Second generation biofuels look promising

摘要

Production of biofuels is being driven by a diverse range of factors as governments and industries around the world search for ways to transform how and from where we source energy. Key drivers include national security through reduced reliance on imported energy, reduction in fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas, (GHG) emissions, and opportunities to value add to waste streams. More than 150 second generation, lignocellulosic, (woody feedstock) biofuels projects are underway worldwide. Research and development and production technologies focus on feedstocks and conversion pathways that aim to reduce the social and environmental challenges facing some first generation biofuel production systems. Generally, lignocellulosic crops, residues and waste streams provide feedstocks for advanced biofuels which, compared to first generation biofuels and fossil fuels, are: