Understanding the Concept of Agro-fuels and Bioenergy (Essay Sample)

The concepts Agrofuels and bioenergy are often used interchangeably, however, Agrofuels describe liquid bioenergy fuels like biodiesel as well as bioethanol. Agrofuels (also known as biofuels) are normally derived from plants rather than oil or other fossil fuels, whereas bioenergy is a form of renewable energy produced from biomass, the recently living organic materials (Rodríguez, 2021). Notably, agrofuels and bioenergy are both carbon-neutral sources of energy; hence environmentally friendly. Agrofuels and bioenergy are deemed eco-friendly because the carbon dioxide released during vegetation (green cover) balances out with that absorbed by newly planted ones. Like other sources of energy, these two have both benefits and drawbacks.
The proponents of carbon-neutral and renewable sources of energy argue that there are little or no emissions of greenhouse gases. According to Wilson (2012), plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, and when they die regardless of the cause, the stored CO2 is released back into the air within an age-old cycle that does not add any extra greenhouse into the system as compared to when burning fossil fuels. Another advantage is that the production of agrofuels and bioenergy is a simple way of managing or reducing wastes in the environment, and thus controlling debris. Besides, apart from minimal energy loss, they are useful in stabilizing soils, proving soil fertility as well as controlling erosion. Unlike coal, gas, and oil, biofuels and bioenergy are alternative sources for renewable energy since plants and animal materials are readily available (Wilson, 2012). Although the two sources of energy are beneficial to the environment, they exhibit significant downsides.
First, adequate production of agrofuels/bioenergy requires plenty of crops and forestry, and thus puts serious pressure on land use, increasing deforestation. Secondly, the production of these energies may increase levels of carbon emissions, especially when generating ethanol from corns (The Guardian, 2011). Huge quantities of GHGs may result from the tractors, fertilizers used, or processing plants. Similarly, biodiesel production from palm oil may contribute a huge carbon footprint and other adverse consequences to biodiversity. Lastly, the processes leading to their production are expensive, considering the costs associated with harvesting, extraction, transportation, and handling of biomass (Good Energy, 2019).