Projected increase in biofuel production

The quake and the tsunami suffered in Japan this month changed the world economy. Factors such as the business downturn, the decline in prices of raw materials and the nuclear energy debate have, however, a favorable scenario for Argentina. Global estimates indicate a growth in biofuel production up 7%.

Jorge Hilbert, coordinator of the National Bioenergy INTA, said that in 2010 Argentina had a biofuel production capacity exceeding 2 million tons annually-allocated, in equal parts to the domestic market and export. By 2011, production would increase to 3.2 million, ie 60% more than in the previous year. "Based on derivatives of agricultural raw materials, food processing or organic waste, the Argentine export market for biofuels is between the top three in the world and its main target of the European Union. "With an annual grain harvest of more than 90 million tons and more than a million hectares of planted forests, bioenergy has a huge potential," says Hilbert .

Moreover, the nuclear crisis lived in China uncovered a series of questions regarding this type of energy. "Despite the speculation," said Hilbert, "it is impossible that biofuels replace nuclear energy in electricity generation because of the role they play and the volume of energy produced. Despite the questions, demand and production Nuclear power will not diminish. " He explained that the contribution of biofuels to global energy is limited. In the case of liquid fuels, do not exceed 10% or 15%. "

According to Mario Bragachini-efficiency project coordinator of harvest, post harvest grain and agro-industry source of INTA, the intense population growth would bring good market opportunities. "The world population will grow by 80 million people a year. In this context, Argentina is a great opportunity as there will be an increase in demand for agro-origin goods that stand between food and biofuels," said.

Agriculture as a source of energy and food resources became an increasing development that impacts on world markets. For Hilbert, "are two competing productions," explaining that "the INTA study alternative sources of biofuels and biomass for bioenergy, which do not compete with food production and includes energy solutions at the household level such as rapeseed, safflower and jatropha. " According Bragachini, food production in Argentina leaves a wide margin for biofuels, "produce 100 million tons of grains that are processed into food products so that we could supply 400 million people worldwide. We are only 44 million people, so we have 356 million rations that can be assigned to biofuels. "


Source: La Gazeta