In recent history biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have actually become industry around the world. Many countries have actually taken an eager interest in their continued manufacture and usage, including establishing countries such as Brazil which is seen as a world leader in biofuel development. Even smaller sized countries such as the UK presently use around one and a half million litres of biofuel a year and aim to increase this three-fold within the next ten years.

But wait, there's a problem.

There is however a considerable issue; with the boost in popularity of biofuels as has the level of criticism increased. From the "food versus fuel" argument, links to food cost increases and effect of water resources to concerns over logging and loss of biodiversity there are mounting difficulties for the fuel to overcome. But there is wish to be found in a range of innovations broadly referred to as 2nd generation biofuels. Such fuels are produced from sustainable feedstock instead of the traditionally editable crops utilized in very first generation biofuels (sugarcane, corn etc.) thus preventing a number of the issues mentioned previously.

Expect the future

One such technology is Algae Fuel, which can produce as much as three hundred times more oil per acre than standard crops as well as growing twenty to thirty times faster. As if these advantages weren't significant enough it is likewise possible to cultivate algae on traditionally unusable land such as land stricken by dry spell or including extremely high levels of saline. Another extremely appealing fuel is Cellulosic Ethanol which is merely fuel produced from non-edible parts of plants (or indeed grasses and other plants that are inedible). This fuel source shares some advantages with Algae fuel such as high per-acre efficiency but has the distinct advantage that no unique growing is needed. Cellulose is included in practically all plants growing across the world.

Or should that be hope for today?

These may sound like science-fiction but the reality of the matter is that by 2008 the United States was currently producing twelve million litres of fuel from cellulosic ethanol with production centers capable for producing an extra eighty million gallons annually in advancement. There is much to be excited about in the Biofuel market from both a service and eco-friendly point of view and continued growth especially in 2nd generation technologies appears guaranteed. Such quick grown represents an interesting time for alternative energy production. To keep up with the latest advancements and market forecasts for energy and biofuels it's recommended the reader delay to expert biofuel market analysis.