In recent history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have actually become industry worldwide. Many countries have taken an eager interest in their continued manufacture and usage, including establishing nations 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 objective to increase this three-fold within the next ten years.
But wait, there's an issue.
There is however a substantial problem; with the boost in popularity of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" debate, links to food price increases and effect of water resources to issues over deforestation and loss of biodiversity there are mounting challenges for the fuel to get rid of.
But there is wish to be discovered in a range of innovations 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.) therefore avoiding a number of the issues discussed previously.
Hope for the future
One such technology 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 faster. As if these advantages weren't considerable enough it is also possible to cultivate algae on generally unusable land such as land stricken by drought or containing very high levels of saline.
Another hugely appealing fuel is Cellulosic Ethanol which is simply sustain produced from non-edible parts of plants (or certainly yards and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some benefits with Algae fuel such as high per-acre efficiency but has the unique benefit that no unique cultivation is needed. Cellulose is consisted of in virtually all plants growing throughout the world.
Or should that be wish for the present?
These might 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 centers capable for producing an extra eighty million gallons annually in advancement.
There is much to be excited about in the Biofuel market from both a service and eco-friendly perspective and continued development particularly in second generation innovations seems ensured. Such quick grown represents an interesting time for alternative energy production.
To keep up with the current developments and market forecasts for alternative energy and biofuels it's suggested the reader delay to expert biofuel market analysis.
