Journal ArticleDOI
The need for biofuels as part of a low carbon energy future
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In this paper, the question of whether the world needs bio-fuels is approached by examining the feasibility of doing without them, and the authors conclude that it will likely be difficult to achieve a low-carbon transport sector without widespread use of biofuels, and that aggressive efforts to develop sustainable, low carbon bio fuels alongside other options are warranted.Abstract:
The question of whether the world needs biofuels is approached by examining the feasibility of doing without them. Even with aggressive reductions in travel growth, shifts to mass transport modes, strong efficiency improvements, and deep market penetration by vehicles running on electricity and hydrogen, there remains a large demand for dense liquid fuels in 2050 (80% of transportation fuel) and even in 2075 (50%). This demand is due largely to aviation, ocean shipping, and long-haul trucking. Acknowledging the significant uncertainties involved in such projections and the challenges faced by all candidate technologies and fuels, we conclude that it will likely be difficult to achieve a low-carbon transport sector without widespread use of biofuels, and that aggressive efforts to develop sustainable, low-carbon biofuels alongside other options are warranted. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltdread more
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Journal ArticleDOI
Net-zero emissions energy systems
Steven J. Davis,Nathan S. Lewis,Matthew R. Shaner,Sonia Aggarwal,Douglas J. Arent,Douglas J. Arent,Inês Azevedo,Sally M. Benson,Thomas H. Bradley,Jack Brouwer,Yet-Ming Chiang,Christopher T. M. Clack,Armond Cohen,Stephen J. Doig,Jae Edmonds,Paul S. Fennell,Paul S. Fennell,Christopher B. Field,Bryan Hannegan,Bri-Mathias Hodge,Bri-Mathias Hodge,Bri-Mathias Hodge,Martin I. Hoffert,Eric Ingersoll,Paulina Jaramillo,Klaus S. Lackner,Katharine J. Mach,Michael D. Mastrandrea,Joan M. Ogden,Per F. Peterson,Daniel L. Sanchez,Daniel Sperling,Joseph Stagner,Jessika E. Trancik,Jessika E. Trancik,Chi Jen Yang,Ken Caldeira +36 more
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine barriers and opportunities associated with these difficult-to-decarbonize services and processes, including possible technological solutions and research and development priorities, and examine the use of existing technologies to meet future demands for these services without net addition of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Net-zero Emissions Energy Systems
Steven J. Davis,Nathan S. Lewis,Matthew R. Shaner,Sonia Aggarwal,Douglas J. Arent,Inês Azevedo,Sally M. Benson,Thomas H. Bradley,Jack Brouwer,Yet-Ming Chiang,Christopher T. M. Clack,Armond Cohen,Stephen J. Doig,Jae Edmonds,Paul S. Fennell,Christopher B. Field,Bryan Hannegan,Bri-Mathias Hodge,Martin I. Hoffert,Eric Ingersoll,Paulina Jaramillo,Klaus S. Lackner,Katharine J. Mach,Michael D. Mastrandrea,Joan M. Ogden,Per F. Peterson,Daniel L. Sanchez,Daniel Sperling,Joseph Stagner,Jessika E. Trancik,Chi Jen Yang,Ken Caldeira +31 more
TL;DR: The special challenges associated with an energy system that does not add any CO2 to the atmosphere (a net-zero emissions energy system) are reviewed and prominent technological opportunities and barriers for eliminating and/or managing emissions related to the difficult-to-decarbonize services are discussed.
Journal ArticleDOI
Cellulosic ethanol: status and innovation.
Lee R. Lynd,Xiaoyu Liang,Mary J. Biddy,Andrew Allee,Hao Cai,Thomas D. Foust,Michael E. Himmel,Mark Laser,Michael Wang,Charles E. Wyman +9 more
TL;DR: Analysis indicates potential for radically improved cost competitiveness and feasibility at smaller scale compared to current technology, arising from R&D-driven advances and configurational changes.
Journal ArticleDOI
Evolution and Ecology of Actinobacteria and Their Bioenergy Applications.
Gina R. Lewin,Camila Carlos,Camila Carlos,Marc G. Chevrette,Heidi A. Horn,Bradon R. McDonald,Bradon R. McDonald,Robert J. Stankey,Robert J. Stankey,Brian G. Fox,Cameron R. Currie,Cameron R. Currie +11 more
TL;DR: Together, the evolution of high cellulolytic ability and diverse chemistry, shaped by their ecological roles in nature, make Actinobacteria a promising group for the bioenergy industry.
Journal ArticleDOI
Towards the implementation of sustainable biofuel production systems
Diego Correa,Hawthorne L. Beyer,Joseph Fargione,Jason Hill,Hugh P. Possingham,Hugh P. Possingham,Skye R. Thomas-Hall,Peer M. Schenk +7 more
TL;DR: In this paper, the environmental impacts of alternative approaches to biofuel production (i.e., first, second, and third generation biofuels), with a focus on biodiversity and ecosystem services, were contrasted to develop a set of criteria for guiding the identification of sustainable bio-fuel production alternatives, as well as strategies for decreasing the economic barriers that prevent the implementation of more sustainable bio fuel production systems.
References
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Climate change 2007. Synthesis report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the fourth assessment report
R. K. Pachauri,Andy Reisinger +1 more
TL;DR: The fourth element of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report ''Climate Change 2007'' as mentioned in this paper is based on the assessment carried out by the three Working Groups of the Panel of the International Organization for Standardization.
Journal ArticleDOI
Providing all global energy with wind, water, and solar power, Part I: Technologies, energy resources, quantities and areas of infrastructure, and materials
TL;DR: In this paper, the feasibility of providing worldwide energy for all purposes (electric power, transportation, heating/cooling, etc.) from wind, water, and sunlight (WWS) was analyzed.
BookDOI
Energy Technology Perspectives 2012
TL;DR: Energy Technology Perspectives 2012 presents detailed scenarios and strategies to 2050, an indispensible guide for decision makers on energy trends and what needs to be done to build a clean, secure and competitive energy future.
BookDOI
Global Energy Assessment: Toward a Sustainable Future
TL;DR: The Global Energy Assessment (GEA) as mentioned in this paper brings together over 300 international researchers to provide an independent, scientifically based, integrated and policy-relevant analysis of current and emerging energy issues and options.
Journal ArticleDOI
Providing all global energy with wind, water, and solar power, Part II: Reliability, system and transmission costs, and policies
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the feasibility of providing all energy for all purposes (electric power, transportation, and heating/cooling), everywhere in the world, from wind, water, and the sun (WWS).