Abstract
Fossil fuels have been a major contributor to greenhouse gases, the amounts of which could be reduced if biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel were used for transportation. One of the most promising biofuels is ethyl alcohol. In 2015, the world production of ethanol was 25.6 billion gallons and the USA, Brazil, China, the European Union, and 28 other countries have set targets for blending ethanol with gasoline. The two major bio-source materials used for ethanol production are corn and sugarcane. For 1st generation biofuels, sugarcane and corn feedstocks are not able to fulfill the current demand for alcohol. Non-edible lignocellulosic biomass is an alternative bio-source for creating 2nd generation biofuels and algae biomass for 3rd and 4th generation biofuels. This review discusses the significance of biomass for the different generations of biofuels, and biochemical and thermochemical processes, and the significance of biorefinery products.
Highlights
The development of human society and the upsurge in population growth have generated a considerable demand for food and energy
For the sustainability of biofuel production, the emerging concept of biorefinery is linked to the idea of a holistic circular economy and discussed in the context of the European Union (EU), India and the USA
According to the International Energy Agency biomass is defined as any organic matter that comes from biogenic sources and is available on a renewable basis
Summary
The development of human society and the upsurge in population growth have generated a considerable demand for food and energy. Energy security and food security are the most pressing issues that are driving the search for a substitute feedstock for the production of biofuels, biochemicals, and bioenergy at both regional and national levels. These issues can only be solved by specific governmental policies. For the sustainability of biofuel production, the emerging concept of biorefinery is linked to the idea of a holistic circular economy and discussed in the context of the EU, India and the USA In this regard, critical analysis and evaluation focuses on: (i) the supply of lignocellulosic feedstocks and (ii) the markets for intermediate or end-products. The progress made in these indicators will assist in transitioning from a petroleum-based economy to a circular—economy
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