US biofuel analysis suggests next-gen sources have potential

Biofuel analysis undertaken in the US indicates that next-generation sources of energy may hold more potential for the country's utilities sector than alternatives like bioethanol.

The problem with ethanol, according to Purdue University scientists, is simply a lack of infrastructure to deliver the commodity to end-users.

Without more infrastructure in place, the researchers claim it is simply not possible for the US to reach the targets for ethanol use laid out by legislators.

Instead, their biofuel analysis calls for greater use of cellulosic feedstocks and next-generation energy sources.

Next-generation biofuels are engineered to achieve more efficient yields and reduce the input energy required to break down lignocellulosic plant tissue to release its power potential.

Although about 100 ethanol pumps are installed each year in the US, many motorists are unaware that they can use the fuel in their vehicles - and the report's author adds that infrastructure expansion would need to scale up if legislators' ambitions are to be met.

Wally Tyner, professor of agricultural economics at Purdue, says: "We would need to install about 2,000 pumps per year through 2022 to do it."