Biofuels in Perspective William H. Klausmeier, Ph.D.

U.S. consumes 25% of world’s oil!

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

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

Ethanol’s role in corn markets continues to increase

Only cellulosic ethanol makes sense from an energy standpoint

Cellulosic ethanol has its place but in well-conceived niches Fermentation of grass straw is an attractive alternative to field burning 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. 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. Treated municipal wastewater can be used for process water. Fermenter carbon dioxide might be used to grow algae for biodiesel or boost greenhouse yields. Fermenter carbon dioxide might be used to grow algae for biodiesel or boost greenhouse yields.

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

Pyrolysis is an intriguing possibility

Local biodiesel utilization is growing Sequential Biofuels is now producing biodiesel from Eastern Oregon canola 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 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 Expanded utilization of spent cooking oil is apparent – several projects are under consideration

Biogas has great potential for small scale energy production Technology is simple Technology is simple Production is right sized for many needs Production is right sized for many needs Systems are inexpensive and easy to operate Systems are inexpensive and easy to operate Technology grossly underdeveloped locally relative to its potential Technology grossly underdeveloped locally relative to its potential

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