Biofuels are being implemented for a number of uses within the residential and industrial sector in the hope it will stop the discharge of greenhouse gases through its ability of being ‘carbon neutral’, as the carbon dioxide they release when burnt is generally equal to the amount that the plants captivated out of the atmosphere; contributing to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions up to 65% (Durante, Sneller 2009, pg. 7). Biofuels are considered a renewable source as the plants can be repetitively grown, making it an efficient step in recycling as it is biodegradable. Certain crops don’t even have to be replanted, such as ‘Perennial’ plants which deliver an ample energy source, producing five times as much energy as they take to grow (Biello, 2011). The technology of biofuel also doesn’t need any radical changes to shift to its use, unlike the complications of other renewable sources such as solar and wind power. Biofuel refineries are generally more environmentally friendly, as ethanol plants driven by natural gas discharge very limited pollutants, contributing to lower emissions, while providing cleaner conditions as biodiesel burns up to 75% cleaner than conventional diesel (Gilman 2007, pg. 17). Biofuels aid engines to last longer as vegetable oils have a high viscosity rate and provide better lubrication. Research demonstrates that high biodiesel mixtures exceeding B10 (10% biodiesel, 90% petroleum diesel) do not degrade the vehicle's engine performance, though instead improve the performance through reduced vibrations, smoke and noise; while even contributing to increased power and torque due to its higher octane rating (Demirbas 2008, pg. 151).
Although biodiesel remains more expensive than regular diesel, users need to overlook the initial pump prices to really gauge the economic benefits. Biodiesel vehicles obtain 30% better fuel economy than gasoline-powered vehicles, while also gaining tax incentives for buying a greener vehicle (Consumer Reports, 2011). Biodiesel produces lower emissions, including toxic benzene, which cutting pollution by decreasing the amount of particulates suspended in the air; which in turn contributes to lower healthcare costs (Demirbas 2008, pg. 153). Biodiesel’s economic benefits have already been proven through production figures in the United States of 2.06 billion litres in 2009 up from 1.89 million litres in 1999, adding $4.28 billion to the gross domestic product (Biofuels Journal, 2010, PBS, 2007). The biofuel industry is expected to fuel economic development in third world countries such as Tanzania, where ethanol extracted from a shrub called ‘cassava’ can support the reduction of poverty in the nation by 5% in the next 10 years due to 80% of inhabitants being farmers (Arndt, Pauw, Thurlow 2010, pg. 5). The biofuel industry can also help local communities by providing effective jobs for individuals and provide economic stimulus to the agriculture industry. According to the ‘Biotechnology Industry Organization’, by 2022, the biofuel industry is projected to generate 190,000 direct green jobs and 610,000 indirect jobs (Runyon, 2010).
Oil oscillates in price promptly, so shifting to biofuels will help safeguard against the change. Biofuels can be produced locally, which