Читать книгу Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy - James Speight G., James G. Speight - Страница 183

Biomass has the potential to supply a considerable portion of the energy needs of the world, but the conversion of biomass to energy is carried out in an unsustainable manner that there are many negative environmental consequences. If biomass is to supply a greater proportion of the energy needs in the future, the challenge will be to produce biomass and to convert and use it without harming the natural environment. Technologies and processes exist which, if used correctly, make biomass-based fuels less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels. Applying these technologies and processes on a site-specific basis in order to minimize negative environmental impacts is a prerequisite for sustainable use of biomass energy in the future.

Biodiesel and bioethanol are widely used in automobiles and freight vehicles. For example, in Germany, most diesel fuel on sale at gas stations contains a few percent biodiesel, and many gas stations also sell 100% biodiesel. Some supermarket chains in the UK have switched to running their freight fleets on 50% biodiesel, and often include biofuels in the vehicle fuels they sell to consumers, and an increasing number of service stations are selling biodiesel blends (typically with 5% biodiesel).

In Europe, research is being undertaken into the use of biodiesel as domestic heating oil. A blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% kerosene (B20) has been tested successfully to power modern high efficiency condensing oil boilers. Boilers needed a preheat burner to prevent nozzle blockages and maintain clean combustion. Blends with a higher proportion of biodiesel were found to be less satisfactory, owing to the greater viscosity of biodiesel than conventional fuels when stored in fuel tanks outside the building at typical (non-arctic) winter temperatures.

See also: Biodiesel, Biofuels, Ethanol, Methanol.