The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act includes a mandate for an interagency task force led by EPA’s Office of Research and Development to develop biofuels metrics. With interest from the federal government, AIChE IfS has been exploring background data on how to help establish these metrics.  We have identified the need to gather leading thinkers to address the issue of sustainable biofuels. The Renewable Energy Metrics Committee, under the leadership of John Carberry, is beginning to develop, vet, and recommend for adoption, metrics for assessment of biofuels development and use.  Based on the results of exploratory meetings at the AIChE conferences in November 2008 and April 2009 and a number of teleconferences, it is clear that there is a great deal of work to be done.

This effort is bringing together experts from industry, academia, government and NGO’s with expertise in sustainable biofuels with two primary goals:

To date, 20 companies, 4 government agencies have been represented from the entire chain of use.  This roundtable discussion is initially focusing on biosystems that can impact U.S. needs and will ultimately include the entire chain of use from growth to distribution and use.

Initial metrics have focused on:

1. Cost per unit of carbon delivered, corrected if necessary for deviation from the ideal “as received” form.
2. Net renewable energy per acre.  Corrected, if necessary, for any significant differences in efficiency of use of the Btu’s.
3. Food production displaced per net renewable energy. (Possibly a very significant factor for bio-carbon from “waste” biomass and/or crops that extend the growing season.)
4. Potable water consumption per net renewable energy.
5. Net Greenhouse Gas reduction per net renewable energy. (Not necessarily the same as #2.)
6. Adverse environmental impacts per net renewable energy. (Presently, focused only on the growth, delivery, and preparation of the bio-carbon.)

The business model for this committee entails the involvement of ~25 companies who will gain access to the federal discussion on biofuels metrics and their development.  It is expected that participating organizations will have the opportunity to both learn about, and influence, effective metrics in this area.  The results will be coordinated with the Federal efforts so that any regulations or standards can benefit from the input of the industry experts from the Roundtable.

Metrics for Liquid Biofuels, John Carberry, P.E. AIChE - Carberry Envirotech, Newark, DE
Biofuel Energy Metrics, Jonathan Monk, AIChE

We welcome your input AND your data. To learn more and to participate, please contact ifs@aiche.org.