In current history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have become industry around the world. Many nations have actually taken an eager interest in their continued manufacture and usage, including establishing countries such as Brazil which is seen as a world leader in biofuel development. Even smaller nations such as the UK currently use around one and a half million litres of biofuel a year and objective to increase this three-fold within the next ten years.

But wait, there's an issue.

There is nevertheless a substantial issue; with the increase in appeal of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" dispute, links to food price boosts and effect of water resources to issues over logging and loss of biodiversity there are mounting obstacles for the fuel to overcome. But there is wish to be in a range of technologies broadly referred to as 2nd generation biofuels. Such fuels are produced from sustainable feedstock rather than the typically editable crops utilized in first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) hence preventing a number of the concerns discussed formerly.

Wish for the future

One such technology is Algae Fuel, which can produce as much as three hundred times more oil per acre than conventional crops in addition to growing twenty to thirty times faster. As if these advantages weren't substantial enough it is also possible to cultivate algae on traditionally unusable land such as land stricken by drought or including extremely high levels of saline. Another hugely appealing fuel is Cellulosic Ethanol which is simply sustain produced from non-edible parts of plants (or indeed yards and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some benefits with Algae fuel such as high per-acre productivity however has the special advantage that no special cultivation is needed. Cellulose is contained in practically all plants growing throughout the world.

Or should that be wish for the present?

These might seem like science-fiction however the fact of the matter is that by 2008 the United States was already producing twelve million litres of fuel from cellulosic ethanol with production facilities capable for producing an extra eighty million gallons per year in development. There is much to be thrilled about in the Biofuel industry from both an organization and environmental perspective and continued growth particularly in second generation innovations seems ensured. Such quick grown represents an exciting time for alternative energy production. To keep up with the newest developments and industry forecasts for alternative energy and biofuels it's recommended the reader accept expert biofuel market analysis.