Biofuels Study Group
Due to rising energy prices, countries, firms and individuals worldwide are looking to utilize alternative energy sources. Among the most popular emerging energy sources are biofuels: transportation fuels derived from biomass. In particular Brazil has achieved notable successes in this field and many developing countries, including Senegal, have been inspired by Brazil's success and have begun ambitious biofuel programs.
There are several potential benefits from investing in biofuel production for developing countries. These include cutting oil dependence; reviving agricultural sectors and diversifying them away from crops with large price volatility; creating employment opportunities and fighting desertification, and reducing carbon concentrations in the atmosphere.
There are also large challenges and difficulties facing such projects. For example, questions about the choice of crops, the agricultural techniques and the production processes to transform crops to fuel abound. Furthermore, large questions remains as to the suitability of certain locations for producing these fuels, and, most importantly, whether these fuels will be an economically efficient undertaking. Finally, there are valid concerns about the environmental impacts of such projects, including but not limited to emissions, biodiversity, water use, and soil degradation.
The Earth Institute is studying potential biofuel projects in Senegal, attempting to analyze their costs and benefits, and specifically assessing the feasibility, profitability and potential environmental impacts of the growth of Jatropha as a biofuel feedstock. The ultimate goal is to provide decision makers at the local, national and regional level with tools to assist in making informed decisions regarding biofuels development.
Summer 2009 intern Frances Jeffrey-Coker recounts her biofuel work in Mali
Contact researcher: Matt Basinger, mlb2133@columbia.edu