A critical evaluation of the progression in industrial waste utilization to achieve energy transition targets: technological obstacles, carbon footprint reduction, and life cycle assessment

Industrialization has long been recognized as a cornerstone for economic growth and social advancement on a global scale. Sustainable industries are essential for nations to fulfill their energy transition roadmap, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and net-zero emission targets. Renewable energy sources (RES) such as solar, wind, and biomass are the priorities worldwide for attaining net-zero targets. While biomass presents itself as a promising energy source, scientific exploration is necessary to fully explore its potential for adoption in industrial sectors. Though several studies looked at the feasibility of biomass and biofuels for decarbonizing industries, identifying mature technologies to meet the technical, economic, social, and environmental requirements is still a challenge. This review critically examines how industrial waste can be converted into various bioenergies through thermochemical and biochemical processes and discusses the research gaps that need to be narrowed for a successful deployment of bioenergy in industries to attain net-zero emission targets. The discussion on the life cycle assessment of various pathways for bioenergy utilization in industries envisages the sustainability of its production and utilization. Furthermore, this review highlights the economic constraints, expected challenges, and socio-economic impacts of deploying the technologies and strategies for a sustainable industrial sector.