The Future of Biofuels

This is an in-depth look at the future of Biofuels from the USDA's publication Amber Waves.

The Future of Biofuels: A Global Perspective

Biofuels will likely be part of a portfolio of solutions to high energy prices, including conservation, more efficient energy use, and use of other alternative fuels.

William Coyle

Global biofuel production tripled between 2000 and 2007, but still accounts for less than 3 percent of the global transportation fuel supply.

Increased biofuel demand has contributed to higher world food and feed prices.

Biofuels will likely be part of a portfolio of solutions to high energy prices, including conservation, more efficient energy use, and use of other alternative fuels.

With near record oil prices, the future of biofuel—made from plant material—is of keen interest worldwide. Global biofuel production has tripled from 4.8 billion gallons in 2000 to about 16.0 billion in 2007, but still accounts for less than 3 percent of the global transportation fuel supply. About 90 percent of production is concentrated in the United States, Brazil, and the European Union (EU). Production could become more dispersed if development programs in other countries, such as Malaysia and China, are successful. The leading raw materials, or feedstocks, for producing biofuels are corn, sugar, and vegetable oils.

While rapid expansion in biofuel production has raised expectations about potential substitutes for...(complete article here).