Origins                                         

The early usage of biofuels was discovered and used for the production of electricity before its known use as fuel. It was discovered by Nikolaus August Otto, who was able to convince the public that ethanol could be used as alternative fuel.  This led Rudolf Diesel's invention of his  own diesel machine that ran completely on peanut oil. Between the years of  1903-1926, Henry Ford created the Model T car which ran on bioethanol. The booming of early biofuel interest slowly faded due to the commotion of WWII. However, with the current rising prices of oil and  awareness of global warming, biofuels is regaining its interest for the benefit our future.  (Citation 8)

Cars that run on biofuels...       

 

The Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec is able to run on biodiesel.It is stated that the GL320 BlueTec is one of the cleanest diesel sport-utility in the world. It is also one of the most efficient big SUVs with a highway fuel economy of over 25 miles per gallon. (Citation 10)


The GMC Sierra Duramax is a heavy-duty pickup that has a B20 biodiesel capability. This means that the fuel is blended with 20 % biodiesel while the other 80% is regular. This lowers carbon dioxide release as well as reduces the dependency on petroleum. (Citation 11)


The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado is an alternative fuel vehicle that runs on biodiesel. This biofuel car is a 6.6L V8 Duramax. The Chevy Silverado also has a cylinder cut-off that can carry a government fuel economy rating of 20 miles per gallon. (Citation 12)



 

 

Chevron is one of the leading companies in this era to incorporate biofuels into its business. Chevron is aggressively searching for the best option of biofuels by :

1) Investing in feedstock of lignocellulosics and lipids (resources used to create biofuels).

2) Concentrating on testing new technologies to create biofuels derived from biomass.

3) Focusing on thermochemical conversion and biochemical conversion that is used to convert biomass into biofuels.

Chevron is currently trying to find the best option to this new advancement. Chevron Technology Ventures is their business unit which watches over the new research and advancement in the biofuel field. Chevron is working to meet the standards of biofuels in order to serve the most efficient and healthy fuel for our world. (Citation 9)

                                       Chevron


    • Mission: "To create renewable oil production for the future today".
    • Founded in San Francisco in 2003
    • Offers technology that uses algae to produce oil and biomaterials in a more efficient way.
    • Uses a unique technology to produce products for biofuel uses. (Citation 13)


    • Novoymes uses biotechnology to improve the resources of the biofuel industry.
    • On February 16, 2010 Novozymes began the Cellic CTec2, which transformed waste into biofuel at the same cost of regular gasoline.
    • Novozymes incorporate enzymes in the biofuel industry to improve the production of biofuels to its greatest potential. (Citation 14)

    Innovators                                   




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