Technological Options for Bioenergy Development

A report from the Food Policy and Research Institute (IFPRI) presents an overview of technological options for bioenergy production and how these options could be harnessed for application in developing countries:

(1) The first generation technologies are processes utilizing traditional energy feedstocks such as (a) saccharine or starchy materials for ethanol production by the biochemical route (fermentation or enzymatic)), (b) oilseed crops such as soybean, palm, and rapeseed for biodiesel production by the chemical or enzymatic route , (c) and agricultural wastes/residues like wood chips and animal manure which can be burned directly or process into biogas (by fermentation) for fuel. First generation technologies have been refined and improved over the years, but challenges remain with respect to making the bioenergy product cost competitive relative to fossil fuels.

(2) The second generation technologies are those which utilize cellulose-rich biomass for ethanol production (by fermentation and/or enzymatic methods) or for hydrocarbon fuel production (by thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis or gasification). The second generation technologies (presently in active R and D) are said to have the following advanges: non-competition of cellulosic biomass with food crops, possible cultivation of cellulosic biomass in low-rainfall, poor soils.

(3) developing countries could leapfrog first generation technologies for their transport and electricity requirements. With respect to cellulosic feedstocks in second generation technologies, small-farm production would be beneficial in uplifting way of life for rural farmers; however, they organizing small farmer groups to market their produce to large scale processors may be needed.