Hadn't considered this 2nd process. On the one hand it sounds easier, on the other there would be a hell of a lot of HCl that needs to be put to good use. Reminds me of the glycerine problem with biodiesel...

The global companies will just end up chasing fossil fuels all over the world. As time goes on that will get harder, or the plants may need to relocate (esp if they are using natural gas).

Rib
I think we will have to just make less Cement.Timber houses Etc.
See company below has promise of solving issue of what to do with waste glycerol from bio fuel
VIRENT ENERGT
Cellulose /Sugar conversion to Hydrogen /Methane/MethanolCan also use waste Glycerol from Biodiesel manufacture as fuel
http://www.virent.com/
http://www.ecw.org/biomass2power/index.html