Biofuels

Discover more about biofuels and biodiesel as alternative energy resources with Penn State Extension. Find educational information and advice on generating biofuel energy from sorghum, canola or rapeseed, switchgrass, giant miscanthus, willow, and wood. Tips on fuel pellets production, anaerobic digesters, biomass energy, and biodiesel safety are available.

Biofuels

Biofuels are liquid fuels derived from biological materials such as animal wastes, forest residues, and perennial crops. They can reduce greenhouse emissions and increase energy security by providing an alternative to conventional fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and petroleum.

Among the most common types of biofuels in use is biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable substitute for petroleum-based diesel fuel that can be made from animal or plant oil. About 90% of the biodiesel produced in the US comes from soybean oil. A number of other alternative field crops – including switchgrass and miscanthus – can also help meet the increasing demand for both food and fuel.

Switchgrass grows well on a variety of soil types, is drought tolerant, and can be used as a biomass energy crop. Miscanthus tolerates drought as well, although it does better under wetter conditions. Miscanthus plants are ideal for soils that are too wet for growing crops like soybean or corn. Learn more with Penn State Extension’s resources on new, alternative biofuel sources, including canola, camelina, sorghum, industrial hemp, and sugarbeets.

In this section, access detailed information on a variety of topics, including utilizing woody biomass resources for wood-based ethanol and using waste grain as a fuel source for drying ovens.

Biomass Energy Production

Biomass energy is generated by natural materials and can be used to create heat or electricity.

Wood pellets are an increasingly popular source of heat. Numerous biomass materials can be utilized to make heating pellets. Perennial grasses, such as switchgrass, can be grown and made into biomass pellets on the farm. What’s more, as pellet-making equipment comes in a variety of sizes and scales, both smaller-scale and commercial plants can effectively manufacture fuel pellets.

Anaerobic digestion is another common method of turning biomass into energy. In this process, organic material is broken down by bacteria to create methane-rich biogas. In Pennsylvania, on-farm anaerobic digesters with power production are a solution for many farmers looking to make their operations more energy-efficient and productive.

Join the Converting Organic Waste to Energy online course to uncover how biogas is produced, as well as learn what equipment is needed and how to estimate yield. In addition, discover Penn State’s biodiesel program and find tips on cleaning and storing oilseeds intended for edible oil or fuel.

Biodiesel Safety and Best Management Practices

As more agricultural producers begin to adopt and/or produce fossil fuel substitutes, it’s important to note that there are several biofuel energy issues that should be considered beforehand. A particularly important consideration is the impact of biodiesel on engine reliability, performance, and maintenance.

Additionally, before learning how to make biodiesel, procedure and safety precautions should be established to avoid poisoning, fire, and soil and water contamination. As every facility is different and faces different challenges, staying up to date on process improvements and governmental regulations is crucial.

Penn State Extension offers valuable resources on assessing biomass processing fire hazards and learning biodiesel best management practices to protect the health and safety of the producer and the environment.