Biography
Biography: Yusufu Muwanga
Abstract
This paper reviews the worldwide history, current status, and predictable future trend of bioenergy and biofuels. Bioenergy has been utilized for cooking, heating, and lighting since the dawn of humans. The energy stored in annually produced biomass by terrestrial plants is 3–4 times greater than the current global energy demand. Commercial production of bioethanol from lignocellulose materials has just started, supplementing the annual supply of 22 billion gallons predominantly from food crops. Biodiesel from oilseeds reached the 5670 million-gallons/yr. production capacities, with further increases depending on new feedstock development. Bio-oil and drop-in biofuels are still in the development stage, facing cost-effective conversion and upgrading challenges. Gaseous biofuels extend to biogas and syngas. Production of biogas from organic wastes by anaerobic digestion has been rapidly increasing in Europe and China, with the potential to displace 25% of the current natural gas consumption. In comparison, production of syngas from gasification of woody biomass is not cost-competitive and therefore, narrowly practised. Overall, the global development and utilization of bioenergy and biofuels will continue to increase, particularly in the biopower, lignocellulose bioethanol, and biogas sectors. It is expected that by 2050 bioenergy will provide 30% of the world’s demanded energy. Biofuel is a type of fuel that comes from living matter, such as animal waste and plants. Biofuels are so significant because they are sustainable. Whereas fossil fuels are a finite resource, biofuels are derived from renewable sources. Perfecting the production of biofuels could lead to a cleaner, cheaper source of energy when compared to gasoline. Unfortunately, biofuels are not even close to the level necessary to replace fossil fuels. Flaws of biofuel, One of the most popular types of biofuel is called ethanol and is made from corn. Despite the very low cost of corn production, the process of turning it into fuel is somewhat expensive. This, in combination with the vast demand for gasoline, means that corn-based ethanol will not be replacing fossil fuels anytime soon. Furthermore, ethanol can take more energy to create than it saves. This net energy loss is inefficient. Another implication of biofuel is the concept that using plants to make fuel means that they won’t be used for food. This has many economic implications. Farmers would have to choose between growing food and fuel. This study found a strong correlation between the production of ethanol and food prices. In 2007-2008, the rise in ethanol production correlated with a 50% increase in corn prices. There are, of course, a number of confounding variables that could also affect this. A mechanism, however, does seem to be apparent. In economics this year, our class learned about different factors affect the demand for a good. As corn becomes necessary for both food and fuel, its demand will increase. With this, the price may go up. Given the other data suggesting a correlation between ethanol production and corn price, along with the apparent mechanism, I believe that ethanol production does lead to higher food prices. Corn, after all, is found in many, many different foods. A rise in the price of food could be seen as irresponsible, as many Americans may be unable to afford food at a higher cost. Biofuel does, on the other hand, carry a number of benefits. Most notably is the reduction in greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere. These gasses contribute to global warming and prevent a serious threat to our livelihood. A study conducted by the Argonne National Laboratory found that large-scale ethanol use could lead to a 20% decrease in these greenhouse gasses. It is of course, observational in nature, so it is susceptible to confounding variables and does not imply a causal link. to those who understand the dangers of climate change, however, this reduction is hugely significant. Additionally, Biofuels like ethanol are sustainable. Because they are derived from renewable resources, they are far more stable in price and longevity compared to fossil fuels. A larger focus on the production of biofuels may lead to a more stable future. Overall, it seems to me like biofuels are not currently a viable option. They require a large amount of energy simply to produce and have possibly severe economic repercussions on the poor. It is, unfortunately, suboptimal with our current technology. I do believe, however, that biofuels should be researched and studied. If the process to produce them is perfected, they may be able to solve many of Earth’s largest issues like global warming and sustainable energy. We aren’t at that point yet, but with research and science, biofuels can be one of our greatest investments.