Biofuel Industry Research Articles

Biotechnological Potential of the Stress Response and Plant Cell Death Regulators Proteins in the Biofuel Industry.

Production of biofuel from lignocellulosic biomass is relatively low due to the limited knowledge about natural cell wall loosening and cellulolytic processes in plants. Industrial separation of cellulose fiber mass from lignin, its saccharification and alcoholic fermentation is still cost-ineffective and environmentally unfriendly. Assuming that the green transformation is inevitable and that new sources of raw materials for biofuels are needed, we decided to study cell death-a natural process occurring in plants in the context of reducing the recalcitrance of lignocellulose for the production of second-generation bioethanol. "Members of the enzyme families responsible for lysigenous aerenchyma formation were identified during the root hypoxia stress in Arabidopsis thaliana cell death mutants. The cell death regulatory genes, LESION SIMULATING DISEASE 1 (LSD1), PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT 4 (PAD4) and ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1) conditionally regulate the cell wall when suppressed in transgenic aspen. During four years of growth in the field, the following effects were observed: lignin content was reduced, the cellulose fiber polymerization degree increased and the growth itself was unaffected. The wood of transgenic trees was more efficient as a substrate for saccharification, alcoholic fermentation and bioethanol production. The presented results may trigger the development of novel biotechnologies in the biofuel industry.

A Synthesis Review of Biofuel Industry in Nigeria: Between Opportunities and Challenges

A Synthesis Review of Biofuel Industry in Nigeria: Between Opportunities and Challenges

Application of Ultrasonic Methods for Evaluation of High-Pressure Physicochemical Parameters of Liquids

An emerging ultrasonic technology aims to control high-pressure industrial processes that use liquids at pressures up to 800 MPa. To control these processes it is necessary to know precisely physicochemical properties of the processed liquid (e.g., Camelina sativa oil) in the high-pressure range. In recent years, Camelina sativa oil gained a significant interest in food and biofuel industries. Unfortunately, only a very few data characterizing the high-pressure behavior of Camelina sativa oil is available. The aim of this paper is to investigate high pressure physicochemical properties of liquids on the example of Camelina sativa oil, using efficient ultrasonic techniques, i.e., speed of sound measurements supported by parallel measurements of density. It is worth noting that conventional low-pressure methods of measuring physicochemical properties of liquids fail at high pressures. The time of flight (TOF) between the two selected ultrasonic impulses was evaluated with a cross-correlation method. TOF measurements enabled for determination of the speed of sound with very high precision (of the order of picoseconds). Ultrasonic velocity and density measurements were performed for pressures 0.1–660 MPa, and temperatures 3–30°C. Isotherms of acoustic impedance Z_a, surface tension σ and thermal conductivity k were subsequently evaluated. These physicochemical parameters of Camelina sativa oil are mainly influenced by changes in the pressure p, i.e., they increase about two times when the pressure increases from atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) to 660 MPa at 30°C. The results obtained in this study are novel and can be applied in food, and chemical industries.

A group III patatin-like phospholipase gene pPLAIIIδ regulates lignin biosynthesis and influences the rate of seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The lignification of plant secondary walls is an important process that provides plants with mechanical support. However, the presence of lignin in the secondary walls affects the readily availability of cellulose required in various industries, including the biofuel, paper, and textile industries. Thus, plants with less lignin are ideal for usage in such industries. Molecular studies have identified genes that regulate plant lignification, including group III plant-specific patatin-related phospholipase genes. Recent studies have reported decreased lignin content when pPLAIIIα, pPLAIIIγ (from Arabidopsis thaliana), and pPLAIIIβ (from Panax ginseng) were overexpressed in Arabidopsis. However, the role played by a closely related gene pPLAIIIδ in lignin biosynthesis has not yet been reported. In this study, we found that overexpression of the pPLAIIIδ significantly reduced the lignin content in secondary cell walls, whereas the silencing of the gene increased secondary walls lignification. Transcript level analysis showed that the key structural and regulatory genes involved in the lignin biosynthesis pathway decreased in overexpression, and increased in plants with silenced pPLAIIIδ. Further analysis revealed that pPLAIIIδ played an influential role in several physiological processes including seed germination, and chlorophyll accumulation. Moreover, the gene also influenced the size of plants and plant organs, including leaves, seeds, and root hairs. Generally, our study provides important insights toward the use of genetic engineering for lignin reduction in plants and provides information about the agronomical and physiological suitability of pPLAIIIδ transgenic plants for utilization in biomass processing industries.

ALTERNATE FUEL BIODIESEL

The rapid growth of industrialization and transportation has led to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. To mitigate these challenges, there is an urgent need for sustainable energy solutions that can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact. Bio-diesel, a renewable and cleaner-burning fuel derived from organic sources, has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-based diesel. This abstract provides an overview of bio-diesel, its production process, properties, and its environmental benefits. Bio-diesel is typically produced from feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oils through a transesterification process that converts triglycerides into esters. The resulting bio-diesel exhibits similar properties to petroleum diesel, making it compatible with existing diesel engines and infrastructure. One of the significant advantages of bio-diesel is its reduced carbon footprint. It has a significantly lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum diesel, primarily due to the absorption of carbon dioxide during the growth of the feedstock plants. Bio-diesel also contributes to a reduction in air pollutants, such as sulfur oxides and particulate matter, resulting in improved air quality and human health benefits. Additionally, bio-diesel offers economic benefits by promoting local agriculture and creating new job opportunities in the biofuel industry. The utilization of waste cooking oils and animal fats as feedstocks also contributes to waste reduction and efficient resource utilization. Despite its numerous benefits, challenges remain in the widespread adoption of bio-diesel. These challenges include feedstock availability, land use competition with food production, and the need for consistent quality standards. Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on optimizing the production process, exploring alternative feedstocks, and improving the overall sustainability of bio-diesel production. In conclusion, bio-diesel holds great potential as a sustainable alternative to petroleum diesel, offering environmental, economic, and societal benefits. Its reduced carbon footprint and compatibility with existing infrastructure make it a viable option for transitioning towards a greener future. Further advancements in technology and policies supporting bio-diesel production and utilization will play a crucial role in realizing its full potential and achieving a more sustainable energy landscape

Selection of oleaginous yeasts isolated from sugarcane bagasse as the potential producers of single cell oils and other metabolites

PurposeThe microorganisms that possess diverse and improved traits for biotechnological applications provide an opportunity to address some of the current industrial challenges such as the sustainability of fuel energy and food. The aim of this study was to isolate and select the potential yeast isolates from sugarcane bagasse for single oil production.MethodsThe oleaginocity of the yeasts was confirmed through a gravimetric analysis of lipids, Nile red, sulfo-phosphovanillin (SPV) and a gas chromatography method for fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The identification of the selected yeasts was carried out through a 5.8S of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 26S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences. The carbohydrate and protein contents were estimated using phenol-sulfuric acid and hot trichloroacetic acid method, respectively.ResultsThe yeast isolates accumulated lipids of between 28% and 67% of the dry cell weight, and 22–33% based on the SPV assay, qualifying them as oleaginous yeasts. The selected yeasts were identified as Candida ethanolica and Pichia manshuriica. The lipids contained high levels of fatty acids in the following order: oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid, which made up 82% of the total lipids.ConclusionAll the six selected yeast strains have the potential to produce single cell oils and other metabolites. The fatty acids composition of the selected yeast species was found to be suitable for the applications in biofuel, nutraceutical, and food industry. The yeast strains require evaluation in lignocellulosic hydrolysate for the production of single cell oils to be cost effective.

Chimaphila umbellata; a biotechnological perspective on the coming-of-age prince's pine.

Chimaphila umbellata has been studied for almost two centuries now, with the first paper exploring the phytochemistry of the plant published in 1860. Almost all contemporary studies focus on the biotechnological advances of C. umbellata including its utilization as a natural alternative in the cosmetic, food, biofuel, and healthcare industry, with a special focus on its therapeutic uses. This literature review critically investigates the significance and applications of secondary metabolites extracted from the plant and presses on the biotechnological approaches to improve its utilization. C. umbellata is home to many industrially and medicinally important phytochemicals, the majority of which belong to phenolics, sterols, and triterpenoids. Other important compounds include 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, isohomoarbutin, and methyl salicylate (the only essential oil of the plant). Chimaphilin is the characteristic phytochemical of the plant. This review focuses on the phytochemistry of C. umbellata and digs into their chemical structures and attributes. It further discusses the challenges of working with C. umbellata including its alarming conservation status, problems with in-vitro cultivation, and research and development issues. This review concludes with recommendations based on biotechnology, bioinformatics, and their crucial interface.

The Potential of microalgae for cellulose degradation and utilization for biofuel application

As society is becoming more reliant on fuels, a more sustainable form of energy must be investigated. Another presiding issue is the output of cellulose left over from other plants that are used for biofuels, such as corn. However, the microalgae, Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, a unicellular organism, is an ideal source of energy, as there is evidence that it contains the genes that are responsible for the encoding of Cellulases, which allow for the degradation of cellulose, such as endoglucanases. Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii typically lives in both soil and water environments, a photosynthetic organism that utilizes light as an energy source. The uncommon trait for microalgae to express cellulase allows for external sources of carbon to be utilized by the microorganism, which could affect the biological output of macromolecules common in biofuels such as lipids and carbohydrates. The study aims to compare not only the cellulase expression levels of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, but also see how the lipid output of the microalgae compares to other microorganisms used in the biofuel industry such as Chlorella Vulgaris, another phototrophic microalgae, which is used for direct fuel. Additionally, Trichoderma Reesei will also be compared, which is another microorganism that is used for biofuel production. However, the industry utilizes Trichoderma Reesei’s ability to produce cellulase, rather than just taking directly from the microorganism. The conclusions unfortunately did not show any cellulase expression, and biofuel output favored algae

Effect of Blend-Pelleted Products Based on Carinata Meal or Canola Meal in Combination with Lignosulfonate on Ruminal Degradation and Fermentation Characteristics, Intestinal Digestion, and Feed Milk Value When Fed to Dairy Cows

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of newly developed blend-pelleted products based on carinata meal (BPPCR) or canola meal (BPPCN) in combination with peas and lignosulfonate on ruminal fermentation characteristics, degradation kinetics, intestinal digestion and feed milk values (FMV) when fed to high-producing dairy cows. Three dietary treatments were Control = control diet (common barley-based diet in western Canada); BPPCR = basal diet supplemented with 12.3%DM BPPCR (carinata meal 71.4% + pea 23.8% + lignosulfonate4.8%DM), and BPPCN = basal diet supplemented with 13.3%DM BPPCN (canola meal 71.4% + pea 23.8% + lignosulfonate 4.8%DM). In the whole project, nine mid-lactating Holstein cows (body weight, 679 ± 124 kg; days in milk, 96 ± 22) were used in a triplicated 3 × 3 Latin square study for an animal production performance study. For this fermentation and degradation kinetics study, the experiment was a 3 × 3 Latin square design with three different dietary treatments in three different periods with three available multiparous fistulated Holstein cows. The results showed that the control diet was higher (p < 0.05) in total VFA rumen concentration (138 mmol/L) than BPPCN. There was no dietary effect (p > 0.10) on the concentration of rumen ammonia and ruminal degradation kinetics of dietary nutrients. There was no significant differences (p > 0.10) among diets on the intestinal digestion of nutrients and metabolizable protein. Similarly, the feed milk values (FMV) were not affected (p > 0.10) by diets. In conclusion, the blend-pelleted products based on carinata meal for a new co-product from the bio-fuel processing industry was equal to the pelleted products based on conventional canola meal for high producing dairy cattle.

Vineyard Pruning Extracts as Natural Antioxidants for Biodiesel Stability: Experimental Tests and Preliminary Life Cycle Assessment.

The control of the oxidative stability of biodiesel and blends of biodiesel with diesel is one of the major concerns of the biofuel industry. The oxidative degradation of biodiesel can be accelerated by several factors, and this is most critical in the so-called second generation biodiesel, which is produced from low-cost raw materials with lower environmental impacts. The addition of antioxidants is imperative to ensure the oxidative stability of biodiesel, and these are considered products of high commercial value. The antioxidants currently available on the market are from synthetic origin, so the existence/availability of alternative antioxidants of natural origin (less dependent on fossil sources) at a competitive price presents itself as a strong business opportunity. This work describes and characterizes a sustainable alternative to synthetic antioxidants used in the biodiesel market developed from extracts of vineyard pruning waste (VPW), which are naturally rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. A hydrothermal extraction process was applied as a more efficient and sustainable technology than the conventional one with the potential of the extracts as antioxidant additives in biodiesel evaluated in Rancitech equipment. The VPW extract showed comparable antioxidant activity as the commercial antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) typically used in biodiesel. The stability of the biodiesel is dependent from the amount of the extract added. Further, for the first time, the assessment of the environmental impacts of using natural extracts to control the oxidative stability of biodiesel in the production process is also discussed as a key factor of the process environmental sustainability.

Rational design of hierarchically porous sulfonic acid and silica hybrids with highly active sites for efficient catalytic biodiesel synthesis

Catalysis is the vertebra of most of commercial processes, which utilizes chemical reactions to transform reagents into value added chemicals. Biodiesel synthesis from animal fats and edible vegetable oils via transesterification over homogeneous catalysts is recently taken into account of untenable by the emerging biofuel industries, particularly by virtue of food vs. fuel counteraction, economic and environmental challenges blended with the feedstocks as well as catalytic systems, respectively. Therefore, present efforts concern with the preparation of a novel PTSA-Si catalyst and its relevance for biodiesel synthesis from non-food castor oil. It has been manifested from the experimental outcomes, the most relevant reaction parameters are, 5% PTSA-Si (w/w), 65 ​°C reaction temperature, 1:11 O:M molar ratio and 10 ​h reaction time for 98.56% biodiesel yield. The PTSA-Si was appropriately analyzed using FT-IR, SEM, XRD, BET, TGA-DTA and TPD-NH3 analysis. Since, castor oil and castor biodiesel were analyzed using FT-IR, 1H &13C NMR analysis. Besides, biodiesel physico-chemical properties were predicted and associated with ASTM fuel standards.

Potential Capacity of Candida wangnamkhiaoensis to Produce Oleic Acid

Oleic acid is increasingly required in many industries, causing the indiscriminate extension of land for the cultivation of certain agricultural products to extract their oil. The current contribution aimed to cultivate Candida wangnamkhiaoensis (CW) for the production of lipids and determine the profile of fatty acids in these lipids. The lipid yield was compared in the yeast when using glucose or glycerol as the substrate, in both cases being over 24%. The main fatty acids in the oil derived from CW were oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acid. The fatty acid composition of the oil from CW was very similar to that of avocado oil and resembled that of olive oil and palm oil. The advantages of cultivating CW include its relatively high percentage of oleic acid and the balance of other fatty acids, its capacity to generate lipids in a short time (48–72 h), the controlled environment of production (versus the variability of the cultivation of agricultural products), and the relatively limited surface area required. CW shows potential as an alternative and economical source of oleic acid for the food, drug, cosmetics, lubricant, and biofuel industries, and does not require the alteration of large extensions of land.

Evaluating the sustainability of the 2017 US biofuel industry with an integrated techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment

The United States produced more than 66.2 billion Liters of biofuel, primarily in the form of corn ethanol (61 billion Liters) and soybean biodiesel (6 billion Liters), for the transportation industry in 2017. No work currently exists that evaluates both the economic and environmental outcomes of this industry with adequate geospatial resolution and national scope. In this study, a model framework is constructed to perform Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment using high-resolution input datasets to provide a granular estimation of corn ethanol and soybean biodiesel sustainability performance in most counties in the United States in 2017 (the most recent year for which data is available). Results show a total life cycle, greenhouse gas emission volume of 99.5 million Mg CO2-eq produced in 2017 by these two biofuels (94.8 million Mg from corn ethanol, and 4.7 million Mg from soybean biodiesel), excluding indirect land use change emissions. This volume corresponds to a combined carbon intensity of 65.3 gCO2-eq/MJ, which is a greenhouse gas improvement compared to petroleum-based gasoline (the carbon intensity of conventional gasoline is 93.0 gCO2-eq/MJ). However, these biofuels are produced at an additional economic cost ($6.2 billion over the displaced gas/diesel). Additionally, these biofuels generate unfavorable impacts in other environmental categories when compared to petroleum-based fuels, particularly in areas of water, land, and nitrogen intensity. This work enables stakeholders to assess the specific value of biofuels as a means of emission reduction and determine if the attained improvements are worth the associated opportunity costs.

Investigation of ketal-acetin mixture synthesized from glycerol as a renewable additive for gasoline-ethanol fuel blend: Physicochemical characterization and engine combustion, performance, and emission assessment

Fossil fuel combustion in internal combustion engines, especially gasoline engines, leads to urban air pollution and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Ethanol has long been considered a promising option to replace gasoline and reduce the amount of associated pollution. Despite its advantages of improving fuel combustion and reducing pollutants, increasing nitrogen oxide emission is an environmental issue caused by using a high percentage of ethanol in fuel. Another challenge the biofuel industry faces is the crude glycerol produced as a by-product of the biodiesel production process, which requires a high-technology purification line, restricting biodiesel production capacity. Considering both challenges, the present study valorized glycerol into a fuel bio-additive, i.e., a ketal-acetin mixture, and developed gasoline-ethanol fuel formulations containing the synthesized bio-additive. To this end, the additive was synthesized through two-stage reactions, i.e., synthesizing acetin mixture using acetic acid and then ketalizing using acetone at specific reaction conditions. Afterward, different fuel samples were analyzed through a physicochemical study and tested in a spark-ignition engine setup. According to the results observed, adding a 2.5% ketal-acetin mixture to gasoline fuel containing 20% ethanol could improve brake power and thermal efficiency, especially at higher engine speeds. At higher engine speeds, there was a decrease in the brake specific fuel consumption values of the fuel sample containing a 2.5% ketal-acetin mixture. At the same time, besides maintaining the positive effects of ethanol presence in reducing engine exhaust emissions such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons, this fuel blend reduced nitrogen oxides mean values by 34.5%.

Importance of incorporating spatial and temporal variability of biomass yield and quality in bioenergy supply chain

Biofuels made from biomass and waste residues will largely contribute to United States’ 2050 decarbonization goal in the aviation sector. While cellulosic biofuels have the potential fuel performance equivalent to petroleum-based jet fuel, the biofuel industry needs to overcome the supply chain barrier caused by temporal and spatial variability of biomass yield and quality. This study highlights the importance of incorporating spatial and temporal variability during biomass supply chain planning via optimization modeling that incorporates 10 years of drought index data, a primary factor contributing to yield and quality variability. The results imply that the cost of delivering biomass to biorefinery may be significantly underestimated if the multi-year temporal and spatial variation in biomass yield and quality is not captured. For long term sustainable biorefinery operations, the industry should optimize supply chain strategy by studying the variability of yield and quality of biomass in their supply sheds.

Aroma Components in Horticultural Crops: Chemical Diversity and Usage of Metabolic Engineering for Industrial Applications.

Plants produce an incredible variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that assist the interactions with their environment, such as attracting pollinating insects and seed dispersers and defense against herbivores, pathogens, and parasites. Furthermore, VOCs have a significant economic impact on crop quality, as well as the beverage, food, perfume, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries. These VOCs are mainly classified as terpenoids, benzenoids/phenylpropanes, and fatty acid derivates. Fruits and vegetables are rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, while aroma compounds play a major role in flavor and quality management of these horticultural commodities. Subtle shifts in aroma compounds can dramatically alter the flavor and texture of fruits and vegetables, altering their consumer appeal. Rapid innovations in -omics techniques have led to the isolation of genes encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of several volatiles, which has aided to our comprehension of the regulatory molecular pathways involved in VOC production. The present review focuses on the significance of aroma volatiles to the flavor and aroma profile of horticultural crops and addresses the industrial applications of plant-derived volatile terpenoids, particularly in food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuel industries. Additionally, the methodological constraints and complexities that limit the transition from gene selection to host organisms and from laboratories to practical implementation are discussed, along with metabolic engineering's potential for enhancing terpenoids volatile production at the industrial level.

Biochemical and in silico evaluation of a recombinant, glucose tolerant, and highly thermostable β-glucosidase from Thermococcus radiotolerans DSM-15228

Backgroundβ-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) catalyzing the β-glycosidic linkages in polysaccharides is a ubiquitous enzyme with great importance in biofuel and other industries. Enzyme inhibition by glucose has been considered as the major hurdle in the practical applications of this enzyme. Therefore, there has been a continuous search for novel β-glucosidase with high glucose tolerance and stability at industrial temperature. In the present study, recombinant of β-glucosidase from Thermococcus radiotolerans has been produced and characterized. ResultsThe enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3) codon plus RIPL and purified by selective heat denaturation, ethanol precipitation and anion exchange chromatography. Purified enzyme displayed a band on SDS-PAGE with a molecular weight of 50 kDa. Optimum enzyme activity was found at pH 5, and 85°C, it retained more than 46% activity when incubated at 100°C for 5 min and exhibited 80% activity in the presence of 800 mM glucose. Km and Vmax values of the purified enzyme were found as 16.3 mM of pNPG and 25.8 µ moles per min. Molecular docking studies have shown a strong binding affinity of pNPG with the enzyme active site consisting of Glu365, Asn266, and Trp295 as major the active site amino acids. MD simulation analysis has shown a significantly high stability of enzyme active site and high potential of enzyme substrate complex formation. ConclusionsThe novel characteristics such as relatively low Km value, extremely high-temperature stability and tolerance of high glucose concentration advocate the enzyme as a potential candidate for the industrial applications.How to cite: Albalawi H, Altayeb HN, Iftikhar S, et al. Biochemical and in silico evaluation of a recombinant, glucose tolerant, and highly thermostable β-glucosidase from T. radiotolerans DSM-15228. Electron J Biotechnol 2023; 64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2023.03.002.

Microemulsion fuel formulation from used cooking oil with carbinol as the dispersion phase

ABSTRACT The current research work investigated the suitability of utilizing Used Cooking Oil (UCO) as a substitute for diesel by using the microemulsification technique. A microemulsion-based biofuel system was formulated using UCO and carbinol as the continuous and dispersed phases, respectively. Winsor type IV stable microemulsion fuel was developed by adding Butan-2-ol as the co-surfactant. The formulated fuel samples were observed to be stable for 30 days. A Phase behavior study was conducted on the samples to analyze the system’s stability, and single-phase emulsions were identified. The particle size of the distributed alcohol phase in the identified system was explored using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) study and was found to be 14.6 nm. The results of this work showed the viscosity variation, droplet size distribution, and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1HNMR) spectrum of UCO and microemulsion fuel. The optimum blend exhibiting fuel properties under ASTM D6751 standards for biodiesel was 50% UCO, 25% Carbinol, and 25% Butan-2-ol by volume. It gave a kinematic viscosity of 5.74 cSt, a density of 0.862 gm/cm3, and a calorific value of 31.5 mJ/kg. This study recommends using UCO-carbinol-based microemulsion fuels as an effective and economical alternative for the biofuel industry.

Green Technologies and Their Role in Mitigating Climate Change: A Comparative Study Across Developing Nations

Climate change poses major challenges around the world, with developing countries particularly vulnerable due to lack of resources and services. Green technologies—such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green materials—offer promising solutions to mitigate climate change impacts but the adoption of these technologies in developing countries are still uneven, driven by political, economic, and technological factors. This study seeks to examine the role of green technologies in climate change mitigation in four developing countries—India, Brazil, South Africa, and Kenya—through comparative analysis. The problem statement focuses on the inequitable adoption of green technologies in developing countries, where financial constraints, lack of technical expertise, and inconsistent government policies prevent widespread implementation And as a result comes to be considered which shows that green technologies have contributed significantly in reducing carbon emissions in these countries. For example, India’s solar power system installed 62 GW of solar capacity, reducing emissions by 150 million metric tons per year. Brazil’s biofuel industry, which produces 35 billion liters of ethanol a year, has reduced its reliance on fossil fuels for transportation. The Kenya geothermal sector generated 863 MW of electricity, reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels by 45%. However, the study also highlights barriers such as inadequate funding, inadequate infrastructure and social opposition, which limit the potential of all these technologies.

The socio-economic impact assessment of biofuels production in South Africa: A rapid structured review of literature

Biofuels as a substitute for conventional aviation and motor vehicle fuels have received considerable global interest over the past decades mainly due to their perceived economic, social, and environmental benefits. Despite these economic benefits, most developing countries, including South Africa (SA), have yet to produce commercial biofuels. This study aims to inform South African policymakers. Prospective producers of biofuels about the potential socio-economic returns from producing biofuels at a commercial level through a structured rapid review of the literature differs from the peer-reviewed studies to date in South Africa, which focussed more on assessing the economic viability and environmental impacts of biofuels production. The systematic review methodology was used. About 48% of the published empirical studies reviewed integrated the socio-economic and environmental impact assessment, followed by studies that only examined the social impacts of biofuel (about 26%), about 15% of the studies examined economic impact only, and 11.54% examined the socio-economic impact. The results revealed that although the production of biofuels is associated with a positive socio-economic benefit, the biofuel industry is not viable without government support and the selling price of biofuel is not competitive relative to gasoline and petroleum alternatives. Lastly, the results revealed a need for more objective empirical studies in South Africa that can quantify the economy-wide implications of biofuels (especially second-generation biofuels) production. Only two (n = 2) of the 28 reviewed studies were conducted in South Africa from 28 studies reviewed. Both studies conducted in South Africa were feasibility studies focusing more on bioethanol; no study quantified the economy-wide impacts. The study recommends the implementation of the biofuels support mechanism by the government. Furthermore, amendments to the existing biofuels regulatory framework are recommended in order to support the production of advanced biofuels.