Second-generation biofuels and local bioenergy systems

First-generation biofuels, mainly from corn and other food-based crops are being used as a direct substitute for fossil fuels in transport. However, they are available in limited volumes that do not make them serious replacements for petroleum. Second-generation biofuels from forest and crop residues, energy crops and municipal and construction waste, will arguably reduce net carbon emission, increase energy efficiency and reduce energy dependency, potentially overcoming the limitations of first-generation biofuels. Nevertheless, implementation of second-generation biofuels technology will require a sustainable management of energy, or development of local bioenergy systems. This study aims at identifying second-generation biofuel feedstock. It also provides information on the available technologies to produce second-generation biofuels. Finally it discusses the development of local bioenergy systems vs sustainable use of second-generation biofuels. Locally produced second-generation biofuels will exploit local biomass to optimize their production and consumption. (c) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd