INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
This BCC Research report is designed to offer an in-depth analysis of the market for liquid biofuels in world regions other than North America. While the term “biofuels” describes solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel derived from relatively recently dead biological material as opposed to fossil fuels, which are derived from long dead biological material, for the purposes of this report biofuels will refer to liquid fuels only. At present, two biofuel types are commercially available, bioethanol and biodiesel. As the term “ethanol” has come to refer to bioethanol in common English language usage, this report also will adhere to that convention.
In addition to ethanol and biodiesel, often referred to first-generation biofuels, several more fuel types may be manufactured from raw materials derived from plant resources. These include second-generation ethanol (cellulosic ethanol), biobutanol, algae-based biodiesel, Fischer-Tropsch fuels, green gasoline, and others.
The primary drivers for the industry are government mandates that have established levels of biofuels that must be added to fossil fuels. In this study, the market for biofuels is analyzed by feedstock type, by production capacity, and by producer. Market values are calculated from historical per gallon sales prices and predicted prices according to the futures markets. Conclusions are illustrated with statistical information on markets, applications, industry structure, and dynamics, along with technological developments.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
While biofuels account for just 1% of world fuel consumption, they are the subject of considerable global interest. Conventional energy resources, mainly fossil fuels, are becoming limited due to a rapid worldwide increase in demand. A growing imbalance in energy demand and supply affects consumer prices as well as the environment, prompting a search for new sustainable energy resources. Biomass is one such environmentally sound renewable resource from which various fuels can be manufactured. Fuels produced from plant materials also have the potential to invigorate lagging agricultural sectors in emerging countries, such as those in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia.
The study is intended for individuals requiring an in-depth analysis of the biofuels industry that traces significant developments and forecasts important trends, quantifies the various market sectors, and highlights companies active in those areas.
Because of the diverse and fragmented nature of the industry, it is difficult to find studies that gather such extensive data from far-reaching resources, and have this data presented in one comprehensive document. This report contains a unique collection of information, analyses, forecasts, and conclusions that is very hard (or impossible) to find elsewhere.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
With the significant rise in global biofuels production, increasing volumes of agricultural resources are being diverted to the industry. This phenomenon has created concerns regarding agricultural resource competition and how it might affect food production in North America and around the world.
This report on biofuel products, process technology, market players, and industry trends is intended to present pertinent information for anyone concerned with the interface between agriculture, energy, and fuels. Interested parties might include new business and business development managers, project investors and developers, green power marketers, energy market advisors, energy professionals, engineers, venture capital investors, commodity brokers and analysts, biofuel producers, biofuels technology and equipment suppliers, feedstock suppliers, energy and environmental researchers, vegetable oil crushers and refiners, fuel blenders, marketers and distributors, and oil and gas project developers.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The Market for Liquid Biofuels Outside North America first presents a general overview of biofuel types, manufacturing methods, feedstock options, typical plant costs, and operating margins, followed by an analysis of individual world regions: Europe, South America, Asia and the Pacific Rim, and Africa and the Middle East. Each region is evaluated in terms of fuel production and demand, the legislative framework for biofuels use, incentives for production, and the number and capacity of manufacturing plants.
Where known, a full listing of existing commercial-scale plants (greater than 1 million gallons per year [mgy], producing and non-producing) is presented, as are listings of plants under construction. Each regional evaluation includes estimates of market size for sales of ethanol, biodiesel, and other fuel types, and a forecast for growth to 2013. Values are given in U.S. dollars. Forecasts are in constant U.S. dollars and growth rates are compounded.
The report includes a breakdown of industry structure and brief company profiles of hundreds of businesses, which include addresses, phone and fax numbers, and websites.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The information sources for this study include online research; SEC filings; annual reports; company brochures; patent literature; business, technical and industry journals; conference literature; and interviews with industry participants. Statistical and other data also were collected from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, The European Biodiesel Board, The Methanol Institute, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Green Car Congress, Biodiesel Magazine, Ethanol Producer Magazine, Biofuels Review, WorldBioPlants.com, and BioDieselSpain.com.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
During the past 12 years, Susan Hanft has authored more than 17 market research reports for BCC Research in the fields of membrane technology, water and wastewater treatment, and separations used in power generation, food and beverage manufacturing, medicine, and biotechnology. Ms. Hanft is also editor of the daily BCC Research newsletter Fuel Cell Today and the bi-monthly newsletter Membrane & Separation Technology News.
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DISCLAIMER
The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice, nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual, or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is of a speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or from its use.
Report Code: EGY064B, Published: May 2009, Analyst: Susan Hanft
