Second-Generation Biofuels : Economics and Policies

Carriquiry, Miguel A. ; Du, Xiaodong ; Timilsina, Govinda R.

关键词: ACID;    AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES;    AGRICULTURAL LAND;    AGRICULTURAL RESIDUE;    AGRICULTURAL RESIDUES;   

DOI  :  10.1596/1813-9450-5406
RP-ID  :  WPS5406

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

Recent increases in production ofcrop-based (or first-generation) biofuels have engenderedincreasing concerns over potential conflicts with foodsupplies and land protection, as well as disputes overgreenhouse gas reductions. This has heightened a sense ofurgency around the development of biofuels produced fromnon-food biomass (second-generation biofuels). This studyreviews the economic potential and environmentalimplications of production of second-generation biofuelsfrom a variety of various feedstocks. Althoughsecond-generation biofuels could significantly contribute tothe future energy supply mix, cost is a major barrier toincreasing commercial production in the near to medium term.Depending on various factors, the cost of second-generation(cellulosic) ethanol can be two to three times as high asthe current price of gasoline on an energy equivalent basis.The cost of biodiesel produced from microalgae, aprospective feedstock, is many times higher than the currentprice of diesel. Policy instruments for increasing biofuelsuse, such as fiscal incentives, should be based on therelative merits of different types of biofuels.