FUEL By Richard J. LeBlanc
CONTRIBUTION
Black Liquor Gasification Can Help Sustain Forests, Generate Ultra-Clean Biofuels Gasification system process offers feedstock flexibility and it can produce a variety of green fuels.
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lobally, renewable automotive fuels are increasingly promoted with the help of tax credits, certificates systems and legislated mandatory use. The primary goals are increased supply security and reduced net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). A vastly increased production and use of biofuels is not, however, un-
problematic. To ensure the long-term viability of biofuels, their production and use must meet some fundamental requirements: The raw material production must have a high sustainable land use efficiency to enable a high production
Richard LeBlanc CEO Chemrec
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48 BIOMASS MAGAZINE 7|2009
volume on the limited land area available; use minimal resource for cultivation; give low direct and indirect GHG emissions from cultivation; and preferably not use prime agricultural land to minimize competition with food production.
The conversion efficiency of the raw material to the biofuel must be high. The engine efficiency when using the fuel must be high. The cost of the biofuel must be competitive. Only when these criteria are met will it be possible to produce truly meaningful volumes of biofuels that will have a large positive impact on