Search

The article discusses plant-production capacities and resource limits associated with production and use of biofuels. It notes ethanol use requirements of the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act and limits that the law places on use of maize in meeting those requirements. It explains that creation of ethanol from plants is a conversion of solar energy absorbed by plants. It explains the chemistry of photosynthesis and the production of organic compounds. It also notes the natural resources required for plant growth including light, water, and nitrogen.

The article focuses on the claim of a U.S. vice president that the nation can be repowered. According to the article, the unrealistic claim is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of technical innovation. It is stated that five of ten years from 2009, the nation's pattern of energy supply and dominant modes of conversion will be the same to arrangements in 2009. However, it is stated that coming years will offer an uncommon opportunity to turn the nation's policy in a more reasonable direction, leading to a difficult but rewarding path of global energy transition.

The article focuses on the significance of cofiring biomass with coal for energy resources in the U.S. The article informs that adapting coal-fired units to cofire biomass is a relatively low-cost method. It is stated that in circulating fluidized bed boilers, biomass is used. The relatively low energy density is one of the limitations of biomass and one pre-treatment option is palletizing it. It is mentioned that through a thermo-chemical process known as torrefaction, the properties of biomass can be further improved.

The article reflects on the 6th Annual Harvesting Clean Energy Conference in Spokane, Washington. It states that biofuels and other forms of agriculturally-generated have reached the point that sets them on a path to become 21st century energy sources. Tom Dorr, USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development declares that the energy economy is going to shift its way to offer extraordinary opportunity for rural America. It tells that rural economic opportunities in providing energy will regulate the need for new energy resources to cater the increasing oil problem.

The article discusses key issues concerning the prospects for the use of biofuels as alternative energy sources in the U.S. in 2007. Farmers, conglomerate agricultural companies and capitalists have all made serious commitments to biofuels. Biofuels have emerged as a viable alternative energy source due to instability in the Middle East and skyrocketing gas prices. Even though biofuels are not a simple substitute for fossil energy because there is not enough farm land to satisfy biofuel requirements, it can still be combined with other alternative fuels to diversify energy portfolios.

The article focuses on the availability of biofuels that reduce the dependence of the U.S. on foreign oil. Biofuels are blends of fossil fuels and agriculturally derived oils. In a move parallel to buying green power, some large facilities are using biofuels to demonstrate their firm's commitments to a healthier and safer future.