Outlook for Sustainable Production of Future Generation Biofuels in Developing Countries

Following a worldwide trend towards alternative fuels, many developing countries are actively involved in the development of a biofuel sector. Next generation biofuels are expected to minimize the risks associated with current biofuels regarding sustainability of production. Their development, however, is still in pilot and demonstration phase and many questions concerning their implementation are still open. In this study, opportunities and risks for the development of future generation biofuels in selected developing countries, namely Thailand, Cameroon, Tanzania and Mexico are assessed. Findings from the studies indicate that there are considerable amounts of agricultural and forestry residues that could be used for the production of future generation biofuels. However, the utilisation of this potential presents several challenges associated with competing uses, infrastructure sufficiency and energy priorities in each country. International collaborations are in any case of crucial importance for a more active involvement of developing countries in the next generation biofuel sector. At the same time, investment if the overall agricultural and forestry sector as well as in infrastructure is crucial in order to ensure sustainable rural development. Proceedings of the 18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 3-7 May 2010, Lyon, France, pp. 2169-2176