ABSTRACT
Earth receives the sun energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Fossil fuels are generally formed under the earth. This chapter explains the formation mechanism of coal, petroleum oil, and natural gas. An internal combustion engine fueled with petroleum fuels during combustion emits harmful emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), NOx, and smoke/particulate matter. Biofuels are a viable option to tackle these issues. The increase in human population and economic activities will result in huge energy consumption. However, these energy demands cannot be met by fossil fuels as they are being depleted at a faster rate, resulting in a severe energy crisis. Internal combustion engines are also used extensively in decentralized power generation sectors. First-generation biofuels are produced from primary crops such as Jatropha curcas or Pongamia pinnata. Biofuel is known as a carbon-neutral fuel. The carbon stored in a plant is the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that is absorbed during the photosynthesis process.
