Management of transition to biofuels—The role of knowledge management

ABSTRACT

Extensive research and development (R&D) efforts are required to make biofuel production cost-effective. Knowledge management may boost the R&D efforts. Co-processing of petroleum residues, other organic wastes, and fuels may generate cleaner fuels. Presently, an energy management concept of phase-wise transition to biofuels and an energy security management (ESM) model has been suggested as E (Energy) = a e^x + b dy/dt + c e^z, based on the exponential growth of fossil fuels use with increase in the world population (e^x) and differential rate increase in organic wastes use with time, with e^z being the exponential increase in biofuels use and a, b, and c are the factors representing the fuel reserves. R&D management involving knowledge management through trained human resources may lead to the development of effective technologies for ushering in the era of bioeconomy.

KEYWORDS:

• Biofuels
• energy security management
• knowledge management model