A new Generation Of Biofuels
In current history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have ended up being industry around the globe. Many countries have actually taken an eager interest in their continued manufacture and usage, including developing nations such as Brazil which is viewed 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 aim to increase this three-fold within the next ten years.
But wait, there's an issue.
There is however a significant problem; with the boost in appeal of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" argument, links to food price increases and effect of water resources to concerns over deforestation and loss of biodiversity there are mounting difficulties for the fuel to conquer.
But there is intend to be discovered in a variety of innovations broadly described as 2nd generation biofuels. Such fuels are from sustainable feedstock instead of the generally editable crops used in first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) hence avoiding numerous of the issues discussed previously.
Wish for the future
One such innovation is Algae Fuel, which can produce as much as 3 hundred times more oil per acre than conventional crops along with growing twenty to thirty times more quickly. As if these advantages weren't considerable enough it is also possible to cultivate algae on traditionally unusable land such as land stricken by drought or consisting of very high levels of saline.
Another hugely promising fuel is Cellulosic Ethanol which is just sustain produced from non-edible parts of plants (or certainly grasses and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some advantages with Algae fuel such as high per-acre efficiency but has the unique advantage that no unique growing is needed. Cellulose is contained in virtually all plants growing across the world.
Or should that be hope for today?
These might seem like science-fiction however the reality of the matter is that by 2008 the United States was currently producing twelve million litres of fuel from cellulosic ethanol with production centers capable for producing an additional eighty million gallons each year in development.
There is much to be delighted about in the Biofuel industry from both an organization and eco-friendly point of view and continued growth especially in 2nd generation innovations appears ensured. Such rapid grown represents an interesting time for alternative energy production.
To keep abreast of the latest advancements and market forecasts for alternative energy and biofuels it's suggested the reader accept expert biofuel market analysis.