If you can imagine a future powered by sustainable food and fuels; if you can imagine a future where globalism means that appropriate technologies are employed where they work best to the globe's greatest advantage; if you can imagine a future of cooperation and collaboration to work out humankind's tensions, then you see a future envisioned by Advanced Biofuels USA.
The future of the advanced biofuels industry is at a critical crossroads. In the US, the 10% motor fuel ethanol mandate has created a demand of 13 billion gallons/year of ethanol. This has been very good for the corn-ethanol industry which has been able to meet this demand. However, because current Flex-Fuel engines pay a significant mileage penalty when E-85 is used, we are stuck on the 13 billion/year plateau meaning there is no meaningful demand for advanced motor vehicle biofuels. Even the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has little impact since 15 billion gallons/year of corn ethanol are included in the standard. International advanced biofuel markets, especially bio-aviation, are at similar crossroads.
Advanced Biofuels is working to overcome these advanced biofuels roadblocks through education and public advocacy. Here are the issues we are working on:
Create increased demand for cellulosic ethanol by vehicle manufacturer use of existing technology flex-fuel engines that would provide equivalent mileage for E-10 to E-85 blends. Both the GM Cruz and Buick Regal eco engine and the Ford eco-boost engine family could deliver this performance.
Refocus government biofuel energy programs on getting innovative technologies from the lab to the market. Late stage research and early stage pilot plant investments would do this.
Use minimal government transportation fuel user fee increases to improve the biofuel delivery infrastructure. This is especially important in the bio-aviation fuel sector.
Fully fund the transformation of the US, NATO, and allied security transportation sectors to advanced, sustainable fuels.
Use motorsports to push the edge of what is possible with new fuel and engine technologies. The ALMS series should be the model for open-wheel and stock-car racing.
Advanced Biofuels USA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization. Its purpose is to promote:
Public understanding, acceptance, and use of advanced biofuels;
Research, development and improvement of advanced biofuels technologies, production, marketing and delivery; and
Sustainable development, cultivation and processing of advanced biofuels crops, and agricultural and forestry residues and wastes.
