Biofuels are a hot topic these days amongst scientists and environmentalists alike. The goal is simple: find and develop alternatives to fossil fuels. The traditional sources of biofuel, most notably corn and sugar, while effective, pose the problem of supply and demand. This has been the biggest obstacle to developing biofuels, finding sources that are not in high demand. Recent developments are aimed at accomplishing both goals by using non-food sources.

Scientists in Norway develop new process for wood conversion.

The new process drastically reduces the time it takes to turn wood into ethanol. What took weeks now takes hours. This makes wood as a biofuel source much more viable on a commercial level. This also addresses the issue of supply and demand with food sources. With paper demand on the decline, forestry companies can now process the wood for a better cause. Biotechnologist Lillelund Aachmann believes, “The time when we use food stock to make biofuel to power a car may soon come to an end.”

Researchers at University of Arizona studying algae as fuel source.

A total of $8 million has been granted to the UA team to use algae to make biofuel, animal feed and plastics. The goal is to get algal fuel produced at the same cost as regular gas, making it a cleaner, more sustainable option. In addition, the Regional Algal Feedstock Testbed is being used for continuous algal production.

Is hydrogen the fuel of the future?

A Virginia Tech research team had a recent breakthrough that could mean hydrogen energy is not too far away. The new process is inexpensive and almost entirely environmentally protective. The hydrogen is derived from sugars found in plants. Professor Y.H. Percival Zhang said, “Our new process could help end our dependence on fossil fuels.” The best part is Zang’s method can be used with any type of biomass.

Frog Hauling is a proud supporter of sustainable living and alternative energy. As a “green” company, we welcome new advancements in science and technology that make the world cleaner and more efficient.