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Sources of biofuels


Many terrestrial and aquatic crops are grown specifically for energy purposes varying from corn and soybeans to canola and jerusalem artichoke. Much research is being conducted to improve the conversion of non-grain crops, such as switchgrass and a variety of woody crops to biofuels.


Energy crops in general

The National Non-Food Crops Centre NNFCC is one of the UK's most important resources for information on Biofuel and Energy Crops

Sugarcane

Sugarcane and bagasse, the remaining residue after the sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice, are the most important source of biofuels such as bioethanol

Miscanthus

One of the most viable energy crops is miscanthus gigantus a type of grass which has many advantages over conventional bioenergy crops

Marine biomass for biofuels

Another important biofuels resource for consideration is marine biomass derived for example from microalgae. This is of great interest because its cultivation will not compete wit...

Waste as a resource for biofuels

Biofuel energy can be easily produced from municipal wastes and the landfill gases they produce. Biogas can be generated from rotting municipal waste, food waste or sewage via ana...

A sweet future for biodiesel

Sugar catalysts can turn waste vegetable oil into biodiesel, researchers have revealed.