To what extent could Biofuels benefit the UK?

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Biofuels Today
Biofuels are a renewable alternative to fossil fuels grown from biomass.1 Technology which converts biomass to liquid fuels can be categorized as 1st or 2nd generation, 1st generation technologies utilise the sugar/starch or oilseed component of a plant to produce bioethanol or biodiesel respectively. 2nd gen technologies convert lignocellulosic material to ethanol. 2 Biofuels have a range of applications especially within the transport and electricity sectors.4,5 The UK was the first country to make a legal obligation to reduce CO2 emissions.6 The UK is aiming for a 60% emission reduction of 1990 standards by 2050 via fuel and sustainability obligations 7

Fig 1

Sources of 1st generation biofuels. 10

Fig 2 Generalised version of the Lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol production process.

The Benefits of Biofuels

As world population and global demand for fuel increases, Biofuels can increase fuel security as peak oil is reached.8 Emissions generated via combustion of biofuels is offset during the feedstock growing phase where CO2 is converted to carbohydrates via photosynthesis.1 Debate continues over the benefits of biofuels, but particulate matter and greenhouse gas emission reductions from the transport sector is likely.4 Carbon sequestration by feedstock could contribute to overall CO2 reductions.6 Increased biodiversity and decreased erosion and eutrophication can be expected.6,9 Job creation and diversification of the rural economy is possible 9

Fig3 CO2 Emission rankings1

Fig4 Current and estimated world population, and energy demand. 1

Fig5 Showing one of the potential environmental benefits of biofuels13

The Future of Biofuels

Acceleration of innovation. Interaction between Government, industry, business and society to realise benefits.3 Promotion of Biofuels via a supportive framework, allowing research and development to respond to the needs of the marketplace.3 Development of better fermentation techniques, new enzymes, Starch yield increase, efficient extraction processes and efficient logistical strategy to reduce cost and increase competitiveness of biofuels.12,7 Combination of process steps via technological development to further reduce costs and increase competitiveness 5 Biofuels become part of the UK's diverse and innovative renewable energy portfolio.13

Fig 6 Demand is high, But technological, policy and land limitations mean widescale production is unlikely.11

Fig7 Showing the potential future cost reduction of 2nd gen technology.5

Fig8 As oil based energy reaches its technical peak it is predicted that bio based energy will fill the gap before nuclear and renewable (such as solar/wind) takes over.3 1)Omer, A M.(2007)Energy, Environment and sustainable development.Renewable and sustainable energy reviews.12.2265-230. 2) Timilisna, G, Shrestha, A.(2010)How much hope should we have for biofuels?Energy xxx.1-15. 3)Wonglimpiyarat, J.(2010)Tecnological change of the innovation system: from oil based to biobased energy.Applied energy.87.749-755. 4)Hammond,G. Et al.(2008)Development of Biomass for the UK automotive market.Applied energy.85.506-515.5) Hamelinck,C. Et al.(2005)Ethanol from lignocellulosic Biomass: techno-economic performance in short, middle and long term.Biomass and bioenergy.28.384-410 6)Rowe,R. Et al.(2009)Identifying potential environmental impacts of large scale deployment of dedicated bio-energy crops in the UK.Renewable and sustainable energy reviews.(13)271-290 7) Taylor,G.(2008)Biofuels and the Biorefinary concept.Energy policy.36.4406-4409 8) Sims, R. et al.(2010)An overview of second generation biofuel technologies.Bioresource Technology.101.1570-1580 9)Varela,M. Et al.(2000)Large scale economic integration of electricity from short rotation woody crops.Solar energy.70(2)95-10710)Demirbas,A.(2008)Biofuel sources, Biofuel policy, Biofuel economy and global biofuel projections.Energy conservation and management.49.2106-2116 11)Wiesenthal,T.Et al.(2009)Biofuel support policies in Europe: lessons learned for the long way ahead.Renewable and sustainable energy reviews.13.789-800 12) Koh, L, ghazoul, J.(2008)Biofuels biodiversity and people; understanding the conflicts and finding opportunities. Biological conservation.141.2450-2460 13) Ryan,L. Et al.(2006) Stimulating the use of biofuels in the European union, Implications for climate change policy. Energy policy.34.3184-3194.