By Miguel Ordoñez


For many years now, global warming and climate change have posed a serious threat to the health of our planet. In an attempt to create more sustainable fuel sources, biofuel was developed.

Unlike the petrol we’re all familiar with, biofuel is produced from living organisms. Apart from plant materials, other substances, like animal fat and vegetable oil, are used. They’re usually mixed into regular fuel to create a product that isn’t as detrimental to our environment.

As the world begins its shift to biofuel, experts are now looking at possibly using hemp as a primary resource. It is, after all, a crop that’s not only very easy to grow, but holds multiple purposes as well.

But what is stopping humanity from jumping in? What are the obstacles? Are there any disadvantages to its advantages? This article should answer all of these questions while also providing further enlightenment about biofuel.

What Exactly Are Biofuels?

As mentioned, biofuel is fuel-derived biomass, aka plant or animal material.

Biofuels are classified into three main types: first, second, and third generation. First-generation biofuels are made from sugar and starches. They are processed through distillation and fermentation to produce (primarily) ethanol for use as an additive to gasoline.

Second-generation biofuels are produced from wood, organic waste, and biomass crops. These materials undergo pretreatment, and will also be turned into ethanol as a final product.

Third-generation biofuels are derived from algae oil. Upon extraction, the oil is then converted into biodiesel.

What Exactly Are Biofuels?

Types of Biofuel

Biofuels are classified into two primary types: ethanol and biodiesel. Both are known to be a more viable option from an environmental standpoint.

  • Ethanol

If this one rings a bell to you, that’s because ethanol is simply pure alcohol. It’s the same compound in your favorite adult beverage that causes you to make bad life decisions in one night.

Primarily made from sugarcane and corn, ethanol has been deemed a viable gasoline additive. The most common ethanol-fuel mixture is E10, which is 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol. However, some vehicles are powered by what is known as E85, which contains a greater ethanol percentage, between 51% and 83%.

The biggest upside to using ethanol is that it is renewable. The second would be its lower greenhouse gas emissions, which are 15% less than regular fuel.

The downside, however, is that it also hurts the environment. For one, farming ethanol crops can cause soil erosion. At the same time, most of the methods used for farming involve toxic chemicals that can easily pollute water supplies.

Ethanol
  • Biodiesel

As you may pick up from the name itself, biodiesel is similar to its petrol-based counterpart. The only difference is that it is made from either animal fat or vegetable oil. In fact, some companies use locally sourced restaurant cooking oil[1] and grease to make biodiesel.

As we mentioned earlier, algae can also be used to produce biodiesel. But recently, scientists are also looking at the option of genetically engineered crops[2] for biodiesel production.

The most common form of biodiesel is known as B20. Composed of 80% petroleum and 20% biodiesel, it is said to reduce carbon emissions by 20%.

Just like ethanol, the great thing about biodiesel is that it is renewable. And because you’re using recycled ingredients, biodiesel companies actually minimise waste.

The downside, however, is that because biodiesel production relies on food crops, it can cause an increase in food costs. There’s also the potential increase in feedstocks for algae and bacteria to consider.

And while it is more eco-friendly, it also does some harm to the environment. Biodiesel contains 10% more nitrous oxide, which causes the formation of smog and acid rain.

Biodiesel

How Can We Use Biofuel?

The most obvious answer would be for transportation and as a more sustainable fuel alternative. On a smaller scale, biodiesel, for example, can be used to replace the petrol-based diesel in trucks. It’s a good start to reducing carbon emissions.

Energy Generation
But there are other uses for biofuel, like energy generation. We can start doing away with traditional diesel generators and replace them with biodiesel-powered machines.
Heat Production
Bioheat is a go-to option for home heating purposes. Instead of fossil fuel, we can go with a renewable energy source like biodiesel.
Fossil Fuel Replacement
Speaking of fossil fuels, there will come a point in time when its supply runs out. Biofuels are there to potentially become a more stable and economic method of producing and providing energy.

The Economic Advantages of Biofuel

First, let’s take a deeper look at the economics of biofuel, as explained by the US Environmental Protection Agency[3] (EPA). Because biofuel is produced from renewable material, the EPA sees its great potential to reduce the “undesirable aspects of fossil fuel”.

The most obvious upside of switching to biofuel is its environmental impact. Since it is made from organic material, it takes up carbon dioxide. When combusted in an engine, the carbon dioxide is simply released back into the atmosphere. This recycled pattern does not cause a buildup of CO₂, which therefore lessens contributions to global warming.

Another perceived benefit of biofuel is an increase in farm income. Since their products will be in high demand, farmers get to earn more money.

And because biofuel can be locally produced, that would mean fewer disruptions to the fuel supply chain. It also causes a drop in the demand for fuel, which leads to more affordable prices for consumers to enjoy.

The Biofuel Controversy

However, biofuel does have its fair share of controversies. A 2016 study[4] suggests that biofuels may potentially cause an increase in carbon dioxide emissions instead of the previous claim of reducing them. It also discovered some greenhouse gas emissions from the processing of both feedstock and the biofuel itself.

That’s not all. According to other findings, biofuels plausibly emit roughly the same amount of carbon dioxide as regular petroleum. It is also claimed that the cultivation of corn and soybeans for biofuel production has potentially caused the displacement of other crops.

Biofuels do have their upsides and downsides, but how does hemp fall into all of this?

Is Hemp the Most Viable Biofuel?

Since we’re on the topic of sustainable, renewable resources, why not take it a step further? This is where hemp, and the seemingly huge potential of its biofuel variation, comes in.

The auto industry is no stranger to hemp use. Big car brands like BMW, Ford, Mercedes, and Volkswagen have begun using the crop for interior components like dashboards and door panels.

In terms of powering the vehicle itself, hemp biofuel has been considered a viable option. But is it the most viable? Let’s take a look at how it fares in terms of the two main biofuel types.

Hemp Ethanol
Using hemp for ethanol production curbs the potential problem of using too many food sources like corn and wheat. Ultimately, this makes food production more efficient while also minimising its disruption.

At the same time, hemp is much easier to grow compared to other food crops. They’re like weeds that can thrive in lower-quality conditions.
Hemp Biodiesel
Hemp biodiesel holds several advantages over its counterparts. As a 2015 study[5] suggests, it is “much cleaner” compared to soybean and rapeseed biofuels.

Hemp biodiesel also has a higher flash point, aka the temperature at which it ignites. Because of this, it is much easier to store, transport, and handle overall.

The Advantages of Hemp Biofuel

Apart from those we mentioned, hemp biofuel use has many other advantages. The biggest is its ability to grow on what some refer to as “marginal land”. This is basically a piece of land with subpar soil quality that’s likely been polluted from previous industrial projects.

Simply put, hemp is very low maintenance, and expected to thrive even in unfavorable soil conditions.

But there are other upsides if you choose to use hemp for biofuel.

  • Minimal Fertiliser Requirement

Most crops require a generous amount of soil fertiliser to grow well. The problem is that most fertilisers contain pollutants that end up getting washed into the water. In turn, they end up disrupting the marine ecosystem by killing fish and contaminating water supplies.

Hemp plants, however, do not need high soil fertility, which means they can do without these chemicals. And with just a small amount of nutrients, you can expect abundant yields.

  • Nutrients Are Returned to the Soil

Not only does hemp require minimal fertiliser, but it will also return nutrients to the soil. In fact, around 70% goes back down both during and after its growing cycle.

  • Low Water Demand

Similarly, you don’t need too much water to grow hemp plants. All you need is 12 to 15 inches[6] (1 to 1.3 feet) to see large yields.

Corn plants, however, need around 22 inches[7] (21.8 inches) of water to grow—almost twice as much.

The Advantages of Hemp Biofuel

  • All of the Plant Can Be Used

This is one of the biggest perceived advantages of using hemp for biofuel. Every part of the plant can potentially be utilised.

After you’ve extracted all the oil from the seed, you can use the leftover hull and seed matter for animal feed. The remaining fibres can also be used to make paper and other building materials.

  • Efficient Solid Fuel Source

Further research shows how hemp is a much more efficient solid fuel source compared to its counterparts. As a 2011 study[8] suggests, hemp’s adjusted biomass energy yield was 120% higher than wheat straw.

  • It Grows Faster and More Abundantly

Not only can hemp plants thrive in almost any given soil conditions, but they also grow much faster. All you need is a maximum of six months before harvest comes. It can grow up to 15 feet (4.5m) in height and yield an average of 700 pounds (~11216.9 oz) of grain per acre.

The Downsides of Hemp as a Biofuel

While there are advantages to using hemp for biofuel, the drawbacks are also worth noting.

  • Economic Disadvantages

One disadvantage of hemp biofuel is the cost. Because the production requires the extra step of pre-heating, it turns out to be more expensive compared to corn and sugarcane.

  • Potential Farming and Distribution Difficulties

A huge benefit of growing hemp is that it can thrive even in infertile soil, leaving the fertile land for cultivating food. The downside here is that infertile land is difficult to farm. As a result, it would be more difficult to distribute for mass processing. It could also lead to a potential rise in costs, and even carbon dioxide emissions.

The Downsides of Hemp as a Biofuel

  • Possible Deforestation

The mass production of hemp biofuel would mean more hemp plants would need to be harvested. But that high demand could lead to potential deforestation if proper regulations aren’t put into place.

  • Less Efficient Than Petrol

Biodiesel in itself is less efficient than petrol, regardless of its composition. According to a Penn State University study[9], biodiesel is at 117,000 BTUs compared to petrol’s 131,000 BTUs. Lower BTUs mean less power and potentially lower fuel economy.

  • A Debate Between Food and Fuel

Even if hemp can grow in marginal land, it would still be better off thriving in fertile soil. That could then spark a long discussion about whether food or hemp should be prioritised, which could be problematic down the line.

Do We Need Biofuel as a Society?

After years of carbon emissions, Mother Nature has taken a beating. With the promise of biofuel as a viable option for sustainable energy, we could use it as a society.

But considering the downsides, proper regulations need to be implemented before this goes into full effect, globally.

External Resources:
  1. Biodiesel Production from Locally Sourced Restaurant Waste Cooking Oil and Grease https://pubs.acs.org
  2. Genetically engineered crops for biofuel production: regulatory perspectives - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Economics of Biofuels https://www.epa.gov
  4. Carbon balance effects of U.S. biofuel production and use | SpringerLink https://link.springer.com
  5. Advantages and Challenges of Hemp Biodiesel Production https://www.diva-portal.org
  6. Industrial Hemp https://www.votehemp.com
  7. Forage and Food Crops http://extension.psu.edu
  8. Biomass and energy yield of industrial hemp grown for biogas and solid fuel - ScienceDirect http://www.sciencedirect.com
  9. Background for Economic Evaluation of Biofuel Use | EGEE 439: Alternative Fuels from Biomass Sources https://www.e-education.psu.edu
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: