Biofuels in Perspective

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Biofuels in Perspective

• William H. Klausmeier, Ph.D.

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U.S. consumes 25 of worlds oil!
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Biofuels technologies

• Ethanol Industry is experiencing growing pains,
  high expectations for new technology
• Biodiesel Steady growth in demand, new projects
  using waste oil under development
• Biogas Promising but development still
  sluggish. Much more needs to be done

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Principles of biofuels development

• Systems thinking Take all project
  considerations into account.
• Conservation of ecosystem services Retain
  natural ecosystems to fullest extent possible to
  realize their intrinsic benefits.
• Scale alignment Develop technology for
  sustainability at appropriate scales.
• Adopted by the Ecological Society of America
  

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Ethanols role in corn markets continues to
increase
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Only cellulosic ethanol makes sense from an
energy standpoint
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Cellulosic ethanol has its place but in
well-conceived niches

• Fermentation of grass straw is an attractive
  alternative to field burning
• Mash after distillation plus other wastes (ie
  food processing wastes) can be digested to
  produce biogas to run plant.
• Treated municipal wastewater can be used for
  process water.
• Fermenter carbon dioxide might be used to grow
  algae for biodiesel or boost greenhouse yields.

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Douglas Fir utilization for ethanol presents
unique challenges

• Douglas Fir is highly resistant to biological
  conversion Processes are very complex
• Gasification is more promising but is just now
  being commercialized.
• Need clean technologies that are viable at small
  scales.
• Pyrolysis is a promising means for taking the
  technology to the supply.

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Pyrolysis is an intriguing possibility
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Local biodiesel utilization is growing

• Sequential Biofuels is now producing biodiesel
  from Eastern Oregon canola
• There are still no local biodiesel seed crops.
  Biodiesel from microalgae is a promising
  possibility
• Expanded utilization of spent cooking oil is
  apparent several projects are under
  consideration

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Biogas has great potential for small scale energy
production

• Technology is simple
• Production is right sized for many needs
• Systems are inexpensive and easy to operate
• Technology grossly underdeveloped locally
  relative to its potential

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Conclusions

• Biofuels do have a significant role in our energy
  future
• Megaprojects are ill-advised and unlikely
• Appropriate technology will be a blend of
  old-fashioned knowhow and recent innovations