New Development in Renewable Energy Research

Abstract

The depletion of fossil fuel sources and rising fuel costs together with releasing of harmful gases into the environment cause severe global warming and other crises around the world. Due to the two key characteristics of sustainability and renewability, biofuel research is now conducted on a global scale. There are numerous efficient biomass production methods, which are separated into 3 types, 1st generation, 2nd generation, and 3rd generation biofuel. The 1st generation, includes biomass connected to food crops, the 2nd generation includes waste organic residue, and the 3rd generation includes algal biomass, which represents potential renewable sources. Different processing methods for lignocellulosic and other biomass are reported to prepare it for biofuels production. Here the drawbacks of pretreatment methods with possible improvements are described. New technological applications in biorefineries to recycle waste biomass efficiently and cost-effectively are highlighted. In biorefineries, the role of microorganisms, enzymes, new catalysts, and different approaches than traditional ones are of great significance. The role of biochemical, physical, and thermal processes in the saccharification of the polysaccharides biomass to convert it into simple sugars monosaccharides that could be easily transformed into biofuels are discussed. New technologies, methods, biomass sources, relation with food security, biomass, water, environment, and advancements in the pretreatment of waste biomass for renewable energy production are included. The objective of this chapter is to briefly introduce the various biofuel sources, production methods, benefits, and sustainability of biofuels.