Can biotech companies enable ethanol biofuels to achieve sustainability?

Abstract

This article is based on my readings and interviews during an Energy Forum in Lucerne, Switzerland in 2007. The forum was unlike any scientific meeting that I had previously attended in that the participants were passionate in their commitment and many of the talks had a strong sense of advocacy. I was struck by the concern, the sense of immediacy, and the “out of the box” proposals presented.

While elegant molecular biology-based approaches to energy self sufficiency are an essential component of the solution to the world’s energy problems, even their most fervent supporters admit widespread application is years into the future. In the interim, I believe that it is absolutely essential that we consider energy alternatives that could bring about immediate energy and carbon-dioxide savings.

I find it ironic that today Americans are hammered by rising energy prices, yet no politician has suggested conservation as a respite from the run up in energy costs. I hope that this review will help to stimulate informed debate and realistic solutions to the current energy dilemma in which we are mired.