A major problem is that the cost of producing these fuels is often too high to make them commercially viable. There are some signs of progress by companies both in reducing the cost of breaking down cellulose, and in the production of "advanced biodiesel." The latter refers to using algae technology to create fuel, an exciting but expensive path towards more effective biofuels.
With more research like this, backed by expanded education in biofuels and related subjects, this impasse can hopefully be overcome. Biofuels hold a lot of promise in reducing carbon emissions from cars and other modes of transportation, and they will likely form an important part of our future energy picture.
