Many energy experts believe biofuels are the future of energy. Thus, millions of dollars are being currently spent on research and manufacturing of biofuels. Below you can find the most commonly researched biofuels and details about each.

Corn: With America producing much more corn than it can possibly use each year, corn makes an ideal ingredient for energy. With an input/output ratio of 1:1.3, it does seem likely corn could contribute to a greener environment. Corn ethanol can be produced for approximately $1.09 per gallon and offers 22% less greenhouse emissions than gasoline.

Sugarcane: Sugarcane seems like a terrific biofuel option, with an input/output ratio of 1:8, which means only 1 volume of fossil fuel is required to make 8 volumes of this biofuel replacement. Cane ethanol is most often produced in Brazil for approximately $0.87 per gallon and offers 56% less greenhouse emissions than gasoline.

Cellulose: Cellulose carries the lowest ratio of these biofuels at 1:36. However, it’s still very much in the research phases. Some common sources include paper pulp, household waste, forestry waste and leftover crop portions. While cellulose is not currently being produced as a biofuel, it would potentially offer 91% less greenhouse emissions than gasoline.

Biodiesel: Currently produced in Germany, biodiesel offers a ratio of 1:2.5 and offers 68% less greenhouse emissions than gasoline. Produced from canola, Germany produced .5 billion gallons in 2006 alone.

Overall, all of the biofuels have their own benefits. While some are further along in regards to manufacturing and research, others are just hitting the scene as possibilities.