Unintended Consequences

Why do we like biofuels? Because they are a substitute for oil. Because oil will run out, maybe sooner, maybe later, but someday it will all be gone. There aren’t any gasoline bushes growing out there.

But we can grow plenty of algae, or jatropha, or soy, or even turkeys – all of which can be converted to fuel. However, that only solves one of the two big issues we’re facing today. Biofuels address our energy needs, but what about the environment?

Well, since biofuels are designed to replace gas in an internal combustion engine, they don’t really do much for that side of the column. Cars running on biodiesel still generate carbon-dioxide. Well, at least we’re dealing with one of the problems, so don’t we come out ahead?

Well, maybe not. According to an article in Science Express this month, producing biofuels can significantly increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, hastening global warming. Apparently, converting land use to grow food crops to biofuel source crops will sharply increase CO2 emissions. Converting natural areas (you know, those beautiful pristine places out in the wilds) is even worse.

Oh, there’s one more thing. The fertilizer needed to grow biofuel source crops will generate huge amounts of nitrous oxide, which is even worse for the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.

"Large greenhouse gas emissions from these indirect land-use changes are unintended consequences of a global biofuels program; consequences that add to the climate-change problem rather than helping to solve it," the report found.

So, let’s go back to where we started this conversation? Why do we like biofuels? Maybe I’m not as certain as I was before.

Good Investment

Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced this week that three universities will receive up to $8 each million to develop more efficient turbines and fund students who want to do research in the field.

The University of Maine plans to study offshore turbine designs, including a nifty project to evaluate a floating turbine. Illinois Institute of Technology will evaluate new “aero elastic models” aimed at improving efficiency. And the University of Minnesota will be looking at new ways to transmit power from the turbine to the grid, as well as designs that can “increase energy capture.” Not sure exactly how those ideas all work, but they sound cool, no?

And here’s why this initiative is a double-plus: the funding is coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Why is this cool? Because it’s investing twice. First, it’s a much-needed push to boost U.S. green technology. And second, it’s a clear statement that the government sees green research as an area that will likely deliver long-term economic returns. In fact, despite record unemployment figures, green industries are hiring. This is an industry with a future.