A new Generation Of Biofuels
In current history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have actually ended up being huge company all over the world. Many countries have taken an eager interest in their continued manufacture and usage, including developing countries such as Brazil which is seen as a world leader in biofuel development. Even smaller nations such as the UK presently utilize around one and a half million litres of biofuel a year and objective to increase this three-fold within the next ten years.
But wait, there's an issue.
There is however a significant issue; with the increase in appeal of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" dispute, links to food price increases and impact of water resources to concerns over deforestation and loss of biodiversity there are mounting obstacles for the fuel to overcome.
But there is intend to be discovered in a range of innovations broadly referred to as second generation biofuels. Such fuels are produced from sustainable feedstock rather than the traditionally editable crops utilized in first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) hence preventing much of the concerns mentioned previously.
Hope for the future
One such technology is Algae Fuel, which can produce as much as three hundred times more oil per acre than standard crops as well as growing twenty to thirty times quicker. As if these advantages weren't significant enough it is also possible to cultivate algae on generally unusable land such as land stricken by dry spell or including very high levels of saline.
Another fuel is Cellulosic Ethanol which is merely sustain produced from non-edible parts of plants (or indeed grasses and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some benefits with Algae fuel such as high per-acre efficiency however has the unique benefit that no unique growing is needed. Cellulose is contained in almost all plants growing across the world.
Or should that be wish for today?
These may sound like science-fiction but the reality of the matter is that by 2008 the United States was already producing twelve million litres of fuel from cellulosic ethanol with production facilities capable for producing an extra eighty million gallons per year in development.
There is much to be delighted about in the Biofuel market from both a service and environmental viewpoint and continued growth especially in 2nd generation technologies appears guaranteed. Such rapid grown represents an interesting time for alternative energy production.
To keep abreast of the newest advancements and industry projections for alternative energy and biofuels it's recommended the reader postpone to professional biofuel market analysis.