Australian Biofuel Users

In the Sydney Morning Herald, 21 August, the article entitled Clean-car target is fuel for thought ; Bill Mckinnon writes "There's no future in Australia for biofuels as high-volume alternatives…says David Lamb, leader of CSIRO's research into the viability of future transport technologies".

The same David Lamb wrote, A Step to the Future “There are alternatives to petrol and diesel fuel. Alternative fuels that could be used to supplement oil supplies include ethanol, Biodiesel, LPG, CNG, DME, and liquid fuels made by liquefying gas. Hydrogen gas can be used in internal combustion engines and eventually in fuel cells. Australia’s unique abundance of natural gas and the expanse of land that could be used for growing biofuel feedstock are the pointers to a unique Australian solution. … A recent International Energy Agency report shows a comparison of emission reductions offered by alternative fuels. Advanced biofuels – ethanol, DME and Biodiesel show the potential for10% to 50% emission savings and this indicates a short term partial solution. Hydrogen or electricity produced ‘renewably’ could yield similar savings but isn’t available yet, so must be a longer term solution.”

The recent RIRDC report (June 07), states: “There is potential for biofuels to have a role in achieving fuel security with second generation technologies based on lignocellulosic feedstocks, or from new trees and crops for Biodiesel. Preliminary estimates show that upper limits for second generation biofuels to replace petrol may be between 10-140% of our current petrol useage. The high uncertainty is due to lack of knowledge on ecologically sustainable and economically feasible production of lignocellulose feedstocks.”

The report also stated that Biofuels (more specifically Biodiesel) have, or will potentially have, positive impact on:

• “The greenhouse gas benefits obtained from a renewable fuel such as ethanol or Biodiesel are greater than the greenhouse gas benefits obtained from the use of a fossil fuel such as Compressed Natural Gas, (CNG) or Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).  However, the emissions are very sensitive to the feedstock production system and must take into account the complete lifecycle of the agricultural production system.”
• Land & water impacts “may be positive in situations were trees and shrubs are planted for biofuel production. There are many parts of Australia where planting large areas of woody perennials may have significant dryland salinity and biodiversity benefits.”
• Health benefits “all criteria air pollutants except oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are significantly reduced,  particulate matter emissions are … lower, and lower particulate matter emissions” in comparison to fossil diesel.  The health benefits diminish as the concentration of Biodiesel is reduced in blends, and the benefits “are greatest for pure Biodiesel, and lowest in B5 blends” 
• Regional development “There will be a whole new set of markets for second generation (lignocellulosic) feedstocks, which have not been developed or explored in Australia. Although some existing biomass sources do not have existing markets, they may have existing uses (eg retaining carbon in ecosystems, providing habitat).”
  
• “The benefits of ethanol, particularly in an E10 blend, are less clear.”  Whereas E85 would easily classify as beneficial in the aforementioned areas.

Based on this information, it must be more prudent to advocate the development of investigations into 2nd generation feedstocks and production techniques than to etch an epithet for a fledgling industry that already has sufficient detractors in the fossil fuel industry and government.  The industry is struggling to overcome negative Consumer opinion based on myths and falsehoods, an underdeveloped distribution network, and intermittent governmental obstruction.  The future of automobiles, aircraft, televisions, and heart surgery were doubted as ever demonstrating any potential for the future.  However, in the case of Biofuels, extending the time required to identify and develop 2nd generation alternative fuels will only exacerbate the grave situation where a growing number of transport vehicles continue to chew away at a finite resource, while they spew toxic fumes, and corrode an already deeply tarnished environment.

This article has been contributed by Morris Lyda of The Biodiesel Station .