Biofuel Technologies and Policies

This paper deals with technological and legislation features of biofuels development. We look at all 2nd generation (2G) end products, the three major conversion pathways and especially the feedstock, with differentiates 2G biofuels from the conventional, 1G fuels. In the legislation and policies review we provide a timeline pointing out the major changes and policies, as well as brief comments on their applications. We look at biofuels policies for the three top player in biofuels production, the U.S., Brazil and the European Union. Because the 1st generation is strongly associated with the food-fuel debate we then focus on its link to the 2G as well, showing how these links are weaker and manageable, although with some challenges still present.