How are crude oil and biofuels different? Crude oil is a naturally occurring flammable liquid consisting of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds. It is recovered through oil drilling and fracking, and then refined and separated at large refineries, where it is made into things like gasoline, kerosene and asphalt. The use of crude oil affects the environment and contributes to global warming, as greenhouse gases and other pollutants are released into the air. More extensive damage is done to the ecosystem when oil spills occur. On the other hand, biofuels are those derived from biological materials like solid biomass, liquid fuels or biogases. The two most commonly known biofuels are bioethanol (used as a blend for gasoline) and biodiesel (used as a blend for diesel fuel). Ethanol is produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates produced normally in either corn or sugar. Biodiesel is generally produced through a process called transesterification. It has historically been produced from animal fats and vegetable oils, although many new feedstocks, like algae, continue to evolve.
Renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms like Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc., have experts in many different specialties within the bioeconomy, including biofuels. These alternative energy and energy consulting groups and their consultants have expertise in renewable fuels (ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, and synthetic diesel), renewable chemicals, renewable electricity, biomass energy, synthetic biology, biomass technologies (conventional and emerging), waste management, carbon related matters (carbon accreditation, carbon capture, carbon credits), and in the many bioproducts produced. We have experts in all these areas, as well as specialists in matters like algae biofuel, agitation systems, agricultural waste, waste management, bio jet fuel, biogas, climate change analysis, environmental permitting, enzyme technologies, renewable due diligence, and glycerin related matters. In small projects, we have just the right expert. In larger projects, we can assemble interdisciplinary teams, with one point of contact, to handle virtually any clean energy, green energy, renewable energy, energy finance, or any other renewable related matter, and many of our experts are available to serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation.
At Lee Enterprises Consulting, we have a number of Lee Enterprises has alternative energy and renewable experts who understand the production, use and upgrading of bio-oil. These experts understand biomass equipment and can assist with many types of alternative energy projects. They have evaluated dozens of technologies and have advised clients of those with the most promise for success. They can provide support through the technology development, permitting, construction and implementation stages of lignin processing. They have experience dealing with government programs that fund novel programs for lignin conversion. See a list of our experts and our services and areas of specialty. Feel free call or email us for more information.