For the biofuels industry, 2014 has proven to be a breakthrough year. Three new, commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plants started production in the United States. In addition two global facilities in Brazil and Italy came online along with many other plants in the planning stages in Brazil, China, India, Italy, Macedonia, Malaysia, Slovak Republic, and the United States.
By the end of 2016, commercial-scale cellulosic biofuel facilities that are constructed or currently under construction will generate U.S. cellulosic biofuel capacity of 116 MGY, well below the 266 MGY expected in 2012. Of this capacity, 106 MGY is expected to be ethanol, with the remainder drop-in biofuels. Throughout the world, biomass conversion costs are being driven downward by advanced technology. Many countries have low feedstock and capital costs along with growing demand; therefore, cellulosic ethanol production and consumption will continue to grow globally, and not just in the United States.
This article summarizes the current and planned biofuels production facilities throughout the world, giving readers a full view of this developing industry.