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review · Biofuels

Navigating prospects and challenges for green fuels for achieving economical, environmental and ecological resilience: a scientific review

In plain language

Green fuels derived from biological sources offer a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels, delivering lower greenhouse gas emissions, decreased carbon output, and improved air and water quality. Over the past two decades, global production of key green fuels, including biodiesel, biogas, bioethanol, and bio-butanol, has experienced a clear upward trend. In addition to environmental benefits, green fuel development provides diverse economic opportunities, particularly for rural communities, whilst lowering dependence on finite energy reserves. However, widespread commercialisation and worldwide integration face ongoing hurdles. Addressing these challenges and enhancing fuel performance and efficiency requires sustained research and development, supported by close collaboration across government bodies, academic institutions, and industrial sectors to support long-term economic and ecological resilience.

Key takeaways

  • Global production of green fuels including biodiesel, biogas, bioethanol, and bio-butanol has steadily increased over the past two decades.
  • Green fuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon output while improving air and water quality compared to fossil fuels.
  • Adopting biological fuels creates economic opportunities for rural communities and reduces reliance on finite resources.
  • Widespread adoption continues to be held back by integration and commercialisation challenges.
  • Accelerating progress requires cross-sector collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

Why it matters

Shifting to biological fuels is essential for mitigating environmental degradation and curbing carbon emissions. Understanding the trajectory of green fuels such as biodiesel and biogas helps communities and policymakers capitalise on rural economic opportunities whilst reducing vulnerability to finite fossil fuel markets.

Commercialisation angle

The work identifies commercial opportunities in producing biodiesel, biogas, bioethanol, and bio-butanol, particularly benefiting rural communities and energy suppliers. While production is already established and growing globally, existing barriers hinder full-scale worldwide integration. Overcoming these hurdles and moving further into mainstream markets requires coordinated cross-sector partnerships between industry, academia, and government to improve fuel performance and manufacturing efficiency.

AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.

Abstract

This review explores the potential of green fuels, derived from biological sources, as a viable replacement for conventional fossil fuels. Green fuels offer significant environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air and water quality, and decreased carbon output. Extensive research and development efforts are underway to enhance their efficiency and performance. The review critically assesses the feasibility of adopting green fuels as a key driver for environmental sustainability and economic growth. It examines the use of green fuels, highlights their advantages over fossil fuels, and delves into the global landscape of green fuel production. Additionally, it explores the challenges hindering their worldwide integration and commercialization. Based on a synthesis of existing literature, the review reveals a clear upward trend in global green fuel production over the past two decades. The primary types of green fuels, including biodiesel, biogas, bioethanol, and bio-butanol, offer promising economic opportunities for rural communities, reduced reliance on finite fossil fuels, and diverse economic benefits. The development and utilization of sustainable green fuels are crucial for mitigating environmental degradation and fostering a sustainable economy. The review emphasizes the need for collaboration between government, academia, and industry to accelerate research and development efforts in this crucial area.

Research topics

  • Biodiesel Production and Applications
  • Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems
  • Biofuel production and bioconversion

Read the original research

This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.

DOI: 10.1080/17597269.2023.2299090

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