Biofuel Industry Research Articles

Catalytic flash pyrolysis of Scenedesmus sp. post-extraction residue using low-cost HZSM-5 catalyst with the perspective to produce renewable aromatic hydrocarbons.

Recovering renewable chemicals from de-fatted microalgal residue derived from lipid extraction within the algal-derived biofuel sector is crucial, given the rising significance of microalgal-derived biodiesel as a potential substitute for petroleum-based liquid fuels. As a circular economy strategy, effective valorization of de-fatted biomass significantly improves the energetic and economic facets of establishing a sustainable algal-derived biofuel industry. In this scenario, this study investigates flash catalytic pyrolysis as a sustainable pathway for valorizing Scenedesmus sp. post-extraction residue (SPR), potentially yielding a bio-oil enriched with upgraded characteristics, especially renewable aromatic hydrocarbons. In the scope of this study, volatile products from catalytic and non-catalytic flash pyrolysis were characterized using a micro-furnace type temperature programmable pyrolyzer coupled with gas chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry detection (Py-GC/MS). Flash pyrolysis of SPR resulted in volatile products with elevated oxygen and nitrogen compounds with concentrations of 46.4% and 26.4%, respectively. In contrast, flash pyrolysis of lyophilized microalgal biomass resulted in lower concentrations of these compounds, with 40.9% oxygen and 17.3% nitrogen. Upgrading volatile pyrolysis products from SPR led to volatile products comprised of only hydrocarbons, while completely removing oxygen and nitrogen-containing compounds. This was achieved by utilizing a low-cost HZSM-5 catalyst within a catalytic bed at 500°C. Catalytic experiments also indicate the potential conversion of SPR into a bio-oil rich in monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, primarily BETX, with toluene comprising over one-third of its composition, thus presenting a sustainable pathway for producing an aromatic hydrocarbon-rich bio-oil derived from SPR. Another significant finding was that 97.8% of the hydrocarbon fraction fell within the gasoline range (C5-C12), and 35.5% fell within the jet fuel range (C8-C16). Thus, flash catalytic pyrolysis of SPR exhibits significant promise for application in drop-in biofuel production, including green gasoline and bio-jet fuel, aligning with the principles of the circular economy, green chemistry, and bio-refinery.

Applications of diastatic Saccharomyces cerevisiae in brewing, distilling and biofuel production

Why was the work done: Diastatic variants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are unusual in producing an extracellular glucoamylase which enables the breakdown of starch to fermentable sugars. Diastatic S. cerevisiae has long been viewed negatively as a contaminant of especially beer packaged in cans or bottles. However, this view is being reconsidered due to the opportunities that diastatic strains present for niche fermented products and distillation applications. What are the main findings: This review highlights the utilisation of diastatic S. cerevisiae for its flavour potential, and processing applications in the brewing, distilling, and biofuel industries. Further, genetic differences are compared with non-diastatic strains of S. cerevisiae, together with commonly employed and emerging methods of detection. Why is the work important: Diastatic yeast strains can be used to create flavour profiles that resemble traditional beverages and can be used to achieve fermentation with higher attenuation. This offers greater fermentation efficiency in, for example, the development of low-calorie beers. Additionally, the ability of diastatic strains of S. cerevisiae to convert non-fermentable oligosaccharides to fermentable sugars enables applications that range from novel beverages using unusual raw materials to more efficient distillation and biofuel production. The negative attributes that are associated with diastatic S. cerevisiae yeasts can be managed through co-inoculation or hybridisation with standard strains.

Cloning of AA9 Polysaccharide Monooxygenase gene AN3860 into pEX2B for expression in Aspergillus oryzae

Polysaccharide monooxygenases (PMOs) catalyze oxidative degradation of recalcitrant carbohydrate chains in cellulose, starch, and chitin. In biofuel industry, the conversion of rich lignocellulose source to fermentable sugars by hydrolytic cellulases can be synergistically boosted by cellulose-active PMOs (AA9 PMOs) found in a vast number of fungi that grow on biomass. Aspergillus nidulans, a filamentous fungus, possess a dozen of PMO-encoding genes, but only the AN3860 is expressed at a high level when cultured with wheat straw as the sole carbon source. Bioinformatic analysis indicates that AN3860 belongs to type 3 AA9 PMO subfamily that is capable of hydroxylating both C1 and C4 of the glycosidic linkages. Therefore, AN3860 may be a potential enzyme to improve cellulose hydrolysis efficiency, which has not been characterized. In this study, we describe the AN3860 cloning into Aspergillus oryzae AUT1-PlD. To facilitate the purification of AN3860, we added a CBM20 tag to its C-terminal. The recombinant vector was designed and constructed successfully. Simultaneously, we have obtained the clone of A. oryzae carrying the target gene by the ATMT method. Further expression optimization and characterization of AN3860 by both activity assays and spectroscopic techniques are underway.

Microalgae biofuels: illuminating the path to a sustainable future amidst challenges and opportunities.

The development of microalgal biofuels is of significant importance in advancing the energy transition, alleviating food pressure, preserving the natural environment, and addressing climate change. Numerous countries and regions across the globe have conducted extensive research and strategic planning on microalgal bioenergy, investing significant funds and manpower into this field. However, the microalgae biofuel industry has faced a downturn due to the constraints of high costs. In the past decade, with the development of new strains, technologies, and equipment, the feasibility of large-scale production of microalgae biofuel should be re-evaluated. Here, we have gathered research results from the past decade regarding microalgae biofuel production, providing insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by this industry from the perspectives of microalgae selection, modification, and cultivation. In this review, we suggest that highly adaptable microalgae are the preferred choice for large-scale biofuel production, especially strains that can utilize high concentrations of inorganic carbon sources and possess stress resistance. The use of omics technologies and genetic editing has greatly enhanced lipid accumulation in microalgae. However, the associated risks have constrained the feasibility of large-scale outdoor cultivation. Therefore, the relatively controllable cultivation method of photobioreactors (PBRs) has made it the mainstream approach for microalgae biofuel production. Moreover, adjusting the performance and parameters of PBRs can also enhance lipid accumulation in microalgae. In the future, given the relentless escalation in demand for sustainable energy sources, microalgae biofuels should be deemed a pivotal constituent of national energy planning, particularly in the case of China. The advancement of synthetic biology helps reduce the risks associated with genetically modified (GM) microalgae and enhances the economic viability of their biofuel production.

Transcriptome Profiling, Physiological and Biochemical Analyses Reveal Comprehensive Insights in Cadmium Stress in Brassica carinata L.

With the constant progress of urbanization and industrialization, cadmium (Cd) has emerged as one of the heavy metals that pollute soil and water. The presence of Cd has a substantial negative impact on the growth and development of both animals and plants. The allotetraploid Brasscia. carinata, an oil crop in the biofuel industry, is known to produce seeds with a high percentage of erucic acid; it is also known for its disease resistance and widespread adaptability. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the tolerance of B. carinata to Cd and its physiological responses and gene expressions under exposure to Cd. Here, we observed that the tested B. carinata exhibited a strong tolerance to Cd (1 mmol/L CdCl2 solution) and exhibited a significant ability to accumulate Cd, particularly in its roots, with concentrations reaching up to 3000 mg/kg. Additionally, we found that the total oil content of B. carinata seeds harvested from the Cd-contaminated soil did not show a significant change, but there were noticeable alterations in certain constituents. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were observed to significantly increase after treatment with different concentrations of CdCl2 solutions (0.25 mmol/L, 0.5 mmol/L, and 1 mmol/L CdCl2). This suggests that these antioxidant enzymes work together to enhance Cd tolerance. Comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the shoots and roots of B. carinata when exposed to a 0.25 mmol/L CdCl2 solution for 7 days. A total of 631 DEGs were found in the shoots, while 271 DEGs were found in the roots. It was observed that these selected DEGs, which responded to Cd stress, also showed differential expression after exposure to PbCl2. This suggests that B. carinata may employ a similar molecular mechanism when tolerating these heavy metals. The functional annotation of the DEGs showed enrichment in the categories of 'inorganic ion transport and metabolism' and 'signal transduction mechanisms'. Additionally, the DEGs involved in 'tryptophan metabolism' and 'zeatin biosynthesis' pathways were found to be upregulated in both the shoots and roots of B. carinata, suggesting that the plant can enhance its tolerance to Cd by promoting the biosynthesis of plant hormones. These results highlight the strong Cd tolerance of B. carinata and its potential use as a Cd accumulator. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying heavy metal tolerance in B. carinata.

Technology Research and Development Prospects of Biofuels

The energy consumption that results from economic growth and the pollution it releases into the environment has been the subject of widespread concern in academics and society in recent years, and they have grown in importance as the times progress. There is a growing need for renewable and alternative energy sources due to the possible depletion of non-renewable fossil energy sources like coal and oil as well as the acceleration of global climate change. One of the hottest areas of study right now is the hunt for clean, renewable, and alternative energy sources. A thorough analysis of the biofuels industry's present level of growth indicates a dynamic environment fueled by the rising demand for sustainable energy throughout the world. This review aims to analyze in detail the research background, significance, and rationale for selecting biofuels. It will start with first-generation biofuels and focus on the current third-generation biofuels. Biofuels derived from renewable bioresources have emerged as a promising alternative because of the need to address environmental issues associated with traditional fossil fuels. The dual impact of biofuels on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy security is explored. The choice to focus on third-generation biofuels emphasizes the commitment to innovation and is in line with the United Nations sustainable development goals, in particular those related to clean energy, climate action, and environmental protection.

Enhancing the catalytic properties of silicalite-1 through ammonium fluoride modification for waste glycerol acetalization.

Silicalite-1 is a silica with a zeolitic MFI (Mobil Five) structure devoid of noticeable catalytically active (e.g., acid) sites. In this study, we present its modification with NH4F solutions of varying concentrations (0.5-3 M), which generates efficient and selective acid sites for the acetalization of glycerol with acetone towards solketal (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol). The creation of acid sites is attributed to the partial elimination of external silanol groups in silicalite-1 and the generation of some framework defects, resulting also in increased porosity. The characterization of the modified materials was performed using various techniques, i.e. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (TPD-NH3), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results demonstrate that the newly created acidic sites of Brønsted and Lewis nature exhibit significantly higher acidic strength and enhanced accessibility for reagents compared to the pristine one, resulting in exceptional glycerol conversion in the acetalization of glycerol with acetone and notable selectivity towards solketal. Glycerol conversion over modified silicalite-1 reached nearly 70%, with the selectivity to solketal exceeding 98% at 70° C after 1 hour of reaction time, using a mixture of glycerol and acetone in a 1 : 1 ratio. The proposed reaction mechanism takes into account a combination of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites. The obtained results indicated that Brønsted acid sites, especially those of higher strength, are the most beneficial in this process. The remarkable catalytic performance and stability of modified silicalite-1 make it a promising candidate for potential industrial applications in the utilization of waste glycerol formed in the biofuel industry.

Tracking trash to treasure: in situ monitoring of single microbial cell oil biosynthesis from waste cooking oil using Raman spectroscopy and imaging.

Waste cooking oil is a major pollutant that contaminates terrestrial and aquatic bodies which is generated from household kitchens and eateries. The bioremediation of waste cooking oil (WCO) into microbial oil, also known as single microbial cell oil (SMCO), can be accomplished by oleaginous microbes. Conventional methods excel in SMCO analysis but lack efficacy for in situ or lysis-free monitoring of nascent SMCO synthesis and turnover. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study shows the applicability of Raman reverse stable isotope probing (RrSIP) in monitoring time-dependent nascent SMCO synthesis and assimilation in Yarrowia lipolytica, an oleaginous yeast grown in hydrophilic (glucose) as well as hydrophobic carbon sources (cooking oil and waste cooking oil). This study also combines the RrSIP approach with Raman imaging for temporal visualization of the distribution and turnover dynamics of the SMCO pool in a single cell. Our finding provides a unique perspective utilizing optical spectroscopy methods for lysis-free SMCO analysis and holds potential for prospective utility as an adjunct tool in bioprocess and biofuel industries.

An Overview of Green Applications of Natural Products for Pharmaceutical, Biofuel, and Rubber Industries: Case Study of Kazakh Dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin.)

An Overview of Green Applications of Natural Products for Pharmaceutical, Biofuel, and Rubber Industries: Case Study of Kazakh Dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin.)

Just Transition in Biofuel Development towards Low-Carbon Economy: Multi-Actor Perspectives on Policies and Practices in Indonesia

Justice and sustainability are the foundation of fair and equitable biofuel development. Policies and practices are consequently necessary to support a just transition towards a low-carbon economy. Therefore, this study aimed to understand multi-actor perspectives on policies and practices relevant to the just transition in biofuel development. Applying a socio-legal approach based on the JUST framework, this study focused on the Indonesian biofuel industry, which is primarily driven by crude palm oil (CPO) production. This study also added comparative perspectives from Thailand’s biofuel industry. The primary data were gathered from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), while the secondary data were from research, policy, and other government archives. Based on the results, oil palm plantations in Indonesia and Thailand are crucial for macroeconomic development. However, smallholder farmers in Indonesia, especially independent ones that do not join farmer groups, remain marginalised by the current regulations. In fact, many benefits from biofuel practices and policies accumulate disproportionately towards large corporations, while marginalised groups bear the costs. The Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification that should induce market accessibility and competitiveness has not fully reached most rural farmers. Furthermore, various overlapping regulations and perplexing data differences exist from multiple ministries and administrative levels. Thus, palm oil stakeholders in Indonesia demand a dedicated institution for integrated regulation and monitoring of the industry, similar to the National Palm Oil Policy Committee in Thailand. The myriad of legal, political, socio-economic, and justice issues thus necessitates all hands on deck to ensure a just transition for all stakeholders of the Indonesian biofuel industry.

The Critical Period for Weed Control in Safflower Fields of Turkey

Crop-weed competition is among the most significant topics in field crops if the crop is a weak competitor in this rivalry. Safflower is a valuable oil seed crop that is drought tolerant and used as a raw material in the food and biofuel industries. Although it has good drought tolerance, it is a sensitive crop against weed competition, especially wild mustard. The critical period for weed control (CPWC) is a useful tool to decide which time period is more suited for weed control economically. In this study, the beginning and end of the CPWC were determined for the summer safflower fields of Turkey. Weeds caused 50.61, 65.87, and 63.34% safflower yield reductions in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. The beginning of the CPWC was 165, 198, and 225 air growing degree days (air GDD) for these years, while the end of CPWC varied 1348, 1837, and 2268 at 5% acceptable yield loss.

Challenges and prospects of microbial α-amylases for industrial application: a review.

α-Amylases are essential biocatalysts representing a billion-dollar market with significant long-term global demand. They have varied applications ranging from detergent, textile, and food sectors such as bakery to, more recently, biofuel industries. Microbial α-amylases have distinct advantages over their plant and animal counterparts owing to generally good activities and better stability at temperature and pH extremes. With the scope of applications expanding, the need for new and improved α-amylases is ever-growing. However, scaling up microbial α-amylase technology from the laboratory to industry for practical applications is impeded by several issues, ranging from mass transfer limitations, low enzyme yields, and energy-intensive product recovery that adds to high production costs. This review highlights the major challenges and prospects for the production of microbial α-amylases, considering the various avenues of industrial bioprocessing such as culture-independent approaches, nutrient optimization, bioreactor operations with design improvements, and product down-streaming approaches towards developing efficient α-amylases with high activity and recyclability. Since the sequence and structure of the enzyme play a crucial role in modulating its functional properties, we have also tried to analyze the structural composition of microbial α-amylase as a guide to its thermodynamic properties to identify the areas that can be targeted for enhancing the catalytic activity and thermostability of the enzyme through varied immobilization or selective enzyme engineering approaches. Also, the utilization of inexpensive and renewable substrates for enzyme production to isolate α-amylases with non-conventional applications has been briefly discussed.

Evaluation of substrate specificity and catalytic promiscuity of Bacillus albus cellulase: an insight into in silico proteomic study aiming at enhanced production of renewable energy

Cellulases are enzymes that aid in the hydrolysis of cellulosic fibers and have a wide range of industrial uses. In the present in silico study, sequence alignment between cellulases from different Bacillus species revealed that most of the residues are conserved in those aligned enzymes. Three dimensional structures of cellulase enzymes from 23 different Bacillus species have been predicted and based on the alignment between the modeled structures, those enzymes have been categorized into 7 different groups according to the homology in their conformational folds. There are two structural contents in Gr-I cellulase namely β1-α2 and β3-α5 loops which varies greatly according to their static position. Molecular docking study between the B. albus cellulase and its various cellulosic substrates including xylanoglucan oligosaccharides revealed that residues viz. Phe154, Tyr258, Tyr282, Tyr285, and Tyr376 of B. albus cellulase are significantly involved in formation stacking interaction during enzyme-substrate binding. Residue interaction network and binding energy analysis for the B. albus cellulase with different cellulosic substrates depicted the strong affinity of XylGlc3 substrate with the receptor enzyme. Molecular interaction and molecular dynamics simulation studies exhibited structural stability of enzyme-substrate complexes which are greatly influenced by the presence of catalytic promiscuity in their substrate binding sites. Screening of B. albus in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and xylan supplemented agar media revealed the capability of the bacterium in degrading both cellulose and xylan. Overall, the study demonstrated B. albus cellulase as an effective biocatalyst candidate with the potential role of catalytic promiscuity for possible applications in biofuel industries. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

A SNP variation in the Sucrose synthase (SoSUS) gene associated with sugar-related traits in sugarcane.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an economically significant crop for both the sugar and biofuel industries. Breeding sugarcane cultivars with high-performance agronomic traits is the most effective approach for meeting the rising demand for sugar and biofuels. Molecular markers associated with relevant agronomic traits could drastically reduce the time and resources required to develop new sugarcane varieties. Previous sugarcane candidate gene association analyses have found single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with sugar-related traits. This study aims to validate these associated SNP markers of six genes, including Lesion simulating disease 1 (LSD), Calreticulin (CALR), Sucrose synthase 1 (SUS1), DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase (RH), KANADI1 (KAN1), and Sodium/hydrogen exchanger 7 (NHX7), in a diverse population in 2-year and two-location evaluations. After genotyping of seven targeted SNP markers was performed by PCR Allelic Competitive Extension (PACE) SNP genotyping, the association with sugar-related traits and important cane yield component traits was determined on a set of 159 sugarcane genotypes. The marker-trait relationships were validated and identified by both t-test analysis and an association analysis based on the general linear model. The mSoSUS1_SNPCh10.T/C and mSoKAN1_SNPCh7.T/C markers that were designed from the SUS1 and KAN1 genes, respectively, showed significant associations with different amounts of sugar-related traits and yield components. The mSoSUS1_SNPCh10.T/C marker was found to have more significant association with sugar-related traits, including pol, CCS, brix, fiber and sugar yield, with p values of 6.08 × 10-6 to 4.35 × 10-2, as well as some cane yield component traits with p values of 1.61 × 10-4 to 3.35 × 10-2. The significant association is consistent across four environments. Sucrose synthase (SUS) is considered a crucial enzyme involved in sucrose metabolism. This marker is a high potential functional marker that may be used in sugarcane breeding programs to select superior sugarcane with good fiber and high sugar contents.

Economic and Competitiveness Analysis of Di-Amyl Ether as an Aviation Biofuel

The main purpose of this article is to demonstrate and evaluate, through the survey of theoretical data, the practical applicability of biofuel competitiveness through the analysis of Di-Amyl Ether (DAE) to be used as aviation fuel. Therefore, in view of this, this research aims to analyze biofuel as a more sustainable option for energy sources in view of the reduction of pollutant emissions, with energy security, in addition to protecting and avoiding the degradation of the planet, as well as of natural resources. Therefore, the competitive analysis of biofuel portrays the potential for offering innovations to promote the sustainable development of the biofuel industry through the possibility of using inputs from ethanol. Thus, this paper demonstrates analyses of how to improve the competitiveness of aviation biofuels based on production and consumption, subsidize sustainable development and reduce the cost of production by reflecting on impacts on agribusiness.

Microalgae-based technologies for carbon neutralization and pollutant remediation: A comprehensive and systematic review

Microalgae, with their advantages of rapid growth, high lipid content, and high photosynthetic efficiency, are widely used for carbon neutralization and pollutant remediation. Moreover, microalgae biochars, derived from converting microalgae into biofuels, are also extensively utilized in these fields. This paper endeavors to provide a comprehensive review of the applications of microalgae and microalgae biochars in carbon neutralization and pollutant remediation. Given the growing utilization of wastewater and flue gas for cultivating microalgae, this review also delves into the toxic effects of different pollutants on microalgae. Furthermore, this review assesses the economic and environmental impacts of incorporating microalgae-based technologies into the microalgae biofuel industry, highlighting their substantial potential for bolstering the economic viability and sustainability of the industry. Finally, the challenges and future directions of these technologies are analyzed. This review may provide strategies for advancing carbon neutralization, pollutant remediation, and the development of the microalgae biofuel industry.

Transnational business governance (TBG) initiatives and global south governments: lessons from palm oil producing community in West Sumatra, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Based on interviews and participant observation in a community of small scale oil palm farmers in West Sumatra, Indonesia, this paper investigates to what extent the interaction between transnational business governance (TBG) initiatives and the governments in the Global South have influenced local producing societies. Responding to the growing influence of TBG initiatives on the palm oil supply chain, the Indonesian government founded its own sustainable standard, and also developed the biofuel industry to increase domestic demand for the product. The TBG initiatives and the responding policies of the Indonesian government had limited influence on the international vegetable oil market. But its responding policies had strong, often adverse impacts on local society. Being involved in the oil palm plantations, the local populations were able to raise their incomes, but experienced great, often conflict-ridden changes in the customary leadership and landownership systems, and vulnerability to price fluctuations.

Haplotype-resolved chromosome-level genome of hexaploid Jerusalem artichoke provides insights into its origin, evolution, and inulin metabolism

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a global multifunctional crop. It has wide applications in the food, health, feed, and biofuel industries and in ecological protection; it also serves as a germplasm pool for breeding of the global oil crop common sunflower (Helianthus annuus). However, biological studies of Jerusalem artichoke have been hindered by a lack of genome sequences, and its high polyploidy and large genome size have posed challenges to genome assembly. Here, we report a 21-Gb chromosome-level assembly of the hexaploid Jerusalem artichoke genome, which comprises 17 homologous groups, each with 6 pseudochromosomes. We found multiple large-scale chromosome rearrangements between Jerusalem artichoke and common sunflower, and our results show that the hexaploid genome of Jerusalem artichoke was formed by a hybridization event between a tetraploid and a diploid Helianthus species, followed by chromosome doubling of the hybrid, which occurred approximately 2 million years ago. Moreover, we identified more copies of actively expressed genes involved in inulin metabolism and showed that these genes may still be undergoing loss of function or sub- or neofunctionalization. These genomic resources will promote further biological studies, breeding improvement, and industrial utilization of Helianthus crops.

The influence of biofuel energy production on the exports of the palm oil industry in Malaysia: A panel GMM and robust standard error approach

In recent years, there has been a consistent and significant increase in the consumption of biofuels by countries across the globe. Numerous governments have implemented distinct quotas and objectives aimed at promoting and governing the augmented utilization of biofuels. The demand for biofuel is growing in European countries, which increases the export of biofuel energy in parent countries such as Malaysia. The Malaysian government has suggested receiving different sustainability certifications that are relevant to the biofuel industry. The Malaysian government has made it compulsory to attain environmental sustainability for oil-producing certification. The purpose of this article is to examine the role of biofuel energy production on the exports of the palm oil industry in Malaysia. This study uses the annual data of Malaysian palm oil exporters from 2009 to 2018 and employs the generalized method of moments (GMM) and the robust standard error methodologies. The findings showed that the production of palm oil plays a positive role in the exports of Malaysia’s palm oil industry. This study will serve as a guide for future research in this area and for the authorities when formulating policies regarding exports. It is recommended that these authorities should put extra emphasis on the productivity of the palm oil industry to further enhance Malaysia’s exports of biofuel, and the government needs to implement regulations to protect the environment.

Performance of the Polish Biofuel Industry after Accession to the European Union in the Area of Sustainable Development Concepts

Poland is an important producer of rapeseed used in the biofuel industry. The rate of production of the biofuel industry increased after Poland’s accession to the European Union (EU). The reasons for these changes are numerous, of which the European Union’s energy policy is the most important. This paper aims to analyze the performance of the biofuel industry in Poland in view of changes in the market. Moreover, I evaluated changes in the biofuel industry after Poland’s accession to the EU. In addition, I analyzed the fixed and current assets of the Polish biofuel. The hypothesis that the price of rapeseed oil is the key determinant of profitability in the biodiesel industry was formulated. A statistical analysis proved the second hypothesis stating that the net profit of biodiesel companies depends on biodiesel production to the greatest extent. The time range of the analysis was 2005–2021. To analyze the economic performance of the biofuel industry in Poland, these changes were used. A regression analysis to find factors influencing the economic performance of the biofuel industry was used. More and more oils are used for the production of first-generation biofuels. Refined rapeseed oil also increased from 386.5 thousand tons to 780.6 thousand tons. Such numbers demonstrate the development of biofuel markets.