RESEARCH: Biofuel production from microalgae
March 25th, 2010 by CATF,Article: TM Mata et al (2010). Microalgae for biodiesel production and other applications: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Review. Vol. 14(1), pp. 217-232
Given the land use issues that arise from producing biofuels from terrestrial plants, some scientists have recommended the use of microalgae as an alternative biofuel feedstock. This paper outlines the current status of biofuel production from microalgae, discussing current methods and research in cultivation, harvesting and processing. A great overview for those with little understanding of how microalgae would work as a fuel source.
The full article can be downloaded here.
RESEARCH: Environmental feasibility comparison of palm seed biodiesel, Jatropha curcas biodiesel, and oil biodiesel.
July 3rd, 2009 by CATF,Article: MH Jayed et al (2009). Environmental aspects and challenges of oilseed produced biodiesel in Southeast Asia. Renewable and Sustainable Review. Vol. 13(9), pp. 2452-2462
Southeast Asia is a major producer of biodiesel from palm seed oil and from the Jatropha curcas plant. These feedstocks have environmental advantages over conventional diesels, but they also create their own environmental damages. This study compares the life cycles of palm seed biodiesel, Jatropha curcas biodiesel, and oil biodiesel to determine which is the most environmentally feasible in terms of yield rate, land use, engine emissions, and oxidation stability. Palm seed oil is found to be the most environmentally feasible feedstock in all categories except for the production of nitrous oxide, where petrol-based diesel is actually superior.
The full article can be downloaded here.
RESEARCH: Processes of biological component conversion into biofuels
February 12th, 2009 by CATF,Article: KR Jegannathan et al (2009). Harnessing biofuels: A global Renaissance in energy production? Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review. Vol. 13(8), pp.2163-2168
Jegannathan et al examine current research into the processes by which biological feedstocks are converted into biofuels. Bioethanol, biogas, and biodiesel can be produced using either chemical or biological catalysts. Conventional methods of production all use chemical catalysts, however, because the chemical processes are currently cheaper, although the biological processes are less damaging to the environment and are being heavily researched. The authors capably outline the typical production processes used to produce the three main biofuels.
The full article can be downloaded here.
CATF Supplemental Comments on MA ABTF Draft Summary Recommendations
March 19th, 2008 by CATF,Testimony and comments submitted by CATF concerning the biofuel policies proposed by the Massachusetts legislature and the state’s Advanced Biofuel Task Force.
Study: Land Use-Related GHG Emissions from Biodiesel Production Overwhelm Climate Benefits
February 7th, 2008 by CATF,A Clean Air Task Force-supported study by Tim Searchinger and Ralph Heimlich looks at a critical but under-explored issue in biofuels and climate: the effect of increasing demand for arable land to grow biofuels crops. The study concludes that the carbon dioxide releases from land use change – that is, from the land clearing that is needed to support biofuel production – overwhelm the emissions reductions typically associated with biodiesel use. The biodiesel study is a companion piece to an article by Searchinger et al. that focuses on the land use-related climate impacts of ethanol production. The ethanol study was published in the journal Science on February 7, 2008.
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CATF Testimony before the Massachusetts Advanced Biofuel Task Force
January 17th, 2008 by CATF,CATF testimony before the Massachusetts Advanced Biofuels Task Force to stress the importance of “careful, research-based deliberation in this policy arena.” The testimony advices against promoting policy that led to the displacement of food crops for energy crops production. The current push for biofuel policies must slow down until more is known of the potential negative indirect impacts of the fuel source. The exploration of niche biofuel policies are encouraged.
CATF Op-Ed on the “Biodiesel Fallacy” in the Boston Globe
November 26th, 2007 by CATF,The “carbon neutral” bioenergy fallacy leads to policies that may have detrimental impacts on the environment. Growing feedstocks for fuel may displace food crop production and detract from available land for natural ecosystem services. In addition, the proposed biodiesel mandate in Massachusetts fails to account for the indirect land use change impacts associated with the conversion of agricultural and natural ecosystem lands to feedstock production.
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