Brennan Keen

Biology 2A
11/10/12
Biofuels vs. Fossil Fuels
One of the most disputed topics in energy is the one regarding Biofuels and Fossil Fuels.
Each one represents a great potential energy source in the future, but Fossil Fuels are more likely
to cause damage to the environment due to their high emissions of greenhouse gasses and other
toxic chemicals. More than 2.7 billion people are already dependent on some sort of Biofuels,
mainly from burning wood, crop residues, and animal droppings, and many are not able to afford
a significant increase in the price of energy. Biofuels are a smarter choice for the population in
the long run as prices will likely stay low and supply will not run out over time.
Many countries are already taking steps in the right direction, including China. China
increased their renewable energy output from 189 GW of energy to 228 GW or energy. This
energy alone could power Africa twice over and power Great Britain more than four times over.
This is very important because China is already taking steps in the right direction to reduce
emissions. Other areas around the world are also taking steps toward Biofuels as well. In the US,
over 50% of the new energy installed was renewable sources. In the world today, there are more
than 160 million biomass stoves, which are more energy efficient and produce fewer greenhouse
gasses.
In 2050, we will consume 15% less energy per person, and with our population capping
out at around 8 billion, total energy consumption will increase very little if at all. By 2050, we
will save almost 4 trillion euros per year, at least some of which could be used to install more
renewable sources and save us more money. According to the Pro-Biofuels article, more than 80
per cent of our current energy comes from fossil fuels. The rest is made up by nuclear power,
hydropower, and traditional biomass fuels. Nuclear power is by far the most efficient, and while
only releasing steam into the air with the proper precautions being followed. Ecofys has a
program to phase out fossil fuels by 2050 with renewable energy resources, while also using a
varied mixture of renewable sources.
While Ecofys prefers renewable sources everywhere possible, some biomass will still be
needed to balance out the other sources. By 2050, 60 percent of industrial fuels and 13 percent of
building heat will come from biomass fuels. While we will need almost 250 hectares of crops for
biomass, the investment will almost certainly pay off. This is important because we will need a
powerful energy source while we ease off of fossil fuels and some may be opposed to it as well.
While biomass and other Biofuels are great, I still believe in the continued use of nuclear
power because it is a substantial power source that will not cause any pollution with its steam
emissions. While some areas have had problems with nuclear power plants collapsing, as long as
the plant is constructed properly and all precautions are followed, there is no risk of pollution.
In the long run, renewable energy will be able to sustain us for as long as we need once
we convert. Fewer emissions, lower costs, and potential to power the entire world for what could
be free soon are a few incentives for switching to renewable sources. Biofuels are the smarter
choice for our population in the long run because of lower costs and never ending supplies of
energy.