Backed by financing guarantees and a favorable tax treatment plan under the current Bush administration, and with continuing strong support expected from Obama’s new government in 2009, next-generation biofuel R&D is being further pushed forward. Taking a big-picture view, this report describes the status of biofuel R&D in the United States and the comprehensive technology development and commercialization efforts unfolding now and in the future.
Introduction
In June 2008, the US Congress approved a new bill providing a sum of $75 million to hasten commercialization of biofuels. This new legislation provides for a maximum of 30% of the construction costs for biorefineries producing "advanced" biofuels. In addition, loan guarantees of $250 million for construction of such biorefineries have been introduced. This bill also authorizes $150 million per year in discretionary funding. Further, a new tax credit of $1.01 per gallon for biofuel produced from wood, grass and non-edible plant parts has been introduced.
The global economic recession that originated in America has now raised concern about the flow of investment into biofuel. However, in 2009, under the new Obama government, a comprehensive alternative energy policy that is linked to job creation would likely mean interest in biofuel production will continue.
In the current situation, next-generation biofuel R&D assumes non-food biomass sources instead of first-generation food-based biofuel. Cellulose-based ethanol is expected to be in competition with corn-based ethanol in the market in the future. In addition, third-generation biofuel R&D has already started, too.
The reason there will be no slowdown in R&D is that the new government will push 2.5 million gallons or more a year of cellulose-based ethanol production, and even stronger financial incentives and support in this area will be considered.
This report clarifies the present conditions and the future outlook from the viewpoint of technology R&D for the next generation of biofuel.
Chapter 1. Biofuel Market Status and Outlook in Food and Non-Food Feedstocks
Chapter 2. Non-Food Feedstock Biofuel Production Technology/Main R&D Companies
Chapter 3. Current Status of Operations: Pilot Plant Facilities for Non-Food Feedstocks
Chapter 4. Biofuel Businesses and Opportunities
(0 items)
