Biofuels: Perceptions of the Future

Biofuels are seen as an industry of the future, as well as the present and the past, representing both the origin of fuels for heat, for transport, and nowadays as a potential replacement, at least in-part for fossil fuels in the generation of electricity. Although thought of as a marginal contributor, biofuels are widespread, contributing nearly 30% of total fuel consumption in Cambodia, much of which is for domestic consumption in rural areas. Several industries, including the garment sector, choose to replace fossil fuels with biofuels for heat generation for industrial processing, reflecting the well-espoused principle of switching away from fossil fuels. In addition to having the potential to replace fossil fuels, biofuels present potential opportunities for exports, especially to regions such as the EU, which have specific targets to increase biofuel usage. Development of biofuels can also provide jobs, particularly in rural areas with the growth of biofuel crops and collection and processing of agricultural waste. Furthermore, biofuels have the potential for increasing farm incomes by generating another source of income by growing additional crops such as jatropha from which oil can be extracted to make biodiesel.

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