FAQ

What are biofuels?

Biofuels are energy sources that come from predominantly plant materials. The two main types of fuels are bioethanol and biodiesel, although there are a few other fuel forms under development. All of these fuels are derived from solar energy and carbon dioxide taken from the atmosphere and converted by photosynthesis into plant materials. There materials, such as the plants' leaves, stems, roots and shoots and oils, all contain energy that has been stored, allowing us to convert these resources into a liquid fuel that we can transport and burn.

Why should we use biofuels?

Biofuels are derived form plant materials. Plants take carbon from the atmosphere and use light energy from the sun to convert the carbon in the air into a solid or liquid forms through photosynthesis. We then use these carbon based material to produce the fuels. Because the carbon has come from the atmosphere and not from coal, oil or gas sources, when the fuel is burnt the carbon is returned to the atmosphere. This allows us to term the fuel "carbon neutral" or "low carbon" fuels. This will allow us to have sustainable fuels, and reduce the amount of Green House Gases (GHGs) we release. Everyone will benefit from using the biofuels and help slow down or prevent climate change.

What's the difference between bioethanol and biodiesel?

Frequently, bioethanol and biodiesel are talked about together as biofuels, but in reality, they are two very different fuel sources. Just in the same way as you wouldn't put petrol in a diesel car, or diesel in a petrol car, the same applies to bioethanol and biodiesel. Bioethanol is the alternative to petrol while biodiesel is an alternative to diesel. As a quick summary, have a look at the comparison table below.

What's wrong with current biofuels?

Many first generation biofuel plants used (and still do) freely available sugars, such as sugar cane. Second generation plants use plant materials such as the grain or the corn of the plant. In biodiesel, they use the seed of the plant. All of these materials are normally grown for our own fuel consumption - edible foods. Whenever these materials are used, they are displacing food stuffs that could be used to feed our growing global population. As a result of this, we are having ever increasing demands on our land and resources, forcing us to choose between whether we drive our cars and keep industry going, or if we feed the poor, cater for those in need and reduce our own food prices. No doubt that you will have experienced the increase in food costs, and probably be aware of the controversy of using forest cleared or peat bog drained lands to produce more crop lands. These ethical and ecological issues cannot be sidestepped any longer if we want to maintain our habitable planet.

So how come Recombitex thinks it should be different?

Recombitex doesn't think that we should be forcing this choice of "food v's fuel." Ideally, both should happen, although compromises will have to be made. This is where we believe we should take crop wastes, saw dust, spoiled crops, forestry waste, set aside land clearings and other waste grasses and woods to produce our fuels. These waste sources are termed "cellulosic" or "ligno-cellulosic" feedstocks because of their make up. Recombitex (and the US and EU governing bodies) believe that this is the way forward for biofuels.

Cellulosic ethanol. What's that? Why should we use it?

Cellulosic and lingo-cellulosic ethanol is ethanol that has come from the plant structures that are usually put to waste, or composted. As these structures have very high sugar content but in a very inaccessible way, they have to be processed to release the sugars. But the good news is that they are waste products, therefore can be used in other ways without taking crops away from producing foods for nourishment.

Will these fuels work in my car?

Chances are you're already using it. Depending where you are in the world will depend on how much you are using. In the UK, the fuels at the pump already contain around 5% blend by volume, while certain forecourts will stock blends up to 85% ethanol (called E85). In Brazil, many of their cars run wholly of bioethanol or very high blends. With biodiesel very popular in the form of reclaimed chip fat and vegetable oils, biodiesel is found in many different forms ranging from B25 through to B100. As for finding out if your car is compatible, you don't have to worry about current blends in normal service stations. Modern cars are designed to take a small amount without modifications. Variations between cars will govern how much you can take, unless you decided to go for a flexi-fuel car, which will take both. The advice from Recombitex; read your manufacturer's car manual before experimenting!

How long term are biofuels?

Biofuels are going to be around as long as there are combustion engines. Many different technologies are currently under development for the automotive world ranging from electric cars through biofuels and hybrids to hydrogen cars. All energy sources have their ups and downs, but biofuels are the most controllable on a holistic approach. Also, biofuels are adaptable to different uses and areas, as well as tradeable and already exploit current infrastructure systems. Biofuels are likely to be a medium to long term solution.

When will this technology be available?

This technology is in development now. Cellulosic ethanol is in its early stages, but developments are fast. With Recombitex's development, cellulosic ethanol will become common place.