Liquid biofuels are carbon neutral

The highest concentration of liquid biofuel production factories are found in the European Union. The North American continent follows close behind. Approximately 90 biodiesel production plants are found to be operating in European Union territory. Besides the mainstream factories, there are 40 smaller factories producing fuel for their respective local regions. The process of production helps in creating local jobs essential for the prosperity of regional economy. 

Liquid fossil fuels, such as paraffin (kerosene) and fuel oil, have been with us for many years. Over the past decade, similar fuels, made by processing plants, trees and organic waste products have become much more widely available. The rapid growth in the use of biofuels stems from the soaring price of fossil oil, growing concern over security of supply and the environmental impact of fossil fuels. The three main types of liquid fuel looked at in this document comprise:

• Ethanol, made by fermenting sugar cane, grain, straw, grass and wood. 
  Biodiesel, made from new or recycled vegetable oils and animal fats (e.g. from palm oil)
• Oils made by compressing seeds (such as jatropha oil). Production from algae is currently being researched.
• The quality of biofuel production is subject to standard international benchmarks. The German DIN E 51606 is recognized as the pinnacle of product standards in this industry. This is particularly true for fatty-acid-methyl-ester or FAME at this point of time. 

The quality of liquid biofuel products have increased due to faster developments in 3 areas: introduction of newer crops, improvement of existing oilseeds, and focused development of transgenic oilseeds. Newer seeds like Synergy (hybrid rapeseed) are found to give 20% more oil than its conventional counterparts. These developments have been made possible through genetic engineering. 

Liquid biofuels offer to consumers the strategic advantage of moderate oil prices. The availability of biofuel effectively helps to control sudden increase in fossil fuels. This in turn inhibits the increase in food cost.