Two things are apparent concerning the biofuels industry. First, they are entering a new era. Second, their future as well as the future of many chemicals is linked together. Today, SRI Consulting (SRIC) published its new report: 2008 Biofuels and the Impact on Chemicals, providing its most comprehensive study on phase II biofuels, bioethanol, biodiesel, biobutanol, and many other products.
Over the last several years the growth of biofuels has been phenomenal, even though they are still a minor part of the motor fuel market – and are apt to remain that way for some time.
Yet many companies are still developing new biofuel technologies and building new capacity, and many countries have ambitious plans for self-sufficiency through increased use of biofuels.
What event or events undertaken by the biofuels industry might most significantly affect its future? Perhaps the most significant is the rise of phase II biofuel producers and the technologies they are developing. Phase II is roughly defined as anything but ethanol and FAME biodiesel manufactured from food crops.
Bob Davenport, Director of SRIC's Safe and Sustainable Chemical series of reports and Author commented, "While phase II biofuels may break the food/fuel conundrum, interestingly, it may actually tie chemicals and fuels closer together at least as far as deriving these two products from biomass.
The technologies that may deliver new biofuels can also be applied to make "petrochemical" molecules – as well as other molecules, some new – from biomass."
Mr Davenport continued, "Technology hurdles are still many and these may pale compared to the roller-coaster ride of petroleum prices – yet it should be an 'interesting' ride nonetheless."
The 334 page Biofuels 2008 and the Impact on Chemicals report includes phase II biofuels, with over 100 industry participants identified. The potential of glycerin as a feedstock for other chemicals is covered extensively as well as quantification of chemical inputs for the manufacture of biofuels.
Additionally, virtually all of the crops for biofuels – edible and otherwise – are characterized.
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