There is no magic wand that can solve all our problems. Biofuel has been haloed to a large extent. It is indeed an end to many of our challenges but it is not an endgame. There are certain advantages and some disadvantages of biofuels. Before we make generalized or sweeping assumptions, it is better to consider the biofuels pros and cons.
List of Pros of Biofuels
1. Better Alternative
Biofuels can be much more economic than fossil fuels, including gasoline. Biofuels will not only reduce the operation costs because of being cheap but it will also negate the increasing demand for gasoline and other fuels. Hence, there will be a dip in the cost of gasoline as well.
2. Reuse Waste
Biofuels can be made from manure, crop waste, all kinds of organic and some inorganic byproducts and the whole recycling process can go on and on as long as the world goes around like we know it. Since consumption is a never ending process, the byproducts and waste will be there to generate biofuels.
3. Non-Dependent on Fossils
Biofuels don’t depend on fossils or anything that takes centuries to form. The source materials of biofuels are readily available and new materials will be made available almost immediately after the consumption cycle is over. Hence, biofuels are renewable.
4. Does Not Require Special Reserves
Biofuels don’t require special reserves. One doesn’t have to live in an oil rich country to make biofuels. Every country can become self dependent in a way. This will also help put in check the market fluctuations and wildly wavering prices of oil and commodities.
5. Expand Industry and Technologies
Biofuels can become a whole new industry, thus generating jobs and furthering technology in its niche. It will also stimulate every industry wherefrom it would source its materials, most importantly agriculture and irrigation.
6. Safer Choice
Biofuels are environmentally safer. They have very low carbon emissions. It has very little impact, almost nonexistent, on air pollution.
List of Cons of Biofuels
1. Not Very Powerful
The kind of energy you get when you burn coal or when you use gasoline would require a lot more biofuels. This can make biofuels unusable in most industries. Many energy analysts have stated on record that the effort needed to generate biofuels vis-à-vis their utility, power generating ability and nature of use makes it unviable.
2. Expensive to Generate
The manufacturing plants, the refining process and the overall cycle of procuring the materials to supplying biofuels would set a heavy financial burden on a company or the state exchequer if it is a government sponsored initiative.
3. Wasteful on Resources
Biofuels may lead to the growth of crops that can be used by the manufacturing plants. This can lead to shortage of food for consumption. Also, it would lead to excessive use of water as the crops meant for biofuels are water intensive.
