Eleven researchers outlines what they believe to be the consensus position on what the biofuel industry needs to focus on to become more sustainable. They point out that biofuels are a great opportunity to lower GHG emissions, but that they must be done in a sustainable way. They point out that biofuels should only be supported if they positively impact energy security, greenhouse-gas emissions, biodiversity, and the sustainability of the food supply. They suggest that the biofuels industry focus on perennial plants grown on degraded agricultural lands, crop residues, sustainably harvested wood and forest residues, double crops and mixed cropping systems, and municipal and industrial wastes.
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Minnesota’s Renewable Fuel Standard now requires that diesel fuel contain a 5% blend of biodiesel, up from its previous requirement of 2%.
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This group would work together to ensure continued investment in biofuels plants, renewable generation plants, and other supporting facilities. It pushes for more widespread commercialization and adoption of biofuels.
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OriginOil and Desmet Ballestra are working together to process algae oil in a way that skips the energy-intensive dewatering process. This would reduce the energy intensity of the process by up to 90% and reduce costs to about $200 per metric ton of oil. This would produce straight vegetable oil (SVO) that could be used in modified engines or further refined into biodiesel.
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