energy in the form of different types of sugar. Biofuels are renewable because they can be re-created in a relatively short period of time once they have been used, as long as we do not consume more than we grow. Cutting down too many trees can have a negative effect on biodiversity. Peat is no longer regarded as a biofuel.