Biofuels for Transport: Global Potential and Implications for Sustainable Energy and Agriculture

by Worldwatch Institute

Overview

The world is on the verge of an unprecedented increase in the production and use of biofuels for transport. The combination of rising oil prices, issues of security, climate instability and pollution, deepening poverty in rural and agricultural areas, and a host of improved technologies, is propelling governments to enact powerful incentives for the use of these fuels, which is in turn sparking investment.

Biofuels for Transport is a unique and comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and risks of the large-scale production of biofuels. The book demystifies complex questions and concerns, such as thefood v. fuel debate. Global in scope, it is further informed by five country studies from Brazil, China, Germany, India and Tanzania.

The authors conclude that biofuels will play a significant role in our energy future, but warn that the large-scale use of biofuels carries risks that require focused and immediate policy initiatives.

Published in association with BMELV, FNR and GTZ.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781136570926
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/04/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	480
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

The Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization that focuses on innovative solutions to global environmental, resource, and economic problems.

Published under the auspices of a project commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) through the Agency of Renewable Resources (FNR), and co-ordinated by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ).

Table of Contents

Preface * Part I: Status and Global Trends * Current Status of the Biofuel Industry and Markets * Liquid Biofuels: A Primer * First-Generation Feedstocks * Part II: New Technologies, Crops and Prospects * Next-Generation Feedstocks * New Technologies for Converting Biomass into Liquid Fuels * Long-Term Biofuel Production Potentials * Part III: Key Economic and Social Issues * Economic and Energy Security * Implications for Agriculture and Rural Development * International Trade in Biofuels * Part IV: Key Environmental Issues * Energy Balances of Current and Future Biofuels * Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Stability * Environmental Impacts of Feedstock Production * Environmental Impacts of Processing, Transport and Use * Part V: Market Introduction and Technology Strategies * Infrastructure Requirements * Vehicle and Engine Technologies * Transfer of Technology and Expertise * Part VI: The Policy Framework * Biofuel Policies around the World * Standards and Certification Schemes * Part VII: Recommendations * Recommendations for Decision-Makers * Part VIII: Country Studies * Biofuels for Transportation in China * Biofuels for Transportation in India * Biofuels for Transportation in Tanzania * Biofuels for Transportation in Brazil * Biofuels for Transportation in Germany * Appendices * Glossary of Terms * Index

Editorial Reviews

'An insightful and timely study.' Senator Richard Lugar 'This book by the Worldwatch Institute is the most authoritative work published so far on the production and use of biofuels covering not only the technical but also the key environmental, economic and social issues.' Professor Jos Goldemberg, University of Sao Paulo Brazil, Former Secretary for the Environment of the State of Sao Paulo Brazil 'If you've got a friend or family member who has recently asked you, 'What's the deal with all this ethanol, biodiesel, switchgrass foofaraw?' here's some advice: Send them directly to the fresh-off-the-presses, 38-page executive summary of a new report on biofuels from the Worldwatch Institute.' Andrew Leonard, Salon.com This is an excellent overview...packed with technical details and information...Overall, one of the best texts on energy and energy futures. It deserves the widest readership. Paul Ganderton, Big Pond 'Biofuels for Transport is a unique and comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and risks of the large-scale production of biofuels.' African Business 'Biofuels for Transport is a tour de force through the complex array of issues associated with rapidly expanding biofuels markets around the world. Exploring both the risks and opportunities of biofuels production and consumption, this timely publication is a mustread for policy-makers, investors, entrepreneurs and civil society organizations interested in creating a more sustainable future.' Julia Marton-Lef vre, Director General of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) 'Biofuels for Transport is an insightful and timely study of how biofuels can reach their potential to strengthen energy security, promote economic development and protect the environment. This much-needed analysis will benefit both policy-makers and practitioners.' Senator Richard Lugar 'A compelling synthesis of the current and future trends in biofuels, with a thorough assessment of actions that must be taken to ensure the sustainable development of this industry.' Amory B. Lovins, Chairman and Chief Scientist of Rocky Mountain Institute 'An essential treatment of this vital subject.' Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, USA '[T]his book provides a broad and comprehensive insight into the current discussion and covers the relevant issues of the pros and cons of the biofuels discussion.' Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture 'A comprehensive assessment of the opportunities and risks of the largescale production of biofuels... It will help equip readers with the sound knowledge required to make considered and intelligent choices and decisions.' Splash

From the Publisher