IEA Report Analyzes Shift from First to Second Generation Biofuel Feedstocks

A report from the IEA (International Energy Agency) analyzes the impacts and limitations of first generation biofuel feedstocks, and the growing interest in the shift toward the use of second generation energy crops.  First-generation feedstocks are generally those which are derived from food sources (such as corn for ethanol and soybean for biodiesel).  These have been found to have “limited capabilities for oil product substitution, and climate change”.  Furthermore, these feedstocks have sustainability issues.  The cultivation of first generation feedstocks may cause “undue competition for land and water used for food/fiber production”.  Interest in the use of second generation (non-food based) feedstocks (such as agricultural residues, vegetative grasses and short-rotation forest trees) have arisen because these are seen to avoid the “concerns facing first generation feedstocks”.  Furthermore, second generation energy crops are said to have a long term cost reduction potential.  The report also analyzes the technical challenges that must be hurdled in industrial biofuel production from second generation feedstocks, and the current policies to support their development.  The full report can be obtained at the IEA website (URL above).