In current history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have ended up being industry all over the world. Many countries have actually taken a keen interest in their continued manufacture and use, including developing countries such as Brazil which is seen as a world leader in biofuel advancement. Even smaller nations such as the United Kingdom presently use 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 a problem.
There is however a significant issue; with the boost in appeal of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" argument, links to food price boosts and effect of water resources to concerns over deforestation and loss of biodiversity there are mounting challenges for the fuel to overcome.
But there is intend to be found in a range of technologies broadly described as 2nd generation biofuels. Such fuels are produced from sustainable feedstock instead of the traditionally editable crops used in first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) therefore avoiding a number of the problems pointed out previously.
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 in addition to growing twenty to thirty times more rapidly. As if these benefits weren't substantial enough it is also possible to cultivate algae on traditionally unusable land such as land stricken by drought or containing really high levels of saline.
Another hugely appealing 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 but has the special advantage that no special cultivation is needed. Cellulose is included in virtually all plants growing throughout the world.
Or should that be hope for today?
These may sound 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 additional eighty million gallons per year in advancement.
There is much to be delighted about in the Biofuel industry from both an organization and eco-friendly point of view and continued development especially in second generation technologies appears ensured. Such quick grown represents an interesting time for alternative energy production.
To keep up with the newest advancements and industry projections for alternative energy and biofuels it's suggested the reader accept expert biofuel market analysis.