What are Biofuels?
Biofuels are renewable fuels made from biological materials, such as plants, crops, agricultural residues, and other forms of biomass. They can be used as transportation fuels and provide a renewable alternative or supplement to petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
Ethanol is one of the most common biofuels in the United States. It is typically made from corn and blended with gasoline in fuels such as E10, E15, and E85. Other biofuels include biodiesel and advanced fuels that can be produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, agricultural materials, and other renewable resources.
In North Dakota, biofuels bring together two of the state’s strengths, agriculture and energy. By turning crops and other renewable resources into transportation fuels, biofuels create additional markets for agriculture while contributing to a diverse domestic energy supply.
Benefits of Biofuels
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Uses Renewable Resources
Biofuels are produced from renewable biological materials, including crops and other forms of biomass that can be grown and replenished.
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Creates Market for Agriculture
Biofuel production creates demand for agricultural products and provides opportunities to add value to crops grown by farmers. Corn, for example, is the primary feedstock used to produce ethanol in the United States.
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Diversifies our Fuel Supply
Biofuels provide an additional source of transportation energy and can supplement petroleum-based gasoline and diesel.
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Supports Domestic Energy Production
Producing biofuels in the United States helps expand domestic energy resources by turning locally available agricultural and biological materials into transportation fuels.
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Supports Rural Economies
Biofuel production connects agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and energy, creating economic opportunities in agricultural and rural communities.
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Drives Innovation
Research and technology continue to expand the types of materials that can be converted into biofuels. Agricultural residues, grasses, algae, and other forms of biomass are being explored as feedstocks for advanced renewable fuels.
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Creates Opportunity for the Future
Biofuels can help meet transportation needs beyond traditional passenger vehicles. Continued innovation is expanding opportunities for renewable fuels that can be used in cars, trucks, aviation, and other transportation sectors.
