Next Generation Biofuels

Richard Hemmingsen
Director, University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment

If the price of a gallon of gasoline hasn’t gotten your attention lately, concerns about the environmental impacts of America’s fossil fuel addiction or national energy security likely have. In the face of such challenges, alternative fuels are rapidly being developed and commercialized.

Minnesota farmers were among the first to answer the call, producing ethanol, a “first generation” biofuel. In the United States, ethanol is produced primarily from corn. Globally, ethanol is made from a wide variety of starch- or sugar-based commodities such as sugar cane in Brazil and wheat in Europe. For diesel engines, U.S. farmers produce biodiesel primarily from soybeans, while rapeseed is the main crop in Europe and palm oil and jatropha are used in much of southeast Asia.

Why “Next Generation”?

Researchers in the U.S. and across the globe are actively pursuing technologies for the next generation of biofuels. As a result, we often hear terms such as “cellulosic ethanol” and “next generation biofuels.” There are several reasons why these alternative fuels must be developed. First generation renewable fuels such as corn-based ethanol and soy-based biodiesel cannot meet the burgeoning US and global demand for transportation fuels. There are also concerns regarding the “food vs. fuel” debate-should we divert crops currently used for food to fuel production? Furthermore, there are questions surrounding whether or not first generation biofuels provide the level of environmental benefits society desires.

Challenges Ahead

In moving to the next generation of biofuels, we must answer a number of questions. What kinds of feedstocks (plant materials) are best suited for biofuel production? How can we adapt existing crops or develop new ones specifically for energy production? How do we develop an infrastructure for transporting feedstocks to production facilities?

Scientific challenges need to be overcome in order to convert biomass to useable energy. Some experts have suggested that biological (enzyme-driven) conversion of plants to fuels is the answer. Others argue that thermo-chemical (heat) conversion is the best route. It’s likely that systems combining both heat and enzymes will be the long-term answer.

Significant efforts are being focused on the use of these next-generation biofuels. We need to better understand the types of engines or engine modifications required to efficiently utilize these fuels.

The next generation of fuels will need to be developed with an eye towards the environment. Researchers at the University of Minnesota are studying the potential for biofuels made from prairie grasses. Mixtures of native plant species promise higher yields of biomass per acre, fewer fossil fuel inputs and greater environmental benefits such as carbon capture, erosion control and wildlife and water protection.

Algae may hold the greatest potential of all. Early research shows that algae grown specifically for biofuels production could someday replace all of the oil currently being consumed in the United States.

Many experts have noted that there will not be a “silver bullet” to replace crude oil. Rather we will likely find a dizzying array of “silver buckshot” solutions. Whatever the future may hold, we need to move towards biofuels that support both the economy and the environment.

Act Locally

Minnesota Department of Commerce: Energy Information Center,
www.commerce.state.mn.us (Search for “Energy Info Center”)

Minnesota Ethanol—Ethanol, E85, Bio-Diesel, Biofuels, Renewable Fuels Directory,
www.mnethanol.com/biodir.php

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