Are next-generation biofuels viable energy options?
Developing cost-effective processes to break down cellulosic biomass has been the focus of research by many government and industry groups. The US and Canada have devoted resources to this kind of research, given their extensive prairie and grasslands, and other OECD countries are also making research investments. Significant progress has led to biochemical conversion processes that break down cellulose and hemicellulose and thermochemical conversion processes to break down lignin. Together, these processes could unlock the potential of cellulosic feedstocks for ethanol production. Algae, such as Chlorella vulgaris, are relatively easy to grow, but the algal oil is difficult to extract. There are several ways to fracture the algae cell to reach the lipids floating in the cytoplasm. Research is underway to develop technologies that are scalable to commercial standards.
