(5b) DOE "Advanced Biofuels" Strategy

The Energy Independence and Securities Act of 2007(EISA) establishes a very aggressive renewable fuels standard (RFS) that calls for 21 billion gallons of advanced biofuels for transportation use by 2022. While cellulosic ethanol is likely to play a significant role in meeting the EISA goals, a number of other advanced biofuels show promise as being able to contribute. The suite of biofuels includes gasoline and diesel replacement fuels that are essential hydrocarbons made from biomass rather than petroleum and include algae as a potential feedstock for production. These fuels are in various stages of development by both the public and private sector. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these various fuels and the DOE strategy to pursue cost effective technologies to produce them commercially.