Meeting the U.S. renewable fuel standard: a comparison of biofuel pathways

Abstract

HIGHLIGHTSThe production of renewable energy is undergoing rapid development. Ethanol primarily derived from corn and biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil and agricultural grains are established sources of renewable transportation fuel. Cellulosic ethanol production is increasing substantially, but at a rate below expectations. If future renewable fuel projections are to be accomplished, additional sources will be needed. Ideally, these sources should be independent of competing feedstock use such as food grains, and require a minimal footprint. Although the uses of algae seem promising, a number of demonstrations have not been economically successful in today"s market. This paper identifies efforts being conducted on ethanol and biodiesel production and how algae might contribute to the production of biofuel in the United States. Additionally, the feedstock and land requirements of existing biofuel pathways are compared and discussed.

Multi‐criteria analysis of a biorefinery for co‐production of lactic acid and ethanol from sugarcane lignocellulose

“…The co‐production of LA and EtOH was investigated in the present study, since bioethanol (EtOH) is the dominant sugar‐derived product for lignocellulose biorefineries, although such biorefinery concepts with EtOH as the sole product often show limited investment potential, especially at current low oil prices. Although a limited number of commercial lignocellulosic EtOH plants are operational in Europe, the USA, Brazil, and China, more efforts are required to explore avenues whereby lignocellulosic EtOH and co‐production of other valuable products, such as LA, can be achieve acceptable investor returns and a bankable business case …”

Oil, chitosan, and ethanol production by dimorphic fungus Mucor indicus from different lignocelluloses

“…In order to reduce recalcitrance of lignocelluloses, a pretreatment process should be introduced prior to enzymatic hydrolysis . Recently, a new cellulose solvent‐ and organic solvent‐based lignocellulosic fractionation (COSLIF) has been developed using concentrated phosphoric acid as a cellulose solvent, and ethanol as an organic solvent under moderate reaction conditions .…”

Biochemical Modulation of Lipid Pathway in MicroalgaeDunaliellasp. for Biodiesel Production

“…Commercial and industrial microalgae cultivation is of growing interest for numerous applications, including production of food, fertilizer, bioplastics, and pharmaceuticals, as well as algal fuel [ 1 , 2 ]. Among algal species, the microalga Dunaliella spp.…”