Fuel costs are driving everyone insane and causing major concerns for the the world economy. Since the price of gas shot up to $4.00 a gallon, it has had a domino effect across the globe. The crises over foreclosures, creeping unemployment rates, failures of major banks and financial institutions have forced all of us to concentrate on reducing our dependence on fossil-fuels.

While the U.S. economy falters, those of China and India are booming. This is causing more competition in the demand for oil. Not only is the economic boom making those countries rich, but it is providing a means for the average citizen in those countries to purchase and maintain a vehicle. That’s bad news for the environment. It will add millions of cars and trucks and increase global warming and carbon emission concerns.

A major concern is that green fuel technology in both China and India are low on their list of priorities.

On the other hand, Europe and the United States are putting the environment first. They are providing monetary incentives to small and big businesses to come up with alternative fuel technologies and alternative fuel sources. Just in the last year, many consumers have taken up the fight to get off fossil fuels. Some have gone so far as converting their automobiles to use alternative fuels.

Biobutanol As An Alternative Fuel Source

On the alternative fuel technology front, research and development has been accelerated. One of these alternative energy sources is called Biobutanol. This promising alternative fuel is being investigated to help bridge the gap between fossil fuel and that ultimate, as yet undiscovered, alternative fuel source.

What is Biobutanol?

Biobutanol is an alcohol that can be produced using domestic crops like sugar beets and corn, along with other non-harvestable plants such as grasses. It can also include agricultural waste products.

Biobutanol can be used in your car. It’s properties make it an excellent partner for blending with gasoline. One drawback of this alternative fuel resource is that its energy output is 10 to 20 percent lower than gas. Today, Biobutanol is used primarily as an industrial solvent in products such as lacquers and enamels.

Conclusion

It’s obvious that the countries of Europe, as well as the United States, are committed in getting to that ultimate, non-petroleum-based alternative fuel source. In the meantime, efforts are underway to bridge that gap by exploring new alternative fuel technologies and alternative fuel sources, and Biobutanol is one of them.

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