Fourth Generation

Fourth generation biofuels are a fairly new sector of renewable energy. They use advanced technology to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. They are by far the cleanest biofuel of all the categories. Because of their recent discovery there hasn't been enough time to fully understand and develop the technologies necessary to harness the complete power of fourth generation biofuels.

Biochar

Biochar plays an important role in biofuels. It is a product of third generation biofuels and it is used to store large amounts of carbon for large periods of time, therefore it is considered fourth generation. It can also be used to help plants grow. Research has shown that biochar was increased soil fertility and plant harvests. Biochar helps soil retain nutrients and causes less water pollution. Minerals that pollute would have polluted the water are instead kept in the soil making it the soil healthier.

Carbon Capture And Storage

Carbon capture and storage is a system of taking pre-existing carbon dioxide and transporting it to a facility where it can be stored underground for extremely long periods of time. There are three main steps to this process. The carbon dioxide must first be captured, transported, then it has to be stored. One method to capture carbon is to mix hydrogens and carbons through gasification. This mixture contains hydrogens, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, which is then seperated into carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The carbon dioxide is then compressed and dehydrated where it can later be shipped. Another method is to burn fuel and add air the fuel. The byproducts are steam, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water. The carbon dioxide is then again compressed and dehydrated where it will then be shipped. Carbon dioxide can be transported a number of ways, either by ship, pipeline, snd motor vehicles. The storage of carbon is a very big deal, location is key. The carbon dioxide is usually placed somewhere far below Earth's surface in either old oil fields, and certain rock areas that contain extremely salty waters.