Biofuel is a broad term for fuel made from plant matter or waste, or animal fats. This broad categorization refers to all plant based fuels regardless of whether they are made from corn, as is ethanol, or soybeans, as in biodiesel. It also encompasses fuel sources such as biodiesel made from animal fats.
Biofuels have the potential to reduce dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels as an energy source, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs for the domestic economy, as well as reduce air and water pollution – thereby reducing respiratory illnesses and other health problems. According to NREL, Biodiesel and ethanol are the two most common types of biofuels.
Visit the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s website on biofuels which provides a general overview of biofuels.
View a three-minute video about research being done on converting biomass to liquid fuels.