Bioethanol in the Service of the GREEN TRANSITION

At the end of 2020, the heads of state and government of the European Union agreed on a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, across the entire EU. According to our then-Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, the agreement is crucial to reasonably pace the journey towards climate neutrality in Europe by 2050.

Despite Estonia having already reduced emissions by 62% compared to 1990 levels as of 2019, the country has committed to achieving a 70% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030.

Note! Since the combustion of bioethanol releases only heat, steam, and carbon dioxide, using it as a heat source actively contributes to achieving climate neutrality.

Definition and Classification of Biofuels

In energy terms, a fuel is a substance that, when chemically combined with an oxidizer (commonly oxygen), releases a large amount of heat.

A substance is considered a fuel if it meets the following conditions:

  • Sufficient reserves or renewability in nature,
  • Good accessibility and relatively simple production,
  • Fast and efficient reaction with an oxidizer,
  • Non-hazardous environmental combustion residues.

Like fossil fuels, biofuels are classified as solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels.

  • Solid biofuels are mostly wood-based, herbaceous, fruit-based, or mixed with various additives.
  • Liquid biofuels do not naturally occur and are obtained through mechanical, biological, and thermochemical conversion of biomass. According to the European Union directive, liquid biofuels include bioethanol, biodiesel, biomethanol, and other biofuels.
  • Gaseous biofuels also do not naturally occur. While methane-rich marsh gas is produced through natural fermentation processes, it is not used as a fuel. Gaseous biofuels are obtained through fermentation or thermochemical means, the most known being biogas (including landfill gas), biohydrogen, and synthetic biogas.

The Minimal Footprint of Bioethanol

Bioethanol is a fully renewable energy source made from the fermentation of any plant material containing sugar or starch, such as wheat, corn, sugar beets, sugarcane, or other crops. Production technologies for bioethanol are continuously improving, and it can now even be produced from potato peels and fruit waste.

Bioethanol Production Process

Bioethanol is a fuel produced through the decomposition of organic waste. For example, in the case of sugarcane, the juice is extracted and fermented. Ethanol is obtained by distilling the fermented sugar or starch. Bioethanol burns completely, releasing heat, a bit of water vapor, and carbon dioxide.

Properties of Bioethanol

Toxicity: Bioethanol is denatured with various substances to prevent ingestion in its pure form. This process also makes the use of bioethanol safer and simplifies the sales process.

Flammability: Bioethanol is a highly flammable liquid, classified as flammability class 1B and transport class PGII. The storage of bioethanol is regulated by national standards. In Estonia, bioethanol storage and handling are regulated by specific laws.

Usage Possibilities

The most widespread use of bioethanol is as an additive to motor fuels, reducing vehicle greenhouse gas emissions by about 20%. However, this can sometimes lead to a decrease in engine performance, leading to ongoing debates about the advisability of using bioethanol as a motor fuel additive.

Bioethanol also has a rapidly expanding use in another area. Because it burns completely, with combustion residues being only room-filling heat, a bit of water vapor, and carbon dioxide, bioethanol is considered an ideal fuel for biofireplaces.

Why Prefer a Biofireplace?

A biofireplace uses environmentally friendly bioethanol, which is made from fully renewable biomass. Setting aside the significant environmental benefits, adopting a biofireplace is very simple and does not require extensive construction work to build a chimney or flue.

You simply place the biofireplace in the desired location, pour bioethanol into the combustion chamber, and light it with a match. The gently flickering flame soon fills the room with cozy warmth.

Because there is no need for a chimney or flue, you can place a biofireplace anywhere you wish – in a country house, a grand mansion, a hotel lobby, or on the table in a living room of an apartment building. Some fireplace models are even portable and can be wheeled into another room.

A biofireplace is an environmentally friendly and modern alternative for enjoying a live fire. The heat generated by the combustion of bioethanol stays in the room for some time and can last until morning in properly insulated buildings.