Biofuels
Fossil fuels and biofuels are similar in one important way. The energy locked within them is the result of photosynthesis. Because the energy in fossil fuels and biofuels comes from the Sun, you could say they are both a form of solar energy.
Fossil fuels formed from the remains of plants and animals, which lived millions of years ago (ancient biomass). Those plants and animals stored energy in their cells. We release that energy when we burn fossil fuels. Biomass has stored energy too. Biofuel processing plants convert that energy into oil and alcohol fuels we use today.
Fuel for Thought
Animals benefit from photosynthesis too. Since animals cannot make their own food, they eat plants, or other animals that eat plants. Animals get their energy from the sugars and starches in plants.