Second Generation of Biofuels

KMID TV

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Using new technology chemists have developed a second generation of biofuels. Now, they can produce gas and other chemicals from non-food crops and reduce the country’s dependency on oil. Mike Robinson a Professor of Energy Research at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin developed second generation biofuels from wood. Currently ethanol, which is a first generation biofuel, is added to gasoline blends. Robinson tells us ethanol was first added to fuel to decrease emissions. But, now they have to add it because of supply and demand problems. He said they need more of the fuel because they just don’t have enough other fuels. However, ethanol itself isn't the problem. The problem is the production process. Robinson said because ethanol is a product of fermentation, it’s very ineffective, costly and it impacts our food supply. He says the key to this whole process is making a catalyst last for a year, and that is what they are trying to do right now. In earlier work, they got a catalyst to last for a week.