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Palm Oil as a Source of Alternative Energy
by Steve Hanson
Palm oil is currently the most commonly produced vegetable oil in the world. For many rural poor countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, income received from the production of palm oil is the sole source of income.
Palm oil is extremely versatile. While it is extremely high in saturated fats, it is almost solid at room temperature. However when heated, palm oil turns into a liquid. It is used for a variety of purposes, from producing margarine, to a source of alternative energy.
Palm Oil As Biodiesel
Palm oil is used as a fuel in biodiesel internal combustion engines. It is being researched as an alternative to crude oil for its benefits in reducing greenhouse gases and depleting the ozone layer. It is also a renewable source of energy, which means we can always get more; whereas energy sources such as crude oil are finite in their resources.
Greenhouse Gas Makes Palm Oil Inefficient
While it has been discovered that utilizing palm oil can help reduce greenhouse emissions, it is still not considered a safe alternative for the environment. In most cases, the bark of the palm tree is not used for anything, and is then burned as a bi-product of producing the oil. This actually emits more greenhouse gases into the ozone layer than we would save by using palm oil as a bio diesel fuel.
Oops! Palm Oil is a Finite Energy Source
We also need to evaluate how much forest clearing there is when we are trying to produce mass quantities of palm oil. If more forest is being cleared than being replaced, we have taken a renewable source of energy and turned it into a finite energy source.
Better Sources of Alternative Energy
There are other sources of renewable energy instead of bio diesels. We are currently actively researching wind power, solar power, and water power for lighting our homes and propelling our vehicles. While it is more difficult to harness the energy of wind, sun, and rain, it is a more environmentally friendly alternative to burning biofuels.
Biofuels Are Not The Answer
Many biofuels, while more environmentally friendly than crude oil, are still harmful to the environment. There is a lot of clearing of plant and forest life to obtain enough oil to produce a viable source of energy. A larger portion of the plant is wasted, as a result, instead of used. This results in a backup of waste, which takes up more space on our green earth.
Three fuels that don't take up valuable resources are wind, sun, and rain. If we could find an effective way to harness the power of the three main elements of life, we would have a viable energy source with infinite possibilities.
About the Author
The Energy Superstore was developed with a singular purpose: to enable residential, business and industrial customers to save energy in the most efficient and cost effective ways possible. With over 40 years of experience, we provide many tools including energy audits, products, and recommendations.
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