Emerging Feedstocks and Fuels Spark Biofuel Capacity Expansion through 2017
December 25, 2013 | State of the Market ReportThe 53.2 billion gallon biofuel industry has enjoyed capacity growth of 19.6% annually since 2005, but growth will slow to just 3.2% annually through 2017. Stymying biofuel capacity expansion are deep logistical and financial issues with today’s bio-based fuels and feedstocks. Next-generation biofuels, like renewable diesel or butanol, offer higher blends than today’s ethanol or biodiesel. Additionally, next-generation feedstocks, like waste oils and cellulosic biomass, are not tied up in the food supply and could unlock significant economic advantages, assuming novel conversions commercialize. These next-generation fuels and feedstocks will drive long-term biofuel capacity expansion. The leading companies within these areas will build facilities in key markets with long-term blending targets and a history of biofuel consumption.
Coverage Area
- Owning the Energy Transition
Table of Contents
-
Executive Summary
-
LandscapeFood-based ethanol and vegetable oil-based biofuels are dominant today, but barely grow through 2017. Next-generation fuels and feedstocks drive future biofuel capacity growth.
-
AnalysisLong-term opportunity in biofuels is mapped from the bottom up, identifying tomorrow’s leading producers, and top down, examining key long-term markets.
-
Outlook
-
Appendix
-
Endnotes
