Overview

Biofuels--liquid fuels synthesized from new organic materials--have the possibility of replacing some or all of the overwhelming majority of today's transportation fuel that currently comes from oil. However, the economics, technical challenges, and environmental implications vary widely for different plant sources and refining technologies. For example, corn refined through a biochemical process might have a very different role in our society and economy than stover treated through a thermochemical process. 

Join members of the MIT Energy Club coming from chemical engineering, climate, and policy backgrounds for a round-table discussion of the costs and benefits of different biofuel options. 

If you were not able to attend last week's Biofuels 101 presentation, please follow the links on the Energy Club website for background information about biofuels and biorefining.

Preparatory Readings

If you were unable to attend the Biofuels 101 presentation last week, please prepare for the discussion by reading about how biochemical and thermochemical biofuel refining works at these links to the National Renewable Energy Lab website.

Implications of Biofuel Sources

06:00-07:00PM Thursday, September 22, 2011
Leader: Mark Wright
Location: 56-191