Manuel Enriquez, a professor of the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) told ACN that obtaining this biofuel from biomass, that is, living biological organisms like plants or metabolic wastes takes the investment of large amount of financial resources.
    Because biofuels are produced out of food, they have a direct impact on markets, as an increase on their price would lead to a growth on food costs as well, he said.
   At the same time the production of ethanol sometimes requires large amount of water which could reduce the availability of the liquid for domestic use, threatening health and food security.
    In addition, large plantations of corn or sugar cane would be needed to achieve efficient production levels, he added.
   Meanwhile, Carmen Pino, with the Oscar Lucero University, of Holguin, noted that the increase in oil prices has turned the perfect pretext to produce ethanol.
   The scientific meeting is underway at the University of Holguin with the participation of specialists from Africa, Europe and the Americas.
   In 2011, the ethanol production is expected to reach 88.7 million litters, three percent higher than last year, according to forecasts by the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance