Biofuel Production: Frequently Asked Questions

We estimate $150-250 per metric ton of algae biomass. This includes electricity, manpower, and nutrients and depends on the location and size of the facility.

Second-generation biofuel production convert non-food stuffs like woodchips, grasses, straw and other plant-waste into biofuels. These processes require enhanced pre-treatment of the biomass to breakdown the ligno-cellulosic structure before converting it to biofuel.

The United States and Brazil both produced approximately 16 billion litres of ethanol in 2005. Brazil was the world's leader in biofuels production for many years, until recently surpassed by the United States. Germany produces the most biodiesel among countries in the world, accounting for almost 2 billion litres in 2005. Source: F.O. ...

Almost none. The necessary equipment is generally available on the farm. Planting an improved species is an option, but the current species in a mixed meadow will work. Harvest in mid to late summer can be accomplished at off-peak labor times.

The best resource for information on both biodiesel and ethanol producers are their respective industry associations: The National Biodiesel Board The Renewable Fuels Association The Biobased Manufacturers' Association . Other biomass energy trade associations are linked on the OBP website . The Biomass Program at DOE and the USDA - DOE Biomass Initiative do conduct some projects with industry research partners, awarded via independently assessed competitive solicitations. ...

The best resource for information on both biodiesel and ethanol producers are their respective industry associations: The National Biodiesel Board The Renewable Fuels Association The Biobased Manufacturers’ Association. Other biomass energy trade associations are linked on the government’s Office of Biomass Policy website. The Biomass Program at DOE and the USDA - DOE Biomass Initiative do conduct some projects with industry research partners, awarded via independently assessed competitive solicitations. ...

The best resource for information on both biodiesel and ethanol producers are their respective industry associations: The National Biodiesel Board The Renewable Fuels Association The Biobased Manufacturers' Association Other biomass energy trade associations are linked on the OBP website . The Biomass Program at DOE and the USDA - DOE Biomass Initiative do conduct some projects with industry research partners, awarded via independently assessed competitive solicitations.

Mixed grass stands cut once a year with regrowth left in the field to provide soil organic matter as well as wildlife cover should persist indefinitely. A shift in species composition or an increase in weed population is not of great consequence; all have similar BTU/lb. Of course, higher yields will be obtained with some form of nitrogen fertilizer application. Animal manures or other such land-applied waste products are well suited for this purpose.

Sugarcane, which is the feedstock for the majority of Brazil's biofuels, does not grow in wet climates such as rainforest. Despite this simple fact, people insist that the increased demand for sugarcane-based ethanol is causing farmers in Brazil to cut down rainforest to obtain additional tillable land. In fact, 85% of Brazil's sugarcane is grown in the south-central region, hundreds of miles from the Amazon rainforest, and the rest is in the north-east of Brazil. ...