Biofuels Vs Synthetic Fuels: The Five Points That Favor Waste Biomass To Fuels – CleanTechnica

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Viability of Biofuels vs Synthetic Fuels

Introduction

Recently, a post-doctoral researcher at Ghent University in Belgium expressed concerns about the viability of biofuels as a sustainable energy source compared to synthetic fuels. In this report, we will examine the points raised by the researcher and discuss the potential of both biofuels and synthetic fuels in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Challenges of Biofuels

• The inefficiency of photosynthesis, operating at only 1% efficiency.
• The seasonal nature of plant growth, limiting biomass availability throughout the year.
• The labor-intensive processes of harvesting and transporting plant biomass.
• The challenges of using food waste as a feedstock, including low energy density, high water content, and logistical hurdles.

Advantages of Synthetic Fuels

• Synthetic fuels can source carbon dioxide (CO2) from large point sources, such as waste incinerators and chemical plants.
• Technology for capturing CO2 at these sites is mature.
• Gasification of waste into syngas allows for the classification of resulting synfuel as a biofuel if derived from organic waste.
• Established processes like the Water-Gas Shift (WGS) and Fischer-Tropsch efficiently convert CO2 and hydrogen (H2) into liquid fuels.
• Biogas presents a potential source of affordable hydrogen.

Why Biofuels Will Dominate

In my opinion, biofuels will dominate the energy sector for several reasons:

1. The volumes required for biofuels are much lower than those for current fossil fuels.
2. Electrification of various sectors, including ground transportation, aviation, maritime shipping, and industrial heat, reduces the demand for liquid fuels.
3. Biofuels are already being produced in sufficient quantities for maritime shipping.
4. There are numerous pathways to biofuels from waste biomass, allowing for flexibility and innovation.
5. There is a significant volume of waste biomass available, which can be collected and processed using automation.

Addressing Challenges

While there are challenges associated with biofuels, such as efficiency and collection logistics, the sheer volume of waste biomass available makes these challenges manageable. Additionally, ongoing advancements in technology and the collective efforts of researchers and experts contribute to the continuous improvement of biofuel production processes.

Climate Impact and Waste Biomass

The utilization of waste biomass for biofuel production is crucial in addressing climate change. The decomposition of waste biomass in landfills and other disposal sites contributes to methane emissions, which have a significant climate impact. Converting waste biomass into biofuels helps mitigate this issue and provides a sustainable solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while synthetic fuels offer certain advantages, biofuels remain a promising pathway towards achieving the SDGs. The lower volumes required, the abundance of waste biomass, and the ongoing advancements in biofuel production technologies make biofuels a viable and sustainable energy source. It is essential to continue research and development efforts in this field to further optimize biofuel production processes and contribute to a greener future.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
• SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 7.2: Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• Indicator for SDG 9.4: Adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
• Indicator for SDG 12.2: Resource-use efficiency.
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Indicator for SDG 15.5: Reduction in the degradation of natural habitats and loss of biodiversity.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: cleantechnica.com

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