Sustainable biofuel production from waste potato residue in South Africa: Bibliometric analysis and SWOT appraisal

Abstract

South Africa energy consumption will increase due to increasing urbanisation and industrialisation. A major part of this energy need is met by fossil fuel that is predominantly (>60 %) sourced through imports (>13 billion litres). This increase in energy consumption, coupled with high reliance on fuel importation, presents huge challenge to South Africa's energy security. Also, the excessive consumption of fossil fuels has raised key environmental issues. Therefore, exploring biofuel production from agricultural waste such as potato residue is desirable. This review reports a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and bibliometric analyses to assess the feasibility and potential of biofuel production from potato residue in South Africa. It also examined South Africa biofuel economics in the context of renewable energy development and sustainability. Potato residue as a feedstock for biofuels is abundant, and has high useful carbohydrate content for biofuel production. Weaknesses that could limit potato residue valorisation for biofuel production are its seasonal availability and high perishability. Opportunities for biofuels from potato residue in South Africa include potato residue disposal management, the potential for rural development, increase internal revenue with future external revenue possibility and reduced dependence on crude oil and coal. Foreseeable threats are needed investment, market readiness and variabilities, technological readiness, and government policy as well as commitment. This analytical review elucidates valuable scientific perspectives into the viability, potential bottlenecks, and opportunities for biofuel production from potato residue in South Africa.