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Biofuels technology: A look forward

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  • William Stafford
  • Adrian Lotter
  • Alan Brent
  • Graham von Maltitz

Abstract

This paper assesses biofuels technology readiness and provides foresight to biofuels development in Southern Africa. Efficient conversion pathways, coupled with biomass from waste or high-yielding energy crops, reduces both the costs of biofuels production and the environmental impacts. Currently, most biofuels are more expensive than petroleum fuels and market uptake will be influenced by mandates and subsidies. Advanced biofuels promise greater efficiencies and carbon emission reductions at reduced cost, but will require further R&D to reach commercialization.

Suggested Citation

  • William Stafford & Adrian Lotter & Alan Brent & Graham von Maltitz, 2017. "Biofuels technology: A look forward," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2017-87, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2017-87
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/wp2017-87.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Montoya, Jorge & Valdés, Carlos & Chaquea, Hernando & Pecha, M. Brennan & Chejne, Farid, 2020. "Surplus electricity production and LCOE estimation in Colombian palm oil mills using empty fresh bunches (EFB) as fuel," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).

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