A report from the IEA (International Energy Agency) analyzes the impact and limitations of so-called “first generation biofuel feedstocks”, which are available on the market, and the promises and potential of “second generation energy crops”, which are still in development.<\/b><\/p>\n
The authors differentiate between “good” and “less good” 1-generation biofuels. “Good” biofuels such as sugarcane ethanol have GHG emission avoidance potential; are produced sustainably; can be cost effective without government support mechanisms; provide useful and valuable co-products; and, if carefully managed with due regard given to sustainable land use, can support the drive for sustainable development in many developing countries. “Less good” biofuels such as vegetable oil-based biodiesel, are being criticised with regard to their relatively low GHG emissions avoidance; unsustainable production relating to deforestation, water use, and land management; competition for food crop feedstocks pushing up food commodity prices; and the need for generous government support schemes to remain competitive even after the technologies have become mature. <\/p>\n
The report analyzes the technical challenges that must be hurdled in industrial biofuel production from second generation feedstocks, and the current policies to support their development. Despite political support for 2 generation biofuels, the report expects their successful commercialisation to take another decade or so. Even after 2020 or thereabouts, when 2nd-generation biofuels could become a much more significant player in a global biofuels market, the market will be characterised by a balance between 1st- and 2nd-generation technologies.<\/p>\n