Biofuel Facts

Biofuel Facts

Biofuel is an alternative to petrol, diesel and electric power and is derived from biomass (material that is obtained from a recently living organism) or bio waste. It is cleaner than fuel types derived from fossil fuels, emitting fewer greenhouse gases, and its use is already expanding.

Although most cars in the UK are petrol, diesel or electric, the UK Government has stated that by 2010, 5% of all UK fuel will be biofuel while the European Union states that by 2020 this figure will rise to 10%. At present, Sweden leads the way with biofuels, having set up over 1,000 biofuel stations and subsidising motorists to encourage buying greener cars.

The most important feature of biofuel is that it is a renewable energy source, unlike coal and petroleum. In Europe, there are some agricultural products such as sugar cane and wheat that are grown especially for biofuel production.

For further details on biofuel and its use in the UK, you can visit the Depart for Transport website.