The Second Generation Biofuels Program of the governemnt has provided $14 million to fund projects examining a range of research, development and demonstration in biofuel feedstocks and technologies.

Martin Ferguson said that the importance of sourcing energy from biomass is two-fold: To help in the transition to a low-carbon economy; And enhance energy security through a broader range of fuels.

“Global targets for reducing carbon emissions demand innovative solutions to energy security, especially solutions which don’t deprive people of arable crops or their livelihoods. Biomass-fired electricity and second-generation biofuels are among those innovative solutions,” said Ferguson.

Bio-energy technologies accounts for nearly 10% of world total primary energy supply or about three-quarters of renewables supply.

Minister Ferguson said that the Government of Australia was helping to maximise the potential from biofuels through direct funding, tax advantages and biomass-fired electricity generation through the expanded Renewable Energy Target.

“This year, I announced seven successful applicants under the Second Generation Biofuels Program,” he said. “This research program will focus on producing biofuels from algae, sugarcane biomass, mallee and forest waste,” said Ferguson.