Progress towards low carbon fuels in the pacific: Prospects and challenges

Abstract

The use of first generation biofuels in the Pacific has been receiving increasing attention recently. Apart from their contribution to the global emissions reduction effort, they provide the region with one of the most available means of reducing dependence on costly fossil fuel imports. If implemented properly, an indigenous biofuels production programme can contribute to social and economic development, improve energy access as well as provide a valuable means for satisfying the region’s emissions reduction obligations. The challenges with first generation biofuels such as ethanol and vegetable oil-derived fuels are well known. The two main issues commonly aired, are the food versus energy debate and the costs of production. The region however offers important advantages not available elsewhere that allows one to reconsider these alternative fuel candidates. These include favourable climate and the apparent availability of marginal land where feedstock such as jatropha and pongamia can thrive. Recent technological advantages in fuel conversion is now stimulating new interest in the potential of these biofuels for the region. However, the successful realization of a biofuels industry for the region must seek answers for some of the barriers to its development that have become increasingly obvious recently. This chapter discusses the present status and future prospects of ethanol and biodiesel as possible transportation and power generation fuels for the region. The range of indigenously available feedstock, including sugar juice, molasses, cassava, for ethanol and coconut oil, pongamia and jatropha for biodiesel are considered, and the possibilities of the commercial realization of hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO) explored. Barriers to the successful development of a biofuels industry are considered and possible solutions evaluated.