Forest resources for second generation biofuel production

Abstract

The gradual reduction in world oil reserves is increasing the importance of biofuel. First generation biofuels resulted in yields that are lower than general energy needs. At least in some cases, more energy was used for production than was obtained from the final fuel. Conflicts with food cultivation and high environmental impact are other possible drawbacks. Nevertheless, the multiple uses of plant lipids (fuels, food, many industrial uses) make fuel crops important cultivations. Moreover, cultivation of oil crops used for fuel only is probably economically advantageous for local needs and local economic cycles. Second generation biofuels should perform better in terms of yield and soil use. Among them, lignocellulosic biomass appears to be promising owing to its high available quantity and productivity. In particular, forest biomass (of cultivated trees) could potentially provide a large amount of biomass for biofuels. A general account on lignocellulosic biomass transformation to liquid biofuels (ethanol) is provided together with a quantitative example which calculates the potential biofuel production obtainable by cultivating forest biomass in abandoned and marginal land of Tuscany (Italy). Looking at official available data on energy demand in Tuscany, 15% of the current gasoline consumption could be replaced by such biofuel sources.