A review of biofuels and bioenergy production as a sustainable alternative: opportunities, challenges and future perspectives

Biofuels and bioenergy production are increasingly being viewed as viable alternatives to conventional energy sources because of their renewable nature and ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Waste products, lignocellulosic materials, and agricultural residues are some of the feedstocks that can be used to create biofuels, including biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas. The production of biofuels not only promotes sustainable energy but also addresses environmental problems. This review article explores the challenges posed by dependence on non-sustainable resources and the environmental benefits of renewable energy sources. It provides a detailed examination of the advancements, possibilities, and obstacles linked to biofuels and bioenergy. It outlines the harmful effects of prolonged fossil fuel use on the environment, including soil degradation, air and water contamination, and climate change, highlighting the critical necessity to shift towards renewable energy alternatives. The analysis evaluates the socioeconomic effects of bioenergy and its capacity to enhance food and energy security, generate employment, and boost rural economies. Nevertheless, it also recognizes important obstacles that need to be overcome for wider adoption, competition with food crops, issues related to water consumption, and regulatory constraints. It explores the potential of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and battery electric vehicles as replacements for conventional vehicles that rely on fossil fuels. It emphasizes the need to explore alternative feedstock sources and implement next-generation conversion processes prioritising environmental sustainability by incorporating recent advancements in machine intelligence (MI), including machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques. The study dedicates considerable effort to exploring the global regulatory and policy landscape, including how various nations promote bioenergy initiatives through financial incentives, blending mandates, and sustainability criteria. To encourage the adoption of bioenergy solutions and facilitate a fair and effective energy transition, the research winds up by highlighting the importance of international collaboration, interdisciplinary investigation, and innovation. With the appropriate laws and technologies in place, biofuels and bioenergy could play an important role in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future.