Preface

摘要

Energy transformation and associated climate change are one of the greatest challenges facing mankind this century, and inextricably linked to population growth, poverty and public health. The global energy economy is evolving rapidly, reflecting, e.g., the popular uptake of commercial hybrid motor vehicles and domestic solar heating, development of combined heat and power plants and renewable wind, and spread of renewable wind, wave and geothermal technologies. Biofuels are one class of alternative energy technology that has already realized significant potential in the drive towards sustainable transportation policies, particularly within the Americas, where annual bioethanol production (derived from cereal and sugar crops) is now in the billions of gallons. Despite considerable recent controversy regarding the "food versus fuel" debate, there is no doubt that biofuels derived from appropriately sourced and managed plant crops will continue as important transportation fuel, either in their own right or as diesel or gasoline additives. Hence, it is crucial that their corresponding energy balances are maximised through innovative chemistry and engineering solutions.