AM-08-40 Economics, CO2 Balance and Energy Efficiency of Biofuels Production

Description:

Burning fossil fuels is believed to be the dominant cause of the increase in CO2 in the atmosphere. Annual world energy consumption is about 450 Quadrillion (1015) BTUs, with about 87% of this energy coming from fossil fuels. The US energy source distribution is similar at 85% fossil fuels and a total annual energy usage of about 100 Quadrillion BTUs (1). Detailed energy use patterns are not available for many countries so this paper will focus on the US market. Furthermore, the US has some of the most productive farmland in the world, making it a fertile source for biofuels.