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Second-generation biofuel may soon be available commercially
Second-generation biofeedstock, which is currently only used for power generation in combined heat and power plants or regeneration units, may soon be usable commercially as liquid fuel for transportation.
In new analysis, Worldwide Market Analysis of Second Generation Biofeedstock, Frost and Sullivan reported that recent pre-treatment and gasification experiments on the biofuel may reduce production costs and potentially make the products more broadly available.
Second-generation biofeedstock is formed from natural elements such agriculatural residue, forest residue and black liquor, which could make it a more environmentally friendly source of fuel.
"The lifecycle emissions for second-generation biofuels are in the negative range," explains Phani Raj Kumar Chinthapalli, senior research analyst for Frost and Sullivan.
This data "implies consumption of carbon dioxide rather than emission," which indicates that use of this fuel could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for climate change.
Researchers said they are currently exploring ways to use corn or maize for biofeedstock transportation fuels while staying competitive with currently used types of fuel.
New developments in alternative fuel sources are one reason why the demand for specialists with associates or bachelors degrees in environmental science is expected to grow by 25 percent over the next seven years. 
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