The assessment of biofuel potentials on global and regional scales in the tropical world

This paper deals with the evaluation of biofuel potentials through the spatial analysis of the conditions for the emergence ofbiofuels. A method for the assessment of potential land availability in developing countries is presented. It allows for the identification of countries with the highest long-term (2050) potentials for dedicated biomass energy plantations, considering that food and feed requirements are given priority. This approach helps illuminate future agricultural yields and practices that will be required to simultaneously meet food, feed, and biofuel objectives. The paper then discusses three issues impacting the results: biofuel conversion technology, biomass logistical aspects and the availability of agri-based residues (primary and secondary).