In recent history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have ended up being industry around the world. Many countries have taken a keen interest in their continued manufacture and use, consisting of developing countries such as Brazil which is seen as a world leader in biofuel advancement. Even smaller nations such as the UK currently use around one and a half million litres of biofuel a year and goal to increase this three-fold within the next ten years.
But wait, there's an issue.
There is nevertheless a substantial issue; with the increase in popularity of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" debate, links to food cost increases and impact of water resources to issues over logging and loss of biodiversity there are mounting difficulties for the fuel to conquer.
But there is intend to be found in a variety of innovations broadly referred to as 2nd generation biofuels. Such fuels are produced from sustainable feedstock instead of the traditionally editable crops used in very first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) thus avoiding a lot of the issues discussed previously.
Expect the future
One such technology is Algae Fuel, which can produce as much as three hundred times more oil per acre than traditional crops in addition to growing twenty to thirty times more quickly. 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 consisting of very high levels of saline.
Another extremely promising fuel is Cellulosic Ethanol which is merely fuel produced from non-edible parts of plants (or certainly yards and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some advantages with Algae fuel such as high per-acre performance however has the distinct benefit that no special growing is required. Cellulose is contained in almost all plants growing across the world.
Or should that be wish for the present?
These may sound like science-fiction however the truth 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 each year in development.
There is much to be thrilled about in the Biofuel industry from both a business and environmental viewpoint and continued development especially in second generation technologies seems ensured. Such quick grown represents an exciting time for alternative energy production.
To keep abreast of the current advancements and market forecasts for alternative energy and biofuels it's recommended the reader accept expert biofuel market analysis.