In recent history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have actually become industry around the world. Many countries have actually taken a keen interest in their continued manufacture and use, consisting of establishing nations such as Brazil which is seen as a world leader in biofuel advancement. Even smaller sized nations such as the United Kingdom presently use around one and a half million litres of biofuel a year and aim to increase this three-fold within the next 10 years.
But wait, there's a problem.
There is however a substantial issue; with the increase in appeal of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" debate, links to food cost boosts and impact of water resources to issues over deforestation and loss of biodiversity there are installing difficulties for the fuel to overcome.
But there is wish to be found in a variety of technologies broadly described as second generation biofuels. Such fuels are produced from sustainable feedstock instead of the traditionally editable crops utilized in very first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) therefore preventing many of the concerns mentioned formerly.
Expect the future
One such innovation is Algae Fuel, which can produce as much as 3 hundred times more oil per acre than traditional crops as well as growing twenty to thirty times quicker. As if these benefits weren't substantial enough it is likewise possible to cultivate algae on generally unusable land such as land stricken by drought or containing extremely high levels of saline.
Another extremely appealing fuel is Cellulosic Ethanol which is simply sustain produced from non-edible parts of plants (or indeed grasses and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some advantages with Algae fuel such as high per-acre efficiency however has the special advantage that no special growing is needed. Cellulose is contained in virtually all plants growing across the world.
Or should that be wish for today?
These might 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 facilities capable for producing an additional eighty million gallons each year in development.
There is much to be delighted about in the Biofuel market from both a business and eco-friendly perspective and continued development particularly in 2nd generation technologies seems guaranteed. Such fast grown represents an interesting time for alternative energy production.
To keep abreast of the most recent advancements and industry projections for alternative energy and biofuels it's suggested the reader defer to professional biofuel market analysis.