BIOFUELS SUPPLEMENT
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A bi-weekly summary of world developments on biofuels, produced by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology, International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications SEAsiaCenter (ISAAA)
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May 15, 2009
In This Issue:
News and Trends
- European Algae Biomass Association to be Launched
- Record High Global Oilseed Production Projected
Energy Crops and Feedstocks for Biofuels Production
- Shrub Willow as Bioenergy Crop
Biofuels Processing
- “Consolidated Bioprocessing” (CBP) for Cellulose Ethanol Production
Biofuels Policy and Economics
- Biomass Conversion for Transport Biofuel or for Electricity: Which is Better?
- Thailand’s Biofuel Consumption, Production and Other Impacts on Food Crops
- Study Recommends “Resetting Global Expectations” Surrounding Agri Biofuels
- Biofuels Industry and Policy in Ireland
* NEWS AND TRENDS *
European Algae Biomass Association to be Launched
http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=2672
http://www.eaba-association.eu/
The Biomass Magazine website reports that the University of Florence, the European Biodiesel Board, and some major stakeholders in the European Union's (EU) algae sector, have announced the launching of the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA). A General Assembly meeting is planned early June this year. The EABA aims to "foster synergies among science and industry, while cooperating with decision makers for the promotion of development in research and technology in the field of algae". There is continued interest in algae and aquatic biomass from the academic, industrial and governmental sectors, due to its potentially "wide range of third-generation low-carbon applications in the field of renewable energies, biofuels (including jet fuels), nutrients, pharmaceuticals, animal feed or biobased products (bioplastics, biocosmetics, etc.)". The EABA hopes to support the efforts of the various stakeholders, toward the realization of a sustainable algal industry, as Europe faces the challenges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to improve energy supply security. More information can be obtained from the EABA website (URL above)..
Record High Global Oilseed Production Projected
http://www.biofuels-news.com/industry_news.php?item_id=833
The Biofuels International website reports that global oilseed production is expected to reach a record high of 422.1 million tons in 2009, up from 25.9 million tons in the previous year. The record increase is attributed to the increased demand of the commodity for biofuel production. (The oils obtained from many of the oilseeds are raw materials for the production of biodiesel). The top countries with the highest demand for oilseeds are China, India and the European Union..
* ENERGY CROPS AND FEEDSTOCKS FOR BIOFUELS PRODUCTION *
Shrub Willow as Bioenergy Crop
http://www.thebioenergysite.com/news/3702/willow-planting-shows-bioenergy-crop-potentia
http://www.esf.edu/willow/
The Bioenergysite website reports that researchers at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) (Syracuse, New York, United States) are planting a 2.5 acre field of shrub willow. The trials which will attempt to show "the potential of shrub willow to grow on marginal agricultural land and provide wood chips that can be used as fuel in power plants, for heating, and as a feedstock for cellulosic biofuel". Shrub willows are reportedly being developed as a short-rotation woody (bioenergy) crop in temperate countries for the following reasons: (1) short-period, high biomass production, (2) ease of vegetative propagation, (3) broad genetic base, (4) ability to sprout after multiple harvests, (5) environmental and rural development benefits. According to Mary Wrege, a renewable energy educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County, "There is great potential to grow bioenergy crops in Oneida County, but farmers need to be convinced the system works before they commit to planting the crop and companies need enough producers to be assured of sufficient fuel or feedstock supply."
Related information:
Sustainability Assessment of Willow Biomass Crops
http://www.esf.edu/willow/pdf/2004%20esa_sustainability.pdf
Life Cycle Energy, Environmental and Economic Performance: Willow for Biomass Energy
http://www.esf.edu/willow/pdf/journals/Keoleian%20and%20Volk%20%202005.pdf
In a recent bioenergy conference, Bernard Rice, from the Oak Park Crops Research Centre (Carlow, Ireland) presented some insights into the biofuels industry/policy in Ireland. Although some progress has been made to develop a biofuel industry infrastructure in the country, investments in biofuels in Ireland have been reportedly held back due to: (1) price volatilities in feedstock prices, (2) cheap imports, (3) uncertainties over support measures, and (4) the food versus fuel debate. Despite these problems, however, some progress has been made on the following: (1) construction of four plant oil units, a biodiesel plant in New Ross, and a wood pellet plant in Knocktopher, (2) steady growth in the use of wood chips for commercial heating, and (3) establishment of a 2- hectare area for perennial energy crops (miscanthus and willow) cultivation. As with other European countries, the Irish biofuels policy is governed by the European Union's (EU) Renewable Energy Directive, which mandates a 20% target in the proportion of total energy to be obtained from renewable sources by 2020. The renewable energy target for transport fuels has been set to 10%. According to Rice, the development of a National Action Plan (as required by the EU Renewable Energy Directive), and "the change to an obligation system for transport biofuels" will be important in the development of biofuel production in Ireland in the coming decade. More information can be obtained Teagasc website (URL above).
Related information: Oakpark Research Centre website http://www.agresearch.teagasc.ie/oakpark/