Water Use, GHG Emissions, and a System Approach for Sustainable Biofuel Development

摘要

The energy industry (fossil, nuclear, biomass) is a major water consumer - as well as a producer of environmental liabilities. In recent years, alternative and renewable fuels - including biofuels - are gaining increased visibility and support from the government and the public because of growing awareness that U.S. dependence on foreign oil reduces our energy security, retards economic growth, and exacerbates climate change. Biofuels production in the United States is growing at unprecedented speed, exceeding a record of 9.0 billion gallons of ethanol in 2008. Moreover, the United States has become increasingly dependent on imported fuel from Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Nigeria as domestic crude oil production has declined over the last 30 years. Oil-sands-derived crude has emerged as the number 1 crude imported to the United States. Such a rapid expansion in fuel production requires increased water input and raises important questions about sustainability.