Biofuels experts work with biofuels as a replacement for petroleum-derived fossil fuels. They are derived from biomass and should be made via processes that meet lifecycle requirements and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are currently four generations of biofuels.
First-generation biofuels include ethanol and biodiesel and are directly related to biomass that is often edible. They are often from food crops like corn and soybeans or other starches, sugars, or vegetable oils.
Second-generation biofuels like cellulosic ethanol, are mainly obtained from supportable or nonfood feedstocks, like waste vegetable oil, forest residues, industry residues, perennial grasses, and other sustainable biomass.
Third-generation biofuels use specially engineered crops such as algae as energy sources. Algae lead to the production of all types of biofuels such as biodiesel, gasoline, butanol, propanol, and ethanol with high yields, approximately ten times higher than the second-generation biofuels. Cultivation of these third-generation biofuel biomass can also assist in maintaining environmental balance by consuming the CO2 present in the atmosphere. These algae are grown and harvested to extract oil from them. The oil can then be converted into biodiesel through a similar process as 1st generation biofuels, or it can be refined into other fuels as replacements for petroleum-based fuels.
Fourth-generation biofuels are the result of recent developments in plant biology and biotechnology (metabolic engineering) in the field of carbon capture and storage techniques. These require bio-engineered plants/trees/algae to capture carbon and lock it into their different parts (i.e., leaves and branches) for the feedstock generation of biofuel. As this fourth generation grows, the potential environmental and health-related risks must be evaluated.
Biofuels experts assist clients in many ways, including evaluating and selecting technologies, feedstock selection, creating Renewable Identification Numbers and Carbon Credits, construction oversight, troubleshooting for any problems, maximizing the plant’s capacity and utilization of by-products, and much more. Among its 150+ experts, Lee Enterprises Consulting has a wide range of services in bioenergy, biomaterials and chemicals, biotechnologies, and feedstocks. We certainly have many biofuels experts. In fact, our Bioenergy Section handles ethanol, biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol, sustainable aviation and renewable jet fuels, marine biofuels, biomass power, renewable natural gas (RNG), biogas and other landfill gases, renewable diesel, Fischer Tropsch Diesel, syngas, gas-to-liquids (GTL), Combined Heat & Power (CHP), biobutanol/isobutanol, bio coal, biochar & activated carbons, torrefied biomass, pyrolysis oil, DME, fuel additives, wood pellets, and more. Take a look at our experts and the services we provide. You will note that most of our experts are also available for ancillary engagements and advice for specialty engagements like serving as expert witnesses in litigation matters. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.