The global scenario of biofuel production and development

Abstract

Bioenergy has been ranking number one among all forms of renewable energy consumed by human beings. Over the past two decades, tremendous investment has been made in biofuel development and production. This chapter reviews the global research, refinery, and utilization of biomass-based liquid biofuels as transportation petro-fuel substitutes. There are four major types of liquid biofuels: bioethanol, biodiesel, pyrolysis bio-oil, and drop-in transportation fuels. Bioethanol has been commercially produced from lignocellulosic materials since 2013, supplementing the annual 25.7 billion gallons from food crops. Biodiesel from oilseeds and animal fats reached the 8.3 billion gallons/yr production capacity, with further increases depending on new feedstock development. Pyrolysis bio-oil and most drop-in transportation fuel candidates are still in the development stage, facing cost-effective conversion and upgrading challenges. Commercial production of two drop-in biofuels, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and Fischer–Tropsch liquids has just started or is starting. Overall, the global development and consumption of bioenergy and biofuels are steadily advancing, particularly in the cellulosic bioethanol and HVO sectors. By 2050, biofuels will likely account for 27% of the world’s liquid transportation fuel supply.