What is bioethanol fuel and how is it made?

Taking care of the planet is on everyone’s mind, and so we’ve all been exploring eco-friendly alternatives that we can easily work into our everyday lives. Bioethanol fuel is a green alternative to standard fossil fuels, and it can thankfully be used in many places ranging from cars to the generation of electricity. 

But what exactly is bioethanol fuel and what do we get out of using it? 

What is bioethanol fuel?

Bioethanol simply means ethanol created from biomass. It’s a renewable energy source produced from the fermentation of starch and sugars in plants. Bioethanol is a highly versatile product that can be used in multiple applications such as for transport fuel or in generating power. Here at Enviro-Flame, we supply and install specially-designed bioethanol fireplaces, for example. 

How is bioethanol fuel made?

The primary method of producing bioethanol involves the fermentation of sugar, extracted from crops such as maize, wheat, corn and even from some types of trees. 

The starch and sugars from these plants are broken down using acids or enzymes, before being fermented to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. Because this carbon dioxide has come from a carbon neutral source, namely plant crops, this makes it a cleaner and more eco-friendly option as opposed to using fossil fuels. 

The produced ethanol is then sometimes distilled if its water content is too high.

What are the benefits of bioethanol fuel?

There are several benefits of using bioethanol fuel that make it more favourable than its fossil fuel counterparts: 

• Carbon neutral: While the production of bioethanol fuel does produce carbon dioxide, this gas has come from a carbon neutral and renewable source e.g. crops, which absorb carbon dioxide to grow. This is in opposition to fossil fuels which come from an unsustainable source and only increases the overall carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. 
• Fewer harmful emissions: Standard fuels also produce other harmful emissions such as particulates and other greenhouse gases, which pollute our atmosphere. In comparison, bioethanol is a much cleaner fuel that does not have such a harmful, polluting effect since it only produces steam, heat and carbon dioxide. 
• Biodegradable: As it is produced from biomass, this fuel type is also biodegradable and will not linger. 
• No engine modification needed: Changes are not required to an engine before using bioethanol in a car, making it ready to use for the everyday driver. 
• High heat efficiency: In the case of fireplaces, bioethanol is a highly heat-efficient product that also does not require a chimney or flue, allowing even more of the heat to enter your space.

As we all look ahead, renewable and less harmful fuel sources will become all the more important in creating a greener, more sustainable future for us all.

Looking out for a bioethanol fireplace that maximises heat output and minimises environmental harm? Here at Enviro-Flame, we supply and install a wide range of stunning bioethanol fireplaces to suit your home or business – whether you prefer the sleek, modern style or a more traditional appearance. We serve customers across London so simply get in touch today.