Growing Crops For Biofuel

Although biofuels are generally considered to improve net carbon output, (by this I mean be close to carbon neutral) biodiesel and other fuels do produce local air pollution, including nitrogen oxides, the principal cause of smog.  The major barrier to the development of second generation biofuel processes is their capital cost: establishing second generation biodiesel plants has been estimated at $500million.  

Production of biofuels from raw materials requires energy (for farming, transport and conversion to final product, and the production / application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides).  Agricultural products specifically grown for biofuel production include corn, switch grass, and soybeans, Sunflowers, and Canola. Although biofuels are generally considered to improve net carbon output, biodiesel and other fuels do produce local air pollution, including nitrogen oxides, the principal cause of smog 

Wartime Germany experienced extreme oil shortages, and many energy innovations resulted.  Before World War II, and during the high demand wartime period, biofuels were valued as a strategic alternative to imported oil.  This "energy crisis" resulted in severe shortages, and a sharp increase in high demand oil-based products, notably gasoline and diesel fuel. 

Biodiesel Savings Calculator - How many gallons of fuel are you buying monthly?  Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine when mixed with mineral diesel.  By the end of 2007 biodiesel production was estimated to increase fourfold to more than 1 billion gallons.  The market for biodiesel is growing at a staggering rate—from 25 million gallons per year in 2004 to 900 million gallons by the beginning of 2007.