Chapter 12 - Biofuel: A unique solution for the future energy crisis

Abstract

Biofuels, the alternative to fossil fuels, have a lower carbon footprint and are derived from the plant-based carbon source. As they have little or no sulfur, their GHG emissions are meagre than fossil fuels. Biofuels are being marketed as a low-carbon substitute for fossil fuels because they can help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the climate change impact associated with transportation. With an emergent concern over climate change, biofuels are finding a market stacked with a sustainability tag as the Kyoto Protocol considers the biofuels carbon neutral. The renewable nature of biofuels can provide energy security to nations worldwide and reduce the geopolitical risk with an agricultural and social upliftment as they are distributed evenly across the globe. Though biofuels have proved to reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80 per cent, hydrocarbon emissions by nearly 70%, and particulate matter by up to 50%, their Life Cycle Assessment puts them in a situational ambiguity. Biofuels are rapidly being viewed as a viable solution for reducing the world's reliance on fossil fuels, and large-scale production has various negative consequences. While biofuels currently provide no advantage over fossil fuels, their production necessitates considerable investments in land, labor, and capital on the part of developing countries. The biofuels may change the land use pattern and increase the use of pesticides for feedstock growth resulting in the high nutrient yield, thus interfering with the environment. In fact, the competition for crops can lead to the market price hike of food items. Therefore, a very balanced approach is required while planning for the biofuel setup. Thus, in this book chapter, we have explored biofuels and their various forms, biofuel sources, generations, the global trend in biofuel investment, and significant environmental issues related to biofuel production. The findings, on the other hand, are frequently contradictory, with a wide range of estimations. The themes explored in this book chapter evolve around biofuel being a one-of-a-kind answer to the coming energy crisis.