In recent history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have become industry worldwide. Many countries have taken a keen interest in their continued manufacture and usage, consisting of developing countries such as Brazil which is viewed as a world leader in biofuel advancement. Even smaller sized nations such as the UK presently 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 a problem.
There is nevertheless a substantial issue; with the increase in appeal of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" argument, links to food price increases and impact of water resources to issues over logging and loss of biodiversity there are installing obstacles for the fuel to conquer.
But there is intend to be discovered in a range of technologies broadly referred to as 2nd generation biofuels. Such fuels are produced from sustainable feedstock rather than the traditionally editable crops used in first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) thus avoiding many of the concerns pointed out formerly.
Wish 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 along with growing twenty to thirty times quicker. As if these advantages weren't considerable enough it is also possible to cultivate algae on typically unusable land such as land stricken by drought or consisting of 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 turfs and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some advantages with Algae fuel such as high per-acre productivity but has the special benefit that no unique cultivation is required. Cellulose is included in almost all plants growing throughout the world.
Or should that be wish for today?
These may seem like science-fiction however the fact of the matter is that by 2008 the United States was currently producing twelve million litres of fuel from cellulosic ethanol with production facilities capable for producing an additional eighty million gallons annually in advancement.
There is much to be delighted about in the Biofuel market from both a company and eco-friendly viewpoint and continued development especially in second generation technologies seems ensured. Such fast grown represents an interesting time for alternative energy production.
To keep abreast of the most recent developments and market forecasts for alternative energy and biofuels it's suggested the reader defer to professional biofuel market analysis.