The Next Generation of Biofuels

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http://www.renewableaccess.com/rea/news/story;jsessionid=12C4FAAADDAE6ED96061E3B6511B44B9?id=49099

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The First, Second & Third Generation

Ethanol 2020 identifies three transitional generations of biofuels emerging in the next ten years. The first generation, or 1G, according to Thurmond, is based on traditional domestic production, economics and feedstocks—generally grown and sold near geographically agricultural areas.

The second generation, or 2G, is based on the increasing transition of ethanol production facilities from traditional agricultural areas to new areas in coastal regions in order to take advantage of import, export, multi-feedstock and refinery co-location advantages.

In addition, this second phase addresses the food versus fuel debate, supported by emerging trends in increased production and consumption of non-corn and non-food fuel crops such as sorghum and switchgrass.

This is also true for biodiesel, where non-food feedstocks such as algae and jatropha produce significantly higher returns per acre, and do not compromise food supplies or stimulate higher food prices.

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