Liquid biofuels
Practical Action
The main use of biofuels is in the automotive sector. Again, there are both benefits and
disadvantages. Ethanol can reduce carbon emissions through improved combustion, and
reduced reliance on fossil fuels but access to a new source of fuel prevents shortages, so
keeps the price of fuel down, encouraging more people to use private transport.
Used within the household context, biofuels have a very positive impact on the lives of those
living in poverty. The kitchen environment remains the place where most women living in the
developing world spend most of their time. Alleviating kitchen smoke improves health, saves
money, improves women’s status, saves very large amounts of time. In areas prone to drought,
it can also help save the external environment by reducing pressures on trees and other
vegetation used for fuel.
Future for biofuels
Biofuels are here to stay. Used responsibly, they can reduce the levels of pollutants currently
affecting the planet, and can provide clean air in homes fit for human habitation. As new
technologies become mainstreamed (such as fuel cells for the auto industry) it is to be hoped
that these new technologies can improve the quality of life for those communities currently
living in poverty, and provide a route to clean development for future generations.
Further information
Approtech Oil Processing Technologies
http://www.approtec.org/tech_oil.shtml
BluWave
http://www.hedon.info/docs/BluwaveEthanolStoveAssessment.pdf
BriteLyt Multi-Fuel Lanterns, Stoves & Petromax Lanterns
http://britelyt.groupee.net/prod1.html
DATe Biofuel for Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation in Rural Cambodia Development
and Appropriate Technology report
http://www.jatropha.de/Cambodia/CambodiaBiofuelProjectDescription%20WebDe.pdf
Emerging Markets Online BIODIESEL 2020:Multi-Client Study Volume 2, 2007-2008 Global
Market Survey, Feedstock Trends and Forecasts (updated by Emerging Markets Online)
Guarte, R. C. LPG Alternative Seen in New Plant Oil Stove (May 2006)
http://neda8.evis.net.ph/eddnews/stove/stove.htm
HEDON Household Energy Network Knowledge base search on ‘Ethanol’ This search provides sites
for over 100 articles on Ethanol.
http://www.hedon.info/goto.php/search.htm?cx=011705051524267581131%3Aodc5tdp7re0&cof
=FORID%3A11&q=Ethanol&sa=Search
HEDON Household Energy Network Ethanol page.
http://www.hedon.info/goto.php/Ethanol
Herro, Alano ‘Eye on Mali: Jatropha Oil Lights Up Villages’ in WorldChanging – Change your thinking
http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/006814.html
Mongabay.com Massive oil palm expansion planned by Indonesia's richest man
mongabay.com May 8, 2007
http://news.mongabay.com/2007/0508-palm_oil.html
O’Brien, C. Introducing alcohol stoves to refugee communities in Boiling Point 52 2006
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