Emerging Technologics for second Generation of Biofules

The global market for biofuels is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Most analysts are predicting particularly strong growth fostered by second generation biofuels. In February 2007, EU energy ministers agreed to increase the share of biofuels used in road transport to 10% by 2020.

The strongest players at the fuel market are focused on crucial emerging second generation biofuels - those produced from non-food feedstocks such as residues from agriculture, from forestry or from waste. By using nonfood feedstocks, such as woodchips and straw, second generation biofuels do not compete with food crops and they offer an efficient way to manage agricultural waste. They also offer greater CO2 reduction benefits. It is expected that WTW CO2 reduction can be reduced by 90 % when using biofuels at 100 % concentration. And - if produced on a commercial scale, biofuels have the potential to reach price parity with conventional gasoline and diesel. Significant commercial quantities of competitive biofuels are, however, still not expected to become available for the next 5 to 10 years.

Michal Šingliar – Miroslav Dolnák