In recent history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have ended up being huge business all over the world. Many countries have taken a keen interest in their continued manufacture and usage, including developing nations such as Brazil which is seen as a world leader in biofuel development. Even smaller countries such as the UK currently use around one and a half million litres of biofuel a year and objective to increase this three-fold within the next 10 years.
But wait, there's an issue.
There is nevertheless a significant problem; with the increase in popularity of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" dispute, links to food rate increases and effect of water resources to concerns over logging and loss of biodiversity there are installing challenges for the fuel to get rid of.
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 typically editable crops utilized in first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) hence preventing a number of the problems mentioned previously.
Hope for the future
One such innovation is Algae Fuel, which can produce as much as 3 hundred times more oil per acre than standard crops in addition to growing twenty to thirty times more quickly. As if these benefits weren't substantial enough it is likewise possible to cultivate algae on traditionally unusable land such as land stricken by drought or containing very high levels of saline.
Another hugely promising fuel is Cellulosic Ethanol which is merely fuel produced from non-edible parts of plants (or undoubtedly grasses and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some advantages with Algae fuel such as high per-acre productivity but has the distinct benefit that no unique cultivation is required. Cellulose is contained in practically all plants growing across the world.
Or should that be wish for today?
These may seem 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 additional eighty million gallons per year in development.
There is much to be thrilled about in the Biofuel market from both an organization and environmental point of view and continued development especially in 2nd generation innovations appears guaranteed. Such quick grown represents an exciting time for alternative energy production.
To keep abreast of the current developments and market forecasts for alternative energy and biofuels it's recommended the reader accept expert biofuel market analysis.