Biofuel analysis sees new generations in 2-3 years

Biofuel analysis from Pike Research anticipates second and third-generation cellulosic feedstocks will begin to emerge in the coming two to three years.

According to the analyst, a lack of these has seen biofuels lag somewhat behind other applications of biomass.

These include biomass-driven energy generation and the use of biologically derived ingredients in products.

For biofuels, the problem stems from the need to break down lignocellulosic tissue in order to release the energy stored within.

Second and third-generation feedstocks are those designed to make this possible without the need for harsh chemicals or large input energy.

The biofuel analysis adds that "steady growth" in biomass infrastructure is likely until at least 2016, in spite of the vagaries of some government policy.

Pike Research president Clint Wheelock says: "While research and development initiatives are very active worldwide, the biomass industry also has many proven technologies that can exploit existing feedstock sources."