A new Generation Of Biofuels
In current history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have become big business all over the world. Many countries have actually taken a keen interest in their continued manufacture and use, including establishing nations such as Brazil which is viewed as a world leader in biofuel development. Even smaller sized nations such as the UK currently utilize around one and a half million litres of biofuel a year and goal to increase this three-fold within the next 10 years.
But wait, there's an issue.
There is however a significant problem; with the increase in appeal of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" argument, links to food cost increases and impact of water resources to concerns over logging and loss of biodiversity there are mounting obstacles for the fuel to overcome.
But there is hope to be discovered in a variety of technologies broadly described as 2nd generation biofuels. Such fuels are produced from sustainable feedstock instead of the generally editable crops utilized in very first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) hence avoiding a lot of the issues pointed out formerly.
Expect the future
One such innovation is Algae Fuel, which can produce as much as three hundred times more oil per acre than traditional crops along with growing twenty to thirty times more quickly. As if these advantages weren't substantial enough it is also possible to cultivate algae on traditionally unusable land such as land stricken by dry spell or consisting of really high levels of saline.
Another extremely promising fuel is Cellulosic Ethanol which is just sustain produced from non-edible parts of plants (or indeed lawns and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some benefits with Algae fuel such as high per-acre performance however has the unique benefit that no special growing is . Cellulose is contained in practically all plants growing across the world.
Or should that be hope for the present?
These might seem like science-fiction but the fact of the matter is that by 2008 the United States was already producing twelve million litres of fuel from cellulosic ethanol with production centers capable for producing an extra eighty million gallons each year in advancement.
There is much to be thrilled about in the Biofuel industry from both a service and ecological perspective and continued growth especially in second generation technologies seems ensured. Such fast grown represents an exciting time for alternative energy production.
To keep up with the current advancements and market forecasts for alternative energy and biofuels it's suggested the reader accept professional biofuel market analysis.